User Score
9.1

Universal acclaim- based on 1790 Ratings

User score distribution:

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
  1. Dec 13, 2021
    10
    As an MMO this is one of the best expansion's I've touched in the genre, with quality of life improvements that are sure to keep the hype rolling through the games future updates.

    The real meat, however, comes in the form of the games RPG side. A narrative and thematic masterpiece that the gaming world hasn't seen since Bioware's golden age.
  2. Dec 13, 2021
    10
    Pretty awesome completion of the Zodiark and Hydaelyn Saga

    Story: The Story is driven in many aspects to take you with you. Many different Small stuff inside that makes is way more. Requirement for the Story is to complete the previous Expansions. Gameplay: The balance changes are not so extreme and there are some QoL. SMN rework feels awesome. Maps: The new Maps are great in
    Pretty awesome completion of the Zodiark and Hydaelyn Saga

    Story:
    The Story is driven in many aspects to take you with you. Many different Small stuff inside that makes is way more. Requirement for the Story is to complete the previous Expansions.

    Gameplay:
    The balance changes are not so extreme and there are some QoL. SMN rework feels awesome.

    Maps:
    The new Maps are great in design and pretty stunning.

    Music/Sound
    Sound is pretty awesome. Map sound or Boss Tracks are pretty nice
    Expand
  3. Dec 13, 2021
    10
    Absolutely stunning, one of the most emotional stories i ever played and best MMORPG expansion i've played so far

    But what am i supposed to do with all those feelings now ?
  4. Dec 13, 2021
    10
    A wonderful and satisfying conclusion for this long lasting adventure. Touching and filled with many details and references. Starting slow this expansions story speeds up after a short time and delivers a high quality game with beautiful visuals, music and storytelling.
  5. Dec 13, 2021
    10
    J'aime beaucoup comment le jeu a su me garder autant dheure sans jamais que je ne me lasse. 4 000h de jeu!
  6. Dec 14, 2021
    10
    "Shadowbringers" was highly evaluated, so I was worried that this work could be connected well and that the foreshadowing could be completed and the finale could be reached.
    After finishing to the end, the BGM and the story were all better than expected and it was the best.
    We thank all the staff of FF14 for their efforts. thank you.
  7. 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!
  8. Dec 13, 2021
    10
    Absolutely amazing finish to an amazing game. Thank you Yoshi-P for everything, and here's for more adventures beyond the horizon!
  9. Dec 13, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. perfect storytelling,great graphics,best balanced battles.
    Definitely,this is the best FF.
    Expand
  10. Dec 13, 2021
    10
    They set the bar so high up with every expansion that surpasing it for the grand finale would seem impossible, however, they did it, and its a glorious piece of story telling and solid gameplay.
  11. Dec 13, 2021
    10
    There's plenty of laughter and tears along the way, and Endwalker manages to send off the Zodiark and Hydaelyn saga on an incredibly high note. Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker is a real crowdpleaser, and it should also leave everyone hopeful for what the future has in store for the MMORPG, even if this expansion is going to be incredibly difficult to top.
  12. Dec 14, 2021
    10
    Hands down the best story of any game I've ever played. I did not think they could match the quality of Shadowbringers, but they actually somehow blew it away. The new jobs are super fun and the changes to current ones are excellent as well.
  13. Dec 14, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The expansion came together in a really nice way so far.
    The gameplay feels way more fluid, can't tell if it's because of the gcd changes or not.
    Graphics wise they really improved since Shadowlands, which can be felt on my fps.

    | SPOILER |
    Feels like the story of some characters just either got the cut, or the devs were not really sure what to do with them anymore. To mention one, Zenos. I love that character since the first time. They gave him like 10 minutes of screen time in the whole journey? He was supposed to be one of the mayor points of the expansion..
    | /SPOILER |

    So far if Heavensward story is 11/10 then Endwalker is 10/10;
    Subject to change once we get to 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 etc. etc, hope no one forgot it's far from the end.
    Expand
  14. 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
  15. Dec 14, 2021
    10
    FFXIV from the beginning to the 'End'walker, is one continuous visual novel where the player portrays their role as the main protagonist of the story. Each expansion is essentially the next novel in the series, continuing not only an expansion themed story, but also an overarching metaplot that develops one step at a time. The game can be hard to get into originally, but if one has stuckFFXIV from the beginning to the 'End'walker, is one continuous visual novel where the player portrays their role as the main protagonist of the story. Each expansion is essentially the next novel in the series, continuing not only an expansion themed story, but also an overarching metaplot that develops one step at a time. The game can be hard to get into originally, but if one has stuck with it, it is highly rewarding. Endwalker is the end of that overall metaplot, which is almost 10 years in the making. The visuals of the new zones are stunning, the new trial bosses are challenging and it is a very entertaining game in one's humble opinion. Expand
  16. Dec 14, 2021
    10
    A true masterpiece of videogame story telling with engaging gameplay that builds on 10 years of experience.

    While the engine may now be dated and the start of the game remains slow, FFXIV is not simply the MMO to play right now but possibly the RPG most worth playing too.
  17. Dec 14, 2021
    10
    This is my best RPG game from my perspective. I have played this game over 8 years, without any doubt, this game is part of my life. although I'm very busy sometimes, I often log in this game and visit my house and my company. Yoshida could just end the MSQ in a more ordinary way, but he didn't
  18. Dec 14, 2021
    10
    Endwalker is a phenomenal finale to the big overarching arc building up since ARR.
  19. Dec 14, 2021
    10
    Just wow. Bettter than Shadowbringers? yes. The best Expansion? yes. Can't wait for the future of this game.
  20. Dec 14, 2021
    10
    Epic, just epic. Endwalker MSQ is all about fan service. Thank you Yoshi and your team, your passion and love towards 'game' and its player base is really there. I cried many times during story line but final cry was because everything just got too overwhelming..
  21. Dec 14, 2021
    10
    Final Fantasy XIV is one of the most important franchise games in Square's history, not only in terms of income, but also because of the value that the Final Fantasy saga itself brings. EndWalker is the culmination of 11 years of hard work, of experimenting with all kinds of mechanics, all kinds of stories and characters, which ultimately deliver the best work the company has put out inFinal Fantasy XIV is one of the most important franchise games in Square's history, not only in terms of income, but also because of the value that the Final Fantasy saga itself brings. EndWalker is the culmination of 11 years of hard work, of experimenting with all kinds of mechanics, all kinds of stories and characters, which ultimately deliver the best work the company has put out in the last 20 years. All the characters have their due end, all the villains and everything that we have learned since we joined the Scions of the Seventh Dawn has concluded. Personally, the villain of this expansion was a bit of my duty, but that's mostly because I adored Emeth-Selch as a well-written antagonist in ShadowBringers. From then on, this expansion does not introduce many new things to the lore of the franchise, but rather tries to close the ends of all the subplots that we have lived through. Yes there are new things or rather things that we did not know to date, but everything is an expansion of what was already presented before. The dungeons and trials are the best in the game, with an incredible soundtrack that adds new songs and remixes of what you've heard before that leaves you tied to the chair. All the classes of the game are very well balanced and all are fun to play, there is no one that is above the other, it depends on the tastes of the player and how they decide their experience to be. The cutscenes have improved a lot compared to those static scenes with emotes that we had in A Realm Reborn. Final Fantasy XIV on a 10/10 as a J-RPG and as an MMORPG. Congratulations and I hope you enjoy the ending as much as I did. Expand
  22. Dec 14, 2021
    10
    The perfect way to end the Hydaelyn and Zodiark story. Somehow they managed to top Shadowbringers.
  23. 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.
  24. 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!
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. 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
  29. 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.
  30. 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.
  31. 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.
  32. 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
  33. 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
  34. 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
  35. 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.
  36. 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
  37. 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
  38. Dec 19, 2021
    10
    This is the endgame of mmorpgs. Would be difficult to find something better than this as an MMORPG.
  39. 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.
  40. Jun 26, 2023
    10
    woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooow
  41. 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
  42. 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.
  43. Feb 14, 2022
    10
    best story ever seen in MMO, It is a masterpiece

    beautiful BGM, MAPS, STORYTELLING
  44. Mar 6, 2023
    10
    The only MMORPG with a great story and a passionate dev team that cares about player feedback and improving the game.
  45. Jun 13, 2023
    10
    One of the best MMORPG's you can play, ever. Absolute must-play if you like Final Fantasy, as you could very easily go through 90% of the game solo even, not playing with a single other human player. Game serves the story to a T, and director Yoshi P has proven to Square Enix that this game needs not to have huge pushes for monetization in order for them to make millions. A rare instanceOne of the best MMORPG's you can play, ever. Absolute must-play if you like Final Fantasy, as you could very easily go through 90% of the game solo even, not playing with a single other human player. Game serves the story to a T, and director Yoshi P has proven to Square Enix that this game needs not to have huge pushes for monetization in order for them to make millions. A rare instance in modern, AAA game design, and a director that actually cares about making a truly good game. It speaks for itself to make the continual dollars, unlike any gacha game and 90% of other MMORPG's available right now, as much as people would try and cope with the idea of this not being the reality, and that means a lot. This current expansion has proven to be the best thus far, and if you played this game some years ago, give this a go NOW. Expand
  46. Dec 9, 2021
    10
    An epic conclusion to a story almost 10 years in the making. Just the story alone is worth the admission price and much more.

    While the endgame is yet to really get into gear, the journey there and the endgame content that is there is as good as it gets.
  47. Dec 10, 2021
    10
    Amazing culmination of an epic story. The way everything is neatly tied up us incredible.
  48. Dec 11, 2021
    10
    I thought that Shadowbringers couldn't be toped. I was wrong. Final Fantasy XIV does it again. I am super exited for the raids and all the coming content.
  49. Dec 11, 2021
    10
    Queue errors indeed caused me a lot of gripe. But if I set those aside, my mind has been blown away by the quality of the story and how well it ties up a decade of story telling. My expectations were high to begin with but Endwalker exceeded them. Unforgettable story, music and more, my hat goes off to the wonderful team behind Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker, bravo.
  50. Dec 11, 2021
    10
    The best expansion yet, Endwalker really nailed it.
    Best storytelling, best clever plot moments, best characters,
    This game had an effect so important on me that i strat seeing myself hugging Yoshi-p in my dreams.
    Thank you FFXIV team from the buttom of my heart
  51. Dec 11, 2021
    10
    Pretty much my favorite game of all time or close to it especially after this expansion.
  52. Dec 11, 2021
    10
    Story Pacing is perfect, the Boss Designs are amazing.
    long awaited QoL Changes have been implemented, problematic class problems adressed (for the most part).

    Area's are looking better with every expansion and honestly, the extreme trials so far are fun as hell.
  53. Dec 11, 2021
    10
    As always, they hit it out of the park with this one. Amazing story telling! I thought it couldn’t get any better with Shadowbringers. It’s on-par or even better! Come experience this game with us!
  54. Dec 11, 2021
    10
    An epic conclusion of a long journey. Undeniably the best mmo on the market rn
  55. Dec 11, 2021
    10
    Its crazy how they tied up loose ends, also when they use "risky move" i was skeptical since it often make game/movie worse, but damn endwalker executed it nicely. Then the soundtrack? wow its really amazing how they combined all previous expansion music as indication of our journey from arr to ew its so awesome and especially the music at last zone holy **** that hits really hard.Its crazy how they tied up loose ends, also when they use "risky move" i was skeptical since it often make game/movie worse, but damn endwalker executed it nicely. Then the soundtrack? wow its really amazing how they combined all previous expansion music as indication of our journey from arr to ew its so awesome and especially the music at last zone holy **** that hits really hard. Subcribing to ffxiv is the best life decision i ever made. Now can someone erase my ew playthrough from my memory? i want to repeat those experience LOL Expand
  56. Dec 11, 2021
    10
    Amazing story and job system was even more refined than in shadowbringer. Must have for any fans.
  57. Dec 11, 2021
    10
    Is it perfect? - No, is it awesome - YES! For me, Endwalker surpases Shadowbringers.
    Yes, there are currently issues with login queues, but once in game, it runs flawlessly. Apart from that I can't complain, it is everything I was hoping from next FFXIV:
    - great storytelling
    - awesome Music
    - beautiful Zones
    And whats more perfect ending for 8 years long saga.
  58. Dec 11, 2021
    10
    A perfect ending. Gameplay, music, story are all top notch. This will be a tough one for any game to beat, let alone another MMO.
  59. Dec 11, 2021
    10
    I got to know the MMORPG genre through Final Fantasy XIV, which impressed me for its game history and delicacy with its admirers.

    It can be said that the Endwalker really completes a finale of years of emotions; sadness, happiness, armor and even hate. Many may say that this expansion has many cliches, but human life has cliches; the feelings themselves are special because of this.
    I got to know the MMORPG genre through Final Fantasy XIV, which impressed me for its game history and delicacy with its admirers.

    It can be said that the Endwalker really completes a finale of years of emotions; sadness, happiness, armor and even hate.

    Many may say that this expansion has many cliches, but human life has cliches; the feelings themselves are special because of this.

    In my humble personal opinion, Endwalker manages to lead you to countless different feelings, which in the end, they complement each other.

    In short, Endwalker managed to complete an ending to the first major arc of Final Fantasy XIV, but not its last! What mysteries await us in the depths of the stars, in the depths of knowledge!
    Expand
  60. Dec 11, 2021
    10
    The Story was a very fitting end to this long journey - i can understand people being frustrated about the Login Queues, but once you are through them, it is definitely what you were expecting... Or probably way better!
  61. Dec 11, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. After a decade, it feels like they have finally managed to bring everything together rather neatly. The experience itself is a spectacle with lengthy cutscenes, a great OST, and exceptional work on visual presentation. This is also the most appealing map design since ARR. Sage is also a welcome return to technical healing since SCH was radically simplified in Stormblood.

    This is a Final Fantasy game above all else and actually felt like a singleplayer for its entire run. That's not a bad thing, as this is probably the first Final Fantasy since the era of Sakaguchi's departure that carries the spirit of the franchise forward.

    My only misgiving about the entire experience is Zenos. He was used well at the beginning of the expansion and was mercifully written out afterwards. The only solace I take in him showing up to mar an otherwise exceptional experience right at the end is that he will potentially never return again. He is a blight on the story.
    Expand
  62. Dec 11, 2021
    10
    Just when you thought Shadowbringers was the best expansion, Endwalker tells us to hold it's beer and blasts the expections out of the park.

    3 mil daily users during launch blasting the servers while the WoW stans cry it's a flop? Are you sure about that? This game is fantastic. 10/10
  63. Dec 9, 2021
    10
    Endwalker es la mejor experiencia que he tenido en un final fantasy de lejos, he reído, he llorado, y sobre todo he desfrutado de este apoteósico final de saga que ha cerrado por todo lo alto.
  64. Dec 12, 2021
    10
    Didn't think they'd top shadowbringers. Not only did they manage but they also made shadowbringers and all the previously content better. Incredible
  65. Dec 10, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The game brings many things in the MMO ganre to a new level and that how it should be done.

    - We know questing in MMO is boring, every MMO player would agree on that one. The idea to place the entire story in dialogs, cinematics and few mini games is amazing. And this decision would not be good if they didn't wrote one of the best stories ever. It was just a great finale for both the Zodiark/Hydaelyn saga and the first chapter.

    - New zones are absolutely stunning. At first it was quite strange that some of them are existing only in the main story and will not be lore friendly to go back there, but that gave them the freedom to do insane things with those zones. Totally stunning design.

    - Music is master piece. This the only MMO that I just can't play with spotify instead of its original audio and even so, this expansion was above expetations (I still don't like the trailer song, but everything else was stunning).

    - Dungeons solo quests and trials were designed amazing.It was pretty good introduction of all basic mechanics that will help to the new players in the future challanges. I love that they are a bit faster and more mechanics overlap on normal mode so it didn't felt too easy, holding your hand content. And we already know that the next patches will unlock some great addition to this.
    Expand
  66. Dec 10, 2021
    10
    The fact that Endwalker didn't just manage to pull nearly all strings together from previous expansions, but also managed to set new ones up and wrap this story arc up in not only a satisfying, but also extremely impressive way that screams Final Fantasy from the top of its lungs is nothing short of masterful. All the while the game manages to tease the near limitless amount of storiesThe fact that Endwalker didn't just manage to pull nearly all strings together from previous expansions, but also managed to set new ones up and wrap this story arc up in not only a satisfying, but also extremely impressive way that screams Final Fantasy from the top of its lungs is nothing short of masterful. All the while the game manages to tease the near limitless amount of stories they already know they want to work with. Endwalker is without a doubt at the peak of what it means to be a 10/10 game. Expand
  67. Dec 9, 2021
    10
    How did they top Shadowbringers? is this even real?

    An epic conclusion to the saga
  68. Dec 12, 2021
    10
    Was worried about them being able to deliver on the ending. But I think they pulled it off quite well
  69. Dec 11, 2021
    10
    Square enix delivers over and over with every time being better and better. Even in those difficult times as we have now days they still managed to deliver this absolute masterpiece. All i can say enjoy the journey!
  70. Dec 11, 2021
    10
    Arguably the greatest story ever told in a video game. The music, the songs, the trials, the dungeons, everything really is top tier.

    In my opinion is the greatest mmorpg ever made and one of the greatest games ever made.
  71. 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
  72. Dec 15, 2021
    10
    Great zones and music, fun new classes and a fantastic conclusion to the ARR arc
  73. 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
  74. Dec 11, 2021
    10
    On par with Shadowbringers if not better. Was afraid it could not keep up with expectations and hype but was happily surprised.
  75. Dec 12, 2021
    10
    A great wrap-up to the story line! Didn’t think Shadowbringers could be topped but this did it!
  76. May 7, 2022
    10
    Amazing expansion, definitely lived up to the hype. Imo it has the best regions of any expansion. The dungeons and trials are amazing as well equal or better to the other expansions for me. The story is very very good but I still prefer Shadowbringers story slightly. The music was amazing as well about equal to SHBs amazing music.
  77. Dec 10, 2021
    10
    The perfect ending to a sage in the best gaming experience I have had in my life. FFXIV is the new King of MMORPGs.
  78. Dec 11, 2021
    10
    This is absolutely the perfect end for a 10 years trip.
    The real vote of this game for me is 9.7
  79. Dec 11, 2021
    10
    Absolutely fantastic game. Best expansion yet. This is Creative Business Unit 3’s Magnum Opus.
  80. Dec 11, 2021
    10
    Its the best mmo ever made and it had a fitting conclusion to end the 10 year story
  81. Dec 11, 2021
    10
    A masterpiece. Best expansion ever. Just wow! Loved every zone, dungeon and trial. And the ending... chef kiss.
  82. Dec 11, 2021
    9
    The telling and ending of an amazing story and journey is almost guaranteed to leave me feeling both full and empty at once. At the end, that is how I feel.

    Endwalker really knocked it out of the park for me. It feels like the most "final fantasy" of this Final Fantasy's instalments. Its most intense moments will leave you in withdrawals during it's slower acts, but there is so much
    The telling and ending of an amazing story and journey is almost guaranteed to leave me feeling both full and empty at once. At the end, that is how I feel.

    Endwalker really knocked it out of the park for me. It feels like the most "final fantasy" of this Final Fantasy's instalments. Its most intense moments will leave you in withdrawals during it's slower acts, but there is so much character work and detail in those slow moments that they are worth giving your full attention to.

    I didn't want it to end. All the characters both new and old are so respected by their creators, that when translating to an audience member like me, it becomes effortless to connect with them.

    The underlying messages of the expansion, such as the meaning of life, family, friendship, joy and suffering, were imposed on our characters with a fantasy of mind bending magnitude; yet discussed in a way that we can relate with our own lives, and that is a masterful level of communication.

    Every new area I was introduced to allowed for some incredible escapism, and of all the expansions, I've never felt as transported as with this one. Accompanied by stunning music and voice acting, the level of immersion was beyond satisfying.

    The dungeons were also enjoyable, ranging from great to fantastic. The trials either fun or challenging or both.

    I can't wait for the updates to this expansion. One book has closed in this world, and I can't wait for a new one to open.

    P.S.

    No more tailing or escort quests ever again though please :)
    Expand
  83. Dec 11, 2021
    10
    What a long and glorious road. The Story of FF14 was created in such a beautiful way and i really thought they couldn't do any better than Shadowbringers because it was so amazing. And here we are. Endwalker, the official end of the story which was build up over years. The climax every FF14 fan waited for. And let me say this: Endwalker succeded to surpress my expectations. It was aWhat a long and glorious road. The Story of FF14 was created in such a beautiful way and i really thought they couldn't do any better than Shadowbringers because it was so amazing. And here we are. Endwalker, the official end of the story which was build up over years. The climax every FF14 fan waited for. And let me say this: Endwalker succeded to surpress my expectations. It was a perfect ending and you could even smell some society critic at some points, or at least i feeled they were there. I wish i could forgot it already and play it again. I came from WoW and played it for 11 years and i never thought an MMORPG could have a story like this, that you are really addicted to your Character and the NPC's around you. I can't wait to continue my journey the next years. Be strong, warriors of light! Expand
  84. Dec 11, 2021
    10
    This has been my favorite MMO for years and recent expansion did not disappoint.
  85. Dec 11, 2021
    10
    Endwalker is the ending to a long-running saga and it didn't disappoint, which is a rare thing. The story makes use of a large amount of different characters and story elements established over the years and ties it all together in a masterful manner while fully capturing the essence of what Final Fantasy as a franchise is made of. The plot never becomes too predictable and it keeps youEndwalker is the ending to a long-running saga and it didn't disappoint, which is a rare thing. The story makes use of a large amount of different characters and story elements established over the years and ties it all together in a masterful manner while fully capturing the essence of what Final Fantasy as a franchise is made of. The plot never becomes too predictable and it keeps you hooked until the end. The dungeons and raid trials are both epic, well designed and fun to play. 2 new Jobs were introduced, i've personally only played Reaper at max level but i can say it has quickly become my favorite Job in the game. This game's evolution since its rebirth with A Realm Reborn is nothing short of a miracle and i'm still excited for the future. Expand
  86. Dec 11, 2021
    10
    As almost everyone has sad I belive no one thought shadowbringers could be topped but here in endwalker they proved us all wrong. The story was a absolute masterpiece of a conclusion to the saga and its amazing to see just how far they have come since ARR. From the camera work to ost to the writing. With the perfect conclusion of this saga I am once again going to say I don't think theyAs almost everyone has sad I belive no one thought shadowbringers could be topped but here in endwalker they proved us all wrong. The story was a absolute masterpiece of a conclusion to the saga and its amazing to see just how far they have come since ARR. From the camera work to ost to the writing. With the perfect conclusion of this saga I am once again going to say I don't think they will top this expansion but I trully think this delvoloment team will prove me wrong again. Expand
  87. Dec 11, 2021
    10
    Incredible. Might be the best Final Fantasy story. Great job to Yoshi P and all the incredible staff he leads.
  88. Dec 11, 2021
    10
    What a beautiful way to end off the Hydaelyn and Zodiark saga!
    It has been a pleasure to experience this masterpiece. Kudos to Yoshi-P and his team!
  89. Mar 6, 2022
    10
    Great mmo with a good story lacking good pvp overall love this game and the game developers.
  90. Dec 11, 2021
    10
    Awesome story with awesome BGM. EW ends the Hydaelyn and Zodiark story incredibly.
  91. Dec 12, 2021
    10
    Best game story since KOTOR 2. Fantastic MMO experience. Beautiful community. CHAD devs. 10/10 no doubts!
  92. Dec 12, 2021
    10
    The story is amazing, brilliant plot twist, great character development. You truly end up feeling like you were apart of the story.
  93. Dec 12, 2021
    10
    The experience delivered by Endwalker is without a doubt, the apex of what entertainment media is currently capable of producing. Never have I encountered a story that compels you to feel such a range of emotions so consistently. From elation to despair, from frustration to relief, this story has it all. Despite having finished the expansion three days ago, I can still scarcely believeThe experience delivered by Endwalker is without a doubt, the apex of what entertainment media is currently capable of producing. Never have I encountered a story that compels you to feel such a range of emotions so consistently. From elation to despair, from frustration to relief, this story has it all. Despite having finished the expansion three days ago, I can still scarcely believe that I went on such an incredible adventure. Before I played Endwalker, Shadowbringers was what I considered to be the pinnacle of not just the MMO experience, but gaming in general. No more can I hold fast to that view. Endwalker builds on what on the foundations and techniques used in previous expansions in such an ingenious way. Every cutscene invokes countless feelings within the player. The combat does not feel forced and is used in a way that makes narrative sense, none of that "We're on a journey to save the world but first, kill those 3 snakes barring our path".

    I'll refrain from commenting on the balance of the jobs, as of the time of this review I've only played Summoner to 90 and Sage to 84. While I won't say anything too explicit, I will say that Job balance is rarely a concern for FFXIV. If any large discrepancies between jobs appear, I've no doubt that they will be addressed and patched quickly. FFXIV Is well known for its soundtracks composed by the now-legendary Masayoshi Soken and once more, they do not disappoint. With a mix of re-vamped songs used previously in the game, to breath-taking new zone music. There have been several times where I've just stopped what I was doing so that I could fully immerse myself in Soken's latest masterpieces.

    While I've spoken of the many positives, as you'll learn from playing Endwalker, only through contrast can you divine true meaning. So as to stay faithful to that declaration, I shall endeavour to talk of the negatives. That said, there really is not much that comes to mind when I try to do so. In fact, the only negative I can think of at the moment is the fact that the queues, at least on my server, are constantly several thousand players large. Which in turn, means that If I want to play then I have to start getting ready 4/5 hours beforehand. I do not blame Square Enix for this queue issue as due to Covid-19, there is a Semiconductor shortage so acquiring adequate server space is simply not feasible, regardless of how much they try. These queues have been consistent since Endwalker's early access came out over a week ago. While this is a shame, especially to those that have less flexible schedules. It also goes to show just how much people are enjoying their time playing Endwalker.

    If a non-FFXIV player gets to the end of this review then I'd strongly recommend them to play this game, I can promise you that it is a decision you will not regret. I know I do not need to make the same recommendation to any current FFXIV fans, especially if they've played Shadowbringers as I've no doubt they're either playing Endwalker or preparing to embark on this brilliant final chapter to a decade long story.
    Expand
  94. Dec 12, 2021
    10
    Login queues aside, this is probably the best story I have experienced in a game. The character work, soundtrack, and content are some of the best in the game and in any game I have played. I had serious doubts that they would be able to top Shadowbringers, but here we are. They did it.
  95. Dec 12, 2021
    10
    As a long time WoW player whom had attempted to get into FFXIV since ARR patch 2.1 multiple times, shadowbringers finally hooked me in July, never did I think a story could continue top itself over and over again.
    From the Start of Endwalker to the end the music, the environments, the story was so well done I am still left in awe after finishing it 5 days before this review, it is now
    As a long time WoW player whom had attempted to get into FFXIV since ARR patch 2.1 multiple times, shadowbringers finally hooked me in July, never did I think a story could continue top itself over and over again.
    From the Start of Endwalker to the end the music, the environments, the story was so well done I am still left in awe after finishing it 5 days before this review, it is now just sinking in how grand the story was, It lived up to the height and beyond, Endwalker shattered my mind on just how good a story could be.
    Expand
  96. Dec 12, 2021
    10
    The best MMO gets the best possible wrap up to it's storyline, with amazing creativity and story writing that is simply the stuff of legends.
  97. Dec 12, 2021
    10
    WoW. While this has some gameplay issues with the new added quest archetypes it in no way detracts from the final product. The story this time around is longer but it picks up oddly faster ( around lv 83 ) and it never slows down. The dungeons and Raids are all amazing and the music, oh the music. Soken is a genius. Endwalker is a must play.
  98. Dec 12, 2021
    10
    Honestly, just wow. It amazes me how well they're able to tell a story that's been ongoing for a decade now. If you just play FFXIV for the story alone and never did any of the other types of content, you would still be getting your money and times worth, AND THEN SOME!
  99. Dec 11, 2021
    9
    A memorable and worthwhile finale to the long tale of our star. While it does not reach the highs of the vaunted Shadowbringers expansion as consistently, it still brings the storytelling, the flair, and the feels that have elevated Final Fantasy XIV from afterthought to franchise crown jewel.
  100. Dec 13, 2021
    10
    overall, EW is a magnificent expansion and the biggest sofar (in size & story scope)! ...
    early on it's more of a "best of all previous expansions mix", .. and has some pacing issues (like the lv 88 quests, besides to few action bits between some lengthy quest & story parts), but later it still delights and becomes it's own unique experience, tying up the storyline from ARR (or rather
    overall, EW is a magnificent expansion and the biggest sofar (in size & story scope)! ...
    early on it's more of a "best of all previous expansions mix", .. and has some pacing issues (like the lv 88 quests, besides to few action bits between some lengthy quest & story parts), but later it still delights and becomes it's own unique experience, tying up the storyline from ARR (or rather even from 1.0) lovely and in some unexpected ways
    ...
    Imo only Shadowbringers is overall still a tick better (perfect pacing, with many fresh flavours, emotions & characters) ..., but EW is still magnificent in its own ways too, with a lot of content & story!
    9-10/10 imo
    (Imo 2nd best, slightly behind ShB)
    Rating all the expansions:
    2.0 ARR (6-)7/10
    3.0 HW 9(-10)/10
    4.0 StB (7-)8/10
    5.0 ShB 10/10
    6.0 EW 9-10/10
    Expand
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. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Jan 24, 2022
    95
    Final Fantasy XIV closes its first colossal story arc with an exceptional expansion.