Since its re-launch two years ago, Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn has been receiving quite high praise from its ever-growing userbase, one which has now surpassed four million registered accounts according to Square Enix.

While this number includes players from all regions of the game, Square noted that it does not however include trial accounts. In other words, all four million of those registered are owners of the full game. It isn't quite clear if registered is just another way of saying people who purchased the game, or an actual active subscription count.

To help celebrate this monumental milestone, Square Enix are hosting a free trial of the game's content for all lapsed subscription players starting today, at 6:00pm AEST. The free login campaign will be available only to those who previously subscribed to Final Fantasy XIV (it isn't clear if this includes the original game's launch) and stopped. The campaign will end on Monday, March 9th.

Patch 2.51 has hit Square Enix's ever-growing MMO Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, bringing with it a large batch of content additions to the already bursting game in the form of the Manderville Gold Saucer.

Based on the Gold Saucer amusement park from Final Fantasy VII, the new area houses many of the MMO’s newest diversions, including the awesome Chocobo racing mini-event. Also part of the update is Final Fantasy VIII's Triple Triad card game, which houses a set of 80 cards for player to collect and battle in PvE and PvP environments.

For Chocobo racing players will be able to breed and race a variety of specialised chocobo against other players, gaining rewards for their efforts. Mini-games are also making an appearance in this week's update, including ones such as The Moogle’s Paw crane game and the Crystal Tower Striker mallet game, that earn players the new MGP currency. This currency will be used much like in Final Fantasy VII for buying items such as Adamantoise and Fenrir mounts or an outfit based on Final Fantasy VI's Setzer.

Complete patch notes can be found over here.

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn now has over 2.5 million registered accounts, according to a new game trailer.

A line at the conclusion of the recently-released Eternal Bond trailer confirms the news, which means that 500,000 players have decided to step into Eorzea and give it a try since April when the figure stood at 2 million.

While we don't know how many of these accounts are active, it's a good sign for Square Enix's MMO, especially with its first expansion due out early next year, which is likely to see some of those who've left for greener pastures return and see what's new too.

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn players now have the opportunity to wrap up several in-game storylines with the release of content patch 2.4, Dreams of Ice, Square Enix announced today.

Dreams of Ice — the largest content patch to date — allows players to continue A Realm Reborn's main scenario as well as the final chapter in the Coil of Bahamut, which includes both story-based and raid elements. Additionally, players can begin assigning characters to the Ninja job and Rogue class.

In keeping with the frozen theme, Dreams of Ice also introduces the ice-clad primal, the lady Shiva, as well as the Snowcloak dungeon and two new dungeon hard modes for the areas of Sastasha and the Sunken Temple of Qarn. New housing subdivisions are also available, freeing up more space for players' plots.

Finally, NPC character Hildebrand is ready to dole out a new side story that will introduce two fan-favorite antagonists hailing from the Final Fantasy series: the goofy purple octopus Ultros and his flying associate Typhon.

The upcoming expansion for Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn, Heavensward, will introduce the new Dark Knight job class as well as flying mounts for players, it was announced over the weekend.

Speaking at a Final Fantasy 14 Fan Festival event in London, director and producer Naoki Yoshida shared more details on Heavensward, which is expected to launch in spring 2015. The Dark Knight job class — another popular class within the Final Fantasy franchise — gives players access to two-handed greatswords and darkness-based attacks. Dark Knight also will not feature a base class that eventually involves into a job; rather it will be a selectable class on its own.

As for flying mounts, players will be able to choose from a special airborne black Chocobo and single-rider airships. Both creature and machine will allow players to reach an area of floating islands that factor prominently into the storyline of Heavensward. Additionally, two new beast tribes, the Gnath and the Vanu Vanu, and their respective primals, Ravana and Bismark, will be introduced in the expansion.

Yoshida promised more details on Heavensward will be revealed at a third Fan Festival event, to be held in Tokyo December 20th and 21st. There is currently no release date on the expansion.

Square Enix has announced Heavensward, the first expansion to the rebooted MMO Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. The expansion will contain a number of items, including a controversial cash shop.

The new expansion will raise the level cap to 60, and include a "storyline focused on how to get to the heavens."

The expansion will also feature a new unannounced race including both male and female genders, the ability for free companies (guilds) to build airships, new jobs, new Primals (boss-like enemies based on summons in previous Final Fantasy games) including an original primal for Final Fantasy XIV, and of course, new areas and “many new dungeons, not just three or four."

The expansion will also apparently introduced a new cash shop, which has been met with some harsh controversy considering its subscription-based payment at the moment. Currently details on the shop are limited, but the event did reveal that there will be no pay to win items and that it will most likely contain previous seasonal event items and minions. A Sleipnir mount will be available for purchase as well.

Lead Producer Naoki Yoshida allegedly teased more announcements to come at the London fan fest on October 25, 2014. It appears no mention was made of the Gold Saucer or Chocobo racing which Yoshida talked about in a Q&A session recently.

Additional features are coming to Final Fantasy XIV via patch 2.4 Dreams of Ice, including new jobs, dungeons and storyline. You can check out a trailer for that patch below.

Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward is the MMO’s first expansion and will launch in Spring 2015. We'll hopefully have more official details shortly.

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn Game of the Year edition will be available from November 14, Square Enix has announced.

The “Game of the Year” edition comes in a high quality, printed “Book of Diamonds” Grimoire box, contains 5 exclusive art cards and includes 30 days of playtime, as well as a digital timecard for an additional 60 free days of adventure in the realms of Eorzea.

With this limited special edition, players will have access to the main game as well as the content of all the updates “A Realm Awoken”, “Through the Maelstrom”, “Defenders of Eorzea”, and the latest update “Dreams of Ice”, scheduled for release later this month.

A new rogue class and ninja job were announced at E3 2014 for Final Fantasy XIV. They will be added into the game with the 2.4 patch. An expansion and the addition of Chocobo Racing are also on the cards.

With its recent release of update 2.3 that contained a fair chunk of new content, including "The Hunt," which allows level 50 players to hunt down monsters for big rewards, it seems like no better time to jump into Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn.

To help make things a bit easier for newcomers, developer Square Enix has today revealed that those signing up on PC will be able to claim a free 14-day trial, of course with the usual trial restrictions.

Those interested can sign up directly through the game's website. The trial will last for 14 calendar days from the day it was downloaded, so make sure you utilise every hour. Like other MMO trials, players will be restricted to level 20, and will only be able to earn 20,000 gil (in-game gold). There are a variety of other trade-orientated restrictions in place to stop gold farmers from gaining the upper hand, which you can read about here.

While the trial is currently only available to PC users, Square Enix notes that those who wish to purchase the full game will have the option of moving their characters over to PlayStation 3 or PlayStation 4 if they so choose.

Square Enix's Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn is expanding yet again thanks to the upcoming patch 2.3, with the developer releasing a new trailer today showing MMO fans what to expect in Defenders of Eorzea update.

When the world is thrown into chaos, who will rise to defend those too weak to defend themselves?

The Sahagin summoned Leviathan, Lord of the Whorl, that the unbridled fury of the sea would wash away those who would threaten their livelihood. Eorzea's people turned to the Warriors of Light, who drove this sinister serpent back into the briny deep.

Now, new voices can be heard. From the deserts of Thanalan, to the verdant woods of the Black Shroud, to the snowy peaks of Coerthas, these voices cry out for a champion.

Featuring brand-new battlegrounds, including the Borderland Ruins of Carteneau Flats, as well as quests like The Hunt and much more, the patch is expected to increase the size of content currently in the game by a rather large amount. Players will also find three new four-man dungeons coming in the patch: Hullbreaker Isle, Stone Vigil hard mode, and Tam-Tara Deepcroft hard mode plus the new 24-man Crystal Tower dungeon Syrcus Tower.

Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn patch 2.3 will also bring large-scale player-versus-player to the game in the form of Frontlines, which you can read up on at the game's splash page. The MMO's next major expansion — 3.0 — will be detailed at the Final Fantasy 14 Fan Festivals this Autumn.

This week's PlayStation 4 launch of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn has helped push the MMO pass the 2 million mark for registered accounts, a rather large bump from previous numbers.

Square Enix hasn't given any hard numbers on just how many of those registered users are actually playing the game, but we do know that six months ago the number was at 1.5 million registered users. Meanwhile, a trailer from February proclaimed the second-iteration MMO had "over 1.8 million adventurers."

It's worth noting registrations do not equate to active subscribers, although the base game does require a purchase and includes the usual 30 days of free game time. According to a translated 4Gamer interview with Director Naoki Yoshida, in March around 500,000 people were logging into A Realm Reborn each day. It is unclear as to whether that amount is still steady, but hopefully hard numbers will come out during the next quarterly report from Square Enix.

Square Enix's rebooted MMO Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn has now officially launched on the PlayStation 4, complete with a new launch trailer wanting to get you hyped.

Originally launching for PC way back in 2010, Square Enix's rebooted title saw a number of changes to its core gameplay, including revised graphics and much more streamlined mechanics. Re-launched as A Realm Reborn in 2013, the game was made available for PC and PlayStation 3 with the PlayStation 4 version announced for this year.

Check out the launch trailer below and hit up the official website for more information.

Those currently playing on the PlayStation 3 version of Square Enix's rebooted Final Fantasy XIV MMO now have the chance to upgrade for free to the PlayStation 4 version.

While the actual game won't be released until April 15th in Australia for PlayStation 4, those jumping on the virtual upgrade will be given a three-day headstart, allowing access right this minute. This also includes those who pre-ordered the PlayStation 4 version itself.

For anyone currently scratching their head wondering how they would go about upgrading, Square Enix community project manager Hergen Thaens has detailed a step-by-step guide through the PlayStation Blog. A reminder though that anyone upgrading from the PlayStation 3 version to the PlayStation 4 version will no longer be able to go back down once upgraded, so make sure your decision is final. Transfers are also not permitted between PC and console versions, though all platforms share the same servers.

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn was initially released on PC way back in late 2013, with a PlayStation 3 version following soon after. The PlayStation 4 version is scheduled to launch on April 15th for Australia,

The upcoming patch 2.2 for Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn — Through the Maelstrom — will bring a set of new Hard Mode dungeons when it drops later this month, as detailed in the site's official splash page.

The video below offers a first look at these brand new dungeons: the dead Lost City of Amdapor, the Halatali training grounds and Brayflox's Longstop. The latter is overrun with a race of goblin scholars called the Illuminati from which players must defend an ancient and secret recipe. Players at higher levels will also get the opportunity to tackle the Second Binding Coil of Bahamut, the latest entrance into the high level dungeon that best resembles a labyrinth of choices.

Having fully explored the depths beneath Castrum Occidens, Alisaie's findings have served only to raise more questions regarding the Calamity, and the disappearance of her grandfather, Louisoix.

The discovery of a second entrance to the labyrinth has rekindled her desire for answers, and she would once again ask for your aid in braving its depths. Will she find the answers she seeks, or something darker still?

Through the Maelstrom will launch for both the PlayStation 3 and Windows PC versions of A Realm Reborn. Square Enix will host a Letter from the Producer Live presentation next Friday with director and producer Naoki Yoshida and main scenario writer Kazutoyo Maehiro to preview Through the Maelstrom.

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is also scheduled to launch on April 14 for PlayStation 4.

Square Enix's latest MMO reboot has finally made its way onto Steam, with Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn now available directly through the store for your library storing convenience.

FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) for Windows PC and PlayStation 3 that invites you to explore the realm of Eorzea with friends from around the world. Form a party and adventure with a multitude of players from across the globe. Forge friendships, mount chocobos, and board airships as you and your companions create your own unique stories in Eorzea. Set out alone or enlist the aid of friends as you undertake epic quests, battle familiar FINAL FANTASY monsters, and acquire unique abilities and equipment. All the classic elements from the series that you have come to know and love are waiting! Embark on the adventure of a lifetime to help reforge the fate of Eorzea on PC or PS3.

To help celebrate the new purchasing choice Square Enix are also offering a 50% sale, putting the standard edition at $14.99 which also includes 30-days of free membership. The sale also extends to the Collector's Edition, which offers a handful of in-game items and is priced at $24.99.

In related Final Fantasy news, the MMO has now been made available in beta form on the PlayStation 4, free to all users of the console. Revealed last week, the first phase will begin February 22nd, offering players the chance to test the game and see just what improvements have been made from the PlayStation 3 version. The game is available for download through the PlayStation Store and does not require an active subscription or account. Find out more over here.

Square Enix has today pulled back the beta curtains on their upcoming PlayStation 4 version of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, revealing two phases to the upcoming beta.

For the first phase, PlayStation 4 owners of the game will be able to jump in come February 22nd, with the beta ending on March 3rd. Phase 2's beta begins April 4th and ends April 7th, enough time to truly test some of the new content coming to the PlayStation 4. The beta will be accessible through the PlayStation Store, and character wipes will occur at the end of phase 1.

For those participating in the phase 2 beta, your characters will not be facing the wiping button, instead Square Enix revealed that characters will be brought over to the final retail version. PC and PlayStation 3 users will be able to transfer character data to the PlayStation 4, though this is only necessary for the beta.

For those wanting to upgrade from the PlayStation 3 version to the PlayStation 4, Square Enix has given a quick overview of just how the system will work:

The transfer service is scheduled to begin Friday, April 11th, 2014. Please be aware that after transferring to the PS4 you’ll be unable to play the PS3 version using your existing copy. Users who wish to play using both the PS3 and PS4 are required to purchase the PS4 version separately.

Users who own multiple service accounts for the PS3 can transfer all accounts to the PS4. Users transferring their accounts will have access during the early access period, scheduled from April 11th to the 13th. Please note: to transfer your PS3 account, you must have logged into it from a PS3 at least once.

For PlayStation 4 users, a handful of unique features will be making their way to the game, including support for PS Vita Remote Play, share-support, touchpad support and of course upgraded graphics comparable to high-end PC systems. You can check out the trailer below detailing these new features in action.

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn will be available on PlayStation 4 come April 14th. It is currently available on PC and PlayStation 3.

Square Enix has today announced that the PlayStation 4 version of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn will be releasing on April 14 with the game's servers going live on the same day.

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn on PlayStation 4 system will be available in either a Standard Edition or Collector’s Edition with pre-orders for both starting January 27. Pre-orders for either edition will include two in-game items (Mog Cap & Cait Sith Doll minion) and the ability to participate in Early Access starting on April 11. The limited Collector’s Edition comes packaged with an art book, music CD, art cards, a themed security token, and several special in-game bonus items.

Those who have previously purchased a Collector's Edition copy of the original Final Fantasy XIV or its reboot will automatically receive the two new in-game items (Fat Chocobo Mount & Wind-up Moogle minion) that are making their debut in the new PlayStation 4 system Collector’s Edition for free.

Square Enix also announced that PlayStation 4 system owners will be able to join the Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn Beta Test at no charge starting on February 22nd and players who own the PlayStation 3 version of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn will also be able to transfer their accounts to the PlayStation 4 system version for free starting April 11th.

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn Standard Edition for the PlayStation 4 system will be available for $39.99 and the Collector’s Edition for the PlayStation 4 system will be available exclusively on the Square Enix Online Store for $79.99.

The latest patch for Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn will be teased via livestream and is said to be bringing new mysteries, areas and major bosses to the world of Eorzea, Square Enix announced.

According to the post, on January 25th beginning at 10 p.m. AEST, producer and director Naoki Yoshida will host a livestream previewing content for upcoming patch 2.2. Yoshida, along with assistant director Hiroshi Takai, will be answering player questions and sharing more details on the upcoming PlayStation 4 version of A Realm Reborn.

The stream is said to focus on the coming of Leviathan, the next primal that adventurers will face off against. Viewers will also catch a glimpse of the Ruins of Amdapor, where players will delve deeper into the mysteries of this lost civilization plus a look at the twists that await in the new turns of the Binding Coil of Bahamut dungeon.

The stream will be available through YouTube Live, Niconico and Twitch. Player questions for Yoshida and Takai can be submitted through a designated forum thread or sent to the official twitter account.

Square Enix has announced that their recently revamped MMO Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn will be free this weekend for anyone who previously purchased and registered the title, and whose account is set to "inactive" during the campaign period, according to the offical website.

The free weekend will allow returning players the chance to check out the game's most recent patch 2.1, which added new content consisting of the Crystal Tower 24-person raid, new PvP battles in the Wolf's Den, new extreme encounters and more developments in the main scenario.

Those interested will find the free weekend beginning Saturday, Jan. 11th at 6pm AEST and ending on Monday, Jan. 13th at 6pm AEST. If you are in need of gaining the client again you can find it available through the official website here.

Those eagerly awaiting the chance to venture into the world of Eorzea on Sony's newest console will be happy to hear that Square Enix has revealed an April 2014 date for Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, with beta testing to begin on February 22nd alongside the console's Japanese launch.

The news was revealed at this year's PlayStation Awards ceremony in Tokyo, Japan where Square Enix was awarded the "Special Award" for their MMO title Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. PlayStation Awards, hosted by Sony Computer Entertainment Japan Asia, is an event that recognizes hit titles released on the PlayStation platform.

As part of the 11th installment of Producer Letter LIVE, Producer and Director Naoki Yoshida will demonstrate the new PlayStation 4 system version at 4:00 a.m. Pacific Standard Time on Saturday, December 14th, 2013 which you can view here. Other featured highlights will include content from the major Patch 2.1 update, scheduled to be released on Tuesday, December 17th: “The Wolves’ Den,” “Treasure Hunting,” and “Daily Beast Tribe Quests.”

Square Enix, developers of the recently re-released MMO Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, has revealed that both PC and PlayStation 3 digital sales have now re-opened.

Sales for the new MMO were suspended on August 28, shortly after the title's early access launch due to severe server login issues causing many players unable to access their characters. Square Enix responded by shutting sales and also turning off several server's character creation abilities.

Square Enix is now claiming that all server issues have now been resolved, and that players should now find a smoother gaming experience. As a way to help appease the troubles the developer offered seven days of free game time to those who registered before September 9, 2013.