Final Fantasy XIV Vs Final Fantasy XIV Mobile

Final Fantasy XIV and Final Fantasy XIV Mobile are vastly different, simply by virtue of the former being on consoles and PC and the latter on mobile. However, the two may be a lot more similar than you think. As it turns out, Lightspeed Studios wants you to enjoy Eorzea in the palm of your hand. They don't want to reinvent the wheel. Rather, staying true to an already blisteringly delightful experience. For this reason, you can expect plenty of the original content on the mobile version, including the unique world, story, and characters. However, there still will be some subtle differences, which we’ll be breaking down in the Final Fantasy XIV vs Final Fantasy XIV Mobile article below.

What is Final Fantasy XIV?

Final Fantasy XIV is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). The game, like plenty of Final Fantasy titles before it, is Square Enix’s product. History-wise, it has an interesting arc.

There was an original launch in 2010 on Windows that suffered commercial and technical flaws. As a result, Square Enix discontinued it. In 2013, the studio launched a more refined version, still titled Final Fantasy XIV, for PlayStation 3 and Windows.

The title changed a lot of things, including using a new engine and elevating the gameplay and story. Fortunately, the second version performed much better, making one of the most noteworthy comebacks in gaming history. Thereafter, the entry was ported over to the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and macOS platforms. 

Final Fantasy XIV is the 14th entry in the mega-franchise as well as the second MMORPG following Final Fantasy XI. Tens of millions of players subscribe to the game with quite profitable sales. Regular updates are also adamant, with five expansion packs, including Heavensward (2015), Stormblood (2017), Shadowbringers (2019), Endwalker (2021), and Dawntrail (2024).

What is Final Fantasy XIV Mobile?

Final Fantasy XIV Mobile, on the other hand, is an upcoming mobile adaptation of the original Final Fantasy XIV. It intends to faithfully stay true to the original’s story and gameplay, only adapting its mechanics for mobile platforms.

With the time lapse since the original launch, the new mobile port will be more of a remake. The world, narrative, and characters should remain relatively the same, except with a fresh coat of paint and fine polish here and there. 

Story

Briefly, Final Fantasy XIV is set in Eorzea, a fantasy region taking place after the Seventh Umbral Calamity that wrapped up the original discontinued version. Story-wise, the elder Bahamut escapes prison in Dalamud and sets his mind on unleashing an all-out apocalypse.

You’re then tasked with using temporal magic to escape, only to re-emerge when Eorzea is licking its wounds and attempting to combat a war re-ignited by the Garlean Empire. Final Fantasy XIV Mobile is also set in Eorzea. In fact, the story will be very similar to the original. 

Mobile ports often cut down on the story of the original, telling only a watered-down version. As per a developer blog post, they assure fans that the richness of Eorzea will remain intact on mobile, saying, “We’ve been working to ensure the camaraderie, exploration, and adventure that you’ve experienced in (large areas like) the Black Shroud or the Sea of Clouds is just as immersive on mobile.”

The team faced technical hurdles during development. However, they add that “after countless iterations, we crafted solutions that preserve the immersive experience you know and love in FFXIV.”

Gameplay

As an MMORPG, Final Fantasy XIV ushers players into a unique world. Multiple players can interact with one another and the environment around them. You can create your own character and proceed to customize their race, appearance, class, and more. You can be a disciple of the War or Magic class.

Thereafter, you can start to accumulate EXP, which will then allow you to level up your characters’ stats and abilities. To gain EXP, you need to take on quests and explore the world for dungeon-crawling missions, monsters to slay, side quests, and more. 

Deep in the treacherous dungeons is where you’ll find special items, better gear, and in-game currency. Alternatively, you can do the full active time events (FATEs), which any player can randomly jump into. However, they are restricted to certain regions and do carry some level of challenge in fighting monsters, escort missions, tower defense, and more. There are also PvP quests you can try. From raids to crafting, battles, and hunts, Final Fantasy XIV has a whopping ton of things to do.

Final Fantasy XIV Mobile, on the other hand, promises to offer “a rich world where you can explore, enjoy, and connect.” The major difference, though, might be that you can jump into the mobile version for shorter bursts of play.

However, you can still embark on a full-on adventure. The developers assure you that you won’t fight with daily tasks and time-limit quests but rather enjoy a casual game you can jump into whenever. Plus, there will be frequent updates, keeping your run-throughs refreshing. As complex as Final Fantasy XIV, it looks like the ultimate raids, FATEs, and dungeons will return on mobile, except on a touch screen.

Verdict

It’s too early to say whether Final Fantasy XIV Mobile will be better than its original counterpart, especially since we don’t have a confirmed release date yet. So far, we know the mobile version will have nine jobs, 11 crafting classes, an armory system, and the gold saucer, among other gameplay elements you may have interacted with in the original.

The trailer also features the A Realm Reborn story content. Lightspeed Studios assures fans they will faithfully adapt the original on mobile platforms, only optimizing controls. So, for now, it’s hoping that the outcome is just as good as the MMORPG it’ll be based on.

So, what’s your take? Will you be picking up Final Fantasy XIV Mobile when it drops? Let us know over on our socials here.