Final Fantasy 14 Mobile Launches with a Different Starting Point Than Expected

Earlier this week, the buzz around a potential mobile version of Final Fantasy 14 got a major boost when Square Enix finally confirmed the rumors. The announcement revealed that Lightspeed Studios, the Tencent-backed developer known for PUBG Mobile, will be the creative force behind this new version. They’ve shared a few intriguing details, including the initial job options and the fact that players in China will get first dibs before it rolls out globally. Naturally, many fans are curious about the starting point of this mobile journey. With five expansions already enriching the MMO, newcomers obviously can’t jump straight to the latest one. Thankfully, producer Naoki “Yoshi-P” Yoshida cleared up the mystery during a Q&A session released yesterday.

As it turns out, when you dive into the mobile version, you’ll be transported back to A Realm Reborn. This starting point allows seasoned players to revisit familiar territory, while new adventurers can immerse themselves in the complete narrative for the first time. Yoshi-P assures us that there’s already a “vast amount of content and narrative” ready to go. Lightspeed Studios plans to roll out this content gradually, responding to player feedback to tweak the pace of updates as needed. If players seem keen on faster content drops, they might get their wish; otherwise, the team could stick to the original schedule.

However, it’s interesting to note that A Realm Reborn isn’t the true beginning. Many longtime fans remember the infamous 1.0 version, which, although no longer playable, contains story elements that tie into the revamped game’s main storyline. Some players have hoped for a World of Warcraft Classic-like revival to re-experience 1.0, and this mobile adaptation seemed like a prime chance for that. For now, anyone yearning for a taste of the original will have to rely on archived YouTube videos.

If you’re eager to know more about the mobile version, the full video is a must-watch. It delves into subjects like monetization, and while it’s set to be free-to-play, the specifics are still unfolding. Let’s hope it plays fair with players’ wallets!