What it is
Square Enix's online Final Fantasy is really a series of connected Final Fantasy stories: the 2013 relaunch A Realm Reborn followed by five expansions, the latest being Dawntrail. Combat is tab-target and rotation-based. What sets it apart is the writing, the music and the dungeon and raid design, which many players rank as the best in the genre.
The first evening
Pick a class you like the look of. You're not locked in, because a single character can later pick up every job. The early main story is gentle to the point of slow, with a lot of errands. It gets far more confident as the story builds, and Heavensward is usually where people realise why fans are so devoted. The Duty Support and Trust systems let you run story dungeons with computer-controlled allies, so shy or time-poor players are never stuck waiting for a group.
What you'll pay for
- The free trial has no time limit and, since April 2026, runs to level 80 and includes Heavensward, Stormblood and Shadowbringers. That's hundreds of hours before any purchase.
- After the trial you buy the game, which includes the later expansions, and pay a monthly subscription. Entry and Standard tiers differ mainly in how many characters you can keep per world.
- The Mog Station sells optional outfits, mounts and a few convenience services. Every item is named and previewable, and none have random contents.
Square Enix accounts can be topped up with cards, PayPal or prepaid game-time codes sold by UK retailers. Our store-by-store guide covers what each platform accepts.
Who it suits
Story-first players, anyone who wants a long relationship with one game, and people who like playing alongside others without depending on them. It's a hard sell if you want short sessions with instant action: the best moments are built up over dozens of hours.
The score, mark by mark
- Feel25% weight8
- Depth20% weight10
- Price honesty25% weight8.5
- Time respect15% weight8.5
- Access15% weight8
What works
- Free trial runs to level 80 and includes Shadowbringers
- One character can switch between every job
- NPC party members let you clear story dungeons solo
What doesn't
- The first expansion's worth of story starts slowly
- After the trial you need both the game and a subscription
- UI has decades of layers to learn
How to pay for Final Fantasy XIV in the UK
Where you can buy Final Fantasy XIV or its premium currency, and what each store accepts. Currency bought in one store usually stays with that platform. See the full store guide for spending controls and refunds.
| Where you buy | Debit or credit card | PayPal | Paysafecard | Store gift card |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Square Enix / Mog Station | Yes | Yes | Some accounts | Yes |
| Steam | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PlayStation Store | Yes | Yes | Some accounts | Yes |
| Microsoft Store (Xbox) | Yes | Yes | Some accounts | Yes |
Studio: Square Enix Creative Business Unit III · Publisher: Square Enix · Checked September 2026. The store's checkout page has the final word on payment options.
