Dev Question: Physical Heavensward Purchase Pre-Order

[Kanemano]

I haven't yet seen this question answered;

If we pre-order the physical Heavensward Collector's Edition, will we get it in time for the early access?

I really want the statue and art book, but I'm wondering when we'll actually get it delivered to us. Will we have a code ahead of time to be able to download the expansion? Will it be delivered to us before the early access date?

Love,
Kane

[BreathlessTao]

Pre-order Codes
Pre-ordering from a retail store (North America)
When pre-ordering a physical version of the game from a retail store such as GameStop and Best Buy, a pre-order code will be printed onto your receipt. Please save this code as you will input this into the special FFXIV: Heavensward Pre-Order Site. (Instructions to follow below.)

Pre-ordering from a physical store (PAL)
When pre-ordering a boxed version of the game from a physical store such as Game or Micromania, you will receive your pre-order code printed on a leaflet. Please save this code as you will need to input this into the special FFXIV: Heavensward Pre-Order Site. (Instructions to follow below.)

Pre-ordering from an online store (North America)
When purchasing from the SQUARE ENIX Online Store, your store account will host your pre-order code on your account page along with instructions on redeeming it. Other stores, such as Amazon, will email your pre-order code to you. Codes for purchases completed on the SQUARE ENIX Online Store will be available right away; however, retailers may need some time to implement pre-order codes, so it may take a few extra days for them to be sent out when pre-orders begin. Going forward, however, you will be able to receive codes immediately.

Pre-ordering from an online store (box and download) and SQUARE ENIX Boutique * (Boxed version only) (PAL)
When purchasing from an online store such as Amazon or ordering a boxed version from the SQUARE ENIX Boutique, a pre-order code will be emailed to you **.
* SQUARE ENIX Boutique is the Square Enix online store in France.
**Dispatch dates for emails may differ by country and retailer.

Pre-ordering from digital download sites, SQUARE ENIX Store or SQUARE ENIX Boutique (Download version only) (PAL)
When pre-ordering from the SQUARE ENIX Store or digital download sites such as GreenManGaming and HumbleBundle, you will receive an Early Access code. An Early Access code will be emailed to you, but cannot be registered on the Mog Station until closer to the launch of FINAL FANTASY XIV: Heavensward on June 23, 2015. You will receive an email notifying you when your code can be redeemed.

^there you have it.

[Kanemano]

Thanks for that. But why does it differentiate "Pre-order" and "Early Access code?" Only in the last paragraph does it use the term "Early Access code" when mentioning "Pre-ordering from digital download sites. It also states in parentheses "(Download version only)".

I really just don't want to miss out on the early access if I get the box set.

[YukiKoneko]

That still doesn't answer the question about getting the software? Will we need the DVD itself to install the Heavensward content we've activated, or will it be downloaded via the patcher like normal updates are currently?

Also, I was about to submit my pre-order, and on the shipping page, it reads:

Note: the shipment will occur after 23 Jun 2015

Please explain!?

[Poppa]

That still doesn't answer the question about getting the software? Will we need the DVD itself to install the Heavensward content we've activated, or will it be downloaded via the patcher like normal updates are currently?

Also, I was about to submit my pre-order, and on the shipping page, it reads:


Please explain!?

This does need an explanation regarding early access. I think we understand that the code is needed to participate in early access, however it is my understanding that the game will run from the new software (ala the new DVD install). Can a dev please help us with this???

Keep up the awesome work guys!!

[Kairobot]

There will likely be a patcher available shortly before or during the (very) long maintenance period for the expansion. You will likely need the early access code activated on your account in Mog Station to access the new areas.

[KaitlynOfOz]

There will likely be a patcher available shortly before or during the (very) long maintenance period for the expansion. You will likely need the early access code activated on your account in Mog Station to access the new areas.

If this functions as most other MMOs the exact same patcher will be used to download the new content. The CD/DVD will just skip downloading from the internet part (which given how many people buy digital these days and the wonkiness of patch servers could be a significant amount of time).

[frostreaver]

In these cases usually it depends how quickly they send the physical box.

There maybe a delay when you can start on June 23rd depending when shipping occurs.

Rule of thumb with the last CE from ARR is the early access code give you access from the time early access begins still the day of release.

Depending when severs restart on day of release you will not be able to log into the game until you key in the CD-Key or code from the box itself.

I might be wrong, they decide to do something different but I would expect it would happen as I explained. The early access code will tie you between early access up to the date of release.

There may or may not be downtime between early access and the game going live but the box should contain a code for you to continue after early access.