Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) offers a vast endgame experience, and one of its most popular aspects is housing. Acquiring and decorating a house can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor. However, the process can also be daunting, especially for beginners. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential tips and information you need to navigate the endgame housing system in FFXIV and create your dream home.
Acquiring a House
1. Purchasing a Plot
- Check the Housing Market board in any major city to view available housing plots.
- FC Housing: Free Companies (FCs) can purchase FC houses in designated FC districts.
- Personal Housing: Individual players can purchase personal houses in residential districts.
2. Plot Lottery
If no plots are available for purchase, you can enter the housing lottery.
- Submit an application for a desired plot and pay a deposit.
- The lottery is typically held once a month.
3. Relocating an Existing House
If you already own a house, you can relocate it to a different plot.
- Travel to your FC house and speak to the Housing Contractor NPC.
- Select "Relocate" and choose a preferred plot.
- Pay the relocation fee.
House Design and Decoration
1. House Design
- Choose from several pre-designed house exteriors.
- Select a yard size and garden size.
2. Interior Decoration
- Use furnishings to create a unique and personalized living space.
- Partitions can divide rooms and create different areas.
- Arrange your furniture and decorations to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
House Management
1. Housing Maintenance
- Pay property taxes regularly to maintain ownership.
- Repair your house using the Housing Contractor NPC.
- Set up visitor authorizations to allow others to visit your house.
2. Gardening and Chocobo Stables
- Plant seeds in your garden to grow flowers, fruits, and vegetables.
- Build chocobo stables to raise and train chocobos.
House Sharing
1. FC Housing
- FC members can invite other members to share ownership of their house.
- Set up permissions to allow members to decorate and manage the house.
2. Apartment Sharing
- Rent out apartments within your house to other players.
- Collect rent payments and set up regulations for tenants.
Tips for Success
- Join a Free Company: FCs have access to exclusive housing districts and can share costs.
- Attend Housing Competitions: Participate in community-organized housing design contests for inspiration and prizes.
- Explore Housing Communities: Visit other players’ houses to get ideas and build connections.
- Be Patient: Acquiring a house can take time and effort. Don’t give up if you don’t get your desired plot immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much does a house cost in FFXIV?
A: The cost of a house varies depending on the plot location, size, and amenities.
Q: Can I buy a house as a solo player?
A: Yes, individual players can purchase personal houses in residential districts.
Q: How do I enter the housing lottery?
A: Submit an application and deposit at the Housing Market board in any major city.
Q: What is the maximum house size?
A: The largest house size is Large.
Q: Can I share my house with friends?
A: Yes, you can invite others to share ownership of FC houses or rent out apartments in your personal house.
Conclusion
Mastering the endgame housing system in FFXIV requires patience, creativity, and resourcefulness. By following these tips, utilizing the community resources, and staying informed, you can create the perfect home for your character and embark on an exciting new chapter in your FFXIV journey.
Reference Link to FFXIV Housing Guide
Square Enix Announces New Housing System for Final Fantasy XIV
Square Enix has announced a significant overhaul to the housing system in Final Fantasy XIV, scheduled to arrive in Patch 6.3. The new system introduces several key changes:
- Island Sanctuaries: Players can now purchase their own private islands, offering them a tranquil escape with gardening, fishing, and other relaxing activities.
- Personal Apartment Decor: Players can now decorate their apartments with a much wider variety of furniture and items, including those they can craft themselves.
- Expanded Neighborhoods: Housing neighborhoods will be expanded, providing more options for players to find a home.
- Relocation and Resale: Players can now relocate their houses to different plots within the same ward or sell their existing houses to other players.
- Empyrean Housing: A new type of large-scale housing, suitable for guilds or groups of friends, will be introduced.
Best MMORPGs for Housing
For those who love to customize their own virtual homes, several MMORPGs offer extensive housing systems:
- Final Fantasy XIV: Expansive housing districts with multiple sizes and styles, customizable interiors, and gardening.
- The Elder Scrolls Online: Player-owned homes in various zones, with multiple floors, customizable furniture, and extensive crafting options.
- Albion Online: Player-built island homes that can be upgraded and customized with various buildings, workshops, and decorations.
- Lord of the Rings Online: Extensive housing system with a wide selection of homes, customizable interiors, and a unique "Decorating" skill.
- World of Warcraft: Player-owned garrisons and class halls, allowing for customization, recruitment of followers, and unique gameplay experiences associated with housing.
Final Fantasy XIV Housing Market Trends
- High Demand, Limited Supply: The market remains extremely competitive due to the limited number of available housing plots.
- Premium for Popular Zones: Locations like Ishgard and Shirogane command a significant premium due to their aesthetic appeal.
- Fluctuating Prices: Prices vary depending on factors such as server population, plot size, and housing design.
- Price Spike after Expansion: Housing prices typically increase after game expansions introduce new residential areas.
- Auto-Demolition System: Houses left unoccupied for an extended period face the risk of auto-demolition, affecting the availability of plots.
- Use of Housing-Specific Currencies: Special currencies dedicated to housing, such as Gil and FC Credits, are used for purchasing and upgrading houses.
- Developer Efforts to Alleviate Shortage: Square Enix has implemented measures to increase housing availability, including expanding existing areas and introducing new plots.
- Alternative Options: Players explore alternative housing options such as apartments or guild halls as a substitute for independent houses.
Best Ways to Earn Gil for Housing in Final Fantasy XIV
- Crafting and Gathering: Sell crafted items or gathered materials on the Market Board.
- Market Board Manipulation: Buy low and sell high, taking advantage of market fluctuations.
- Retainer Ventures: Send retainers on ventures to gather items and sell them for profit.
- Duty Roulette: Complete daily and weekly duties to earn Tomestones, which can be exchanged for Gil.
- Beast Tribes: Complete Beast Tribe quests to earn Gil, experience, and reputation.
- Selling Materials: Gather or farm low-level materials and sell them to players who need them for crafting.
- Map Parties: Join map parties to earn Gil by completing treasure maps.
- Extreme Trials: Farm Extreme Trials for rare items that can be sold for high prices.
- Treasure Hunts: Participate in treasure hunts to earn Gil and exclusive rewards.
- Daily Grand Company Tasks: Complete daily Grand Company tasks to earn Gil and seals.
Square Enix Addresses Housing Shortage in Final Fantasy XIV
Square Enix has acknowledged the severe housing shortage in Final Fantasy XIV and announced measures to address it. The company plans to:
- Increase housing supply: Construct new residential areas within existing housing zones.
- Implement a lottery system: Allow players to enter a lottery for a chance to purchase a house.
- Establish a "Mansion Tax": Impose higher property taxes on larger houses to encourage their sale.
- Release larger player housing instances: Create instances that can accommodate more players and furnishings.
- Introduce a mechanism for relocating: Allow players to move their furnishings and houses to different locations.
Final Fantasy XIV Housing Demolition Rules
- Houses not visited for over 45 days may be demolished.
- Houses that have been used for player or FC storage may be demolished after 30 days of inactivity.
- Private chambers within FC houses may be demolished after 90 days of inactivity.
- Players will receive a warning letter 14 days before demolition.
- Demolition can be prevented by entering the house or apartment in question within the warning period.
- Inactive houses may be re-purchased by any players for full price.
How to Decorate Your Final Fantasy XIV House
Choosing Furniture and Decorations:
- Visit the Furnishing Merchant in each main city to browse available items.
- Check the market board for exclusive or expensive items.
- Consider the size and style of your house when selecting furniture.
Arranging Items:
- Use the "/place" command to position items.
- Rotate and scale furniture using the "Edit" menu.
- Experiment with different arrangements to create unique and aesthetically pleasing spaces.
- Utilize floating shelves or partitions to maximize vertical space.
Applying Partition Walls:
- Partition walls divide your house into separate rooms and add privacy.
- Place them where you want to separate different areas, such as a living room and bedroom.
- Customize partition walls with paint and textures to match your decor.
Lighting and Atmospheres:
- Use lamps and chandeliers to illuminate rooms and create ambiance.
- Place windows and skylights to let in natural light.
- Add atmospheric effects such as mist, rain, or snowfall to enhance the mood.
Exterior Decoration:
- Enhance your yard with plants, outdoor furniture, and fountains.
- Customize the exterior of your house with paint, materials, and lighting.
- Create a unique outdoor space that reflects your personality and style.
Tips and Tricks:
- Use the "/preview" command to see how items look before placing them.
- Experiment with color palettes and themes to create cohesive designs.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment and try out different ideas.
- Seek inspiration from other players or online resources for decorating inspiration.
Tips for Making Your Final Fantasy XIV House Look Amazing
- Use a variety of furniture and decorations. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles and eras to create a unique look.
- Pay attention to details. Small touches, like adding plants or painting walls, can make a big difference.
- Use lighting to your advantage. Lighting can create atmosphere and draw attention to certain features of your house.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. There’s no right or wrong way to decorate your house, so have fun and see what you can come up with.
- Share your creations with others. Once you’re happy with your house, share it with friends and the community on housing websites or social media.
Final Fantasy XIV Housing Community Events
Final Fantasy XIV’s housing community hosts various events to foster camaraderie and creativity.
Cottage Visits and Tours:
Players showcase their lavishly decorated or unique housing designs, allowing others to admire their creations and exchange ideas.
Housing Contests:
Housing competitions encourage players to design and furnish their abodes around specific themes, showcasing their architectural and decorating prowess.
Community Collaborations:
Neighborhoods and districts collaborate on large-scale housing projects, such as elaborate community gardens or themed streets. These cooperative efforts promote teamwork and shared ownership.
Garden Competitions:
Players participate in gardening competitions, submitting their meticulously cultivated plots for judging based on originality, aesthetics, and plant health.
Roleplaying Events:
Housing becomes the backdrop for roleplaying events, where players create immersive stories and engage in interactive experiences within their decorated homes and neighborhoods.