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

Upcoming Final Fantasy 14 TV series is first live-action take on the franchise

By
Final fantasy 14 xiv live action tv series sony pictures hivemind

With advertising in full swing, it feels like the hype for Square Enix’s Final Fantasy 14 is at an all-time high. As gamers work through existing content in preparation for the new Shadowbringers expansion, there’s another morsel of good news for those that would like to see Final Fantasy 14 expand outside of gaming. Sony Pictures and Hivemind are teaming up for a live-action television series based Final Fantasy 14.

Hivemind is the production studio behind the upcoming live-action Witcher series on Netflix. The studio also produced Amazon’s The Expanse, a sci-fi drama based on novels by authors Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck. This isn’t the only recent news regarding Sony getting involved with television or film based on video games. The company spun off the new PlayStation Productions studio in May and it will be dedicated to producing projects based on PlayStation-exclusive franchises.

Recommended Videos

There are three films based on the Final Fantasy franchise: Spirits Within, Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy 15 and Final Fantasy 7: Advent Children. All were computer animated works and the new TV series will be the first time a live-action Final Fantasy is produced. A more specific synopsis will be released closer to the premiere of the series but, for now, the press release shares the original story set within Eorzea, FF14’s setting, will feature Final Fantasy staples like Magitek, beast-men, airships, and Chocobos.

Related

“Final Fantasy 14 and Eorzea are the perfect gateway into Final Fantasy for longtime fans and newcomers alike,” Sony Pictures Television Co-President Chris Parnell said in a statement. “This show is about embracing and embodying all of the elements that have made the mythos such an endlessly captivating phenomenon, and it’s an immense honor to be bringing all of Eorzea’s iconic characters, settings, and concepts — including fan-favorites like Cid and, of course, the Chocobos — to life for a television audience.”

The only confirmed character for the project is one that Final Fantasy fans, even those who don’t play the game, will appreciate. Every Final Fantasy game features a character named Cid and Final Fantasy 14’s Cid nan Garlond will be appearing in the live-action series.

Final Fantasy 14 wasn’t always the success it is today. The original 2010 launch of the game was live for two years before getting shut down. The game relaunched with the name Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn in 2013 and has amassed more than 16 million created accounts. Shadowbringers, which releases on July 2, adds a new chapter to the story, new gameplay mechanics, two new jobs, and more.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Charles Singletary Jr.
Charles Singletary Jr.
I'm a Birmingham, AL raised author, journalist, and gaming enthusiast currently residing in San Antonio, TX. My work has…
All Chronolith locations and rewards in Final Fantasy 16
A chronolith trial pillar glowing in the sunlight.

Every Final Fantasy game changes up the battle system in one way or another. Final Fantasy 16 isn't the first to have real-time, action-focused combat, but is by far the most polished and refined one. The story is by no means secondary, but for the first time players are able to really express themselves through the various combos and abilities you can pull off. Square Enix recognized this and included special combat trails called Chronolith Trials. These are somewhat similar to the special missions you can find in games like Devil May Cry 5 where you are faced with a unique challenge for a reward. As tough as these challenges are to beat, finding them is also a bit of a chore. Hop on your Chocobo and follow our lead to find all the Chronolith locations in Final Fantasy 16. 
What are Chronolith Trials?

Chronolith Trials are unique combat trails that put you into an arena that spawns waves of enemies. There will always be three rooms that each spawn three waves of enemies, plus a boss at the end. You're on a timer, and can only use a designated Eikon with predetermined abilities. By pulling off Battle Techniques, including Precision Dodge and Ability Finishes, you can extend your time. If you're quick enough to beat all the enemies without running out of time, you'll earn a special accessory as a reward. There are seven in total, and completing them all will also unlock the final Wall of Memory item you need to complete that collection.
All Chronolith Trial locations
Phoenix
In Greensheaves in Rosaria, fast travel to Martha's Rest and exit to the north. Follow the path east and you will find it just before the path leading to Rhiannon's Ride.

Read more
Final Fantasy 16 Renown explained: what is Renown and how to earn it
Final Fantasy 16's cover showcasing its protagonist infront of two demon summons.

Every JRPG, and even games with RPG elements, likes to introduce new systems into the mix for you to learn and interact with. Most of the mechanics in Final Fantasy 16 will be familiar, like sidequests, upgrading gear, and unlocking abilities. However, later on, the game will introduce you to the Renown system once you take control of the Cursebreakers. This occurs once you reach the main hub of the game called Cid's Hideaway after going through the main story until you reach A Chance Encounter. While you might be feeling content ignoring this new mechanic and just pushing on with the main story, there are plenty of reasons to learn it. Here's a simple explanation of how the Renown system works in Final Fantasy 16.
What is Renown and how to earn it

Without spoiling much, after Clive takes on a certain mantle and is in charge of Cid's Hideaway, the Renown system will automatically be put into effect. This is meant to represent how much inspiration and support Clive has earned from the people of Valisthea in his cause and fight against the Blight. You can see how much Renown you currently have by visiting the Patron's Whisper and talking to Desiree.

Read more
Final Fantasy 16 Timely Accessories: what they are and how to equip them
Screenshot of the main character from Final Fantasy 16 fighting an enemy.

Traditionally, Final Fantasy titles don't come with difficulty options. As the series has grown leading up to Final Fantasy 16, Square Enix has started to add some options to make the game more accessible to players. Considering this latest entry is more action-heavy than any that has come before, with advanced moves like perfect dodges and parries, these tools are more necessary than ever for longtime fans who prefer a more traditional JRPG experience. While the Timely Accessories can't turn this action game into a turn-based one like older entries, it can at least give you enough of an edge to feel comfortable getting through combat so you can enjoy the deep and complex story. Let's go over what these Timely Accessories are and how to equip them in Final Fantasy 16.
What are Timely Accessories?

Timely Accessories in Final Fantasy 16 are basically your difficulty modifiers, but instead of being menu options, they're items. These types of items have become a bit more common in the last few years and include the Chicken Hat from Metal Gear Solid V. This time, there are five different accessories that you can pick from, each of which modifies the game in different ways to give you an edge in combat. Here are all five of the Timely Accessories and what they do:
Ring of Timely Evasion
When equipped, Clive will automatically evade attacks, as long as the attacks can be evaded.
Ring of Timely Focus
When equipped, time slows before an evadable enemy attack strikes Clive. There's no effect when equipped with the Ring of Timely evasion.
Ring of Timely Strikes
When equipped, complex ability combinations can be executed by simply pressing the Square button.
Ring of Timely Assistance
When equipped, pet commands will be executed automatically based on Clive's actions.
Ring of Timely Healing
When equipped, healing potions will automatically be used when Clive's HP falls below a certain threshold. More common healing items like potions will be used before rarer ones like high potions.
How to equip Timely Accessories
When you first begin Final Fantasy 16 you will need to choose between Story and Action Focused modes. These technically also serve as your difficulty selection, but it's really just a simplified way of enabling the Timely Accessories. Regardless of which difficulty you choose, you will always have access to all these accessories and can switch at any time while playing (as long as you are not currently in combat).

Read more