Final Fantasy 14 enthusiasts eagerly awaiting its arrival on Xbox Series X/S consoles finally have reason to rejoice, but with a twist. Publisher Square Enix has announced that accessing the full game experience will necessitate an Xbox Game Pass Core or Ultimate subscription, in addition to the standard monthly fee.
Breaking Down the Costs
For aficionados diving into the realm of Eorzea, the financial landscape reveals a blend of excitement and calculation. A 30-day subscription to Final Fantasy 14 will cost $15, while committing to 90 days entails a $42 investment, and a 180-day adventure comes with a price tag of $78. Meanwhile, Xbox Game Pass Core demands $10 per month or $60 for a year, while the Ultimate variant requires $17 monthly.
Financial Commitment for Xbox Players
In essence, Xbox players embarking on this fantastical journey will need to allocate a minimum of $18 monthly, with a ceiling reaching $32, factoring in the game subscription alongside Xbox Game Pass Core or Ultimate. Although the game download itself is complimentary, this subscription model is an unexpected turn.
Unusual Subscription Requirements
This subscription paradigm deviates from norms observed elsewhere. Microsoft's decision in April 2021 to eliminate subscription prerequisites for free-to-play multiplayer games did not extend to Final Fantasy 14, despite its free download status. Conversely, PlayStation users have historically enjoyed traversing Eorzea sans the obligation of a PlayStation Plus Subscription.
Beta Players Exempted
Notably, the subscription obligation is waived for beta participants. The open beta trial for the Xbox Series X|S version of Final Fantasy 14 is slated to commence on February 21 at 12 AM PT, catering primarily to newcomers eager to delve into this vibrant universe.
Anticipated Full Release
While concrete details about the full release are yet to surface, speculations suggest a launch coinciding with the conclusion of the beta phase, possibly aligning with the arrival of the summer's Dawntrail expansion. It's imperative to note that the open beta caters exclusively to fresh recruits, excluding those who've previously sampled a free trial or registered a license with Square Enix.
In summary, the forthcoming introduction of Final Fantasy 14 to Xbox consoles heralds an exciting era for fans, albeit with financial implications necessitating careful consideration before embarking on this virtual odyssey.
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