If I buy the disk I keep it. Download would be far more convenient, but not necessary unless you get a buddy pass online (so you can't borrow your buddy's disk) I guess.


If you were in the Beta, it might still be listed as Active. I'm not sure how they handle betas once they're over.


If you used a Buddy Pass to register that account, that gives you access to log in, but you still need the game. Borrow a friend's disk, or run to a game shop and buy XIV for $15, or do something illegal that probably will have no consequence---but you've got to install it if you want to play.

Let us know if you have any other questions!