Final Fantasy XIV: Is The Complete Edition Worth It?

Hey everyone, let's dive into the world of Final Fantasy XIV: Complete Edition! You're probably here because you're wondering if it's worth your time and, more importantly, your hard-earned gil. Well, buckle up, because we're about to break down everything you need to know about this massive package. We'll explore what it includes, what you can expect, and whether it's the right choice for you, whether you're a seasoned veteran or a curious newcomer.

So, what exactly is the Final Fantasy XIV Complete Edition? Basically, it's the ultimate bundle for anyone looking to jump into the sprawling world of Eorzea. It's not just the base game; it comes packed with all the expansions released up to a certain point. This means you get access to a ton of content, from the original A Realm Reborn all the way through the latest expansion available at the time of your purchase. Think of it as a massive buffet of quests, stories, jobs, and adventures. It's like buying a whole box of chocolates – you get to try everything! For anyone new, this is the best way to get started. You'll have access to the most amount of content immediately, allowing you to experience the full story and all the amazing things that FFXIV has to offer. For returning players, the Complete Edition is usually unnecessary unless you're starting on a new platform or want to have everything available on one account. This package is ideal if you want to catch up on the game or start fresh on a new server.

What's Included in the Complete Edition?

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. What do you actually get when you purchase the Final Fantasy XIV: Complete Edition? Generally speaking, the Complete Edition includes the following:

• Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn: This is the base game, the foundation upon which everything else is built. It introduces you to the world of Eorzea, the different races, the various starting cities (Gridania, Ul'dah, and Limsa Lominsa), and the core gameplay mechanics. You'll begin your journey as a fledgling adventurer, setting out to make your name and uncover the mysteries of the realm. A Realm Reborn is where you'll spend the initial hours learning the ropes, experiencing the basic story, and getting familiar with the game's systems.
• Expansion Packs: This is where the real meat of the game lies. The Complete Edition bundles in all the major expansions released up to the point of purchase. These expansions add new stories, zones, jobs (classes), raids, dungeons, and a whole lot more content. The specific expansions included depend on when you buy the Complete Edition, but they typically include: Heavensward, Stormblood, Shadowbringers, and Endwalker. Each expansion builds upon the previous one, offering a richer and more complex narrative, introducing new mechanics, and raising the level cap, allowing you to grow even stronger. The expansions are where the game truly shines, with incredible stories, memorable characters, and challenging gameplay.
• Free Trial: While the Complete Edition itself is a paid product, keep in mind that FFXIV also offers a generous free trial. The free trial lets you play the base game (A Realm Reborn) and the first expansion (Heavensward) up to level 70 with no time restrictions. There are some limitations, such as not being able to use the market board or trade with other players, but it's a fantastic way to experience a significant chunk of the game before committing to a purchase. You can experience the first 2 expansions. The free trial is one of the best free trials in the market, allowing you to try out a lot of content and features before buying.

So, think of the Complete Edition as your all-access pass to the vast world of Eorzea, with a story spanning several expansions, and countless hours of gameplay.

Gameplay and Content: What to Expect

Now, let's talk about what you'll do in Final Fantasy XIV. This is an MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game), meaning you'll be sharing the world with thousands of other players. This creates a vibrant and social experience. You'll be able to team up with friends or other players to take on challenging dungeons, raids, and other content, so you don't have to experience the whole adventure alone.

• Story-Driven Experience: One of the most praised aspects of FFXIV is its captivating story. The narrative is well-written, with engaging characters, intriguing plotlines, and a sense of progression that keeps you hooked. Each expansion adds to the overarching story, creating an immersive experience that unfolds over hundreds of hours of gameplay. You'll follow the Warrior of Light (that's you!) as they battle against threats, forge alliances, and uncover the secrets of Eorzea and beyond. The story is like reading a great fantasy novel, with plenty of twists, turns, and emotional moments.
• Diverse Jobs and Classes: FFXIV offers a wide range of jobs to choose from, each with its own unique playstyle, abilities, and role in a party. You can play as a tank (to protect the party), a healer (to keep everyone alive), or a damage dealer (to take down enemies). Each job has a distinct feel, and you can switch between them at any time on a single character, giving you the freedom to try out different roles and find the perfect fit for you. Whether you want to be a mighty Paladin, a swift Ninja, or a powerful Black Mage, there's a job for everyone. You can level them all on a single character, so you don't need to create different characters.
• Engaging Combat System: The combat in FFXIV is strategic and action-oriented. You'll need to learn your abilities, master your rotations, and coordinate with your party members to succeed in battles. The game features a variety of content, from solo quests and dungeons to challenging raids that require teamwork and skill. The combat feels satisfying, with visually impressive abilities and a sense of progression as you level up and acquire new skills. The game has a mix of fast-paced and slower-paced classes, making it appealing for all types of players.
• Endgame Content: After completing the main story, FFXIV offers a wealth of endgame content to keep you busy. This includes challenging raids, dungeons with higher difficulty modes, crafting and gathering, housing, and other activities. The game is constantly updated with new content, ensuring that there's always something to do, whether you're a casual player or a hardcore raider. This keeps players engaged and provides the opportunity to obtain better gears.
• Social Features: FFXIV has a strong social component, with features like Free Companies (guilds), player housing, and social events. You can join a Free Company to team up with other players, participate in group activities, and make friends. The community is generally friendly and welcoming, making it easy to find a group to play with. You can also customize your own housing and interact with other players in a vibrant world. The game also has a wonderful community, always ready to help new players.

Is the Complete Edition Right for You?

So, is the Final Fantasy XIV Complete Edition worth the investment? Let's break it down based on different player types:

• New Players: For newcomers, the Complete Edition is highly recommended. It provides the most comprehensive experience, allowing you to start at the beginning and progress through the entire story without having to purchase expansions separately. You'll save money in the long run and have access to a vast amount of content from day one. It's the best way to get the full FFXIV experience. You will experience the full story of all expansions at one go, rather than buying them one by one. This will help you to enjoy the full content of the game.
• Returning Players: If you've played FFXIV before but haven't kept up with the latest expansions, the Complete Edition might still be a good option. It will allow you to catch up on all the content you've missed in one go. If you only own the base game or a few expansions, the Complete Edition will likely be a more cost-effective way to get back into the game. Returning players can benefit from it if they are on a new platform, or if they just want a convenient way to get back into the game.
• Free Trial Players: If you're currently playing the free trial, the Complete Edition is the next logical step. It removes the restrictions of the free trial and grants you access to all the content up to the current expansion (or the one included in the Complete Edition at the time of your purchase). This is essential to continue playing past the free trial limitations. You will be able to enjoy the endgame content, and experience the full social aspect of the game.

The Verdict: Should You Buy It?

Ultimately, the Final Fantasy XIV Complete Edition offers excellent value for its price. If you're a newcomer or a returning player looking to catch up, it's a no-brainer. You get access to a massive amount of content, a captivating story, and a thriving community. Even if you're unsure, consider trying the free trial first to get a feel for the game before committing to the full purchase.

The Complete Edition is an investment in hundreds (if not thousands) of hours of gameplay. It's a game you can sink your teeth into, with a story that will keep you engaged and a community that will welcome you with open arms. It will give you a lot of options to play, and you can play the way you want to play. You can also try out different jobs and see which one suits you the best. If you're looking for a new MMORPG to dive into, the Complete Edition is an excellent choice. So, gather your friends, choose your job, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in Eorzea! Happy gaming, and may the Echo guide you!