Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward

 PC
User Score
9.1

Universal acclaim- based on 1083 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 989 out of 1083
  2. Mixed: 25 out of 1083
  3. Negative: 69 out of 1083
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  1. Unoskd
    Sep 7, 2023
    8
    The quality of the story took a massive leap forward from ARR to Heavensward.
    A leading factor for this, of course, is the character Haurchefant and his fate, which likely affected many players.
    However, I must say that although it was a very impactful experience, it felt incredibly unnecessary to me. It would have been so easy as a player to intervene and prevent it, but instead, you    The quality of the story took a massive leap forward from ARR to Heavensward.
    A leading factor for this, of course, is the character Haurchefant and his fate, which likely affected many players.
    However, I must say that although it was a very impactful experience, it felt incredibly unnecessary to me. It would have been so easy as a player to intervene and prevent it, but instead, you just stand there and just watch it unfold.
    I imagine that as a tank or healer, you'd feel particularly foolish in that scene. So, it's quite frustrating in a way, but FF14 is obviously not Baldur's Gate 3, where you can act freely. Accordingly, you have no choice when the developers decide that you have to behave questionably in certain moments.

    Nonetheless, a really good expansion. 8/10 points.    … Expand
  2. Light_Ain
    Jul 25, 2023
    10
    The story went up a ton in the first expansion, really is just so good and big improvement from the slow start of the first part of the game.
  3. Keyxlime
    Jun 27, 2023
    10
    El equipo se lucio con esta primera expansion. Facilmente podria ser un juego individual de Final Fantasy. La historia, el soundtrack y la manera en la que trabajaron las cinematicas es de 100. Y el contenido Post-game solo se pone mejor. Cierta questline del Post-HW tiene una historia y tematica digna de Volver al Futuro
  4. Anthonyi
    Apr 7, 2023
    10
    Heavensward is a stunning expansion to an already incredible game. From start to finish, the expansion immerses you in a world of magic, wonder, and intrigue that will leave you spellbound.

    The expansion features an engaging storyline that builds upon the events of A Realm Reborn. From the mysterious Ascians to the political machinations of the Ishgardian nobility, there's always    Heavensward is a stunning expansion to an already incredible game. From start to finish, the expansion immerses you in a world of magic, wonder, and intrigue that will leave you spellbound.

    The expansion features an engaging storyline that builds upon the events of A Realm Reborn. From the mysterious Ascians to the political machinations of the Ishgardian nobility, there's always something new and exciting happening in the world of Eorzea. And Heavensward has Haurchefant. He alone is worth a 10/10.
    The addition of new dungeons, and raids also adds a new level of depth to the gameplay, providing even more ways to explore and conquer the game's many challenges.

    Of course, it wouldn't be a Final Fantasy game without a memorable cast of characters, and Heavensward delivers in spades. From the enigmatic dragon Nidhogg to the valiant Ishgardian knights, the game's NPCs are richly drawn and full of personality, making it easy to get invested in their struggles and triumphs.

    Heavensward is an outstanding expansion that takes an already good game to new heights. With its engaging storyline, and memorable characters, it's a must-play for fans of the franchise and MMORPGs in general.    … Expand
  5. Imopsie
    Apr 7, 2023
    10
    Heavensward had a breathtaking story, and I really wish I could play it again completely from scratch just to experience the story again.
    The characters in this expansion, especially Haurchefant, of course, were simply amazing, and the story has both heartwarming moments and ones that tear your heart apart because they are so sad. Overall, it's just a great expansion.
  6. Zinr
    Apr 2, 2023
    9
    One of the expansion's greatest strengths is its characters. Aymeric, Alphinaud, Estinien, and Haurchefant are just a few of the incredible personalities that players will encounter along the way. In particular, Haurchefant is a truly wonderful character, one whose kindness and selflessness will touch the hearts of even the most jaded players. His story arc is one of the most emotional andOne of the expansion's greatest strengths is its characters. Aymeric, Alphinaud, Estinien, and Haurchefant are just a few of the incredible personalities that players will encounter along the way. In particular, Haurchefant is a truly wonderful character, one whose kindness and selflessness will touch the hearts of even the most jaded players. His story arc is one of the most emotional and memorable I have ever seen in a game. I simply love that guy.

    Heavensward is an incredible expansion that builds on the strengths of the base game while adding new layers of depth and complexity. With its engaging characters and emotional story Heavensward is a must-play.    … Expand
  7. Roka
    Apr 1, 2023
    10
    Oh, Heavensward, how do I love thee? This expansion is a masterpiece that will take you on an emotional journey unlike any other. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll be left in awe of the incredible storytelling.

    The story follows the Wol as they journey into the uncharted lands of Ishgard, where they'll face new challenges and meet new friends (and enemies). But it's the emotional    Oh, Heavensward, how do I love thee? This expansion is a masterpiece that will take you on an emotional journey unlike any other. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll be left in awe of the incredible storytelling.

    The story follows the Wol as they journey into the uncharted lands of Ishgard, where they'll face new challenges and meet new friends (and enemies). But it's the emotional journey that really sets Heavensward apart.

    And let's talk about the characters, shall we? Haurchefant is one of the greatest characters you'll ever come across in a video game. He's charming, loyal, and just a tad bit naive. You'll fall in love with him from the moment you meet him, and his fate will leave you heartbroken. But that's the beauty of Heavensward - it's not afraid to take you on an emotional rollercoaster.

    The gameplay is as fantastic as ever. The music is also top-notch, with some of the best tracks in the entire Final Fantasy series.

    Overall, Heavensward is a must-play for any Final Fantasy fan or MMO enthusiast. It's a beautifully crafted expansion that will take you on an unforgettable journey.    … Expand
  8. NN010
    Jan 29, 2023
    9
    Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward is a solid expansion & a huge step up over A Realm Reborn in terms of story, but it does still have some pacing issues and you can still see some growing pains in some respects.
  9. LastResource
    Jan 14, 2023
    10
    worth it and glad to play this game again. so much memories and nostalgia within this fourteenth game in the series. this expansion is breathtaking!
  10. MazrimTaim14
    Jul 31, 2022
    9
    this is were the game comes to its own. first time in 14 that i felt really playing a JRPG with the PC traveling with a band of companions

    story is great. and the game is starting to have the awesome moments

    judging the score based on ALL the content. main game and patches.

    end of 3.0 and 3.3 are there in the top moments for me.
  11. candidKlutz
    Apr 30, 2022
    10
    HW is the critically acclaimed expansion for a reason. By god am I glad that it was included in the free trial. As much as I did actually enjoy ARR, i might not have continued if it weren't for how insanely good HW is. The story of this expansion starts off strong on the heels of the post ARR content, and it only gets better and better.
  12. Wweald
    Dec 15, 2021
    9
    ARR was already quite good, but Heavensward was a big step up. The characters and the story were much more compelling. And the story of Heavensward didn't feel like it dragged on like ARRs did. I think the areas in Heavensward arent as good as Stormblood and Shadowbringers, and both of those beat it in the dungeon and trial department as well. Although Heavenswards are still very good asARR was already quite good, but Heavensward was a big step up. The characters and the story were much more compelling. And the story of Heavensward didn't feel like it dragged on like ARRs did. I think the areas in Heavensward arent as good as Stormblood and Shadowbringers, and both of those beat it in the dungeon and trial department as well. Although Heavenswards are still very good as well, much better than ARRs.… Expand
  13. ZodaSoda
    Dec 13, 2021
    10
    Heavensward takes everything the team started in ARR and expends upon it, their talents increasing as they go along, This expansion is exactly what you could ask for after ARR and the story in and of itself is something any JRPG fan cannot miss. The Raid series is still one of my favourites to this day and if you know the music, then you know.
  14. Katzena
    Dec 12, 2021
    10
    This is one the best expansions for FF14. It helped me get way into the game. Its amazing
  15. Rodmund
    Nov 25, 2021
    10
    Отличное продолжение. Продолжайте в том же духе!
  16. TristanX
    Sep 26, 2021
    9
    Slower battle system than WoW remains. Contents are better than ARR. Currently with unlimited time trial up to Lv60, this game is priceless. Plenty of quality cutscenes and new classes. Just buy after you are done with the trial.
  17. Drely
    Aug 23, 2021
    9
    This game is so awsome! I'm enjoying every minute of it. Can't wait to reach Shadowbringers!
  18. TPLaMar
    Aug 22, 2021
    10
    Playing this first expansion this is a 10/10 easily. I can’t wait to see how the next 3 expansions progress. I’m all in.
  19. writethat
    Jul 23, 2021
    10
    I never thought an expansion for a MMORPG could make me feel so much emotion. All the praise Heavensward gets is well deserved, if anything, it deserves more. Absolute masterpiece.
  20. chocletymilk
    Mar 21, 2021
    9
    Heavensward. Was. Amazing. As someone that installed FFXIV just because I was bored and everyone said the free trial included a lot, Heavensward was what made me an absolute fan (and convinced me to buy the complete edition). The graphics improved, the new characters you meet in HW are still some of my all time favorites in the FF universe. There is a lot more voice acting than in ARR, andHeavensward. Was. Amazing. As someone that installed FFXIV just because I was bored and everyone said the free trial included a lot, Heavensward was what made me an absolute fan (and convinced me to buy the complete edition). The graphics improved, the new characters you meet in HW are still some of my all time favorites in the FF universe. There is a lot more voice acting than in ARR, and the missions and storyline are notoriously better written. It really got me on the edge of my seat at times and ontroduced a lot of new mechanics and fights that I didn't even imagine would be in this game. It also made me cry and get attached to the new characters. The new cities you discover are AMAZING.

    An amazing continuation to ARR and definitely the expansion that made me fall in love with FFXIV.

    And for free included with the free trial as of 2020!!!    … Expand
  21. saintninja
    Dec 12, 2020
    10
    Dragons. Many Dragons. Many beautiful mighty Dragons and dark knight. Good drama story and perfect continue of main game
  22. Latorn
    Sep 2, 2020
    10
    It took a long time to reach this point, but the quality of the game soared and as I continued playing it just got better and better. Now that Heavensward is included in the free version of FFXIV there is no reason a Final Fantasy fan shouldn't give it a try and experience one of the best Final Fantasy stories of the modern era.
  23. HomeroomTeacher
    Jul 28, 2020
    8
    Story wise this patch is currently the best for me while I'm writing this review, however I'm not finished with Shadowbringers yet. I enjoyed the lore so much, I rather slept 4-5 hours a day just to make progression. Significant jump after ARR both in production quality and gameplay or instances. Downsides is the pack of many filler quests which sometimes break the pacing of the game,Story wise this patch is currently the best for me while I'm writing this review, however I'm not finished with Shadowbringers yet. I enjoyed the lore so much, I rather slept 4-5 hours a day just to make progression. Significant jump after ARR both in production quality and gameplay or instances. Downsides is the pack of many filler quests which sometimes break the pacing of the game, hence I deducted two points from the game (and also there's still no quality PvP content). Flying mounts are a great idea, but goes pretty much useless, as you can only fly in an area after you finished main story quests for that region.… Expand
  24. Mohammed-alsheh
    Jun 21, 2020
    9
    outdated fights and dungeons , but amazing story and world i will not soon forget the awesome journey that is heavensward and neither should you .
  25. Nohri
    Jun 7, 2020
    9
    An incredible development of arr that flows well with fun dungeons a great story that has you question what's going on. As well as some of my favourite bosses in a lot of games.
  26. xavierboutot
    Apr 10, 2020
    10
    A major improvement from ARR. The story is more interesting and the character development goes even deeper. Compared to ARR, it feels like you are saving the world. Less stupid quests, which means less boredom and more fun overall. I would definitely recommend this expansion to any person who is interested in MMOs.
  27. Kezian
    Jul 30, 2019
    10
    FF14 is amazing ! If you never played it, download the free trial and see for yourself !
  28. artimis
    Mar 13, 2017
    10
    Final Fantasy 14: Heavensward is an amazing addition to an already amazing game. Adding on to the already best mmo on the market, this expansion adds a load of new content to the game. To the new battles,races,classes, exc, theirs something for everyone to do and injoy. from hardcore raiding to casual fun, to the amazing and beautiful graphics, games well worth the subscription.

    Story    Final Fantasy 14: Heavensward is an amazing addition to an already amazing game. Adding on to the already best mmo on the market, this expansion adds a load of new content to the game. To the new battles,races,classes, exc, theirs something for everyone to do and injoy. from hardcore raiding to casual fun, to the amazing and beautiful graphics, games well worth the subscription.

    Story 10/10
    Graphics 10/10
    Combat 10/10
    Endgame 10/10
    Music 10/10
    replay ability 10/10    … Expand
  29. Ogie
    Aug 7, 2016
    9
    Graphic

    FF XIV is MMORPG based on really fabulous graphic. All characters are well made and look so real. Open world here is really huge and everything is detailed made. World Hyadelyn and its beauty will devour you. Flowers, trees, animals, everything looks great. World, progressive weather, everything looks so much realistic. Equally good and maybe even better are cities, which look    Graphic

    FF XIV is MMORPG based on really fabulous graphic. All characters are well made and look so real. Open world here is really huge and everything is detailed made. World Hyadelyn and its beauty will devour you. Flowers, trees, animals, everything looks great. World, progressive weather, everything looks so much realistic. Equally good and maybe even better are cities, which look magnificently and they are very detailed made aswell. FFXIV has many strong sides, anyway its graphic is one of the strongest part of the game. Graphic quality of FF XIV is definitely currently number #1 in MMORPGs.

    10/10

    Customization

    The game has a lot of possibilities how to create your character exactly how you want to. Even when character creator is not overcrowded of possibilities, there are more than enough to choose what you want. I did not miss anything special. Color palette is really huge, so you can choose the exact hue you really want to. In game we can find many costumes, weapons, accessories, etc. which you can make, drop or buy for your character (depends what you want of course). FF XIV has pretty decent housing system. You have your own room available from every innkeeper in the game and you can even buy another room from your free company (guild) house. Both u can edit as you like and put there some decorations. Customization of FF XIV is more than decent and most of you will like it a lot.

    9/10

    Combat system

    Combat system in FF XIV is very traditional. Players have many abilities and they use classic "tab" targeting. Basically the combat system is not bad, it still work quite well, it can feel a bit slow though. I have no big problem with FF's combat system, anyway a bit of innovation would be probably good.

    8/10

    Game content

    FF XIV has good potential focused on PvE. In the game there is even possibility PvP which received a bit of enhancement in HW, but the game feels a lot of like mainly focused on PvE, which is good by the way. There are so many dungeons in whole game, many of them are for leveling or for quests, others are for end game. End game is focused on a lot of on collecting points every week, which you can spend for gear. We can find in game another group content called Trial, there you will face one boss and your reward can be weapon, armor, accessories or in some of them even mount. Main game raid is constructed for 8 players and have 2 difficulties. The hard one is really challenging for hardcore and semi-hardcore players. Another kind of PvE event are FATEs, which spawn on every map and people can do them alone or in groups. Currently the main function of fates are just leveling. Game content is quite good in FF XIV, there are a lot of possibilities what you can do, it tends to be a bit repeatable though, anyway to be honest every MMORPG tends to be repetable/ farmable.

    8/10

    Story

    Story is in many MMORPGs something what is not priority and usually it is pretty bad. That is not case of FF XIV. Here we can find long main scenario quest line, where you can see huge improvement since the game has started until now. Especially HW's story is simply amazing. Definitely the best MMORPG story I have ever seen. There are many character and you will like them a lot (at least many of them lol), after short while you will see that you are in the story. Story line is enhanced by many awesome cutscenes. This is definitely another very strong part of FF XIV.

    10/10

    Music

    Music is something what Square Enix has always amazing. FF XIV is not different. FF XIV: ARR's theme song was so much amazing, Heavensward's main song is at least equally good. Many of in game songs are catchy and relaxing. Music part is just simply excelent in FF XIV.

    9/10

    Value

    Value of game is good for me. It is definitely one of the top MMORPGs and even when it uses subscription model I can see high quality game for our money. To be honest I think it would be even worthy game if you would just play it's amazing story, which give you over 60 hours of story fun. Developers upgrade their content a lot, so the game doesn't feel static at all. If you like progressive and challenging PvE content, this game is definitely what you are searching for.

    Overal: 8,5    … Expand
  30. APOD
    Jan 13, 2016
    8
    I'm Probably NOT the best gamer in the world. But man I love gaming.
    We had a first look at Final Fantasy XIV (14).
    I was just thrown in to an awesome adventure. Cool characters and awesome creatures are waiting for you in this MMORPG. ◄ POSITIVES ► ♥ Deep and detailed storytelling. ♥ Appealing graphics. ♥ Lots of customization abilities. ♥ Cross platforms (Players on    I'm Probably NOT the best gamer in the world. But man I love gaming.
    We had a first look at Final Fantasy XIV (14).

    I was just thrown in to an awesome adventure.
    Cool characters and awesome creatures are waiting for you in this MMORPG.

    ◄ POSITIVES ►
    ♥ Deep and detailed storytelling.
    ♥ Appealing graphics.
    ♥ Lots of customization abilities.
    ♥ Cross platforms (Players on Playstation can play online with PC players).
    ♥ Play with a game pad or use mouse & keyboard.

    ◄ NEGATIVES ►
    ● Confusing map system. You don't know where to go.
    ● Sometimes there is no music.
    ● Some times there are voice over to the cut scenes, some times there isn't.

    View my "First look at - Final Fantasy XIV" video here:
    https://youtu.be/tyM87VAmfvg    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best PC Game of 2015
48
#48 Most Discussed PC Game of 2015
61
#61 Most Shared PC Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. RPG Fan
    Nov 5, 2015
    95
    An extensive and well-planned expansion that makes Eorzea an ever-more compelling place to get lost in.
    Read full review
  2. USgamer
    Aug 14, 2015
    90
    In addition to flying, players get an all-new storyline, new Primals, a brand-new raid dungeon, and three new jobs to level up. FFXIV still retains a few annoying issues here and there, but Heavensward is one of the best MMO expansions I've played.
    Read full review
  3. GameCritics
    Aug 9, 2015
    75
    The music is often phenomenal, the translation and dialogue are exquisite, and the world is one that's worth spending time in. However, it's all based on grind-heavy gameplay, and it's still subscription based. My advice is to buy it, burn through the new content, and then put it aside until the next substantial expansion is released.
    Read full review
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