FFXIV Free Trial Account and Character Creation
Getting Started with Final Fantasy XIV
So you’ve heard of the critically acclaimed MMORPG, Final Fantasy XIV? With an expanded Free Trial which you can play through the entirety of A Realm Reborn, the award-winning Heavensward, and the second major expansion: Stormblood? Well I’m here to guide you through the process of creating a brand new FFXIV Free Trial Account!
If you’re playing on PC, make sure your computer can handle the game before getting started! The Free Trial and the full game both share the same requirements, although the full game requires more space. It’s not a very demanding game, but here’s the system requirements, below.
FFXIV Free Trial System Requirements
【Minimum System Requirements】
OS: Windows 8.1, Windows 10, or Windows 11 (64 bit)
Processor: Intel Core i5 2.4GHz or better
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Disc Space: 80+ GB
Video: NVIDIA Geforce GTX750 / AMD Radeon R7 260X – or better
Screen Resolution: 1280×720
Internet: Broadband Internet connection
Sound: A sound card which supports DirectSound
DirectX Version: DirectX 11
Communications port: If using a router, please set the ports below to allow for packet transfer. [Port numbers which may be used]
TCP: 80, 443, 54992-54994, 55006-55007, 55021-55040
【Recommended System Requirements】
OS: Windows 8.1, Windows 10, or Windows 11 (64 bit)
Processor: Intel Core i7 3GHz or higher
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Disc Space: 80+ GB
Video: NVIDIA Geforce GTX970 / AMD Radeon RX 480 – or higher
Screen Resolution: 1920×1080
Internet: Broadband Internet connection
Sound: A sound card which supports DirectSound
DirectX Version: DirectX 11
Communications port: If using a router, please set the ports below to allow for packet transfer. [Port numbers which may be used]
TCP: 80, 443, 54992-54994, 55006-55007, 55021-55040
[ Source for Free Trial Requirements ]
To view System Requirements for other systems like PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Mac OS, check out this link.
If you’re concerned about the game running well, maybe consider trying out the official benchmark tool, provided here:
[ Dawntrail Benchmark – Download Page ]
Download the FFXIV Free Trial:
Windows / Mac: FFXIV Free Trial Website / Direct Download Link (Use when reinstalling.)
Steam: FFXIV Free Trial Store Page (Or click “Download Demo” on the main page.)
PlayStation 4: PlayStation Store – On PS4, navigate to the FT store page and select “Try Free Demo”.
PlayStation 5: PlayStation Store – On PS5, navigate to the FFXIV store page. Press the […] button and select Free Trial.
Xbox Series X|S: Microsoft Store – On Xbox, navigate to the FFXIV store page. From the […] menu, select Free Trial.
[ For more information on downloading the Free Trial, click here! ]
Account Creation:
Square Enix Account:
You’re going to need a Square Enix Account before you start playing Final Fantasy XIV – this is what you’ll use to log in. If you don’t have one already, you can head over to this link to register for an account:
https://secure.square-enix.com/
If you want to play with a Steam Account, you need to create a Square Enix Account from your Steam Launcher! This is important, it’s possible to get locked out of using a Steam account if this is done incorrectly!
For PlayStation and Xbox users, you should be able to create a Square Enix account when launching the game from your console.
*The FFXIV Free Trial is locked to the platform that you start on! To play on multiple platforms, you’ll need to purchase licenses for each one!
Logging In:
Now that the technical stuff is out of the way, we can start by logging into the game! Just a reminder that this is your Square Enix Account log-in. The One-Time Password is an optional step, you can set this up either now or later, if you’re interested.
After launching the game, you’ll be presented with a story significant start-up video. It’s worth a watch! Then we come to the title screen. (Notice how a Free Trial Account has it’s own unique title screen! Nifty.) First thing you’ll want to do is select a Data Center!
(Go to Configuration to change any graphical settings if needed.)
Selecting a Data Center:
Data Centers are groups of Servers, also known as Worlds. These are the regions you’ll be playing from, so pick one that’s close! It’s worth noting that all Data Centers in a region are located in the same location. (You’ll get the same ping in all the North American servers: Aether, Crystal, Dynamis, Primal – regardless of which you pick.)
This decision will effect who you’ll be playing with, so be sure to pick the same one as your friends! All Worlds grouped together within a Data Center will be able to play with each other. Also, Data Center Travel allows players to visit players in other Data Centers within the same region, giving even more freedom.
Character Creation:
Race Selection:
Now that you’ve picked a Data Center we can start. From the Character Selection screen, you can then pick a World to play in. (You’ll get another chance after making a character.) Then click New Character once you’re happy.
Your first option will be picking your characters Race and Gender. Hrothgar and Viera are locked for a Free Trial Account, as they’re tied to later expansions.
Race selection is mostly just for appearance. Different races have different customization options and height ranges. They also have different animations in game.
Clan Selection:
Next up you’ll be able to pick your Race’s Clan. Clans are mostly just visual differences and have different lore backgrounds. Each Race and Clan also have different Starting Attributes, but these Stat Differences are VERY small and don’t really make a difference in gameplay. Pick whichever ones you like the most visually!
Character Customization:
After selecting your Race and Clan we get to the fun part, customizing your character! Some options like body size and shape you won’t be able to change later on, so be sure to make it how you like!
Options that ARE changeable later, at an Aesthetician, include: Hairstyle, Hair Color, Eyebrows, Lip Color, Earrings, Earring Color, Facial Features, Tattoos, Tattoo Color, Face Paint, Face Paint Color.
You get one Free Fantasia, at the end of the ARR MSQ. This gives you a one time chance to change your Race, Gender, and entire Appearance. For any more, you’ll need to buy them from FFXIV’s Online Store.
Birth Date Selection:
The next option will allow you to select your character’s Date of Birth from the Eorzean Calendar. This will show up on your character info, but has no other effect on the game.
Patron Deity:
Then comes selecting your character’s Patron Deity. This too appears in your character information, as well as showing up on the altar during character weddings. (Free Trial cannot have or attend weddings.)
Your Patron Deity used to effect elemental resistance back in 1.0, but that’s no longer a thing and has no real importance anymore.
Starting Class and City:
Next up you get to pick your Starting Class and City-State. Classes can be changed later on, but what class you pick effects which city you begin in. Your starting city also has an effect on the story you start with. All stories eventually come together however, so it’s not a big deal. Starting city will also display in your character info.
World Selection:
Once again, you’ll be given a choice to select a world, if you haven’t already, or if you want to change your selection.
Worlds with a Star next to them are Preferred Worlds. If a character is made on a Preferred World, you’re granted a “Road to 80” buff. This doubles your experience for all classes up to Level 80 for 90 days.
World names that are greyed out means you currently cannot create a character there due to congestion. This changes a few times a day, so try checking back during slow hours for a chance to get in.
Free Companies (Guilds) and housing are world specific, choose wisely.
Character Name:
Finally, you get to pick your Character Name. Characters are required to have both a Forename and a Surname. It is possible to have the same name as other players, but only if that name is from a different server.
Character Creation complete!
Gameplay Tutorial:
After confirming that everything is to your liking, you’ll be tossed into the land of Eorzea with a cutscene. You’ll then find yourself in whichever starting city you chose.
When you first begin, you’ll be in an instance, so you won’t be able to see anyone else quite yet. Feel free to take this time to adjust any controls and settings if you need.
You’ll be given a few short tutorials to help teach you the basics. Continue on through the quests that are given and before you know it, you’ll find yourself in the real world! A grand journey is about to unfold!
You’ve successfully created your Free Trial Account and Character!
Now, check out the following beginner guide to learn about what things to expect when first starting out: