Final Fantasy XIV Xbox Open Beta Starts Later This Month

Square Enix has revealed that Final Fantasy XIV's open beta on Xbox Series X|S will begin on February 21. Only first-time Final Fantasy XIV players will be able to participate in this open beta.

The open beta will contain the same content and features as the game's Free Trial version, but without the ability to make online store purchases. Players are not required to be Xbox Game Pass subscribers for the open beta period. However, the full Xbox Series X|S version of the game will require either a Core or Ultimate Game Pass subscription to play.

Square Enix is also planning to launch the full version of the game immediately once the open beta test concludes, based on feedback and reviews of the test. Those who participate in the test will have their data transferred to the full release.

Final Fantasy XIV's upcoming expansion, Dawntrail, is set to launch in Summer 2024. The expansion will also include a new class called Viper.

Final Fantasy XIV first launched on PlayStation and PC back in 2013. Xbox fans have been clamoring for the game for nearly a decade. Xbox's Phil Spencer said back in 2015 that it was "just business," but director Naoki Yoshida initially said it was because Microsoft didn't allow cross-play with other platforms. However, the Xbox Series X|S version was finally announced last year.

The latest expansion, Endwalker, was released in 2021. In GameSpot's Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker review, we said, "Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker reaches for the stars with its ambition and gets there--but not without a few turbulent hiccups along the way."