User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 520 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 49 out of 520
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  1. Jul 7, 2019
    10
    This is the best MMO and JRPG of 2019. Hands down. The music is 10/10 (soken is a underrated musical genius that will surpass uematsu), the presentation in fights are amazing, there's so many players playing the game right now that it's bustling, the story is probably the best story ever told in Final Fantasy since 6. Definitely worth checking out, this is something you must experience.
  2. Jul 2, 2019
    10
    Best mmorpg best DLC music 10/10 the new classes is good,new location and the best story.
  3. Jul 27, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The storyline of this game is SO good, it could win an Oscar. I really loved the tragic tale of the Ascians, which takes everything we thought we knew about the penultimate bad guys of FFXIV and turns it completely on its head. Just when I was beginning to lose faith in developers Square Enix comes to the rescue with the first real gem of 2019 :) The soundtrack is great, personally I love the vocalizing in the Ratika Greatwood, but thats not to discount all the other great music throughout the game. The graphics, of course, are great - as has been the case since the game's release and the new classes for Gunbreaker and Dancer are pretty fun with their own system of mechanics. They added a new race too (Viera, AKA "Bunny People") - cool I guess, lol. Looking at this release overall, this is a can't miss for MMOs not in just this year but all time and one of the few 10/10s ive given on Metacritic in the last several years. Expand
  4. Jul 8, 2019
    10
    An excellent addition presents a story and characters from a beautiful and interactive world of development in this add-on much better than before and is worthy of all required players Final Fantasy 14 play it and dig deeper into it
  5. Jul 2, 2019
    10
    Best mmorpg best DLC music 10/10 the new classes is good,new location and the best story.
  6. Nov 23, 2020
    10
    Shadowbringers is, in my experience, without a doubt the greatest multiplayer story ever told through a game.

    I've played many Final Fantasy games, but Shadowbringers is my favourite of all. It puts forth the greatest depth accompanied by dark, interesting themes, that are tackled with an expert finesse. Like it's predecessors, Shadowbringers is truly a game upon itself rather than a
    Shadowbringers is, in my experience, without a doubt the greatest multiplayer story ever told through a game.

    I've played many Final Fantasy games, but Shadowbringers is my favourite of all. It puts forth the greatest depth accompanied by dark, interesting themes, that are tackled with an expert finesse. Like it's predecessors, Shadowbringers is truly a game upon itself rather than a simple expansion.

    A story that deserves to be experienced by all, but unfortunately may only be experienced by few, as it is necessary to work your way through the other fantastic FFXIV expansions before arriving at Shadowbringers. Shadowbringers is a masterpiece that brings a level of worldbuilding that is a rarity in JRPGs, and unrivaled in the MMORPG genre.
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  7. Jul 29, 2019
    10
    Absolutely fantastic. Better than stormblood and on par with HW.

    Some classes have gotten stripped of complexity while others have been near perfected. This and the lack of an option to skip the tired old fetch quests is my only complaint. C'mon. We've surveyed, grabbed 3 items, cured the 3 sick people, delivered 3 items etc enough. Just give me the excellent story and the odd solo
    Absolutely fantastic. Better than stormblood and on par with HW.

    Some classes have gotten stripped of complexity while others have been near perfected. This and the lack of an option to skip the tired old fetch quests is my only complaint. C'mon. We've surveyed, grabbed 3 items, cured the 3 sick people, delivered 3 items etc enough. Just give me the excellent story and the odd solo instance with the incredible dungeons and trials and let me cut out the busy work inbetween.

    It's better than ever been and might even get me to stick around for end game, for a bit.
    Expand
  8. Jul 2, 2019
    10
    You won't find an MMO (And few games in general) with a stronger story or more meticulously crafted music. The new QOL updates and Jobs are aces! Can't recommend this game more!
  9. Jul 7, 2019
    10
    Great job developers, the music and art is really cool, the new jobs are well done, really having a blast. Well done!
  10. Jul 20, 2019
    10
    The best expansion in an mmo period! I would recommend this game one thousand times over!
  11. Jul 6, 2019
    10
    Praise Yoshi-P Praise Yoshi-P Praise Yoshi-P Praise Yoshi-P Praise Yoshi-P Praise Yoshi-P
  12. Jul 3, 2019
    10
    Without spoiling anything, FFXIV continues to prove that compelling narrative can be made in a MMO. With a focused story driving the Scions forward, I was on the edge of my seat worried for each character's fate. With new features, the player's character is more enhance than ever. I truly love this expansion and all that comes with it.
  13. Jul 2, 2019
    10
    This is a expansion worth every single Dollar the Story is soooo good it puts other Mmo's to shame and every song of the Soundtrack is Amazing, better than Stormblood heck.. even the best expansion ever !
  14. Jul 2, 2019
    10
    Perfection! I've played mmo's since the early days when Ultima Online existed and have to say that Shadowbringers is the first in a long time to make me feel so engaged with the story. final fantasy XIV is known for it's impressive storytelling, but Shadowbringers takes it to another level. On a MMO stand point it's perfection.... equally you could call this an amazing RPG.
    The additions
    Perfection! I've played mmo's since the early days when Ultima Online existed and have to say that Shadowbringers is the first in a long time to make me feel so engaged with the story. final fantasy XIV is known for it's impressive storytelling, but Shadowbringers takes it to another level. On a MMO stand point it's perfection.... equally you could call this an amazing RPG.
    The additions of the Trust system and other quality of life changes, really just polish the diamond this expansion already was
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  15. Jul 2, 2019
    10
    Honestly I've played a LOT since Shadowbringers has released (pre release on 28th) and I've finished all the MSQ (Main Story Quests) and It's been a hell of a ride. Voice acting and story line are ON POINT!!!

    On release there are 8 dungeons and 2 big boss "Trials" as well as 2 lesser Big Boss Trials included with the expansion as well as 5 zones you can obtain flying in right away (Not
    Honestly I've played a LOT since Shadowbringers has released (pre release on 28th) and I've finished all the MSQ (Main Story Quests) and It's been a hell of a ride. Voice acting and story line are ON POINT!!!

    On release there are 8 dungeons and 2 big boss "Trials" as well as 2 lesser Big Boss Trials included with the expansion as well as 5 zones you can obtain flying in right away (Not wait 7 months and have to do a buncha BS, looking @ You WoW)

    Also with Shadowbringers it brought a complete revamp to the games combat system and healing system. It made all the jobs (Classes) WAY more fun to play which is awesome. Looking more and more like a fast action MMORPG.

    Each zone ingame is gorgeous in Shadowbringers, all the music is amazing, the game is more fun to play than ever and jobs are more balanced. What more could you ask for to be honest.

    So some people give low scores it seems because it's expensive because they have to buy initial game plus this expansion. Other games make you buy initial, prior expansions and then current expansion.

    At least FFXIV Lets you buy Game + All prior expansions for one low price and then allows you to buy current expansion when you get to it.
    Expand
  16. Jul 4, 2019
    10
    Story 10, Cobat 10 ( based on Bard), Dungeons best ever, Graphics... You have to see it lol
  17. Jul 4, 2019
    10
    Too good for an mmo.The most final fantasy game I have played in last decade.
  18. Jul 6, 2019
    10
    I played alot of MMORPG but this game is the real MMO RPG. The RPG elements are heavily shown in the story while also adding a solid foundation for the character progression.
  19. Jul 13, 2019
    10
    Now it's the best mmorpg not just one of the best. I‘m ready for FF14 X nier:aotumata I can't wait
  20. Jul 14, 2019
    10
    Just amazing
    Every single second amazed me.
    The Soundtrack is amazing
    The story breathtaking
  21. Jul 9, 2020
    10
    Absolute perfection, successfully builds on the previous two expansions along with the base game.
    FFXIV now stands tall as one of the best Final Fantasy games with one of the best stories available in any RPG, well done to the team at Square Enix. You achieved beyond all our expectations!
  22. Jul 27, 2019
    10
    Best MMORG on the world, beautiful storyline and with one character you can do multiple jobs.
  23. Jul 29, 2019
    10
    One of the best MMO expansions ever released. Story wise, it rivals some the best FF stories in years.
  24. Jul 30, 2019
    10
    FFXIV Has been a high-quality MMO since A Realm Reborn released, but with Shadowbringers, it has reached new heights that are rarely seen in MMO's or even any video game genres. The story is a masterpiece, heart-wrenching and beautiful. It stands up to and even exceeds many single player titles.
    You'll hear about players being moved to tears by the narrative; I can confidently say that
    FFXIV Has been a high-quality MMO since A Realm Reborn released, but with Shadowbringers, it has reached new heights that are rarely seen in MMO's or even any video game genres. The story is a masterpiece, heart-wrenching and beautiful. It stands up to and even exceeds many single player titles.
    You'll hear about players being moved to tears by the narrative; I can confidently say that this is no exaggeration.

    As always, Soken and co delivered an amazing score for this expansion; the sort of soundtrack that you'll want to listen to even when you aren't playing the game.

    Last but not least, the gameplay. Whilst it is the traditional tab-targeting affair, the encounters you experience throughout the expansion are fast-paced and action packed; with beautiful (and sometimes haunting) enemy design.

    I could ramble on about this expansion, sing its praises until the proverbial cows come home, but I'd rather just play it. I just felt the need to add my voice to the chorus of glowing opinions.

    Just, stop reading this now. Play the damn game. You will not regret it. Do it.

    Stop reading this. Go.
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  25. May 31, 2021
    10
    Отличное продолжение сюжета предыдущих DLC.
    Из подземелья в подземелье, из локации в локацию (мои любимые локации среди всех дополнениях), все вызывает приятные эмоции.
    Музыкальное оформление, так вообще - пушка!
  26. Feb 18, 2020
    10
    L'extension qui ma motivé à me mettre à ce MMO qu'est FFXIV, j'avais de mauvaise vu de par son genre, mais je n'ai eu aucun regret.
    Après ARR qui est inintéressant niveau histoire, les extensions qui ont suivis sont d un toute autre niveau, sans parler de Shadowbringer qui est un très grand FF. Les FF sur cette génération, c'est dans un MMO que ça ce passe
  27. Dec 9, 2021
    10
    one of the greatest videogames ever made if you like any final fantasy you really need to check this out even if it's starts a bit slow it's worth the journey 100% and for an online game to not have a store in the game is really a testament to how good the game is and it's free till level 60 that includes the whole 1st expansion
  28. Apr 20, 2020
    10
    Great story telling period from start to finish better than that **** ff7R ending
  29. Sep 6, 2021
    10
    A masterpiece and absolute must play. The storyline, character development, voice acting, dungeon and raid design, level design are all outstanding. This expansion demonstrates that long time fans of final fantasy should not overlook XIV because it is an MMO, it is outstanding.
  30. Jun 14, 2020
    10
    Amazing - visual, characters, music and story all were extremely entertaining. Plenty of plot bombs that made you go “so that’s why” or “no way” and just generally fleshed out the story in quite a clever way. The twinning dungeon is one particular instance that come to mind although theres quite more!
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 18
  2. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Sep 10, 2019
    90
    This expansion brings a phenomenal story set in a fun new environment and offers Trials that are truly worth your time and effort. When push comes to shove, however, Shadowbringers is mainly more of the same in a good way.
  2. Aug 10, 2019
    70
    The question that every Final Fantasy fanatic poses is probably if it is still worth tackling all the extra obstacles, just to experience another epic adventure. As an online role-playing game, it requires a usual monthly subscription and every single expansion also has its price. If you look past that detail, Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers is yet another excellent game in the series, albeit a little too adapted for online gambling to attract exactly all "regular" Final Fantasy fans.
  3. Aug 8, 2019
    100
    As I said before, I cannot recommend Shadowbringers more. The story, visuals, music, vocal performances, and gameplay all combine together to create a phenomenal gaming experience. Final Fantasy XIV has only gotten better over time, and after playing Shadowbringers I have simply no idea how they are going to better this expansion in the future. It really and truly is that good.