Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker

 PC
User Score
9.1

Universal acclaim- based on 1790 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,611 out of 1790
  2. Mixed: 39 out of 1790
  3. Negative: 140 out of 1790

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  1. Kunray
    Feb 12, 2022
    9
    This is a great game to play with friends!
    I'd recommend playing this game.
  2. SavageStyle
    Feb 12, 2022
    10
    You are the main character of unbelievable story. The game hit me right in the heart.
    Live through all trials and years to the ultimate finale!
    - Music connects to the screen perfectly.
    - Amazing cutscenes, more like full movie experience.
    - Cute kind community and clubs as part of MMO!
  3. Seyta
    Jan 30, 2022
    0
    A bad expansion.
    Don't get me wrong, FF XIV is great, one of the best mmorpg ever, I play it since ARR (2013). But this expansion just sucks, there is nothing new at all compared to previous expansions. Square enix doesn't dare to inovate, they don't take any risks, it's always the same thing, the same schema.
    I understand some people like the stability. It’s the opposite extreme with    A bad expansion.
    Don't get me wrong, FF XIV is great, one of the best mmorpg ever, I play it since ARR (2013). But this expansion just sucks, there is nothing new at all compared to previous expansions. Square enix doesn't dare to inovate, they don't take any risks, it's always the same thing, the same schema.

    I understand some people like the stability. It’s the opposite extreme with retail WoW where Blizz tries to reinvent the wheel every patch but still.    … Expand
  4. Nurya
    Jan 30, 2022
    10
    Literal masterpiece, alongside Shadowbringers this has been my best and most amazing experience in gaming ever
  5. Rimvee
    Jan 24, 2022
    10
    Since 1997, FFVII has been my favourite Final Fantasy. No longer. Endwalker is a heartwarming, heartrending, sublime cap to the 8-10 year Zodiark/Hydaelyn story and an all-round amazing experience. This game is simply one of the best in the business.
  6. carl_xjones
    Jan 24, 2022
    7
    That whole "hope" thing was bordering on toxic optimism. I wish the game wasn't as black and white. That formula might be appealing to fans of Avengers but not to fans of more mature stories.
  7. Jacklad900
    Jan 23, 2022
    10
    Just stick with it, the slow burn at start gives for the biggest pay off the rest of the way through right up to the big end.
  8. rogersjob11
    Jan 22, 2022
    10
    The underlying truth the story tries to tell is relatable to just about anyone and the execution is perfect. Not only does it tie up all the of expansions but also pays tribute to the original 1.0.
  9. kleim
    Jan 19, 2022
    10
    I have never played any other Final Fantasy game before and enjoyed the story a lot more than I could have ever expected.
    Lots of other people only reviewing the story here and giving it a 10/10 (rightfully so) should already tell you just how amazing it is.
    To really enjoy the story you need to play the base game and previous expansions as well which might take a long time to complete    I have never played any other Final Fantasy game before and enjoyed the story a lot more than I could have ever expected.
    Lots of other people only reviewing the story here and giving it a 10/10 (rightfully so) should already tell you just how amazing it is.
    To really enjoy the story you need to play the base game and previous expansions as well which might take a long time to complete but since they are great in their own ways too you should never feel pressured to finish them quickly just because you want to get to the "great finale"    … Expand
  10. Ananisapta
    Jan 16, 2022
    10
    I've played more MMOs than I can count. FFXIV wins the prize for story, especially the parts authored by Natsuko Ishikawa. Unlike many JRPGs, these characters are adults with Western facial features and body language confronting complex issues with an uplifting overall theme. Highly recommended for all ages.
  11. ganassa
    Jan 14, 2022
    10
    There is nothing more I can say than; this was easily the best expansion I have ever played, be it story-wise or design-wise. Let us embark on the new saga that begins after the conclusion of this epic saga.
  12. TristanX
    Jan 13, 2022
    10
    Epic conclusion! Loved it. They made this expansion with love. Can't wait for the next set of story. Added classes is great too. Combat still needs to be faster though.

    Would like to see another level of graphics (as optional) for higher end PCs.
  13. cmcmcmcm2
    Jan 12, 2022
    10
    Amazing series and the ending of an era.
    FFXIV makes me so emotional and the story is so touching.
    I cried out of joy and emotion.
    Even more, the content of the story rises to the level of philosophy in this expansion.
    It's a story that is definitely a miraculous tribute to the life of a man who strives to live.
    It's so far the best game/ novel I've ever seen in my life.
  14. Marble145
    Jan 12, 2022
    10
    this is the best FFXIV has been, it ties up all the threads set up in previous expansions and finishes with a satisfying conclusion, the second to last zone is the best this game has ever been, i was in narrative heaven for that entire segment of the expansion. the final zone while a little cliche works well with the elements set up earlier in the expac.
    every new zone, was gorgeous and i    this is the best FFXIV has been, it ties up all the threads set up in previous expansions and finishes with a satisfying conclusion, the second to last zone is the best this game has ever been, i was in narrative heaven for that entire segment of the expansion. the final zone while a little cliche works well with the elements set up earlier in the expac.
    every new zone, was gorgeous and i enjoyed their aesthetic with only the third one being a bit benign, the aether currents were also not too frustrating to collect unlike in Stormblood.
    this expansion brought me to tears, well worth the time.    … Expand
  15. Danaos
    Jan 10, 2022
    10
    I said to myself, nothing can top Shadowbringers. And i kept my expectations low for Endwalker. Im glad i did, because the impact of EW to my very soul, was so hard and unexpected, it cured my depression for a while. Epic and fulfilling ending to the current FFXIV story arc that spans 11 years since 2010, battles and fights of galactic proportions, music out of this world, and many more.I said to myself, nothing can top Shadowbringers. And i kept my expectations low for Endwalker. Im glad i did, because the impact of EW to my very soul, was so hard and unexpected, it cured my depression for a while. Epic and fulfilling ending to the current FFXIV story arc that spans 11 years since 2010, battles and fights of galactic proportions, music out of this world, and many more.

    This expansion is the best FFXIV expansion by far, the best storytelling in any FF game, and possibly one of the greatest stories in all of gaming history.

    11/10    … Expand
  16. Moenski
    Jan 8, 2022
    10
    I had high hopes for this expansion and Creative Business Unit 3 has once again shattered all those hopes and surpassed them. The servers are holding up under the massive amount of players trying to get in, which can lead to a bit of queue-time, but the servers are stable and not laggy which is a feat in itself.
    The story reaches heights it hasn't seen yet in this game, the combat feels    I had high hopes for this expansion and Creative Business Unit 3 has once again shattered all those hopes and surpassed them. The servers are holding up under the massive amount of players trying to get in, which can lead to a bit of queue-time, but the servers are stable and not laggy which is a feat in itself.
    The story reaches heights it hasn't seen yet in this game, the combat feels even more fluid than before, the fights are of a level I don't think we've seen in MMOs so far and the music written by Soken is enough to make a grown man cry.

    This expansion has been nothing short of amazing and it lifts all of the previous expansions up as well by proxy. The way they've wrapped up 10 years of story in this expansion has not been done before in gaming and if you've ever cared about any Final Fantasy game, FFXIV is a game you cannot miss.    … Expand
  17. Pyuurin
    Jan 8, 2022
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Aside from the server problems, I feel like these 2 years weren’t enough for Endwalker to be what it was supposed to. The amount of reused monster models and recolors of past armors is so grotesque. It’s not really important history-wise, but it feels like sloppiness. Talking about the story, I particularly disliked it. You need to reach the level 96 quest chain for it to finally get interesting, but this is a think I’ve felt for some time in Final Fantasy XIV, it seems like the writers have some trouble setting the pace of the story. It starts extremely slow and boring, it feels like they’re starting to settle ground for the upcoming events, but they could’ve easily done this on post-shadowbringers patches. When we get to Ultima Thule things start to get really strange. I’ve even asked my friends to explain to me, because I thought I missed something, but the hole “let’s sacrifice ourselves” felt weird and unnecessary. I still don’t like it, and for me it felt like it was just for you to feel like you could lose someone, for you to feel the pressure and the weight of the Warrior of Light’s responsibility. In the end, combining the horrendous launch, giant server queues, and the lack of attention to some of the details the team always cared about, it for me that Endwalker was released before it was supposed to. A lot of things that were promised during the Live Letters are always said to be launched “in the near future”.… Expand
  18. houjo2000
    Jan 7, 2022
    10
    To think, all this time thinking MMOs could only be built as chorelike grinds with horrid story and an even worse community- not every game does it like WoW.

    Initially, I avoided getting into FFXIV because it looked like 'just WoW with an FF skin, and I'm already invested in WoW and have all this cosmetic stuff'- the game is nothing like WoW. The best part of this game is- the    To think, all this time thinking MMOs could only be built as chorelike grinds with horrid story and an even worse community- not every game does it like WoW.

    Initially, I avoided getting into FFXIV because it looked like 'just WoW with an FF skin, and I'm already invested in WoW and have all this cosmetic stuff'- the game is nothing like WoW.

    The best part of this game is- the content comes first, and then the grinds come after. They've flipped the entire genre, you don't grind a dozen things for months just to get the gear and systems needed to be competent enough to do the only fun things in the game- everything in the game is fun, and anything grindy is off to the side that you can do if you like it and want its cosmetics.

    I hope, after almost two decades of mmos trying to be wow clones and dying because the wow formula is awful unless someone is already addicted- mmos start to look at this 'content is meant to be fun, not addicting' mindset behind FFXIV.

    This game restored my faith in a genre that's been decaying under the disgusting team of molesters and criminals running Blizzard.    … Expand
  19. citymoon
    Jan 5, 2022
    10
    Seriously brilliant. It's got a few lulls, but it's storytelling that brings me back to the wonder of games like FFX so many years ago, and the highs are so high that I can't rate this anything but a 10. The philosophy and commentary on life that permeates the story hits different now I'm older too. Just so glad we still have people with a vision telling the stories they want to tell.Seriously brilliant. It's got a few lulls, but it's storytelling that brings me back to the wonder of games like FFX so many years ago, and the highs are so high that I can't rate this anything but a 10. The philosophy and commentary on life that permeates the story hits different now I'm older too. Just so glad we still have people with a vision telling the stories they want to tell. Bravo, thanks for an epic journey Yoshi-p and team!… Expand
  20. JollyMoose
    Jan 3, 2022
    10
    While having some minor pacing stumbles, this game is a storytelling masterpiece—an unbelievably heartfelt conclusion to an epic journey. Made me feel in ways no other game has while bringing a fresh enough take on gameplay in an aging genre and some best in class boss fight experiences.
  21. Reidyroo
    Jan 2, 2022
    10
    A masterpiece. I didnt think that the Shadowbringers expansion could be beat but I was clearly wrong. Incredible story that took me through twists and turns.
  22. Hadrond
    Jan 2, 2022
    10
    Definitivamente final fantasy 14 es por lejos el mejor mmorpg de esta epoca.
    Sus dlc solo van mejorando y siempre quedas con ganas de querer sabes que seguirá mas adelante. Ademas se nota que los desarrolladores del juego les importa la comunidad y las peticiones mas generales, por lo que esto compensa totalmente el tener que pagar mensualmente, ya que sabes que estas pagando por algo de    Definitivamente final fantasy 14 es por lejos el mejor mmorpg de esta epoca.
    Sus dlc solo van mejorando y siempre quedas con ganas de querer sabes que seguirá mas adelante. Ademas se nota que los desarrolladores del juego les importa la comunidad y las peticiones mas generales, por lo que esto compensa totalmente el tener que pagar mensualmente, ya que sabes que estas pagando por algo de calidad.
    El único detalle que le doy al juego realmente es que este no esta en español y eso dificultaría a muchos jugadores de habla hispana.    … Expand
  23. Pacoz
    Jan 1, 2022
    10
    One of the best stories ever told in a video game. Surpasses shadowbringers by miles. Easily recommend
  24. Ogame71
    Jan 1, 2022
    10
    An amazing conclusion to an amazing story in an amazing JRPG game. From music to art and the various theme, it was exceptional, and i even learned life lessons along the way =D

    10/10
  25. jeanroper2
    Dec 30, 2021
    10
    It's a definitive masterpiece right here
    It's the best final fantasy ever
    Best game of all time
  26. Abaelardus
    Dec 29, 2021
    0
    Atm addon is unplayable. The best queue simulator. With monthly sub!!! Well done, Square Enix! The addon is simply unplayable due to the 3-8 hour queues (sorry, but I only have 1 hour to play in the evening). Best way to waste money... 3 weeks from start and addon still unplayable. And all compensation we got - 7 free days of sub.
  27. Louisoiix
    Dec 29, 2021
    10
    I do not believe that there could be a better ending to such, truly, fantastic journey.
  28. Dole
    Dec 29, 2021
    10
    A great conclusion for a epic journey.

    Every step we take on the story engages more and more with the characters.
  29. Multifridgeman
    Dec 20, 2021
    9
    We were all worried that Shadowbringers was lightning in a bottle, that the immense pressure and expectation put on the development team would doom Endwalker before it even had a chance. But goddamn, they did it again. I can only hope the rest of the industry is watching and taking notes.
  30. Shaileen
    Dec 28, 2021
    10
    Shadowbringers was SO good i coudn't hope to see a better FFXIV expansion. They did it. Endwalker is a masterpiece everybody should enjoy and cry with
  31. UmberLink
    Dec 27, 2021
    7
    Overhyped beyond belief, but still passable for the ones that enjoy the formula

    This being listed as a one of the highest rated games of the year just shows how how hard it is to make a proper meta scorer and how misleading most popular ones can be. The "game" is barely a game at all for a long stretch of its playthrough time. Some 80-90% (and no i'm not exaggerating here) of the    Overhyped beyond belief, but still passable for the ones that enjoy the formula

    This being listed as a one of the highest rated games of the year just shows how how hard it is to make a proper meta scorer and how misleading most popular ones can be.

    The "game" is barely a game at all for a long stretch of its playthrough time. Some 80-90% (and no i'm not exaggerating here) of the time in this expansion's first playthrough (the main one for the vast majority of people) is reduced to nothing more than WALKING and TALKING to NPCs. No this not just an "usual jrpg" or just the norm for the game (other expansions weren't like this), it's just the first sign of the under developed expansion that Endwalker ended up as.

    This in turn feeds into its horrendous pacing issues, the "game" spends huge amounts of time being uneventful and downright menial and boring and then bombards you with actual content for 1-2 hours before returning to 3-6 hours of vastly menial, mundane or inane content. All of this to say, that just like Shadowbringers, but worse, the overwhelming majority of the expansions drawn out story feels like padding/filler

    The big story points themselves in the second half of the game are filled with holes clearly introduced primarily to an ill thought through time travelling segment that was clearly made so the players could revisit a previous expansion's now dead favorite character.

    There is also just about zero tension as you know the game is incapable of inflicting true damage on its now crystallized main cast, it feels like a child's cartoon for the most part in both how impactful and how seriously you take anything happening in the story.

    Ultimately it'll probably be enjoyable for invested people like me, who has been playing since ARR's beta, but disappointing nonetheless. A 7/10 there if I had to rate it in isolation

    The actual gameplay in this expansion... is just about the same it has been since Stormsblood (the dumbed down version of Heavensward, essentially . The classes are vastly the same, some new spells but the core mechanics are the same or further dumbed down and with bandaid mechanics for the few mistakes you can even still make while playing the game. The lack of customization of both your class and gear specs remains, you're basically always linearly increasing your bland stats ... and that's it. The lack of homogeneity in tanks has been further solidified, yet again. The devs yet again ignored the overwhelming negative feedback on both scholar and DRK and kept the same (so much for the great caring dev team huh?).

    The endgame content, is yet again, basically the exact same with a new skin, the bosses and places' name, models and lore are different but it's still a few level cap dungeons, 4 raid bosses and a couple of trials, the exact same formula from 2014, they still don't have either more raid difficulties nor more bosses, despite earning several times more money from the game. The unwillingness to do anything but keep on the same stagnant cycle seems to be going nowhere.

    In essence for endgame PVE, you either like farming menial, brain numbing dungeons for no reason past the daily roulette, trials (after the first 10 times, they also are brain numbing) for the mounts (which you will get through very quickly) or the progression raid, which the vast majority of semi-dedicated groups will get through in less than a month. And that's it, no mythic+ small team challenging content, no challenging content outside of 4 raid bosses at all really, and you won't get more of it until 8-9 months from now. No meaningful side progression mechanics like you have in WoW in their faction talents or legendary gear. Just linear increases to bland stats like crit, skill speed,etc. That's all that awaits you in endgame

    The dev team successfully indoctrinated the player base into believing and thanking them for releasing less content under the guise of giving players a break , like players would ever be forced to do high difficulty content they don't like , which is the tragic cause of all of this

    PVP is doomed to fail until the day where they finally fix their netcode to eliminate or severely reduce the built in latency , which didn't happen in this expansion, and seems like it never will at this point.

    The only true improvement comes in the form of the best open world area design the game as ever seen. Despite being lackluster in explorability like always, it's a great improvement.

    The music and art style shine above all else as usual. The graphics engine shows it's age, as does the devs laziness with it, with the lack of proper antialiasing dirtying the game, specially in the open world where it creates noticeable and distracting shimmering in sensitive objects like tree leaves and stairs.

    A solid 6.7 overall for the expansion, play it if actually liked playing through the previous expansions or even just the trial. That's all there is, for better or worse.    … Expand
  32. MasterLance
    Dec 27, 2021
    10
    One of the greatest games I've had the pleasure of playing. By far the greatest MMO ever, and I can't wait to see where the story goes from here
  33. RULV
    Dec 27, 2021
    10
    Best game of the Year! Endwalker is a culmination of 10 years of FFXIV!
    Melhor game do Ano! Endwalker é o desfecho de 10 anos!
  34. Delacroixs
    Dec 26, 2021
    10
    This may be the best game ending of all time, can't wait to play it all over again but in Spanish
  35. MoofiaBossVal
    Dec 26, 2021
    6
    The MSQ story is a mixed bag. Sluggish pacing with long stretches where nothing happens. There is also way too many cutscenes. Felt like I spent more time watching a 20 hour long movie than actually playing the game. Lack of stakes. The ending is a less effective rehash of ShB 5.0's final act.

    The two new jobs: Reaper is fine. Sage is probably the most fun healer to play but that's a    The MSQ story is a mixed bag. Sluggish pacing with long stretches where nothing happens. There is also way too many cutscenes. Felt like I spent more time watching a 20 hour long movie than actually playing the game. Lack of stakes. The ending is a less effective rehash of ShB 5.0's final act.

    The two new jobs: Reaper is fine. Sage is probably the most fun healer to play but that's a low bar given how bad healers have been since ShB.

    Compared to prior expansions where we got dozens of job questlines, Endwalker only gives us 5 role questlines and 2 job questlines. Sadly, the mantra of "quality > quantity" is not in effect here, as all of the questlines are pretty meh except for the melee DPS role questline and the reaper job questline, both of which are decent (but not great).

    The amount of content FFXIV expansions add has been declining with each release. Endwalker content patches haven't released yet, but going by the downward trend I'm not optimstic. Endwalker already has a noticeable lack in new armor sets, with most of the 6.0 dungeons reusing old sets. One of the 9.0 dungeons also did not get a new theme and instead reuses a year's old boss theme. The game director, Naoki Yoshida, sure likes to talk about how Square is reinvesting its profits back into FFXIV and that it has a bigger budget than ever, but the increasing lack of content we've been getting says otherwise.

    Will update when the expansion is over.    … Expand
  36. Harebane_sora
    Dec 26, 2021
    10
    Dev team never failed to amaze us.It is hard to imagine how they've come over the last year, bearing all the comment like "it's not gonna beat ShB".But miracles do happen from time to time, is it not :)

    Alas,Queue issue cannot last forever.Important though it is, people who score the game only by fury of queue are not fair at all, not fair for the devs nor themselves, cuz you will get    Dev team never failed to amaze us.It is hard to imagine how they've come over the last year, bearing all the comment like "it's not gonna beat ShB".But miracles do happen from time to time, is it not :)

    Alas,Queue issue cannot last forever.Important though it is, people who score the game only by fury of queue are not fair at all, not fair for the devs nor themselves, cuz you will get to play it anyway, but your score isn't remain unsettled.

    + MSQ Ending fits a 10-year-long Saga
    + Mind-blowing OST as always (thx Soken)
    + In-game system improved (like Trust)
    + Positive value towards human inserted, quite philosophy for a MMORPG

    - YoshiP, can you see the queue?    … Expand
  37. charlot1085800
    Dec 26, 2021
    10
    It's rare that you play a game that you find nothing to complain about. I really enjoyed how SE closed the Hydaelyn/Zodiac arc. The SE team sure can make you feel like you're a player and not a payer!
  38. electric555
    Dec 26, 2021
    9
    Это просто супер игра! Настолько интересный сюжет! Да он долгий и по этому я поставил 9 а не 10)) Очень хорошее и доброе сообщество. Мне порой просто в городе дарят петов и голду =D Интересная таргет боевка. Очень крутой дизайн ПВЕ активностей. Подписка в стиме дешевле в 2 раз чем в ВОВ. В общем просто скачайте фри версию и попробуйте. Но знайте до 30 боевка может показаться скучной.Это просто супер игра! Настолько интересный сюжет! Да он долгий и по этому я поставил 9 а не 10)) Очень хорошее и доброе сообщество. Мне порой просто в городе дарят петов и голду =D Интересная таргет боевка. Очень крутой дизайн ПВЕ активностей. Подписка в стиме дешевле в 2 раз чем в ВОВ. В общем просто скачайте фри версию и попробуйте. Но знайте до 30 боевка может показаться скучной. Помните есть скилы с КГД 2.5 сек, а так же в дальнейшем появятся ОГКД скилы! На 50 лвл уже будет очень бодро, просто чередуйте кгд и огкд.… Expand
  39. SubCryo
    Dec 25, 2021
    10
    As an experience FFXIV has been something that most of us cherish deeply and though I don't like to give perfect scores, I simply cannot give this less than a 10 regardless of its flaws.
    They worked so hard and passionately throughout these 10 years to give the game and us the players the best they could.
    Of course they would never read this, but regardless I still just want say thank    As an experience FFXIV has been something that most of us cherish deeply and though I don't like to give perfect scores, I simply cannot give this less than a 10 regardless of its flaws.
    They worked so hard and passionately throughout these 10 years to give the game and us the players the best they could.

    Of course they would never read this, but regardless I still just want say thank you, for all the joy, and for the inspiration you've brought me to pursue my own passions going forward.    … Expand
  40. SpookiSucc
    Dec 25, 2021
    10
    That ending hit different, the music hits different, fights hit different, story hit different, Soken is the god of music.
    Give praise unto lord Yoshi P.
    Eat dirt WoW lmao
  41. styrgianfoe
    Dec 25, 2021
    10
    It is difficult to express how well written the overall story is. Logically coherent with its hundreds of intertwined characters and arcs, making it possible to predict it by picking up cues, but putting in just enough twists and joys of adventure to make it exciting. But also loading it with deeply emotional moments and overarching political stakes which gets you grumbling. The writingIt is difficult to express how well written the overall story is. Logically coherent with its hundreds of intertwined characters and arcs, making it possible to predict it by picking up cues, but putting in just enough twists and joys of adventure to make it exciting. But also loading it with deeply emotional moments and overarching political stakes which gets you grumbling. The writing never insults the player's intelligence, but builds upon things you might have learned in your education already.
    Endwalker manages to give us the best ending to such a large story, an absolute must play, if you like deep stories.
    Sure, there are some typical JRPG lenghts in the whole series and I still don't think the base game is anywhere near as brilliant as the following expansions, but it ultimately does not matter for perhaps one of the best storylines ever written.    … Expand
  42. Monaimer
    Dec 24, 2021
    10
    Worth the wait and definitely worth your time. The developers deserve all the accolades they are getting. Made with love for the game AND the player. Thank you Square for this game! If you like classic mmos and final fantasy I believe you will enjoy this experience.
  43. mutthumper
    Dec 24, 2021
    10
    This is the best Final Fantasy. I say that as a long time series fan that didn't want to play an MMO. I was finally convinced to play during Shadowbringers. Now I feel a bitter sweet sense of loss because I'm quite certain that the journey from A Realm Reborn to Endwalker will be the best JRPG I ever play. This is the secret of FFXIV. It is a JRPG and a Final Fantasy first and an MMO second.
  44. LongChen
    Dec 23, 2021
    10
    MASTERPIECE this game is so good the music, the settings, the characters, the plots everything done so wonderfully i cried so many times, to be honest with you I don't know how will they ever top ENDWALKER.
  45. TinyMito
    Dec 23, 2021
    10
    I have been playing this game since 2014, I was an Ex-WoW raider and I was never too interested in lores.

    FFXIV changed my life, the lores are so important not to skipped and I have never felt so attached to my character in immersion. Till the end of Endwalker. ARR is slow because it is a world building lore. It introduces character for the life journey of the game. Heavenward starts    I have been playing this game since 2014, I was an Ex-WoW raider and I was never too interested in lores.

    FFXIV changed my life, the lores are so important not to skipped and I have never felt so attached to my character in immersion. Till the end of Endwalker.

    ARR is slow because it is a world building lore. It introduces character for the life journey of the game.

    Heavenward starts out different a quest set out to another part of Eorzea. It is world building story with expansion of allies.

    Stormblood is also more world building, for focus on the Eastern themes. Historical lore about a few characters.

    Shadowbringer challenges the Warrior of Light unto another world. Expansion on villain lores and world building about the villain side.

    Endwalker tops everything previous expansion and ties up all the burning questions and theories. It is unbelievable that it filled all the details. Some details I never thought of and it is resolved. OMG what a time to be alive to experience this lore! FFXIV spoiled me in term of epic story telling, it tops over all the movies and tv shows.

    The score Music and Lore are so tight - it is a masterpiece! MASTERPIECE!

    If metacritic allows me to pick number 11. I would.    … Expand
  46. el_psy
    Dec 23, 2021
    10
    best game of the series so far , goes way behond my expectation , MSQ is insanely well writen , new reaper class is perfectly designes and I enjoy it a lot
  47. IStoleUrPickle
    Dec 22, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Honestly, it is really difficult to compare it to shadowbringers. While Shadowbringers was amazing on its own and developed further the lore of Eorzea they had the opportunity to build again on a new world. Endwalker had a harder setup and continuity to handle and I do not think they could have done it better. There is a situation that I was getting a bit bored regarding part of the MSQ, but soon it did a unexpected turn, and continued to do so for all the story. They managed to wrap up a 10 year old arc, and did beautifully. Honestly, this team just keep on giving.… Expand
  48. tranceyan
    Dec 22, 2021
    10
    Amazing finish to the story. Great new regions, new and old characters and cool new classes. The final trial is an amazing emotional experience.
  49. HieloOscuro
    Dec 22, 2021
    10
    Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker is not only onef the best MMO Expansion ever but is also probably the best Final Fantasy Narrative ever, With also interesting new jobs, Incredible dungeons and mindblowing boss fights.
  50. Vorthrian
    Dec 22, 2021
    1
    If you're looking for a PvP scene in an MMORPG. Final Fantasy is not for you.
    If you like drawn out cut scenes and want to play an RPGMMO not an MMORPG, then this game is for you.
  51. jroseka
    Dec 21, 2021
    0
    Great story, fun gameplay, wonderful music. And none of it matters because login servers are **** They fully knew it was going to be like this and have done nothing of substance to alleviate it.
  52. johnieblack
    Dec 21, 2021
    10
    absolutely fantastic ! What a wonderful story and music overall . The dungeons are extremely adventurous and the storyline made me cry like a baby ! insane game , fullfilment story with emotional characteristic , deep developed characters and the game explains all your questions made from previous expansion and all come together and end up like a cake mix ! the music tho , well done sokenabsolutely fantastic ! What a wonderful story and music overall . The dungeons are extremely adventurous and the storyline made me cry like a baby ! insane game , fullfilment story with emotional characteristic , deep developed characters and the game explains all your questions made from previous expansion and all come together and end up like a cake mix ! the music tho , well done soken , well played , ive never had goosebumps like this in a game before , absolutely blast music !!… Expand
  53. Cass118
    Dec 20, 2021
    10
    I thought Shadowbringers was the best but this expansion story has been amazing. Sage is my favorite healer as someone who came from another mmo that heals base of damage this is closest thing to it. The story in shadowbringers was amazing but endwalker feels special due to putting an end to things. The job changes are great this expansion I can’t wait ti tell them all out.
  54. Ryocchi
    Dec 20, 2021
    10
    This expansion is a Big Thank you to the player-base, it references everything you have been doing from the moment you put a foot in Eorzea, you feel rewarded for all the time you have spend playing the game but before you think this expansion is just a giant fanservice plate is not, the game takes you on a journey from beginning to end, it takes it's time setting all the plot points andThis expansion is a Big Thank you to the player-base, it references everything you have been doing from the moment you put a foot in Eorzea, you feel rewarded for all the time you have spend playing the game but before you think this expansion is just a giant fanservice plate is not, the game takes you on a journey from beginning to end, it takes it's time setting all the plot points and explaining what is happening in the the other regions while you were defending Eorzea, then it hits you hard with the gravity of everything, and when you think you're about to win and everything will be alright, it gets worse, oh so much worse, one point I love of the expansion is the that shock value moments have a reason to be, the game never takes you for a fool if you figure out what's going on is not going change its course just to throw you off like some other modern productions love to do, but still manages to pluck at your heartstrings, if anything I can only criticize that the leveling dungeon gear is all recycled but there's also plenty of new gear once you reach endgame.… Expand
  55. Zoshi
    Dec 20, 2021
    10
    Shadowbringers is a 10/10, Endwalker is a 20/10. The best storytelling ever told in a videogame.
  56. MoonSir
    Dec 20, 2021
    10
    Wonderful Game for now and mmo.No bugs in the plot.All the ambush stories form a closed loop,make 么 so exciting.I think story is better than ever.
  57. Maiku123
    Dec 19, 2021
    10
    This is the endgame of mmorpgs. Would be difficult to find something better than this as an MMORPG.
  58. zclmayirkcafzsj
    Dec 19, 2021
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The story ties up many narrative threads developed over the years. However the penultimate villain/antagonist leaves much to be desired. The overall experience of the launch is also mired by login server stability issues.… Expand
  59. Rolofson
    Dec 19, 2021
    10
    - I played another popular MMO for ten years before moving on to FF14 late this summer. Having played A Realm Reborn through Shadowbringers in three months, I was truly invested in the story and characters, which never (ever) happened in the previous game.
    - Endwalker continues that trend. It doesn't quite reach the emotional highs and character nuances that made base Shadowbringers a    - I played another popular MMO for ten years before moving on to FF14 late this summer. Having played A Realm Reborn through Shadowbringers in three months, I was truly invested in the story and characters, which never (ever) happened in the previous game.
    - Endwalker continues that trend. It doesn't quite reach the emotional highs and character nuances that made base Shadowbringers a masterpiece, but it surpasses it in most other regards. The zones, music, and gameplay are great as always. It takes its time world-building and introducing new characters early on which makes it seems tedious/slow, but once it gets going, it's an engaging ride. I had my expectations where the story was going, though after achieving a certain level, it subverted them in almost every enjoyable turn.
    - It's more of a 9 right now, but knowing how past expansions' patches improve upon their respective base game, I'm inclined to just bump this up to a 10.    … Expand
  60. abayebaye
    Dec 19, 2021
    10
    I made an account here just to review this game. This is the first game i have ever seriously reviewed, but this game deserves it. I haven't played a game in my 25 years of life that I have connected to more than this, and Endwalker caps it all off incredibly. I'm a greedy soul, so I can't wait to see what the devs do next, but you have gained a fan out of me. Play this game, and hopefullyI made an account here just to review this game. This is the first game i have ever seriously reviewed, but this game deserves it. I haven't played a game in my 25 years of life that I have connected to more than this, and Endwalker caps it all off incredibly. I'm a greedy soul, so I can't wait to see what the devs do next, but you have gained a fan out of me. Play this game, and hopefully we have an even bigger queue for the beginning of the new story (this is a joke the queue is actually a problem).… Expand
  61. Notimer
    Dec 19, 2021
    10
    Final Fantasy XIV was my reintroduction to MMOs after a long hiatus as I have previously only played old school Tibia and Runescape. So, I approached the game mainly as a Final fantasy fan when I started to play a real reborn. To my surprise the game pulls me quickly to the MMO parts of the game with an inviting community and prioritizing Fun above all else. This remains true even in thisFinal Fantasy XIV was my reintroduction to MMOs after a long hiatus as I have previously only played old school Tibia and Runescape. So, I approached the game mainly as a Final fantasy fan when I started to play a real reborn. To my surprise the game pulls me quickly to the MMO parts of the game with an inviting community and prioritizing Fun above all else. This remains true even in this new expansion Endwalker but for me and old time players this is accompanied by a very satisfying feeling that our time spent on the game has meant something due the player actions over the years been represented on this expansion, I am gladly surprised of how the theme of helping others in dark times, keeping hope and the value of life felt retroactively represented in the previous expansions making this complete saga my favorite final fantasy story to date.
    My only regret is that this feeling will not be shared by those who have just recently stated playing the game, however I feel confident than 4+ games of new content still to do for these new players will be a great experience. 10/10    … Expand
  62. Tzony
    Dec 19, 2021
    10
    Story:
    Simply a masterpiece, the accumulation and lead up of the story was so carefully thought out. It explored concepts and made me feel stuff I have never experienced in another game. Characters felt real as if I have known then for so long, been through thick and thin with them and formed REAL bonds…I cant make this game justice with just words. However, it is a complete saga, so    Story:
    Simply a masterpiece, the accumulation and lead up of the story was so carefully thought out. It explored concepts and made me feel stuff I have never experienced in another game. Characters felt real as if I have known then for so long, been through thick and thin with them and formed REAL bonds…I cant make this game justice with just words. However, it is a complete saga, so without the other expansions being experienced the story would definitely not bare the same weight. So i highly recommend you experience the whole game as this is the final arc to this saga. Music:
    Music enhances the story in all aspects. It gives weight, value, emotion to pivotal as well as more relaxed moments. It is carefully used and it is clear that a lot of consideration took place for timing story moments to be even more impactful. I found myself singing all the songs through my day. Also I’ve spent countless hours listening them on repeat. More than once I have found myself saying “damn they paired this song with this moment perfectly”. Music is another aspect that I consider a masterpiece.

    Gameplay:
    Trials and dungeons were so spectacular, challenging and fun at the same time.
    Gameplay (for Reaper and Paladin at least) felt smooth, fluid and interesting.
    Game systems dont waste your time and feel rewarding.
    Fun side activities for every type of player.
    Polished content, bug free.

    Criticisms:
    If I had to nit-pick I would say some quests may be found repetitive at times, however, that doesn’t take away from the experience. At the time of this review the game is suffering from some queue times but as more time passes it get better. Admittedly, I dont blame people for wanting to play this amazing game.

    TLDR:
    This game is a masterpiece, I am glad I was able to experience it and you would be doing yourself a disservice if you don't play it as well!
    Thank you YoshiP and Square Enix dev team! Looking forward to more adventures in Eorzea for years to come.    … Expand
  63. Xenomissive
    Dec 19, 2021
    10
    I have been an avid player since release. While the server congestion issues persist, I still am able to thoroughly enjoy the game on one of the busiest servers. I still have not finished the story, but I am close to it, and I just can't believe the ride we've gone on the past 11 years. Thanks to the community for being one of the best by far for MMOs, and to the dev team for constantlyI have been an avid player since release. While the server congestion issues persist, I still am able to thoroughly enjoy the game on one of the busiest servers. I still have not finished the story, but I am close to it, and I just can't believe the ride we've gone on the past 11 years. Thanks to the community for being one of the best by far for MMOs, and to the dev team for constantly hearing player issues and providing those fixes.

    May we forever walk in the light (and shadow).    … Expand
  64. kyrex_gaming
    Dec 19, 2021
    10
    Story 5/5, I don't know how they just topped Shadowbringers. Every zone just has a story of its own, and they all just tie together the journeys that the Warrior of Light had.

    Music & Sounds 5/5. I thought that "To the Edge" of Shadowbringers (5.3) would be the only song to give me goosebumps. The music in the story, dungeons, and trials are all so excellent. Final trial battle boss    Story 5/5, I don't know how they just topped Shadowbringers. Every zone just has a story of its own, and they all just tie together the journeys that the Warrior of Light had.

    Music & Sounds 5/5. I thought that "To the Edge" of Shadowbringers (5.3) would be the only song to give me goosebumps. The music in the story, dungeons, and trials are all so excellent. Final trial battle boss sounds are just so epic. I wish they had introduced original songs in the optional dungeons however.

    Because of how good this game is, I made a metacritic account just for this.    … Expand
  65. Lightningstorm
    Dec 19, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Arguably the best expansion yet. The story is pretty straightforward, it's very easy to understand. A massive improvement in terms of gameplay mechanics in dungeons and boss fights. Some roles/jobs have also been improved.… Expand
  66. ChaosPhoenix
    Dec 19, 2021
    10
    Absolutely Astonishing. Even with the login congestion, once you get in the game, you are treated to a masterpiece of a story. Never knew a game's story can be this great particularly in an MMO genre.
  67. DerPinguin
    Dec 18, 2021
    0
    Unter anderem dieses DLC ist schuld daran, dass tausende Spieler nicht mehr spielen können. Statt ein neues DLC auf den Markt zu werfen, hätte man sich zuvor vielleicht eher den bis dato ohnehin steigenden Spielerzahlen widmen sollen.
  68. heroyui001
    Dec 18, 2021
    10
    Best FF14 expansion so far , Yoshida and his team really did it again ! The story is easily one of the best FF story in decade , and the MUSIC !! 11/10
  69. bariskarinca
    Dec 18, 2021
    10
    The best expansion so far, it ends the journey of Warrior of Light that has been going on for 10 years. Connects all characters we met, all the battles we overcome and answers the questions that were unanswered.
  70. MTong
    Dec 18, 2021
    2
    Average 3 hours to connect, only to get a bug (lose controller, lose sound) or a disconnect and start again from the bottom of the queue.
    Lack of endgame content : no raid, no expert craft, no tribe reputations.
    To be fair the story is good and some of the new dungeons are beautiful (especially the 3rd one), I would rate a 7 or 8 without the login issues, but so far it is just    Average 3 hours to connect, only to get a bug (lose controller, lose sound) or a disconnect and start again from the bottom of the queue.
    Lack of endgame content : no raid, no expert craft, no tribe reputations.
    To be fair the story is good and some of the new dungeons are beautiful (especially the 3rd one), I would rate a 7 or 8 without the login issues, but so far it is just disappointing and not enough content to be worth waking at 5 to skip the queue.    … Expand
  71. Raslu
    Dec 18, 2021
    10
    Make way for the new KING. If I was a doctor I would recommend this game as a cure for depression!

    WOW!!! In 25+ years of gaming this is one of the absolute highlights of my life and the best story in any game, EVER! A spectacle for the ages!! All other games in my top 10 has taken a big step down to make way for the new king. Moments etched into my brain forever. This is the future    Make way for the new KING. If I was a doctor I would recommend this game as a cure for depression!

    WOW!!! In 25+ years of gaming this is one of the absolute highlights of my life and the best story in any game, EVER! A spectacle for the ages!! All other games in my top 10 has taken a big step down to make way for the new king.

    Moments etched into my brain forever. This is the future of gaming! A story so steeped in philosophy and life lessons that you WILL be changed as a person after this. It's a hard 10/10 for me. I love this game and want to hug the developers to say thank you for this amazing story, music and game overall You changed my life!    … Expand
  72. Breat44
    Dec 18, 2021
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Passage obligatory to continue the adventure of FINAL FANTASY XIV but for me this DLC is the worst since the release of the game, not worse than the 1.0 but the worst DLC.
    - Very few new skills and for the few that there are they are not great
    - The story, strong point of FINAL FANTASY is boring to perfection before the 5th new map
    - The speed of the mounts on the new maps can be increased but ONLY on the ground and therefore we end up going faster by galloping than by flying
    - Healers heal so little and tanks are so cardboard that 2 poor monster packs in dungeon and you have to be ready to smack invulnerability at any time

    In short, this DLC was a total failure for me and I am clearly specifying for me.    … Expand
  73. Simmyish
    Dec 17, 2021
    10
    Endwalker has been one heck of an experience so far. Picking up where Shadowbringers post-patches left off, it continues and concludes the story of Hydaelyn and Zodiark in a masterpiece.

    Of course, everybody has been talking about the dreaded error 2002 that has been bothering the game since launch. Personally I haven't had many issues for this (and I log in about 4pm local time),    Endwalker has been one heck of an experience so far. Picking up where Shadowbringers post-patches left off, it continues and concludes the story of Hydaelyn and Zodiark in a masterpiece.

    Of course, everybody has been talking about the dreaded error 2002 that has been bothering the game since launch. Personally I haven't had many issues for this (and I log in about 4pm local time), even though the queues have been long (on average around 6 hours on day 1, and still now around 3 hour queues to get in the game). I did get one kick out of the queue on release day, but haven't had any issues personally since then.

    Once in the game however, it is one of the most stable online experiences on launch day I was able to ask for, with no further disconnects and I was able to get into the story. On another note, the way they have responded to this issue, given the current worldy circumstances, has been better than required, thanks to the development team's obvious love for the game and desire to see it succeed.

    The story itself goes places that you can only expect from Square Enix, and they took some huge risky moves that paid off in the end. However, when it comes to risky all I would need to do is mention the original game and A Realm Reborn to state that SE are no stranger to risk. There are some slower parts, but with where the story goes I found myself appreciating those as once things get started you'll be strapped in for a while and glued to your seat as things all start falling into place.

    The gameplay has definitely felt more responsive since Shadowbringers, and the dungeons have been some of the best added to the game so far. The trials are all exquisite showpieces as can be expected from Square, and new interesting mechanics were well executed and communicated.

    The hardcore content is fully available yet, as raids come at a later date, but I will say that one Extreme trial is definitely more engaging and interesting than the other. I won't go into further details about this to avoid spoilers.

    Overall, a wonderful but also emotional experience as we close the final chapter in the tale that has been being told for a decade. Good job SE, and look forward to seeing what you do next.    … Expand
  74. Ktota
    Dec 17, 2021
    2
    The game itself is 10 out of 10, but there is lots of problems when they launch a new expansion. Lots of queue, disconects, price too high and they charge you using all they can, buy the game, buy expansions, buy cosmetics, buy monthly subscription and here in Brazil we get ping 200+. I do not understand why they do not use scalable servers, like Amazon WS, it would be better for every one.
  75. iCraZy
    Dec 17, 2021
    10
    Endwalker es el desenlace que se merece esta historia, que se lleva contando desde que empezó allá en 2010 con la versión 1.0, la cual fue un desastre y poco a poco han ido trabajando en el juego hasta llegar a lo que es a día de hoy.
    Han reworkeado clases, han hecho pequeños cambios a otras y han añadido 2 más, para que toda la gente que juegue encuentre la clase que mas le guste y se    Endwalker es el desenlace que se merece esta historia, que se lleva contando desde que empezó allá en 2010 con la versión 1.0, la cual fue un desastre y poco a poco han ido trabajando en el juego hasta llegar a lo que es a día de hoy.
    Han reworkeado clases, han hecho pequeños cambios a otras y han añadido 2 más, para que toda la gente que juegue encuentre la clase que mas le guste y se sienta cómoda con la que ya esta jugando.
    Añadieron nuevas mecánicas a la hora de hacer misiones de historia para sentirte mas inmerso en la historia, con los propios personajes acompañándote y pudiendo hablar con ellos para que te den su punto de vista.
    En las cinemáticas se nota una mejoría en el movimiento de los personajes.

    Si llegaste a hasta aquí, os veré en la luna a todos.    … Expand
  76. AgniPhilosophy
    Dec 17, 2021
    10
    After completing Shadowbringers, of course I was looking forward to Endwolker. I was afraid that they would not be able to make the game at the same level, but they were able to stay at the same level. The script is wonderful, it is a pleasure to play, the graphics and design of the locations are pleasing to the eye. But at the start of the game there are too few dungeons, I think afterAfter completing Shadowbringers, of course I was looking forward to Endwolker. I was afraid that they would not be able to make the game at the same level, but they were able to stay at the same level. The script is wonderful, it is a pleasure to play, the graphics and design of the locations are pleasing to the eye. But at the start of the game there are too few dungeons, I think after a while Endwolker will be overgrown with content, this is inevitable. But if you play from the start, then there is a very lack of dungeons. Music: 10 Graphic Design: 10, Scenario: 10, Gameplay 10. Everything is great in this game, but the special admiration is the lighting in the game makes it just incredible, this is the most beautiful lighting, the most beautiful weather conditions that I have ever seen, the lights in darkness is simply incomparable, and super graphics optimization allows you to play on weak PCs, with such a low polygonality, the game looks like a real Diamond.… Expand
  77. ArexKorudo
    Dec 17, 2021
    10
    Masterpiece. Plain and simple. Play it, you won't regret it. Didn't think that they can surpass Shadowbringers, but they did it.
  78. Kamrann
    Dec 17, 2021
    9
    One of the best games I ever played. but unfortunately the writer is too predictable at this point so never felt any high stakes through the story.
  79. lzm9800
    Dec 16, 2021
    10
    I know it's already mentioned by many people here, but endwalker has shattered my expectation after shadowbringer, which was unimaginable. The storytelling and plot are just nearly perfect. Usually, I could find a few things that could be done better in a story, but in this game, I really couldn't. If you can get past the login queue, you're in for a treat. If you're one of those MSQI know it's already mentioned by many people here, but endwalker has shattered my expectation after shadowbringer, which was unimaginable. The storytelling and plot are just nearly perfect. Usually, I could find a few things that could be done better in a story, but in this game, I really couldn't. If you can get past the login queue, you're in for a treat. If you're one of those MSQ skippers then I truly feel sorry for you.… Expand
  80. Alternative4
    Dec 16, 2021
    10
    Starting this series near 9 years ago now I would never have imagined this game would have grown to such amazing heights but it has. This game has been one of the best narrative driven video games I have played in my time alive. Barring that the world building, dungeons and raids all fit thematically while being mechanically fun. The Music is World class bless soken and to no SOY out anyStarting this series near 9 years ago now I would never have imagined this game would have grown to such amazing heights but it has. This game has been one of the best narrative driven video games I have played in my time alive. Barring that the world building, dungeons and raids all fit thematically while being mechanically fun. The Music is World class bless soken and to no SOY out any harder I will just say that this game is one of the few games that has ever made me care about a cast of characters as much as I have. This S h I T deserves all the accolades people throw at it and I cant wait to see what happens in the future.… Expand
  81. NeroMor
    Dec 16, 2021
    10
    Ein Verdammtes Meisterstück. Von einen Kaputten Spiel bis zu einen der Besten MMOs war es eine Lange Reise. Aber Mit Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker wird ein würdiges Ende geboten der Hydaelyn/Zodiark Geschichte. Wer Shadowbringers Liebt wird mehr als zufrieden sein.
  82. bojangles954
    Dec 16, 2021
    10
    Easily the best game I have played, a good finale to a well rounded and incredibly thought out experience. Cannot wait to see where it goes next, the Dev team deserves the world and more.
  83. DivineVein
    Dec 16, 2021
    10
    One of the best experiences I ever had, full of the exaggerated swagger of a grand Saga Conclusion. Makes you feel like the Warrior of Light. Has a little something for everyone 10/10.
  84. Gilgamashed
    Dec 16, 2021
    10
    The game is already great and this expansion manages to improve upon it. I am much more interested in mechanics, not a lore guy in the least, but the Endwalker plot made me feel every flavor of feeling there is. It feels fresh and new while keeping loyalty to the franchise and exalting its own previous expansions. Everyone I met in-game was having a great time. Glad to take part on thisThe game is already great and this expansion manages to improve upon it. I am much more interested in mechanics, not a lore guy in the least, but the Endwalker plot made me feel every flavor of feeling there is. It feels fresh and new while keeping loyalty to the franchise and exalting its own previous expansions. Everyone I met in-game was having a great time. Glad to take part on this masterpiece.… Expand
  85. Linciel
    Dec 16, 2021
    10
    Really great game. A true RPG and a complete MMO! Currently a victim of its success but the devs are doing a good job of keeping the quality of play at a high level.
  86. Poyaya
    Dec 16, 2021
    0
    Nothing new compared to previous expansions, the msq is not even all dubbed. All the queues preventing to play the game
  87. leonidasmark
    Dec 16, 2021
    10
    Best MMORPG ever made and also one of the best stories ever told. The way this game tells a story is unbelievable, to the point you forget you're playing an MMO. Amazing music as well. Masayoshi Soken should be recognized as the best video game music creator of our time. Thank you to everyone who gave us this masterpiece of a game.
  88. ralgr
    Dec 15, 2021
    10
    They set a very high bar with the Shadowbringers expansion but they surpassed that or at least matched it in Endwalker. The development team delivered an emotional, gripping, and all around amazing story that wraps up the Hydaelyn and Zodiark arc that was worthy of it. A better ending to this saga 10 years in the making I can scarce imagine.

    There are very noticeable improvements in    They set a very high bar with the Shadowbringers expansion but they surpassed that or at least matched it in Endwalker. The development team delivered an emotional, gripping, and all around amazing story that wraps up the Hydaelyn and Zodiark arc that was worthy of it. A better ending to this saga 10 years in the making I can scarce imagine.

    There are very noticeable improvements in quality for everything from dialogues, animations, zones, to music. Speaking of music, every piece introduced this expansion did not fail to immerse me and elevate the area or scenes where they are played.

    They also introduced some more RPG elements to the story by allowing you to roam with quest-important NPCs which increases the immersion and gives the writers more ways to convey information relevant to the character and the story. They are also good for taking lots of screenshots.

    Combat contents such as story missions, dungeons and the three trials are all 10/10 for me with regards to music, battle design, and atmosphere. Except maybe the follow the NPC stealth missions. I'd give it a 5/10 as its not bad but also not great.

    Job changes this time leans generally towards a positive note except for Dark Knight. It has not been changed much from Shadowbringers as they only added more off gcd cooldowns to it, leaving you with still just the 123 combo. It also still has the worst invulnerability cooldown out of all the tanks. General sentiment is that its gameplay is much too similar to a Warrior and does not have much of an identity, which I am inclined to agree.

    Saying that, I do have some minor critiques pertaining to pacing and the usually consistent number of objectives for quests in a certain part of the story before heading to the final zone. This part was the preparation phase of the journey where the quest flavour overall was laid back. However, the music played on this series of laid back quests had a tone of urgency to it which I thought was unsuitable. Further there was the issue of the number of objectives for a particular quest in this series. Usually, you have to talk to, kill, or gather around 3-4 things, but this quest had an unusual 8 objectives that was certainly unfun to find. That said, the conclusion for this series of quests was a very beautiful and heart-breaking scene that marked the first time I full on cried. Be that as it may, this bad experience is eclipsed by all the things Endwalker did right. And there are a great many things they did right.

    Overall, Endwalker is arguably their best work to date. The expansion exceeded my expectations in every aspect and further cements Final Fantasy XIV to not only be one of the best MMO, but also one of the best RPGs currently, in my opinion. Some players might meme a bit about it being critically acclaimed but it actually lives up to that and more.    … Expand
  89. ToxicViperz
    Dec 15, 2021
    10
    Great zones and music, fun new classes and a fantastic conclusion to the ARR arc
  90. teyweilun
    Dec 15, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A best ending could possibly think of for the hydaelyn-zodiark story arc. The ups and downs, the high points and no low points, every thing is planned perfectly and gets me without fail. An emotion roller coaster and topped shadowbringers without doubt in terms of story. The ending part starting from hydaelyn, with Emet, Hythlodaeus and the scions coming next, hurts so deep it is incomparable by any other game i played before.
    In terms of maps and scenery, Ultima Thule is amazing, literally "the end of the universe". The main city for players, old sharleyan is amazing too. Razadhan is good enough, but just doesnt catch me enough.
    Music wise, Soken topped himself from Shadowbringers. Almost every single song hits me hard enough when the story goes on, while the ambience songs are perfectly fitted with the map itself.
    And finally, in terms of gameplay, lots of tedious work had been deleted, and most jobs are cleaner then ever. Best FFXIV expansion ever up to date.    … Expand
  91. LordBhaal
    Dec 15, 2021
    10
    Shadowbringers expansion was a gaming masterpiece.
    Endwalker is even better.
    Dev team have added new mechanics, refined some old ones. You can see that they pay close attention to community feedback in all forms, including jokes and memes. They know exactly who you love and why you love them. Generally Endwalker gives you a huge payoff for nearly 10 years (yes, 10, cause it references    Shadowbringers expansion was a gaming masterpiece.
    Endwalker is even better.
    Dev team have added new mechanics, refined some old ones. You can see that they pay close attention to community feedback in all forms, including jokes and memes. They know exactly who you love and why you love them.
    Generally Endwalker gives you a huge payoff for nearly 10 years (yes, 10, cause it references some points from 1.0) of existing content.
    It might be hard to score it as a separate game, but whole saga has one of the best stories in video games I've played.    … Expand
  92. FabledFires
    Dec 15, 2021
    10
    I could tell you the whole story, and you wouldn't believe me. I mean that in the best way possible. The writing is creative, refreshing takes on concepts we've visited. Do not story skip and then do this expansion. It can stand on its own just fine, but atleast 2 of the 10 points im giving are for the way it makes use of both main story and side content and brings it's world, andI could tell you the whole story, and you wouldn't believe me. I mean that in the best way possible. The writing is creative, refreshing takes on concepts we've visited. Do not story skip and then do this expansion. It can stand on its own just fine, but atleast 2 of the 10 points im giving are for the way it makes use of both main story and side content and brings it's world, and characters, to a very neat and tidy, glorious conclusion. I highly recommend doing side content from the previous expansions *before* you do this expansion, job quests too.… Expand
  93. froe1006
    Dec 15, 2021
    10
    The way they deal with political issues still left me some disappointments. Nevertheless, it was the most perfect finale I've ever seen.
  94. Dragonknight12
    Dec 15, 2021
    1
    servers are very bad.
    Pre-order to play early.
    Pre-order bonus to get me to buy early is dumb is hell.
    voice acting is bad just like the last expansion.
  95. Pks4482
    Dec 14, 2021
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This review will be spoilery.

    First off, this expansion was a beautiful love letter to the prior FFXIV expansions and A Realm Reborn. Lots of exciting new locales to explore including the much awaited Old Sharlayan and the beautifully barren moon with some interestingly colorful facilities run by a few old friends from FF4.

    As always the music is superb from the absurd toybox-esque themes of Labyrinthos, to the gravitas-filled music that accompanies your journey through the latter dungeons, this is Mr. Soken at his finest. There are even several nods to the themes found in FF games of old scattered around.

    As for the plot, this is where things start to unravel. There are definitely strong emotional scenes which are enhanced by the strength of the voice actors employed. Though I found Cid rather jarring to listen to, everyone else does a beautiful job capturing and conveying the tone and emotions in their respective scenes. Many even brought tears to my eyes.

    Unfortunately, the plot is not without flaws. First, we have a big problem to discuss. A Zenos problem. (Second warning, big spoils ahead!) Zenos is a character I neither love nor hate. I can’t be compelled to do either because he only cares about one thing and one thing only. Fighting the WoL. That wouldn’t be a problem if Zenos had any depth of character, but every time he is on screen he does one of two things:

    A) Silently broods while the adults are talking
    B) Talks about getting strong and fighting

    And that’s it. I just can’t care about a character that can’t even be bothered to care about himself. He makes it painfully clear that he has no desire except to keep fighting until his blissful, nihilistic death. Wat? (Apparently he wanted to die so badly that he overcame death in a previous expansion to get strong enough to fight the WoL again so that the fight hopefully kills him.)

    Not only does Zenos’ singular goal persist from his intro two expansions ago, but he’s not given enough screen time to develop any other interesting plot or backstory regarding his presence and defaults back to his standard A/B actions listed above.

    So little did the creators care about Zenos that I think even they forgot he was a part of the plot. When Fandaniel summons Zodiark he initially intended to fight senpai Zenos so that both may embrace their nihilistic death together despite Zenos’ sole fixation with our protagonist. Instead Fandaniel in Zodiark form decides the WoL is a more interesting challenge and ignores Zenos as well. Zenos can’t be bothered to interrupt or intervene and promptly leaves the moon where the battle begins and ends with barely a word about seeking greater power to fight you (option B)

    (END GAME SPOILERS AHEAD)
    The world begins to unravel and the adventure goes uninterrupted by Zenos for the vast majority of the rest of the story. Only to pop back in to say “hey, let’s fight when I get stronger” (option b), a third time to reflect on some scolding Alisaie gives him as he momentarily expands his depth by an entirely new singular thought not his own (option B2?), and then joins the final fight to “help” by letting you ride on his back in Shinryu form while you fight the “final boss”.
    (I actually forgot Zenos was “helping” us in this fight until the end when the camera zoomed out enough to see below the platform. That’s how little I thought about Zenos this whole expansion)

    Top it all off with a heartfelt cutscene with the final boss that’s interrupted by an unnecessary (and uninspired) Zenos fight that kills the entire emotional flow of the ending before you can watch the credits and return home. With interesting mechanics it might’ve been forgivable, but it was an anticlimactic 1v1 fight with a character I wanted to leave behind.

    Zenos aside, the plot had some serious pacing issues with a necessary slow start before getting to the first dungeon, zooming off to light speed with no build up to a fight against Zodiark, in turn feeling anticlimactic for a fight we’ve been building up to for 4 expansions, coupled with some strange changes in tone with no ease between a few ultra serious scenes jumping straight into light hearted comedy. This expansion has so much to love and some beautifully written scenes that suffer from inconsistent direction, pacing, and awkward plot at times with characters that sometimes felt more like plot devices than meaningful beings with agency within their world.

    The lore build up of underlying workings and interaction between Aether and Dynamis seemed like it was being set up for something grand. Real problems to be solved, with a shift in the foundations of the physical principles of the planet continued its unraveling when Zodiark ceased to exist. Instead, the rug was pulled out from under us. In the eleventh hour, a brand new antagonist is introduced that has to be beaten to save the world long after Zodiark was discarded less than half way through the plot.    … Expand
  96. Yuichiro
    Dec 14, 2021
    10
    Though there are some minor drawbacks, the MSQ is awesome.
    I think ENDWALKER is the best expansion with amazing story about love and hope, excellent music and so on.
    Hope to see more!
  97. mutuka
    Dec 14, 2021
    10
    If Shadowbringers is a 10, endwalker is probably a 12. Unfortunately I can only vote to 10.
    I have never been so immersed on a game like this, soundtrack is absolutely beautiful.
  98. Talisa
    Dec 14, 2021
    3
    A step forward in story telling but a step backwards with everything else. Square Enix has continued to play it too safe in terms of content, never changing up the formula which is starting to get dull. Add that onto the awful stability of servers and terrible queues despite them being warned for years and you have a very lack-luster expansion launch fueled only by the fanboys that thinkA step forward in story telling but a step backwards with everything else. Square Enix has continued to play it too safe in terms of content, never changing up the formula which is starting to get dull. Add that onto the awful stability of servers and terrible queues despite them being warned for years and you have a very lack-luster expansion launch fueled only by the fanboys that think SE can do no wrong.… Expand
  99. noxturnal
    Dec 14, 2021
    10
    My first ever review, sorry for the bad grammar English is not my first language.

    I will go through it by few categories: Gameplay, Story, Music, Performance, Etc Gameplay: So far the newly release jobs seem very positive. Reaper was really fun to try out. Sage has such a great aesthetic but is very similar to scholar playstyle (without a pet). Dungeons are very enjoyable and    My first ever review, sorry for the bad grammar English is not my first language.

    I will go through it by few categories: Gameplay, Story, Music, Performance, Etc

    Gameplay:
    So far the newly release jobs seem very positive. Reaper was really fun to try out. Sage has such a great aesthetic but is very similar to scholar playstyle (without a pet).
    Dungeons are very enjoyable and great. The trash pulls somehow don't feel as tedious and the bosses are so much fun to fight.
    Trials are just perfect, it was amazing going through them.
    Combat really is peak MMO, it is fast pace, engaging, and when u master the rotation it just feels great to play your jobs(and I have all jobs to 80, and they are all fun).
    The jobs rework seem very positive, I really like the changes they make to the healers, Summoner and Monk.

    Story:
    I don't know how to even start, it was a masterpiece for me. This is really the accumulation of ALL of the previous expansions. It links everything together and ties a beautiful bow. The characters' growth is insane. I have too many I love these cast moments. The plots can be confusing at times since they get REALLY DEEP but they touch me in ways I never thought they should. No spoiler here but the main theme is really about the meaning of keep going on living, why do we suffer, why do we need to suffer. If you skip all the previous expans though, you not going to love the story as much. This is a very character-heavy story, if you do not care for them, you will not love the story as much.
    The ending forces me to take a break from the game for a bit because of the emotional turmoil (thx u so much SE).

    Music:
    Soken is a god. The scores are perfect, they capture the feeling TOO WELL. Like the story already hit you hard like a wooden bat. But no soken have to jump in and turn this wooden bat into a diamond bat. I really REALLY thought he cannot top Shadowbringer OST but I was again wrong.

    Performance:
    I play this game with the shader(which I really recommend). The game runs great and smooth, I have one disconnect when I start the first quest but that's about it. Playing shield healer feels amazing now since shield works better now(they figure out a workaround so shield doesn't get impact as much by server tick). If you are in-game, the game just runs amazingly, there are no bugs whatsoever when I play through it.

    New zones and texture:
    The new zones are too beautiful for their own good. It is great to see how much they improve in art style. It does make me feel kinda sad seeing older zones since they are just.... well very old. I wish one day SE consider upgrading ff14 texture and just make the rest of the game look as good (texture-wise) like endwalker. And please can we make so I don't see pixels in characters models. I got used to it but sometimes when I see it, it bothers me to no end.

    Queue time(launch week):
    I didn't play the game the first 5 days when it launch due to server issues. they literately suffering from success. There are just way too many people wanting to play the game and not enough server hardware to go around. I was able to pretty much avoid this completely by playing in the morning or really late at night. But I know people who have a 9-5 work schedule prob not going to have a lot of fun queueing for hours.

    the queue time will get better as the weeks go on or when SE finally gets their server hardwares. Please stop blaming SE for not getting a better server, there is a semi-conductor shortage and MANY companies cannot get the parts they need. From what I know SE offer to pay lots of money to get these servers components and they still could not get them since there are none, to begin with.
    I read so many entitled comments on how SE is so lazy with the server and the launch is terrible. I play through launch way, wayyyyy worst. and when you get in there are no issues at all.

    Errors:
    The first week we have the legendary queue ultimate due to rampant errors kicking people out of the queue. it was...bad, this is quickly fixed in 2-3 days and now I never have the errors again. I read that some people still have these errors very frequently. For me, though I never encounter them again after the fix.

    Conclusion:
    This expansion was just so perfect. Besides the queue time complaints, it was just a complete experience. Again this wasn't a standalone story, it was a beautiful conclusion of multiple expansions before it. If you already play through all of them, this is a MUST play.    … Expand
  100. fate060419
    Dec 14, 2021
    10
    Let's make it quickly. Story 10/10, I think they did better than any other expansion so far and this already make this game worth playing. You'll cry, that's for sure. Zones are beautiful. Game itself is amazing, Glamour looks even better. Server stability is great with so many players online. Community still great as always. Don't skip cutscenes for the best experience!
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best PC Game of 2021
5
#5 Most Discussed PC Game of 2021

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. Impulsegamer
    Mar 28, 2022
    90
    If you didn’t like FFXIV before now, Endwalker will do nothing to change your mind. But if you’re in, this emotional rollercoaster will be rolling towards a satisfying conclusion, that absolutely will not disappoint.
    Read full review
  2. Gamepressure
    Feb 9, 2022
    95
    FFXIV is currently the best MMORPG available. The main reason is because it’s RPG first, MMO second. The story isn’t just an afterthought, but an integral part of the experience, and everything else revolves around the tale of the Warrior of Light. It’s logical, well-planned, and presented with great, voiced (or not) cut-scenes.
    Read full review
  3. Everyeye.it
    Jan 24, 2022
    95
    Final Fantasy XIV closes its first colossal story arc with an exceptional expansion.
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