PSA for people pre-ordering Shadowbringers (Steam vs. PC windows / redeeming codes)

About Steam and PC Windows versions

The two versions are not compatible.

• If your base game (A Realm Reborn) was purchased on Steam (or through a Steam key reseller and then activated on Steam): you cannot purchase and activate a regular PC Windows version. You will have to purchase Shadowbringers on Steam.
• If your base game was a regular PC Windows version (no Steam), the same thing applies: you cannot purchace and activate a Steam version. You will have to purchase Shadowbringers on a selling platform that is not Steam (or that doesn't deliver Steam keys).

If you pre-order the wrong version, the support can help you. But please be aware that it is still a tedious process for everyone involved. So please double check everything before doing anything.
Some people are already reporting having bought the wrong version by mistake...

Another thing to note: physical collector editions for Steam are extremely limited in their stock number. At the time of writting, they are already out of stock in multiple regions.

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About redeeming and activating codes

If you make a pre-order, you will receive a pre-order code (either via email or on your reseller website. The time it takes for you to get it may vary depending on where you buy it).
This code will be shaped like this: XXXXXX-000-XXXXXX-000. This code cannot be directly redeemed on the Mog Station.

In order to get a proper code to activate on your Mog Station account, you have to "convert" that code into another here: https://redeem.finalfantasyxiv.com
Make sure to log in, enter your code, and then select the proper platform you want for your code.
Note for Steam users: Others have reported that this step is not necessary, as Steam seems to provide directly the code that can be redeemed on the Mog Station. Please be aware that this might not apply to people buying a Steam key from another reseller.

You will then be provided a code (an email will be sent to you as backup) that can be redeemed on the Mog Station under the first menu entry on the top horizontal menu. There should be a button to register the early access code.

Once redeemed, your account overview should display that you are eligible to Shadowbringers Early Access. You should also receive the Gremlin minion and the Aetheryte earring on March 1st.

Please note that this code does not include nor activate Shadowbringers itself. So once the early access ends, you will only have access to Shadowbringers content if you activated the expansion key on your Mog Station account. This key will be provided at a later date, or will simply be in your physical version's box if you bought one. Steam users: while the key is already available for you, it cannot be used on the Mog Station yet. The option to redeem it will be enabled later, most likely around launch date.
The pre-order code also doesn't have anything to do with the collector's edition in-game rewards. These items will come once you activate your actual Shadowbringers key.

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In short, there are three codes when it comes to pre-orders:

• Pre-order "rough" code: XXXXXX-000-XXXXXX-000
  • Obtained after pre-ordering the Shadowbringers expansion.
  • Not usable on the Mog Station.
  • Only usable here: redeem.finalfantasyxiv.com
  • Steam users: people have reported reported that Steam does not give this code. They seems to give directly the one usable one the Mog Station right below.
• Pre-order "Mog Station" code: ???? ???? ???? ???? ????
  • Obtained after redeeming the previous code. Or given directly by Steam.
  • Usable on the Mog Station.
  • Will flag your account to be eligible for pre-order rewards: Early access and ingame items (Gremlin minion, Aetheryte earring).
• Shadowbringers key: ???? ???? ???? ???? ????
  • Obtained around launch date, either digitally or in your physical game box depending on what you bought. Steam keys are already available but cannot be used on the Mog Station yet.
  • Will be usable on the Mog Station closer to the release.
  • Will flag your account to be eligible to play Shadowbringers content forever. If the key is from a collector's edition, it'll grant ingame rewards (Fran minion, Grani mount, Revolver weapon)

This is an important PSA to keep in mind. I've run into this issue long in the past and it perplexes me. Thanks for keeping it in the public consciousness.

bumping this to the front because every expansion i know on the reddit and here, there's always a thread or three made on getting the wrong version, BESURE YOU GET THE RIGHT VERSION FOR YOUR GAME.

That's very odd, considering I have bought plenty of games on steam and used the code on the "off steam" account. I wonder why it's this way for Shadowbringers?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kaedan

That's very odd, considering I have bought plenty of games on steam and used the code on the "off steam" account. I wonder why it's this way for Shadowbringers?

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it's been that way for final fantasy 14, it's due to them having a native non steam launcher and a steam version of the launcher, because those two are separate so is the licensing for the two versions,

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kaedan

That's very odd, considering I have bought plenty of games on steam and used the code on the "off steam" account. I wonder why it's this way for Shadowbringers?

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It's always been like this for XIV. They even warn in the SE shop and steam pages that the serial numbers aren't compatible if you bought the base game via other means. Why it's like this, I can't say, but it's not anything new for XIV expansions.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fyce

Once redeemed, your account overview should display that you are eligible to Shadowbringers Early Access. You should also receive the Gremlin minion and the Aetheryte earring on March 1st.

Please note that this code does not include nor activate Shadowbringers itself. So once the early access ends, you will only have access to Shadowbringers content if you activated the expansion key on your Mog Station account. This key will be provided at a later date, or will simply be in your physical version's box if you bought one.
The pre-order code also doesn't have anything to do with the collector's edition in-game rewards. These items will come once you activate your actual Shadowbringers key.

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how can I give you more likes. Thank you

Bumping this PSA to reach the top page.

Thank you for this. It will be my first preorder (Started long after both prior expacs were released).

And to bump this as well So I can find it when I do my order!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Nyvara

And to bump this as well So I can find it when I do my order!

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Don't forget to bookmark just in case it slips into the back end of the forum!

huh? When I preordered Stormblood I copy pasted the CD key I got on Steam directly on the Mogstation and it accepted it immediately without any conversions, same with ShB soooooo.... idk? But I upgraded my free trial account with a Steam version of the game so maybe that's why

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SoleilAlphi

huh? When I preordered Stormblood I copy pasted the CD key I got on Steam directly on the Mogstation and it accepted it immediately without any conversions, same with ShB soooooo.... idk? But I upgraded my free trial account with a Steam version of the game so maybe that's why

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As I mentionned, the expansion key and the pre-order code are two separate things. The one that needs to be "redeemed" (converted) is the pre-order one.
Expansion keys can be directly activated on the Mog Station without any inbetween step.

Shadowbringers keys are not available yet, they will be provided around the release date of the expansion. The only available codes are the pre-order ones, which only grant early access as well as two in-game items.

In short, there are three codes:

• Pre-order "rough" code: XXXXXX-000-XXXXXX-000
  • Obtained after pre-ordering the Shadowbringers expansion.
  • Not usable on the Mog Station.
  • Only usable here: redeem.finalfantasyxiv.com
• Pre-order "Mog Station" code: ???? ???? ???? ???? ????
  • Obtained after redeeming the previous code.
  • Usable on the Mog Station.
  • Will flag your account to be eligible for pre-order rewards: Early access and ingame items (Gremlin minion, Aetheryte earring).
• Shadowbringers key: ???? ???? ???? ???? ????
  • Obtained around launch date, either digitally or in your physical game box depending on what you bought. Steam keys are already available but cannot be used on the Mog Station yet.
  • Will be usable on the Mog Station closer to the release.
  • Will flag your account to be eligible to play Shadowbringers content forever. If the key is from a collector's edition, it'll grant ingame rewards (Fran minion, Grani mount, Revolver weapon)

I'll update the OP.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fyce

Shadowbringers keys are not available yet, they will be provided around the release date of the expansion. The only available codes are the pre-order ones, which only grant early access as well as two in-game items.

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Pre-ordering from Steam already provides two sets of codes: One to unlock the pre-order items, and another is the actual Shadowbringers key. I can attest as I pre-ordered yesterday.

Sadly, since the second key can only be accepted at Mog Station, I'm guessing a week before launch date, those that don't have HW or ShB yet are stuck with just ARR.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by milovan

Pre-ordering from Steam already provides two sets of codes: One to unlock the pre-order items, and another is the actual Shadowbringers key. I can attest as I pre-ordered yesterday.

Sadly, since the second key can only be accepted at Mog Station, I'm guessing a week before launch date, those that don't have HW or ShB yet are stuck with just ARR.

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Yeah, I think I should make it more clear for Steam users. Steam has already revealed the expac key, but the Mog Station doesn't currently allow to enter it.
Also could you confirm that the pre-order code needs to be redeemed on redeem.finalfantasyxiv.com, or it is directly a Mog Station one?
Will update the OP.

Edit: Thank you for the confirmation, I was able to double check it with other sources as well, as I do not own a Steam version myself.
So, Steam already gives "converted" pre-order codes usable on the Mog Station, and already displays the expansion key that cannot be activated yet on the Mog Station.

ty for clarification Fyce. I just checked my ShB codes on Steam. None of them is in the "rough" format with the six 0, not even the preorder one so it is a mogstation "normal"? code as i was able to enter my preorder one without issue

Really wish I'd found this before having this issue. CS is closed for the weekend and I can't afford to repurchase it. No earrings for me during the time I was able to play the most. This is very depressing.

I would also like to bump this. It seems to be an ongoing problem.

I've just had this issue for the first time (and never heard of this as an issue before now, tbh) and it's insane that a company would allow something like this to happen. I just don't get it.

Now I'm waiting until Monday to try to get it remedied and I'm beyond annoyed.

Thank you, OP, for doing the research and making this post. Bumping to hopefully save some others from this hassle.

I never understood why they'd do separate codes for pre-order and actual expac. But I'm just eagerly awaiting to put my code in.

Thanks a ton: This was the weirdest / least intuitive expansion or preorder situation I've ever encountered, and your thread was the only source I could find with the correct information for the Steam version. Huge help, 10/10, would read again. :V

Also just to help, don't change your account email til charged. My order disappeared when I did they said I'd have to call to get it back and talk with tech support. XD Panicking I changed it back and it came back so just to help anyone else not panick...

Thank you for the information - so helpful!

One of my friend asked me if I could buy the code through Square Enix's store and give the code to my friend in order for her to receive the pre-order bonus.

My question is: Can I pre-order for my friend somehow?

It's just a week left til early access. I've been able to redeem the pre-order code. But the expansion just says "instructions" on the square store when hitting unlock the code. Does anyone have any idea how close to release square is going to give the expansion code even after charging for it?

I cant use my early access steam code on the mogstation to get my pre-order bonus :(

So, being the literal dumbass that I am, I completely forgot to use the code when I pre-ordered the collector's edition of Shadowbringers, and now I'm worried I completely lost it.

I understand there are 3 codes. The raw code to reveal the early access code. The Early Access Code of the game to enter in Mog Station,
and the standard code of the expansion. My question is, where do I find this third code? I bought the collector's edition but only have two codes. Where do I get my collector's edition code from?

If you pre-order the wrong version, the support can help you.

Which support is that exactly? Need refund. Square Enix store is not responding, only an automated email.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ArcIgnis

I understand there are 3 codes. The raw code to reveal the early access code. The Early Access Code of the game to enter in Mog Station,
and the standard code of the expansion. My question is, where do I find this third code? I bought the collector's edition but only have two codes. Where do I get my collector's edition code from?

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With physical boxed copies, the final code is in the box.

With digital download copies, the retailer you bought it from should email you the code (separately from the first pre-order code).