FFXIV:ARR PS3 Setup Recommendations

Hello folks,

I have a question for the experts out there. Before FFXIV:ARR is released on PS4, I'm interested in trying the game on console, therefore on PS3, first (free upgrade when PS4 version is released anyway).

I would like to know what other players use in order to chat or if there are pieces of equipment that can help setting up a better gaming experience on a console.


Before I receive some negative comment on the console version of the game and whatsoever, please note that I already have a PC way stronger than the average that runs this game flawlessly, that I have gaming mouse and keyboard and that I am aware that I am to some extent downgrading my experience.

That being said, I want to try the console version of the game and if some folks out there would be kind enough to share their recommendations, it would be appreciate. Money is not an issue, but I don't want to pay more than I need if it's not worth it.

Thanks in advance,
Lloyd Shade

Take some time to learn how to use the filters to your advantage.

You can also fully customize your hotbar if the default setup is not to your liking.

You will need a keyboard. If you want to raid you will need either a smart phone or a laptop or something to use the voice chat.

Change out the stock PS3 HDD for a faster 7200RPM HDD, SSHD or a Solid State Drive, it'll make your life much more pleasant.

You can plug in a KB and mouse into the PS3 as well, but at least for now the interface for the KB mouse setup is missing the same interface from PC since people are most likely to play with the controller (maybe they'll add the KB/M UI later, not sure. I think it will l be on the PS4 version though). The PS4 version will also likely run like a mid range PC (possibly similar to a high end PC if they really optimize the game for the PS4, I mean they got it running on PS3 pretty smooth).

Though I must say, as a PS3 player with a laptop that can only run the game at lowest settings and still only get about 10-20FPS depending on population density of a zone: it's definitely a downgrade from a very good PC. Graphics aren't as nice, AA is needed, character shadows are low quality, framerate for character models that aren't yours are purposefully low for the performance boost, can't draw more than like 25 character models at a time, etc. Load times aren't bad, but an HDD upgrade to at last a 7200RPM HDD shortens them (and I'd imagine an SSD would cut the load times down a lot).

The game itself runs smooth and it's very playable with any job, the biggest problem on PS3 is that it can't load all of the players like PC can (this is because of the RAM setup on the PS3. The PS3 has 512mb of RAM total (combined) to work with; 256 is set for the GPU and the other half is set to the CPU, so the PS3 has to juggle what's loaded into and unloaded from the RAM very often). This issue is pretty bad when it came to FATE groups when they were going very strong and people were all on the 30 day trial. The load priorities usually set other players to load first, then the monsters. Sometimes we couldn't even see the mobs, or if we could they'd disappear if we moved a bit too far away because it would prioritize other players.