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

[Fyce]

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)

[Dualgunner]

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.

[DracotheDragon]

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.

[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?

[DracotheDragon]

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?

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,

[BillyKaplan]

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?

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.

[EvalcieChevallier]

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.

how can I give you more likes. Thank you

[noxen]

Bumping this PSA to reach the top page.

[Nyvara]

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!

[noxen]

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

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