You can try iconic MMORPG FFXIV for free on Nintendo Switch 2

The gates to Eorzea have officially opened on Nintendo Switch 2, and this time, you don't need to buy a ticket. Square Enix has launched the Final Fantasy XIV Free Trial on the new console, giving curious adventurers the chance to experience one of the world's most successful MMORPGs without paying a subscription or worrying about a time limit.

Try it for free

Calling it a "trial" almost feels misleading. Rather than offering a brief taste of the game, the free version includes the entirety of A Realm Reborn and the first three expansions—Heavensward, Stormblood, and Shadowbringers. New players can journey through an enormous story spanning hundreds of quests, challenge iconic bosses, clear dungeons and raids, and experiment with every available combat, crafting, and gathering job up to level 80. It's enough content to keep most RPG fans occupied for months.

One of Final Fantasy XIV's biggest strengths is its flexibility. A single character can learn every class in the game, allowing players to swap between roles whenever they like instead of creating multiple characters. Whether you prefer charging into battle as a tank, keeping allies alive as a healer, dealing massive damage, or taking a break to become Eorzea's finest blacksmith or fisherman, the Free Trial lets you experience nearly every side of the game.

As generous as it is, the trial isn't completely unrestricted. Free accounts cannot use the Market Board, trade items with other players, create parties or Free Companies, send direct messages, or participate in PvP modes. There's also a cap of 300,000 gil, ensuring the trial remains focused on exploration and story rather than the game's player-driven economy.

There's one important detail for newcomers: the Free Trial is only available for new service accounts. Once an account purchases the full game, it permanently transitions to the standard version, which requires a monthly subscription after the included game time expires. For that reason, players may want to squeeze every last dungeon, raid, and side quest out of the trial before making the jump.

Switch 2 owners should also make sure they have plenty of room to spare. Final Fantasy XIV requires around 117 GB of free storage, making it one of the largest downloads currently available on Nintendo's latest console. On the bright side, there's no need for a Nintendo Switch Online membership to play, so once the game is installed, the only thing standing between you and your next adventure is deciding which job to level first.

For anyone who's been waiting for the right moment to see what all the excitement is about, this might be it. With four complete chapters of the saga available at no cost, the Switch 2 Free Trial offers an adventure that's less of a demo and more of a full-blown fantasy epic. As usual, if you want to continue your adventure with full access to all the features you can visit our comparator for the best deals on Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn.