by morfusmax1

Final Fantasy XIV is a Massively Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Game (MMORPG) developed by Square Enix. As the title suggests, it is the fourteenth installment in the popular Final Fantasy franchise, and one of Square Enix's most successful MMORPGs. Estimates are that FFXIV has between 30 and 60 million users spread across multiple continents, including new users coming in with Dawntrail, FFXIV's most recent expansion to date.

https://youtu.be/onGE1-I2T6Y

FFXIV is set in the world of Hydaelyn, where players start out in one of three cities in an alliance of nations called Eorzea. Eorzea is beset with Primals, god-like beings summoned by the collective will of a group of people, who then suck the life out of the land. As one of the few capable individuals, It's up to the players to deal with them. Along the way, players encounter diverse characters, explore new lands, and strive to unite different races while battling the darkness that threatens all.

While most fandoms show how captivating and inspiring a good story can be, MMORPGs offer an immersive experience. Players literally run around in this fictional world, interacting with others and depict oneself as a character of their own making. FFXIV excels in this regard, placing the player at the core of its story. Despite millions of other players, the game's narrative is personal, making each player's journey unique.

The game offers a wide range of options for players. All combat, trade and gathering classes are accessible to the player at the same time, each with its own quests and storyline. In addition to the Main Story Questline, players can delve into side quests that expand the lore, revisit past events, and even connect to other Final Fantasy titles through dimensional rifts or historical exploration.

Since the storyline is so large and the game is so vivid, the fanfiction community for FFXIV is rich with tales of untold stories, retellings and character-focused narratives. There are also Alternative Universe (AU) stories, set in a different kind of Hydaelyn or a different world altogether. These fanworks can be found on several platforms, including Wattpad, Archive of Our Own (AO3), and within dedicated communities on Tumblr and Discord.

Although rated T for Teen, FFXIV is enjoyed by players of all ages and genders. The game is popular among individuals, couples and groups of people in Free Companies (guilds). There are organized in-game player parties with music and gifts, a wedding chapel that is used fairly often, individual and guild housing available that can be decorated as desired, and people who roleplay their characters. The community is as massive as the game itself and varied enough that virtually anyone can find a place for themselves.

Square Enix provides a free-trial period for those curious about the game. So, come have a look and get yourself lost in Eorzea.

https://youtu.be/ez9S8PS2E3I