Intrigued by how many players love it Final Fantasy XIV but don’t know how to start? The game’s open beta for the PlayStation 5 starts tomorrow and promises sharper graphics, faster frame rates and shorter loading times than the PlayStation 4 version. All that plus a generous free trial period makes this week a good time to get acquainted with the hugely popular MMO.
The PS5 version of Final Fantasy XIV pulls me back to try out the game in a whole new way. For years I avoided the console version of Square Enix’s online RPG. First, I’m concerned about juggling skills and abilities using a game controller instead of my trusty keyboard. And second, console versions of PC MMORPG games have always been muddy and slow. According to today’s post on the PlayStation Blog about the PS5 betaHowever, this new version runs at 1440p at 60 frames per second, which sounds nice and fast. I’m also a fan of the super-fast load times that Square Enix has shown, and I’m intrigued by the use of the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback for setting up footsteps and collecting actions. Who knows, maybe it’s time for me to stop making fun of my console-playing Free Company companions and start using the gamepad myself?
Existing PS4 players will get free access to the beta, as will new players who sign up for the free trial of the game, giving them access to the full game plus the Heavensward expansion, allowing them to level unimpeded from 1 to 60. Beyond having to buy a copy of the game, but your trial progression awaits when you do.