Final Fantasy XIV is finally making its way to Xbox Series X/S, but will players be required to have an Xbox Game Pass subscription to play the MMO?
All three major consoles require a subscription to play online multiplayer games. There are few exceptions, such as free-to-play games like Fortnite, as these don’t require a subscription to play, though they often provide benefits for having one.
Another exception is console MMOs, such as The Elder Scrolls Online. As these have a separate paid element, they usually don’t require the player to also fork out for a subscription to the system’s current online paywall.
Final Fantasy XIV requires a paid subscription on PlayStation and PC platforms, but that’s all. The game doesn’t need a PlayStation Plus subscription on Sony machines. But what about the Xbox Series X/S version of the game, which is about to enter its open beta?
Does Final Fantasy XIV need Game Pass on Xbox Series X/S?
Yes, Final Fantasy XIV will require an Xbox Game Pass Core or Ultimate subscription on Xbox Series X/S. This comes courtesy of the official Final Fantasy XIV website, which explains the paid structure for the game after it leaves beta.
“The Free Trial version, including the open beta test, will not require an Xbox Game Pass (Core or Ultimate) plan to play. However, the full Xbox Series X|S version will require an Xbox Game Pass (Core or Ultimate) plan to play.”
It should be clarified that this means you need an Xbox Game Pass Core or Ultimate sub to be able to play Final Fantasy XIV along with a separate paid subscription to the game, not that it will be free to subscribers.
This is a surprising choice, as PlayStation Plus isn’t required for the PlayStation versions of the game. Those wishing to visit Eorzea for the first time on Xbox Series X/S will have to double-dip on spending for the game.
Hopefully, exclusive benefits will be available in the Xbox Game Pass version of the game, similar to other online titles. If not, then Microsoft players are getting a worse deal than PlayStation owners.
There’s still time for Microsoft & Square Enix to change their minds regarding this choice. If not, then it may impact Final Fantasy XIV’s chance to win an audience on Xbox Series X/S.