I’ve been hearing great things about the story in Final Fantasy XIV and I’m really interested in diving in. I’ve always loved the strong narratives in the other FF games like VII, VIII, X, and XV, where the distinct characters play a huge role in the storytelling. My question is, how does the story in XIV hold up if I’m creating a custom character with a blank slate? Can it still deliver that punchy narrative with memorable character arcs, given that my own character doesn’t come with a detailed backstory? I’m a bit of a story structure nerd and would love to know if the time I invest in this game would be worth it, especially since I have limited gaming time due to my kids. Mild spoilers are fine, but please, no details about XVI since I’m looking forward to that!
3 Answers
No worries! FFXIV has an awesome cast of characters that really drives the story. Even though your Warrior of Light is a blank slate, you’ll find some characterization through dialogue choices and a bit of backstory. The game ensures your character has their own journey throughout the expansions. Plus, you’ll meet the Scions of the Seventh Dawn and many other NPCs with rich arcs, making the narrative feel alive! Personally, I’d say this is my favorite video game story ever. It had me in tears multiple times, and the silent protagonist style enriches the experience as it feels like you’re part of the adventure. Just keep in mind, it’s a huge commitment; I spent around 500 hours getting through the main content. The beginning might feel slow, but stick with it—trust me, the expansions are worth every minute!
Your character in FFXIV is more of a POV character rather than a traditional lead. Similar to how Vaan serves in FFXII. You might not be at the forefront of every story, but that doesn’t detract from the spectacular experiences around you! Just remember, every expansion has its own unique focus. In some cases, like Stormblood, other NPCs really take the lead while you’re more of a supportive role. But in Shadowbringers and Endwalker, it does feel like you step into a more protagonist role.
The narrative shifts for different expansions, so there’s always something fresh!
That makes sense! It’s good to know that character focus can shift depending on the story. I can see how it creates a richer experience as you get further into the game.
Honestly, there’s a ton of storytelling and character development even though you’re the main POV character. You can always create your own background for your character, which is part of the fun! I used to do that in FFXI; I crafted an entire narrative around my character’s backstory, and it just added to the experience. Roleplaying is all about making your character your own, so don’t stress too much about the specifics being laid out for you.
It’s not just about your character, there are so many compelling arcs throughout the game, so you won’t be missing out on great story moments.
Love this answer, it reassured me a lot! I’m intrigued by how they use the silent protagonist, you’re right—smart writing can shine through any restrictions.
Quick question: how much of this great story content is covered in the free trial? My budget’s tight right now, and I want to know if I can experience a good chunk of it before diving in.