Final Fantasy XIV / Legacy Final Fantasy XIV , also known as Final Fantasy XIV Online , was the fourteenth installment of the " Final Fantasy " series and the second , after " Final Fantasy XI " , to be an MMORPG ( Massively Multiplayer Online Role - Playing Game ) . Revealed at E3 2009 , the Collector ' s Edition was released worldwide on September 27 , 2010 , with the standard release following a week later . " Final Fantasy XIV " received heavy criticism at launch , prompting an official apology and the replacement of its development team . In October , 2011 , Square Enix announced the game would be relaunched as Final Fantasy XIV : A Realm Reborn , an entirely new version rebuilt from the ground up . " A Realm Reborn " would carry over the original game ' s setting , lore and story , but feature a new client , server structure , graphics engine , interface , terrain , and content . The original version of the game , alternately termed as " Version 1 . 0 " officially and " Legacy " by fans ( after the promotional campaign prior to the game ' s closing ) , received its final update in November 2012 and its service concluded that December . The original " Final Fantasy XIV " is the only game in the main " Final Fantasy " series that is currently unplayable and inaccessible in any legitimate form . Gameplay . Character Creation . The Character Creation system allows a greater depth of customization for the player than " Final Fantasy XI " ; players can choose color palettes , hair styles , and face types after selecting a race and clan . Within these choices players can make detailed adjustments to facial features such as eye , nose , and mouth shape . Players can decide to add aesthetic features such as scars , tattoos , tribal paints , and jewels if they wish . Different races have nearly the same stats and develop equally , so all races can play on all classes without a penalty . Players are required to submit a first and last name for their characters after customization . NPCs will address the characters accordingly throughout the game either formally or informally . Basic Gameplay . " Final Fantasy XIV " is an MMORPG similar to " Final Fantasy XI " , featuring a new system of class growth that gives players more freedom in choosing quests . " Final Fantasy XIV " focuses on character growth , expanding upon the job system used in " Final Fantasy XI " , and features a more involved story , including cutscenes with voice acting , and more complex and varied quests . The game is intended to appeal to players who play on their own and do not form large parties , but the option to play cooperatively with others is still present . The game does not include a voice chat option , and is limited to text chat only . Leveling and Partying . To level up , players must acquire Experience Points by performing various actions ( killing monsters , crafting an item , gathering , etc ) , which counts towards the total . Leveling up a class increases the player ' s base stats ( strength , vitality , mind , dexterity , intelligence and piety ) for that class , and also unlocks new skills , traits , increases the number of cross class abilities that can be used and determines gear effectiveness , attribute caps , gatherers ' number of max gathering tries from a single node and ability to gather from higher rank nodes and crafters ' ability to craft higher leveled items , which often have a minimum rank to attempt . For Disciples of Magic and War the most efficient way to earn skill points is to Party . A Party is a group of players working together to bring down foes . The game uses a ' bonus ' experience system to give more skill points based on the number of members in the party and their levels . For optimal results , an ideal party must have all members within 5 levels of each other , and is limited to a maximum of eight members . A party consisted of 3 - 7 members is called a " light party " , while a party with 8 members is a " full party " . A light party receives the " Camaraderie " buff , increasing HP and MP by 5 % , as well as magic and physical accuracy . A full party receives an even stronger version of the buff , with HP and MP increased by 10 % . The game has a player search feature that allows players to see other players online , filter by several statistics and see those willing to party ( marked as Seeking Party ) . Players flagged as Seeking Party can set up a Preferred Class , which will determine the level displayed when searched . The player search also displays other information such as online status ( Online , In a Party or Seeking Party ) , all class levels , current location , language , search comment and Grand Company affiliation . Players can get bonus experience points by linking and chaining monsters . Monsters are automatically linked when attacked by stronger parties , calling out other nearby monsters for help . The number of reinforcing enemies is based on the difference in strength between the enemy and the player it has engaged ; some stronger monsters do no link . Another way to earn experience bonuses is to kill monsters of equal or higher level than themselves within a specific amount of time ; this time becomes smaller for every successful chain . Another factor is the difficulty of the monsters fought . More skill points are awarded the bigger the gap in player rank and monster level , up to a maximum of 10 ranks difference . Similarly , skill point gain is sharply reduced should the player / party fight a monster of weaker level . When in a Party , monsters ' aggressive actions are determined by an Enmity system . Almost every action taken during a battle generates Enmity , commonly referred to as " Hate " ; whoever possesses the most Enmity will have the monsters ' attention , and subsequently be attacked . Various classes have Enmity control abilities , allowing players to either increase Enmity against themselves ( moves such as the Gladiator ' s Provoke ) or decrease ( moves such as Chameleon from Archers ) , as well as traits that increase or decrease Enmity generation . " On patch 1 . 19 , the Physical Level was removed , and Class Rank was renamed to " Class Level " " . Combos . Players can use certain weaponskills in a specific order to grant special bonuses depending on the skills used . These combos are individual , and a player ' s combo does not affect another player ' s combo . Not only will a successful combo grant the player the bonus indicated , but TP cost will be waived for the weaponskill used to execute it . For a combo to be valid , however , the weaponskill in question must be used with the class or job to which it belongs . For example , with the following skills , certain combos can be executed : Individually executed , the above weaponskills will have only their regular effect and possible positioning bonuses . Weaponskills 2 through 4 each offer a combo bonus . For instance , performing 2 immediately after landing 1 will grant the player Enmity + 50 % . Furthermore , the TP cost for performing 2 will be waived . In the case of the above weaponskills , the following two combinations form combos : All bonus conditions must be fulfilled for a weaponskill to be considered valid in a combo . For this reason , 3 → 4 alone do not form a combo , as 1 is a requirement for 3 . Armory System . Classes . There are four base disciplines , each dividing into several classes . Each class has its own weapon type , and changing classes is as simple as changing weapons , which is referred to as the Armory System . Classes can be changed at any time , except during a battle . The player can use most skills on any class after learning them , but skills are scaled with the current class level . Players can use all skills learned by their current class , and set up other classes ' skills based on his or her current max level . The maximum number of cross class skills that can be used is capped at 10 for a level 50 character . Due to the nature of the Armory System , there is no restriction for using equipment , as the player can use any equipment on any class at any level ( except shields that are limited to some classes ) , and the game scales down the gear based on the difference between current level to the gear ' s " Optimal Level " - the level where it will provide its full stats . Some gear may have " Favored Classes " . While they can be used by everyone , using in any class that ' s not the favored will incur a stat decrease , even if the player ' s level is at or above the Optimal Rank . This system helps changing classes on the fly , as the player is not forced to have completely different equipment sets for every class he plays . Due to player feedback , class and level restricted items have been implemented , with most end - game gear requiring specific classes and levels to be equipped . " Note : The favored class and optimal level systems have been mostly retired - while some gear still exists with these characteristics , most new equipment now requires certain classes or jobs , much like in Final Fantasy XI . " Jobs . Introduced in patch 1 . 21 , classic " Final Fantasy " jobs appear as types of specializations inside the armory system . Upon reaching a certain level in a class , players can do a quest unlocking the use of a job , obtaining a soul crystal , carved with the deeds of past warriors . Setting a job on top of one ' s class severely limits the use of cross class abilities ( can only use half the usual number - max of 5 skills at level 50 - and only from specific classes ) but allows the use of powerful job - specific abilities and equipment . The main advantage of using a job will be the possibility of specializing on a role ( like tanking as a Paladin ) for high level party play , while using the regular classes will be advantageous while playing solo or in smaller parties ( where " silly " things like a Thaumaturge who can heal can prove useful ) . Jobs change the player ' s base stats to help fulfill its intended role . Setting . World & Lore . " Final Fantasy XIV " is set in the world of Hydaelyn . Players can currently explore a realm of Hydaelyn known as Eorzea , though there are many other distant landmasses with numerous civilizations . In Eorzea , towering mountains dominate the north , their peaks forever lashed with icy winds ; to the south , a bleak expanse of unforgiving desert holds sway . These inhospitable lands hold irresistible lure for man and monster alike : the currents of Aether that run through the realm . Aether is a magical substance that flows through the planet and everything living on it . It can be used in a number of ways , including fueling magic , powering machina , aiding in crafting , and allowing instantaneous teleportation through Aetheryte Crystals . This valuable substance can start wars , as different organizations and races compete for control over it . Eorzea is said to cycle through prosperous Astral eras and disastrous Umbral eras . Eons ago , the land was inhabited by gods and goddesses , which the wandering tribes that settled the land called the Twelve . The gods blessed the tribes that came to the savage land with welfare and prosperity , in what is known as the First Astral Era . The tribes began fighting with each other , and war tore Eorzea apart . The gods and goddesses vanished , starting the First Umbral Era . There have been six such eras of calamity since the First Astral Era ushered in the age of man . Each of the Umbral catastrophes has , in turn , borne the characteristics of one of the six elements . With the end of the last Umbral Era , all the elements had been represented , it was believed the current Astral Era would last into eternity . With the end of " Final Fantasy XIV 1 . 0 " , and the fall of Dalamud , a period known as the Seventh Umbral Era has started . The unleashing of Bahamut has destroyed much of the land , and numerous other dark omens signal great suffering to come . The " Realm Reborn " relaunch will take place in this Seventh Umbral era . Three major city states exist within Eorzea ; the bustling commercial hub of Ul ' dah , the forest nation of Gridania , and the marine city - state of Limsa Lominsa . Each state hosts a Grand Company - economic and military organizations tasked with defending the land . Adventures join these organizations to further their goals and ambitions , while at the same time helping keep the peace over Eorzea . Eorzea ' s main enemies consist of the Beastmen races and the Garlean Empire . Beastmen are a group of intelligent but monstrous clans , whose ideals and objectives clash with the humanoid races , while the Garlean Empire is a magically weak but technologically advanced , multiracial ( though Hyruan - dominated ) nation hailing from outside of Eorzea . They seek to conquer the land and its Aether , which powers their Magitek Armor . City States . Limsa Lominsa . On the southern coast of the island of Vylbrand , under the shadow of ancient cliffs worn by the relentless onslaught of the Rhotano Sea , lies the marine city - state of Limsa Lominsa . Said to be blessed by the goddess of navigation , Llymlaen , the city is spread out over countless tiny islands , each connected by sturdy bridges of iron and wood construction , earning her the name the " Navigator ' s Veil " from traveling bards who have witnessed the city ' s beauty from afar . Limsa Lominsa is a traditional thalassocracy , with power lying in the hands of the ruling party and its leader , the Admiral . Its economy is driven by shipbuilding , fishing , and blacksmithing , but the majority of wealth comes from the lucrative shipping industry . To maintain the safety of its maritime routes , the city employs a formidable navy known as the Knights of the Barracuda . However , even in the waters nearby the city , pirate bands run rampant , reaving and pillaging . Gridania . In the eastern reaches of the Aldenard landmass , home to vast , dense woodlands and coursing rivers , lies the forest nation of Gridania . The cityscape is a mosaic of labyrinthine waterways and great wooden structures , so gracefully constructed they seem a part of the surrounding environment . The Gridanian emphasis on natural harmony has led to its preeminence among Eorzea ' s city - states in trades such as forestry , agriculture , carpentry , and leatherworking . Gridania is home to the Wood Wailers , a militant band of polearm - wielding sentries charged with the protection of their homeland . The favored goddess of the citizenry is Nophica , the Matron , but great faith is also placed in the wisdom of the Seedseers — young oracles who guide the nation based on the will of the forest ' s elementals . Ul ' dah . The bustling commercial hub of Ul ' dah sits amid the desolate desert landscape of southern Aldenard . The city is organized strategically around the dome - shaped citadel at its center . Its towering fortifications and protective outer walls are visible for malms in all directions , and serve as a stark deterrent to would - be besiegers . Visitors from every corner of Eorzea come to Ul ' dah to partake of the city ' s famed recreation , most notably the fighting arenas and gambling halls . Ul ' dahn culture is known for its affluence , and the nation ' s wealth comes from its abundant mineral resources and prestigious clothcrafting industry . Historically , it is the sultan who claims sovereignty over Ul ' dah , but true power is wielded by the Syndicate , an elite group of six of the most influential and richest members of society . Nald ' thal is the patron deity of the city , and two great halls devoted to his two aspects can be found in the eastern and western sections of the city . Grand Companies of Eorzea . These are the groups being formed by the City - States to combat the coming and current threat of the Garlean Empire . The Maelstrom of Limsa Lominsa . At the heart of the Thalassocratic Navy lies the Lominsan Armada , composed of nine independent squadrons , the First through the Ninth . The Maelstrom is an extension of the First Squadron , expanding its role as armada flagship and granting it power to administer not only the remaining eight squadrons , but the various merchant fleets that navigate the seas off Vylbrand . With the reestablishment of the Maelstrom , the Admiral has begun the move to invoke ancient maritime law , by which she would promote herself to Chief Admiral , effectively expanding her authority to cover not only state and military dealings , but grant her the power to directly command all ships in Lominsan waters , and freely punish any who disobey . The city - state ' s pirates are not about to take this encroachment on their freedom without a fight . Gridania ' s The Order of the Twin Adder . The Order of the Twin Adder establishes a medium from which the Seedseers can return from their wanderings deep within the Black Shroud and directly oversee not only the safety of Gridania ' s citizens , but the workings of the local guard , Both the Gods ' Quiver , who defend the forest from external threats , and the Wood Wailers , who protect it from internal strife , have expressed their support of this temporary measure . There are those within Gridania who would question the ability of the Seedseers , whose duties until now have been limited to various ritualistic proceedings , and doubt whether or not they are fit to lead a nation into war . The Immortal Flames of Ul ' dah . Currently , the bulk of Ul ' dah ' s military strength comes from their standing army of mercenaries and the small contingent of the palace guard known as the Sultansworn . To bring order to their ranks and oversee additional wartime training , the Sultana has considered resurrecting the Immortal Flames - an elite force of battle - hardened veterans that once instilled fear in the city - state ' s neighboring nations during ages past . This unit would act as a core aspect of the army bolstering its power , and grant more authority to the Sultana and her advisers - - something of which those in control of the city - state ' s economy - - namely the Syndicate - - are wary . Transport . The player characters move quickly from place to place by using Aetheryte s , large shards of crystallized aether fused with ancient machinery . These crystals act as teleporters , for a fee . In 1 . 0 , this was limited by the amount of " Anima " points the player had . One can also set three Aetherytes as " favorites " , reducing teleport costs to that Aether by half , and one as " home " , reducing teleport costs to that Aether to zero . Teleporting to one ' s home aetheryte for free is limited to once every fifteen minutes , however . Playable Races . There are five playable races resembling those from " Final Fantasy XI " . Each race has a new name and their appearance has been altered ; additionally , each is divided into two clans . The " missing genders " for some races ( Female Roegadyn , Male Miqo ' te and Female Highlander Hyur ) will become available upon the PlayStation 3 release . A recent player ' s poll presented the possibility of mixed races ( Miqo ' te - Lalafell , Hyur - Elezen ) , though nothing is confirmed as of yet . Activities . Guildleves . The player character must join a guild to receive Guildleves , decorative cards that hold a quest for the character to complete . The quests can include anything from hunting a specific monster to item collection or negotiation with the enemies . The Guildleves can be completed alone or with a party of other players , with everyone reaping the benefits of the quest . The players can multitask on several leves at the same time . Story . Fifteen years before the events of the game , metal - clad warriors invaded Eorzea with flame - spewing weapons and colossal airships . The army came from the Garlean Empire , and it didn ' t take long before the mightiest of the six city - states , Ala Mhigo , fell under their force . The other city - states united their power to defend themselves , but just as fast as it had arrived , the imperial army was gone . A new era began at Eorzea , known as the " Age of Calm " , which the city - states spent by building up their defenses and training their armies . Before , the cities had hired mercenaries for their inner wars , but now they trusted only professional soldiers , leaving the sellswords unemployed and restless . To keep them from causing harm and steer their energy into helping others instead , the city - states founded a network of adventuring guilds . Music . " Final Fantasy XIV ' s " soundtrack is composed entirely by Nobuo Uematsu , the first full musical score he has composed for a " Final Fantasy " game in ten years , since " Final Fantasy IX " . Not all songs added on later patches have been composed by Uematsu , being compositions or remixes by Naoshi Mizuta , Masayoshi Soken , Ryo Yamazaki and Tsuyoshi Sekito . Though the full tracklist is still to be released , rearrangements of the series ' " Main Theme " , " Prologue " and the " Victory Fanfare " have been confirmed . There are said to be 82 tracks in total for the game . The complete soundtrack is not yet available for sale , but a selection of the game ' s tracks have been released in two volumes named " Final Fantasy XIV / Field Tracks " and " Final Fantasy XIV / Battle Tracks " . The game ' s vocal theme , " Answers " , is sung by American musician Susan Calloway , also known to " Final Fantasy Online " fans as a vocalist of Distant Worlds from " Final Fantasy XI " . She is also the vocalist for the Distant Worlds concert CDs and has performed live in a few of the concerts . Development . Version 1 . 0 . Originally codenamed Rapture , the game was first mentioned in August 2005 , although few details were revealed between that date and 2009 apart from a concept video ( now outdated ) , various statements concerning the platforms of the game ( the Xbox 360 was considered at one point ) , and the fact it was developed with the Crystal Tools engine . Hiromichi Tanaka stated there were no plans for an Xbox 360 version , but he did say at the that Square was still talking with Microsoft . A X360 version did not materialize during the lifetime of Legacy . " Final Fantasy XIV " was originally directed by Nobuaki Komoto and produced by Hiromichi Tanaka , with art design by Akihiko Yoshida . Because of the game ' s bad reception , Komoto & Tanaka were replaced by Naoki Yoshida as the new combined director - producer . . After the announcement , a number of " letters from the producer " were posted on the Lodestone website , outlining future plans for the game , as well as official polls asking players what features they want to see or previous MMO experiences , often receiving tens of thousands of answers . An official forum was launched on March 8 to increase the communication between the dev team and players . Everyone can see the posts on all four languages , but only players with an active " Final Fantasy XIV " account can post . Official " Final Fantasy XI " forums were also launched that same day . After November 1st , no progress in 1 . 0 was saved . The servers went offline on December 31st , 2012 . To complete the cycle of modifying the game after the initial reception , Square Enix announced a " 2 . 0 " update of the game named " Final Fantasy XIV : A Realm Reborn " . " A Realm Reborn " is not an expansion pack , but an entire reworking of the game built from the ground up . The project ' s Alpha testing began in November 2012 , with a final release scheduled for sometime in 2013 . The Chinese Mainland version will be available from a yet to be announced date in 2014 . Reception . " Final Fantasy XIV " ' s original release received a level of negative reception unusual for the franchise . Kevin VanOrd of GameSpot rated the game 4 / 10 , or " poor " . GameTrailers rated it 4 . 2 / 10 . Rory Manion of GameSpy rated it 2 / 5 , or " fair " . Charles Onyett of IGN rated it 5 . 5 / 10 , or " mediocre " . Cheat Code Central rated it 4 . 2 / 5 .