FFXIV - Upgrade to Full Game
A guide on how to buy Final Fantasy XIV and how to upgrade from Free Trial to the full game.
If you buy the game, you are no longer on the Free Trial and must pay a Subscription Fee! FFXIV is not Free-to-Play!
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If you’re ready to move on from the FFXIV Free Trial, either if you completed everything that you’ve wanted or if you simply cannot stand the restrictions, this is what you need to know. While the process is fairly simple, I’ll go through the process step-by-step and hopefully answer any questions and concerns you might have. For those wondering, yes, you can continue using your character from the Free Trial.
Step One - Consider These Things:
There’s a few important things you need to know before buying the game.
- Purchase from the correct region, as shown on your Square Enix account. (MogStation) You cannot use codes from other regions.
- Windows and Mac versions are different from Steam versions. You can switch from Windows/Mac to Steam if you choose to, simply by buying from the Steam Store. However, Steam Free Trial accounts must upgrade with a Steam registration code only.
- If you want to play on multiple platforms, you’ll need to purchase additional game licenses for each system. (PC / PlayStation / Xbox) As long as it’s the same Square Enix account, you’ll still be able to use your character wherever you would like.
- It’s not possible to have a Windows/Mac version and a Steam version on the same account. You’ll have to pick one or the other.
- Steam users have the advantage of being able to use their Steam Wallet to make purchases, along with other Steam perks such as achievements and community features. However, if Steam goes down for maintenance, you won’t be able to log into Final Fantasy XIV until it’s finished. (This is very rare though, and if you’re already logged in it won’t effect you.)
- All versions get discounts every now and then, although at different times. It’s a matter of preference on choice and neither one is better. Additionally, some platforms may have different regional pricing, which could be beneficial to some people.
- It’s possible to buy the game and hold off on using the license key / game code. By doing this, you can stay on the Free Trial while still taking advantage of any sales. However, it’s not possible to do this if you’re buying it directly from MogStation or if you’re on PlayStation or Xbox.
- For Xbox players, payment for service fees and optional items will require FFXIV Coins, a currency specifically from the Microsoft Store. Also, those on the Xbox Series X|S will be required to have the Xbox Game Pass, in addition to FFXIV’s subscription fees.
Step Two - Decide Where to Purchase FFXIV:
Trusted store links for purchasing Final Fantasy XIV are listed here:
It’s possible to buy Final Fantasy XIV from other retailers, however only the links above are official and first-party. When purchasing discount codes on other sites, do so at your own risk, Square Enix won’t be able to help if there’s a problem.
Step Three - Buy the Game:
There’s a few different versions of the game available for purchase.
- Starter Edition:Â Includes the base game of A Realm Reborn, the first expansion:Â Heavensward, the second expansion: Stormblood, and the third expansion: Shadowbringers.
> This is exactly what is included in the Free Trial. The only difference is that, unlike the free version, you don’t have any of the Free Trial restrictions.
- Dawntrail DLC: This includes the latest expansion, Dawntrail, as well as the previous expansion, Endwalker. You will still need to buy and own the Starter Edition to play this. (The Free Trial is not a Starter Edition.)
- Complete Edition: The entire game with all of it’s expansions bundled together. This is usually what people should buy if they’re moving on from the Free Trial. This includes A Realm Reborn, Heavensward, Stormblood, Shadowbringers, Endwalker and Dawntrail.
- Collector’s Edition: These include additional items like mounts and minions, among other things, which you can only get from buying this. There’s different Collector’s Editions for each expansion and each has their own unique bonuses.
[ Final Fantasy XIV’s Product Comparisons ]
Step Four - Enter Registration Codes:
After you purchase the game you’ll need to enter the license key on your Square Enix account, found on the MogStation. This applies for all PC versions including Steam.
PC: After logging into the MogStation, click the “Transfer to Full Game” button shown on the Free Trial service account. Follow the instructions to upgrade to the full version.
PlayStation + Xbox: Start the game and log in using the Square Enix Account used during your Free Trial. Follow the on screen instructions to register the game.
Buying directly from MogStation automatically applies the code!
Steam Registration Codes are located in your library, under the game options. Click the cog, or right click FFXIV in the list, then go to Manage and then click CD Keys.
( Having trouble locating the code? )
Step Five - Enter Recruit-a-Friend Codes:
After you register the full version of Final Fantasy XIV, you can then enter a Recruit a Friend code on the MogStation. Entering a code will reward you with various goodies after you pay for a subscription for the first time. The Friendship Circlet and Fist Bump Emote are exclusive to the Recruit a Friend Campaign.
Recruitment codes cannot be entered after a subscription has been established, so do it as soon as possible. Players have until their free 30-day subscription ends, or until they add additional game time.
Even if you miss out on the initial code entry, none of the rewards are missable. Everything can be earned by recruiting people yourself, along with greater rewards!
[ Recruit a Friend – Additional Information ]
Step Six - Pay Subscription Fees:
Now that you own the game you’ll need to start paying monthly fees.
You should get 30-Days of free Subscription Time after buying the game, as an extra bonus. (Also, please don’t call this a “Free Trial” as it causes a lot of confusion!) Afterwards, however, you have two options.
- 60-Day Game Time Cards: Available for purchase from various retailers, including the Square Enix Store. (Redeem on MogStation)
- Subscriptions: There’s a few sub options from the MogStation.
- Entry Sub: Entry has only one subscription length available and is the best option for more casual players. Entry Sub allows a maximum of 8 characters per physical Data Center.
- Standard Sub: Standard has three different subscription lengths available – the more months you buy at a time, the cheaper the price. This option is better if you want to buy many months in advance or need extra characters. Standard Sub allows 40 different characters per physical DC.
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[ For more information about subscriptions, click here. ]
Subscribing for certain lengths of time gives Veteran Rewards, too!
Step Seven - Enjoy the Full Game!
In conclusion, that’s about all there is to it. No more restrictions for you, and tons of new content! You will need to download the extra data that comes with the expansions, however. Expect an extra 30GB or so if you’re coming from the Free Trial.Â
Unfortunately this website only has guides for Free Trial players, and for content up to Lv.80, so I can’t provide much beyond that. Good luck in your journeys! You can still join our Free Trial Community Discord, however! Come chat with us and help some new players out. n.n
