Final Fantasy XIV Online is Coming to Xbox

Over 13 long years after its initial release, and two console generations later, Final Fantasy XIV Online will finally come to Xbox: Square Enix announced that it will bring the popular massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) to Xbox Series X|S in Spring 2024.

“As an online massively multiplayer role-playing game, FFXIV offers a realm where you and 27 million adventurers worldwide can embark on epic quests together,” Square Enix PR director Luke Karmali writes in the announcement post. ” Filled with bustling cities, towering forests, and deadly deserts, FFXIV’s constantly updated, and ever-engaging world takes you to the far reaches of the land and beyond, with a captivating and ongoing story. But it isn’t just about defeating massive monsters with your personalized Warrior of Light. You can also gather materials and craft items, enjoy series staples including Chocobos, Moogles, and Airships, enjoy a day of mini-games and mahjong at the Gold Saucer, and even buy a house.”

Final Fantasy XIV originally launched in late 2010, but the game has only been available on PC and PlayStation because its maker, Square Enix, wanted a shared server platform with Xbox Live and Microsoft would not allow that. And so the firm halted development of the Xbox 360 version of the game. And then over a decade went by.

But now, Microsoft and Square Enix have confirmed that they are collaborating on bringing Final Fantasy XIV Online to Xbox Series X|S with full cross-play capabilities, fast loading, 4K support on Series X, and the exact same content and visuals found in the PS and PC versions of the game. And Xbox head Phil Spencer appeared live on stage FFXIV producer and director Naoki Yoshida at the Final Fantasy XIV Fan Fest 2023 in Las Vegas today to celebrate the news.

“Finally!” he exclaimed, taking the stage. “The Xbox community is passionate about games, and like so many players around the world, the Final Fantasy series is one that gets lots of love from Team Xbox. And we’re very happy to announce the Xbox version of Final Fantasy XIV with my friend Yoshida-san today.”

Ahead of the public launch, Final Fantasy XIV Online will be made available in open beta on Xbox Series X|S, which is expected to happen “very soon indeed.”