Final Fantasy XIV Online (FFXIV) is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed and published by Square Enix. It is the fourteenth installment in the Final Fantasy series and the second MMORPG in the franchise, following Final Fantasy XI. FFXIV was released in 2010 and has since received multiple expansions and updates.

Gameplay

FFXIV features traditional MMORPG gameplay, including character creation and customization, questing, dungeon crawling, and player-versus-player (PvP) combat. Players can choose from a variety of races and classes, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles.

Races

There are eight playable races in FFXIV:

Race	Description
Hyur	Humanoids with a variety of skin tones and features
Elezen	Elves with tall, slender frames
Roegadyn	Beastmen with muscular builds and distinctive horns
Lalafell	Dwarf-like beings with a childlike appearance
Miqo’te	Cat-like beings with long tails and ears
Au Ra	Dragon-like beings with horns and scales
Hrothgar	Lion-like beings with muscular builds and feline features
Viera	Rabbit-like beings with long ears and slender frames

Classes

There are nine playable classes in FFXIV:

Class	Role	Description
Arcanist	Healer / DPS	Can summon fairies to assist in battle
Archer	DPS	Uses a bow and arrow to attack from range
Conjurer	Healer	Uses white magic to heal allies and protect them from harm
Gladiator	Tank	Uses a sword and shield to protect allies and absorb damage
Lancer	DPS	Uses a lance to attack from close range
Marauder	Tank	Uses an axe to deal heavy damage and control enemies
Pugilist	DPS	Uses fists and martial arts to attack
Rogue	DPS	Uses a dagger to deal quick and precise attacks
Thaumaturge	DPS	Uses black magic to attack from range

Expansions

FFXIV has received three major expansions since its launch:

A Realm Reborn (2013)
Heavensward (2015)
Stormblood (2017)
Shadowbringers (2019)
Endwalker (2021)

Each expansion has introduced new areas, quests, classes, and features to the game.

Features

FFXIV offers a wide range of features, including:

Cross-platform play between PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5
Regular updates with new content and improvements
A large and active community of players
A robust crafting and gathering system
A variety of social activities, such as player housing and guilds
A free trial that allows players to experience the game up to level 60

Table of Contents

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is Final Fantasy XIV a free-to-play game?
A: No, FFXIV is a subscription-based game. However, there is a free trial that allows players to experience the game up to level 60.

Q: What are the system requirements for Final Fantasy XIV?
A: The system requirements for FFXIV vary depending on the platform. For more information, please visit the official website.

Q: What is the best class in Final Fantasy XIV?
A: There is no single best class in FFXIV. The best class for you will depend on your playstyle and preferences.

Q: Is Final Fantasy XIV cross-platform?
A: Yes, FFXIV is cross-platform between PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.

Q: What are the expansions for Final Fantasy XIV?
A: The expansions for FFXIV are:

A Realm Reborn
Heavensward
Stormblood
Shadowbringers
Endwalker

Character Creation in Final Fantasy XIV

Final Fantasy XIV offers extensive character creation options that allow players to personalize their in-game avatars. Players can select from:

Race: Elezen, Lalafell, Miqo’te, Roegaedyn, and Au Ra
Gender: Male or female
Face: Customizable facial features, including eye shape, nose, and mouth
Hair: Various hairstyles, colors, and lengths
Skin Tone: Range of skin colors and tones
Clan Markings: Unique tribal markings for certain races
Appearance: Adjust body size, height, and muscularity
Voice: Choose from a selection of voice options for each gender and race

Players can also unlock additional customization options, such as hairstyles and facial features, through gameplay or by purchasing items from the in-game store. The character creator allows for diverse and unique character designs, helping players create an avatar that reflects their personal style and preferences.

Final Fantasy XIV Starting Classes

Final Fantasy XIV offers a wide range of classes to choose from at the start of the game. Each class has its own unique abilities, playstyle, and gear. The starting classes are:

Arcanist: Can summon pets to fight alongside them.
Archer: Deals ranged damage using a bow.
Conjurer: Provides healing support and buffs.
Gladiator: Tanks and mitigates damage.
Lancer: Deals melee damage using a spear.
Marauder: Deals melee damage using an axe.
Pugilist: Deals hand-to-hand melee damage.
Rogue: Deals damage from stealth and uses knives.
Thaumaturge: Deals elemental magic damage.

Final Fantasy XIV Healers

Final Fantasy XIV features four healer classes: White Mage (WHM), Scholar (SCH), Astrologian (AST), and Sage (SGE). Each class has unique abilities and playstyles:

White Mage: A traditional healer specializing in pure healing and support spells. Known for its strong single-target heals and group-wide resurrection.
Scholar: A healer that summons a fairy companion to assist with healing. Offers a mix of group and single-target heals, as well as additional utility with shields and debuffs.
Astrologian: A healer who utilizes divination to enhance the party’s abilities. Provides balanced healing with a focus on buffs and damage mitigation.
Sage: The newest healer class, known for its high mobility and burst healing. It combines direct heals with damage reduction effects and portal manipulation.

Hippos in Final Fantasy XIV

In Final Fantasy XIV, hippos are a type of mount that can be obtained by completing certain in-game quests. They are known for their durability and strength, making them a powerful ally in battle. Hippos come in a variety of colors and patterns, with some even featuring unique abilities. They can be customized with various accessories, allowing players to create a personalized mount that suits their style. However, hippos are often regarded as being slow and bulky, which can make them less favorable for quick travel or navigating tight spaces.

Hippopotamus Mounts in Final Fantasy XIV

Hippopotamus mounts are rare and sought-after mounts in Final Fantasy XIV. They are large, lumbering creatures with impressive bulk and tusks. Hippopotamus mounts come in various colors, including brown, gray, and a rare golden variant.

To obtain a hippopotamus mount, players must complete specific in-game achievements or quests. For example, the brown hippopotamus can be purchased from the Market Board, while the gray hippopotamus is a reward for completing the "Hippocratic Oath" quest. The rare golden hippopotamus is awarded for achieving the "Master Hippopotamologist" achievement.

Hippopotamus mounts are known for their comfortable riding experience. Their large size allows for spacious seating, and their gentle nature makes them ideal for long journeys. Additionally, hippopotamus mounts possess increased durability, making them suitable for traversing treacherous landscapes.

Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game Features

Massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) are online video games that allow a large number of players to interact with each other in a virtual world. MMORPGs typically feature a persistent game world, in which the game continues to run even when players are not playing.

MMORPGs often feature a variety of character classes, each with its own unique abilities and skills. Players can create their own characters and customize them with a variety of options, such as appearance, gender, and class. Players can then explore the game world, interact with other players, and complete quests to gain experience and rewards.

Some of the most common features of MMORPGs include:

Persistent game world: The game world continues to exist even when players are not playing. This allows players to return to the game and continue their progress at any time.
Character customization: Players can create their own characters and customize them with a variety of options, such as appearance, gender, and class.
Player versus environment (PvE) content: Players can team up to fight against computer-controlled enemies.
Player versus player (PvP) content: Players can compete against each other in a variety of PvP modes, such as duels, battlegrounds, and raids.
Crafting: Players can gather resources and craft items, such as weapons, armor, and potions.
Trading: Players can trade items with each other in player-run marketplaces.
Social interaction: Players can interact with each other in a variety of ways, such as through chat, voice chat, and guilds.

Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game Character Creation

Character creation in massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) allows players to customize their in-game avatars. This process typically involves selecting various aspects of the character’s appearance, race, class, and skills.

Appearance Customization:

Players can choose from a range of body types, hair styles, facial features, and clothing options to create a unique look for their character.
Some games offer detailed character editors, allowing for fine-tuning of facial expressions, skin tones, and other attributes.

Race and Class Selection:

MMORPGs often feature a variety of races with distinct racial abilities and cultural backgrounds. Players can choose the race that best aligns with their preferences or playstyle.
Character classes specialize in specific roles such as melee combat, ranged damage, or spellcasting. Players select a class that matches their preferred combat style or in-game group composition.

Skill and Attribute Selection:

Characters can develop various skills and attributes that enhance their abilities in combat, crafting, or other aspects of gameplay.
Players allocate skill points and attribute bonuses to shape their character’s strengths and weaknesses.

Customization Influence:

Character creation choices can impact various aspects of gameplay, including combat effectiveness, access to specific abilities, and social interactions.
Players can experiment with different character builds to create a character that meets their specific gameplay goals.

Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game Starting Classes

Massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) often offer a variety of character classes for players to choose from at the start of the game. Each class typically has its own unique set of skills, abilities, and playstyle. Some of the most common starting classes in MMORPGs include:

Warrior: Warriors are typically melee fighters who specialize in dealing physical damage. They are often strong and durable, making them good choices for players who want to get up close and personal with their enemies.
Rogue: Rogues are also melee fighters, but they are more agile and stealthy than warriors. They often have abilities that allow them to deal high damage to single targets or to avoid detection.
Mage: Mages are ranged fighters who specialize in dealing magical damage. They can often cast powerful spells that can damage or control multiple enemies.
Healer: Healers are support classes that specialize in healing and buffing their allies. They are often essential for keeping groups of players alive in difficult encounters.
Tank: Tanks are support classes that specialize in taking damage for their allies. They often have high health and defense, and they can use abilities to taunt enemies and draw their attention away from other players.

Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game Healers

Healers play a vital role in massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs). They use healing spells and abilities to keep other players alive during combat and provide support in various situations. Healers typically have the following characteristics:

High intelligence or wisdom: These stats enhance the effectiveness of healing spells.
Low strength or dexterity: Healers generally focus on defense and support rather than dealing damage.
Access to healing spells and abilities: The exact spells and abilities vary depending on the game and class, but all healers can restore health and remove debuffs.

Healers work alongside tanks, damage dealers, and other support classes to form a well-balanced team that can tackle challenging content. They must be able to effectively manage mana, position themselves strategically, and prioritize the healing of injured players.

In MMORPGs, healers may also fulfill other roles such as:

Buffs and debuffs: Healers can cast spells that enhance their allies’ abilities or weaken enemies.
Resurrection: Some healers can revive fallen allies, allowing them to continue fighting.
Crowd control: Healers may possess abilities to control enemy movement or prevent them from attacking.