The Xbox version of Final Fantasy 14 requires a Game Pass subscription on top of the massively multiplayer role-playing game’s own monthly cost.
Tucked into a blog post revealing the Xbox version’s open beta begins on February 21 at 12 midnight Pacific / 3am Eastern / 8am UK, Square Enix revealed that, unlike PlayStation, Xbox players will have to pay for two subscriptions to play Final Fantasy 14.
“The Free Trial version, including the open beta test, will not require an Xbox Game Pass (Core or Ultimate) plan to play,” Square Enix said. “However, the full Xbox Series X and S version will require an Xbox Game Pass (Core or Ultimate) plan to play.”
A 30 day subscription to the game costs $14.99, 90 days costs $41.97, and 180 days costs $77.94. Xbox Game Pass Core, which is the cheapest tier, costs $9.99, $24.99 for three months, or $59.99 for a year. The cheapest Xbox players could play Final Fantasy 14 for per month is therefore $17.98 if they commit to the longest possible subscription of each. Xbox players will otherwise pay $24.98 if they choose to pay for both on a monthly basis.
PlayStation players are not required to own a PlayStation Plus subscription to play Final Fantasy 14, leaving many fans confused over why the Xbox equivalent is required. PC players don’t require any additional subscriptions either.
“Mind boggling decision,” said Super on ResetEra. “Xbox will be the only platform where you need paid online and the game subscription to play.” Yam’s chimed in too: “Greedy move. Not like you have time to benefit from a Game Pass subscription while playing an MMO.”
The blog post also confirmed the game will fully release on Xbox immediately upon the open beta’s conclusion, though it didn’t offer any idea as to when this may be.
In our 9/10 review of the game’s latest expansion, IGN said: “Final Fantasy 14’s Endwalker expansion brings its longest story arc to a satisfying close and cements its place as one of the best Final Fantasy stories ever told.”
Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.
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