Looking Forward: How Is Heavensward Launch going to handle Physical CE purchasers?

[Zuellni]

It would be nice if they gave a temporary unlock code that you would have to replace when the Physical copy arrives, but I wouldn't hold my breath. I'm fully expecting the CE to be SE Store exclusive again and having to wait 3 weeks after launch to get it like the ARR CE since I live north of the border.

[LineageRazor]

It is my guess that hard copies of the game (including CE) will be available for purchase well before the content actually becomes active. You'll buy the game (physical or download, CE or not), install it, and then simply be unable to access any of the new content until the content becomes active for everybody, all at once.

* Was mentioned I think in a Live letter or perhaps fan fest (someone else can confirm where), you don't need the buy the expansion to have access to the new area. You will however need it to do some of the content (what they details no one knows yet).

I don't remember for certain what they said about what could or could not be accessed if you do not have the expansion, but if they follow the same pattern as in FFXI, you:

- will not be able to access the new areas.
- will not be able to participate in any quests or instances in the new areas (including those for unlocking new jobs)
- will be able to use equipment and items from the new areas, so long as those items are tradable/sellable.
- will be able to level your current jobs to the new level cap.
- will be able to see and interact with other players who have unlocked and are using the new jobs and equipment.

And, while there's no precedent in this case, I strongly suspect that you:

- will not be able to start a character as (or Fantasia to) the new Au Ra race.

[Ecks007]

* Was mentioned I think in a Live letter or perhaps fan fest (someone else can confirm where), you don't need the buy the expansion to have access to the new area. You will however need it to do some of the content (what they details no one knows yet).

No. That is not quite true. What was explained by the devs is that you will still be able to see players who are the jobs in the expansion and play with them, but you cannot explore any of that new content (duh). It's part of the expansion and you cannot reach it if you do not have the expansion. But all already available content is still accessable by any player who does not have the expansion.

Anything new introduced in 3.0 will not be accessable to anyone who does not have the expansion. This is common sense, and exactly what Yoshi said.

[Grekumah]

We’re preparing many things as we head towards the release of Heavensward, and we’re considering offering early access, or a type of pre-order bonus that would allow players to play the expansion when the expansion service starts even if they have yet to receive their physical package.

We’ll let you know more in regards to this via the Lodestone once the preparation is complete and we have further details to share.

[Vespar]

We’re preparing many things as we head towards the release of Heavensward, and we’re considering offering early access, or a type of pre-order bonus that would allow players to play the expansion when the expansion service starts even if they have yet to receive their physical package.

We’ll let you know more in regards to this via the Lodestone once the preparation is complete and we have further details to share.

Thank you Grekumah for the response! I really do hope that comes to pass In the mean time, can you post the Au Ra and job trailers from the fan fest stream on Youtube?
Its hard to make out the finer details on the premium stream. Some 1080p trailers would be much appreciated

[DoctorPepper]

We’re preparing many things as we head towards the release of Heavensward, and we’re considering offering early access, or a type of pre-order bonus that would allow players to play the expansion when the expansion service starts even if they have yet to receive their physical package.

We’ll let you know more in regards to this via the Lodestone once the preparation is complete and we have further details to share.

Thanks for the response, I will probably buy the physical CE if you guys go this route. If not then I don't have any intention of getting the physical version since unfortunately mail takes 2-4 weeks for me and there are no game stores in my area.

[Kasathar]

I don't care much for CE's in general but it all depends on what does the physical copy includes.

[Vespar]

I don't care much for CE's in general but it all depends on what does the physical copy includes.

Its actually fairly big because it includes this:

I dont remember all of what they mentioned in the stream, I think artbook and a DVD as well, but I want it for that dragon. It looks awesome.
The collectors edition box is actually a display for that wyvern statue too, and opens up in front. Was pretty awesome to see in the stream.

[MageBlack]

I wonder if this is a world wide CE box or the Japan CE box. I know 1.0 had different stuff in the NA and EU box sets. EU got a moldy coffee mug while NA got a cloth map. I hope it will be the same for all regions.

[Tatsumaki_HT]

what about if someone plays on both pc and ps4, do we have to buy the expansion for each console ?