I’ve loved video games most of my life. For a long time I’ve had to deal with people looking down on them, acting like I’m just wasting my life by playing them. To me, Final Fantasy XIV was proof they were wrong. The story fundamentally changed me, Heavensward and Shadowbringers in particular. It’s a game that really makes one rethink their outlook on life as a whole. And so the most beautiful memories have always been sharing that experience.

I went through with my friends, and the best moments were always with them. Sometimes we went through things together, and yelled and cried at the same time. Other times one person was ahead, but sat there waiting for the moment they knew was coming. I remember sitting there with the most evil grin on my face, trying not to laugh as yet another friend finished the Vault because I knew. Worrisome moments were made more worrisome by friends who were ahead of me dropping hints that something bad was going to happen (even if nothing did and they were just messing with me).

It was that much more amazing having people to laugh and cry with.

People who will discuss with me for hours on end.
(I tried telling my mom about the story once, I’m fairly sure she didn’t understand a word of it.)

People who will share stupid moments with me.
There was one time in Praetorium we tried to take pictures with Gaius and it ended with someone pulling him by accident. He ran forward in gpose, and I ended up with a picture of him about to behead my alt.


Even now, watching a couple of new people reach Heavensward, I can’t wait to share their adventure with them. It’s going to be crazy, and it’s going to be beautiful.

The Warrior of Light should never walk alone. I have some of the greatest friends to share my adventure with, and I’ve never been more thankful to have them both in the game and in my life. The best memories are those we share. And there will be many more to come.