Final Fantasy 14 on Xbox Demands Dual Subscriptions

Xbox players eager to embark on the epic journey of Final Fantasy 14 are in for a surprise: unlike their PlayStation and PC counterparts, they'll need to double down on subscriptions. In a recent blog post, Square Enix revealed that accessing the full Xbox Series X/S version will require not only the usual FFXIV subscription but also an active Xbox Game Pass (Core or Ultimate) membership.

The open beta, kicking off on February 21st, allows free access, but post-launch adventurers face a double-decker cost. A 30-day FFXIV subscription starts at $14.99, while Xbox Game Pass Core goes for $9.99 monthly. Combining both, even with long-term commitments, brings the minimum expense to $17.98 per month. PlayStation and PC players, on the other hand, bypass this extra hurdle.

This unexpected requirement left many fans scratching their heads. "Mind boggling decision," commented one on ResetEra, echoing the sentiment of a clash between the time-intensive nature of MMOs and exploring Game Pass' diverse library. IGN's glowing 9/10 review of the latest expansion, Endwalker, praising it as "one of the best Final Fantasy stories ever told," only heightens the potential impact on Xbox players.

While the open beta provides a taste, the full release date remains under wraps. Xbox players now face a critical decision: is the allure of Eorzea strong enough to warrant this unique subscription double dip? Square Enix hasn't offered any explanation for this platform-specific requirement, leaving the community divided and eagerly awaiting further clarification.

With the double subscription hurdle ahead, Xbox players must carefully consider if exploring the vibrant world of Final Fantasy 14 on their platform comes at an acceptable cost. Only time will tell how this decision affects the community, but one thing's for sure: the journey to Eorzea on Xbox won't be quite as straightforward as on other platforms.