Changing character name

[Phraust]

I recently used my Phial of Fantasia and went female. Problem is I'm stuck with my male name. (No option to change it)

I saw free server transfers are coming out but its only a single transfer. Which means I can't transfer off then transfer back i dont think. Unless it means each transfer is a single transfer and you can do it multiple times.

I've heard that in FFXI you had to transfer servers then back, and there was a 3 month cool down on transferring. I really want to be able to change my name but it also says people with the name first have priority and the other will be prompted to change name.

Does this mean I cant make a toon on a diff server then transfer it here, and it won't give my current toon the option at all to name change? Am I stuck with a male name forever? I really don't want to start over but i'm going to be really disappointed if it's my only choice.

[LilaLorellai]

I'd really like an answer to this also. My boyfriend has picked a horrendous name and it needs to be changed. Will this ever be added?? Willing to pay for it on top of sub if necessary.

[Phraust]

I read this in the support FAQ's:

After the transfer, if two or more characters with the same first and last name exist in the same World, only one character can keep the name, based on the order of priority below.

1. Characters that qualify for Legacy status.
2. Characters whose subscriptions ended after September 30, 2012.
3. Characters that were created first.

In the event that your character must be renamed, please enter a new name by following the on-screen instructions when you first log in following the World transfer.
* Players may voluntarily rename their characters even if their name takes precedence.



im guessing by that last line, that its possible to change your name by making a diff char on a diff server and transferring it to your current character. even though you had priority over the name you can have an optional name change. is this correct?

[Reiterpallasch]

1. Characters that qualify for Legacy status.
2. Characters whose subscriptions ended after September 30, 2012.
3. Characters that were created first.

In the event that your character must be renamed, please enter a new name by following the on-screen instructions when you first log in following the World transfer.
* Players may voluntarily rename their characters even if their name takes precedence.

That last line has me very worried about something. From the looks of it, if someone were to transfer to a new server and their name has precedence, the person who was already there would need to change their name instead provided the person transferring decides to not take the name change. I'd like to think it's not true, but the wording makes it seem that way. This types of rules are typically only in place for merges anyway, so I have no idea why they would use them for transfers too. Could you imagine logging in one day with a message saying you're being forced to name change, because somebody who has had the name longer jumped to your server?

That being said, hopefully they eventually just give us the option to name change. It's one of those things I think the majority of players would be happy to have, and hopefully SE sees that the benefits outweigh the (few) negative aspects of it.

[16bitBounty]

That last line has me very worried about something. From the looks of it, if someone were to transfer to a new server and their name has precedence, the person who was already there would need to change their name instead provided the person transferring decides to not take the name change.

The person originally on the server always has precedence. The transferring player will not receive the option, only the player who was already on the server.

[Niwashi]

It would have to be either very limited (a one-time only option, perhaps, like the Phial of Fantasia is), or else cost money. If it were too readily available, it would become a tool for griefers (who would just change their name whenever they become well-known enough for people to start avoiding them). But I do agree that offering a one-time only name change would be good, especially as they've already offered a one-time only race & gender change.

There's a cumbersome method I've heard of some people considering. Create a character on another world with the same exact name you have now. Transfer your regular character there, prompting the chance to rename her. Wait whatever the transfer cooldown period is, and then transfer back (or just remain on the new server if you're not yet too deeply involved in your FC and don't care where you play). Note that the cooldown period between changes means that only one transfer would be free. You'd have to pay to transfer back.

EDIT:
Ah, that priority listing Phraust listed is different than what I saw a while ago. At that point they were saying the priority would be to the character already on the destination world. Perhaps they've changed it.

[Slatervonjager]

From what square has said, Name changes are only for specific situations, meaning that if you used your potion, then you're stuck with a female character with a guy's name.

Also, it's pretty hard for people to have the same name when transferring servers, because from my understanding, the name pool is universal, not server limited.

[HEC]

Also, it's pretty hard for people to have the same name when transferring servers, because from my understanding, the name pool is universal, not server limited.

No - each server has it's idenpendet "pool" of names - I have the same name on numerous servers. Hence also the info above in regards of the move that if the character with the same name exists on the server you're moving to you'll be prompted to change yours. This could be used (as paid service indeed) to "change" the name however you'll get charged twice (to move to another server and then back) plus you'll be unable to play for several days during the transfer procedure. Also - first 5 days of the world transfers will be free.

[Niwashi]

Also - first 5 days of the world transfers will be free.

Anyone know what the regular price for server transfers will be after that first five days?

[HEC]

Anyone know what the regular price for server transfers will be after that first five days?

Nope - we're still awaiting the official announcement about this.