Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Gaming
  3. News

The Final Fantasy XIV free trial has returned

By

The Final Fantasy XIV free trial is returning to digital marketplaces, allowing players to try a sizable portion of Square Enix’s juggernaut of a multiplayer online Japanese role-playing game. With it, players can play through the entirety of the Heavensward and A Realm Reborn campaigns.

FINAL FANTASY XIV: ENDWALKER Full Trailer

Final Fantasy XIV had always been lauded for how expansive its free trial was until it and the entire game were taken off marketplaces in December 2021. Last month, Square Enix added a new server, allowing new players to once again purchase the entirety of Final Fantasy XIV, and now the free trial returned as well.

Recommended Videos

The free trial’s reintegration announcement came via a Twitter post and an announcement from the game’s director and producer, Naoki Yoshida, during a “Letter from the Producer” livestream.

Related

The #FFXIV Free Trial has returned! 🤩 https://t.co/1P8M94LE50

Play through the entirety of A Realm Reborn and Heavensward expansions up to level 60 for free with no restrictions on playtime!

We look forward to welcoming you to Eorzea! 👋 pic.twitter.com/20QZneRo5r

— FINAL FANTASY XIV (@FF_XIV_EN) February 22, 2022

Square Enix initially took down the trial due to severe flooding of servers due to so many new players joining in through the free trial and veteran players playing through the new Endwalker expansion. Yoshida stated that the new player bump caused “extremely long wait times due to the dense concentration of play hours, which far exceed our server capacity, especially during the peak times.” Thankfully, a few new server choices and two months of cooldown from the hype have solved the situation for now.

Another “Letter from the Producer” stream is set for 3 a.m. PT on Friday, March 4, 2022. During that presentation, Square Enix will share various update details, as well as information on the upcoming patch 6.1. Final Fantasy XIV is available now for PC, PS4, and PS5.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
DeAngelo Epps
DeAngelo Epps
Former Digital Trends Contributor
De'Angelo Epps is a gaming writer passionate about the culture, communities, and industry surrounding gaming. His work ranges…
When will Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth be on PC?
Cloud,. Aerith, and Tifa stand together in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.

PlayStation 5 players have been raving about the second part of the FF7 remake project Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. As with the first part, it was made clear well in advance that this game would be a PlayStation exclusive at launch, however, we did eventually get Remake of the first part on PC around a year later. This gives PC players hope that the same treatment will be given to Rebirth, but the big question becomes how long will we have to wait this time? Is it possible to see it come to PC storefronts faster than its prequel, or will we need to bide our time avoiding spoilers for months on end? Here's our best estimate as to when you can expect to see Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth on PC.
What is the Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth PC release date?

The sad fact of the matter is we don't have an official release date for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth on PC or any other platform at this time. But there is reason to at least hope that the wait won't be as long this time around. Our only clue is that the marketing for Rebirth states that it is a PlayStation 5 exclusive until at least May 29, 2024. That's exactly three months after its initial release.

Read more
In defense of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s polarizing ending
Aerith prays in FInal Fantasy 7 Rebirth.

This article contains spoilers for Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.

Midway through 1997’s Final Fantasy VII, Cloud Strife walks up a small staircase and finds his companion, Aerith, kneeling on a small platform. She’s locked in prayer as holy-looking light streaks in through the windows around her. That serene moment gives way to a shocking tragedy. Aerith looks at Cloud and calmly smiles before the camera pans above her head. A black shadow bursts out of the light above her; it’s the villainous Sephiroth, massive sword in tow. Before Cloud can process what’s happening, Sephiroth plunges his sword through Aerith’s back, killing her.

Read more
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth: all piano sheet music locations and rewards
Cloud playing the piano in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.

While there's no shortage of ways to distract yourself while playing Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, one of the most unexpected minigames is the surprisingly deep piano system. In most of the major hub towns you encounter across the expansive world, Cloud can find a piano to sit down at and tickle the keys. You're free to play any song you want in free play, but you can turn this system into a full-on rhythm game, almost like Guitar Hero, by collecting sheet music of some of the game's most iconic tracks. There's even an NPC near each piano who will reward you if you get a high enough rank on each song. Cloud may not be the most expressive in his words, but he can sure play the piano with heart. Here is where you can find all the sheet music and what rewards await if you can master them.
Where to find all sheet music

Sheet music, thankfully, isn't hidden away in chests or has to be purchased for crazy amounts of Gil, but a few do have some hidden requirements. Each new composition is found on a piano in the world and is free to snag once you sit down. Even if you don't feel like playing right then and there, make sure you always at least grab the music to add to your collection so you don't have to backtrack later and get it. There are eight in total to find, and some will only come later in the story, but none are missable once you open up fast travel back to previous areas. This is the natural order you can collect them.
On Our Way
Our first piece of music can be picked up once you hit Chapter 4. During this section, go to the Crow's Nest town in the Junon region, which you can only enter by doing the "When Words Won't Do" side quest. Once you complete this quest and can freely enter the town, hit up the bar and grab this tune.
Tifa's Theme
After a rather exciting cruise to Costa del Sol in Chapter 6, you can add this piece to your collection by making a quick stop at the fancy Royal Crown Hotel.
Barret's Theme
Not much further into the game in Chapter 7 you will visit Barret's old hometown of Corel. The Rock Bottom Bar is waiting with his song.
Cinco de Chocobo
Chapter 9 takes you through the town of Gongaga. Even a town way out in the forest has a piano, which means yet another song to snag.
Two Legs? Nothin' to it
One chapter later, in Chapter 10, you need to do a little exploring in Cosmo Canyon to find your way to the piano, but the icon on your map won't lead you astray.
Aerith's Theme
Perhaps the most iconic song in the entire game, if not the franchise, is hidden behind a completely optional side quest. Once you reach Chapter 11, return to Nibelheim and do the "White-Haired Angel" side quest. It may seem totally irrelevant, but the quest ends with you playing and collecting this song.
Let the Battles Begin!
Once you prove your skills and get an A rank or better on all prior songs, you will get this new one as a reward from the NPC Dorian next to all pianos.
One-Winged Angel
We're not sure if fighting Sephiroth or getting this song is harder. If you want to play this terrifying arrangement, you need to donate all 88 Treasure Trove items to Johnny. This more or less requires you to 100% the entire game
All song rewards
For every song you A rank, Dorian will give you a prize when you talk to him. Here's everything you can get:

Read more