Question: Buying the game...

[ChiKittie]

Hi! So I want to buy the game within the next week once my 14 day trial is up and I am playing using my PS3. My questions are can I buy the game via the PlayStation network or do I buy the game on the SquareEnix site? Also once the game is purchased then do I buy the subscription fee next? Where do I go to buy that?

A list of what to do and where in order would be great. Thanks for your help.
- CHi

[Niwashi]

can I buy the game via the PlayStation network or do I buy the game on the SquareEnix site?

Either one. (You can also buy from third party retailers. I bought it from Amazon, and a friend got it at GameStop. Check around to see if someplace has it at a discount.) If you buy from SE or a third party, it will come with a registration code that you'll need to enter at the PlayStation Store on your PS3. (If you buy it from the PlayStation Store this part is automatic.)

Also once the game is purchased then do I buy the subscription fee next? Where do I go to buy that?

You do that at SE's MogStation:
https://secure.square-enix.com/accun...svc/mogstation
Purchase of the game comes with the first 30 days of access, so you'll have 30 days in which to go to the MogStation and set up your subscription if you want to keep continuous access.

During that 30 days, you might also want to get a code from the Recruit A Friend program. It will reward you with a pretty hairpiece that boosts your XP during the early levels of any class. If you have a friend who plays, get the code from them, as they'll also get a reward if you subscribe, or you can use one of the codes people are offering in the Friend Recruitment Code thread. (These codes are also registered at the MogStation, but can only be registered before adding subscription time, so during that first 30 days if you sub once your initial time is up.)

[Riepah]

If you get it on PS3, keep in mind they're going to drop PS3 support at some point.

[Niwashi]

If you get it on PS3, keep in mind they're going to drop PS3 support at some point.

Well, that would be at least several years down the road if it does happen. And no word yet that it ever will.

[ChiKittie]

Thank you so much for your help. I will be sure to come back here to refer to this info when I buy the game.

[ChiKittie]

Well, that would be at least several years down the road if it does happen. And no word yet that it ever will.

Like the game won't work on PS3 anymore? Why would they do that ever if the game is for sale on PS3?

[Niwashi]

Like the game won't work on PS3 anymore? Why would they do that ever if the game is for sale on PS3?

More likely, it would just mean that they may only release the first few expansions on PS3, but at some point down the road, there may be additional expansions that don't get a PS3 version if the PS3 can't support whatever new features SE wants to add to them at that point. ARR, Heavensward, and likely the next expansion or two after that —anything that gets an initial release on PS3— would continue to work on PS3.

Similarly, Final Fantasy XI and most of its expansions came out on PS2, but the final expansion, Seekers of Adoulin, which came out in 2013, did not. (At least the North American market didn't get it for PS2. Japan did.) That was more than a decade after XI released, though. I think we have quite a while yet before PS3 is as outdated as PS2 was in 2013.

[ChiKittie]

Similarly, Final Fantasy XI and most of its expansions came out on PS2, but the final expansion, Seekers of Adoulin, which came out in 2013, did not. (At least the North American market didn't get it for PS2. Japan did.) That was more than a decade after XI released, though. I think we have quite a while yet before PS3 is as outdated as PS2 was in 2013.

Makes sense. I am only playing on my PS3 because my laptop didn't work with the game. Although my sister has the same one and her's works fine. So when the new expansions come out I have to buy those as well?

[Naria]

Yes, each version and expansion of the game is a new purchase. FFXIV's next expansion, Heavensward comes out next month (also called to as 3.0). In order to access any of the Heavensward content and updates, you have to purchase the Heavensward software. The purchase of Heavensward will also give you access to all of the 3.0+ series updates over the next year or so. Of course also have to continue to pay a sub to access the servers. There is a combo pack available for both ARR and Heavensward you can purchase that will give you access to everything through 3.0.

If in the future you wish to change platforms to PC, PS4 or MAC you will have to repurchase the base game and expansions for that platform. You don't have to restart your character, however, as that is tied to your overall service account.

Out of curiosity is your sister's laptop an identical spec? If so, it should probably be able to run on your laptop. What happened when you tried?

[ChiKittie]

Thanks for the info. What happens if I don't buy the newest expansion? I mean I have to buy the base game for 19.99 the another 50 or so for Heavensward... it all is running into money. How often do they have expansions coming out? If I wait for Heavensward to come out and buy that one do I still need to purchase the base game?