Everything you need to know about the FFXIV Xbox beta

It’s an exciting time for FFXIV – Dawntrail is on the horizon and very soon, a whole new group of players will be joining through the Xbox open Beta. However, with the Beta comes a long list of information that needs to be taken into account, so here’s everything you need to know. 

When does the open beta begin?

The FFXIV Xbox open Beta is set to launch on February 21 2024 at 8am GMT / 3am EST / 12am PST. 

How to register for the FFXIV open beta

The best way to access the FFXIV Xbox open beta is by heading to the Microsoft Store and downloading the FFXIV Free Trial, as this does not require an Xbox Game Pass subscription. This will allow you to play as much as you like, up to and including the Stormblood expansion, while also allowing you to play and level every Job up to level 70.

It’s worth noting that once you’ve reached this cap and want to continue playing, you’ll need to purchase both an FFXIV subscription and an Xbox Game Pass Core or Ultimate subscription to do so. 

For more information about the free trial and the restrictions involved, because there are a few, click here. 

Xbox settings to check before playing

Because FFXIV is an online multiplayer game, some settings may need to be tweaked before you’re able to log in and enjoy Eorzea. To see if you need to change anything, navigate through the Settings menu in the following order:

Settings > Account > Privacy & online safety > Xbox privacy > View details & customize > Communication & multiplayer

Once you’ve done this, you’ll need to configure the following settings:

• “You can join multiplayer games” – set to Allow
• “You can join cross-network play” – set to Allow
• “Others can communicate with voice, text, or invites” – set to Everybody
• “You can communicate outside of Xbox with voice & text” – set to Everybody

How to register for the FFXIV Xbox open beta

To register for the open beta, you’ll need to link your Microsoft Account and your Square Enix account. 

Once you’ve linked accounts, you will be able to take part in the open beta. 

Who can register for the FFXIV Xbox open beta?

Square Enix is urging people only to sign up to the open beta if they’ve never played before, because of the need to link accounts. This is because once you’ve linked accounts, you won’t be able to unlink them and therefore you won’t be able to transfer your regular account over. 

Will my FFXIV progress carry over?

If you choose to register for the Xbox open beta, you will be starting completely fresh with a new character and you won’t be able to transfer a character over in the future, either. If you want to transfer your character to Xbox, you’ll need to wait until the open beta is concluded and the full version goes live.

When will the FFXIV Xbox open beta end?

At the time of writing, there is no end date for the open beta. Square Enix states that they will decide the end date based on information provided in ‘thorough reviews’ of the beta.