Final Fantasy 14 Mobile is, as its name suggests, a mobile game adaptation of the hit MMO Final Fantasy 14 Online. It’s a bit of an anomaly in Square Enix’s portfolio, considering the publisher generally doesn’t release iOS/Android versions of its modern AAA console games. There have been mainline Final Fantasy games on mobile phones before, of course, but the majority of them are ports of older entries, like the FF Pixel Remasters. Final Fantasy 14 Mobile, on the other hand, is less like the Pixel Remasters and more like Final Fantasy 15: Pocket Edition. In other words, it’s more of a new, standalone game inspired by the console title of the same name, rather than a one-to-one port.
When Final Fantasy 14 Mobile was officially announced by Square Enix and developer LightSpeed Studios in November 2024, no gameplay footage was released. The only thing that was shared was a four-minute teaser trailer that mostly showed in-game cinematics and developer commentaries. However, earlier this month, some screenshots from Final Fantasy 14 Mobile‘s closed beta tests were leaked online, giving players their first, unofficial look at the game in action. Unsurprisingly, FF14 Mobile‘s gameplay looks very similar to that of FF14 Online, but it seems to feature some new UI elements that make it stand out.
Square Enix dropped an official gameplay reveal trailer for Final Fantasy 14 Mobile on December 9, thus confirming the legitimacy of the leaks.
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Final Fantasy 14 Mobile Reveals Battle System
Final Fantasy 14 Mobile offers a first look at the battle system for the jobs featured in the new version of the critically acclaimed MMORPG.
Final Fantasy 14 Online Should Take a UI Element from Final Fantasy 14 Mobile
Final Fantasy 14 Mobile Uses Ability Wheels Instead of Cross Hotbars
Final Fantasy 14 Mobile‘s leaked screenshots don’t really show off any combat or NPC interactions, but they do provide an in-depth look at the game’s menus. The UI clearly takes a lot of inspiration from the original FF14; not only does it have a minimap in the upper right corner of the screen, it also has HP and MP bars right at the very bottom. The one aspect of FF14 Mobile‘s UI that differs, however, is its hotbar layout. In the bottom right corner of the screen, there appears to be an ability wheel that players can use to access skills and perform attacks. This UI element seems to be a replacement for the cross hotbars in FF14 Online.
Cross hotbars, for those who are unaware, are UI elements unique to Final Fantasy 14 Online that are meant to make playing with a controller easier, especially on consoles. Players can utilize the cross hotbars to access the skills they want to use during combat (and other situations), without having to sift through tons of menus. To put it bluntly, they’re basically just advanced versions of shortcut keys, much like the ability wheels from FF14 Mobile. Each cross hotbar has 16 individual skill slots, and there are a total of 8 cross hotbars in FF14 Online. As such, players can technically use up to 128 slots at any given time.
Ability Wheels Would Be Easier to Use on a Controller Compared to Cross Hotbars
Although cross hotbars do convert the MMO keyboard-and-mouse experience to controllers quite well, they’re still a bit finicky to use. In order to select one of the skills in these hotbars, players need to hold one of the LT or RT buttons (L1 or R1 on PlayStation) on their controllers and press either a face or D-pad button. The use of button combinations does allow for more intricate control schemes, but it makes the FF14 Online gameplay experience less user-friendly on consoles.
Final Fantasy 14 Mobile‘s ability wheels seem like they would work far better on consoles than the cross hotbars. If players could select a skill by holding down a button and moving a thumbstick around in a certain direction, playing FF14 Online on a controller would probably become a lot easier. Therefore, Square Enix should consider adding Final Fantasy 14 Mobile‘s new control layout to the original FF14 sometime in the near future, at least on current-gen consoles.
Relive the Grand Tale, Confront the Primals
In FFXIV MOBILE, you are beckoned by the Mothercrystal, carrying the light of hope to the world of Hydaelyn. Heed the Mothercrystal’s call, embrace your destiny as an adventurer, and confront the primals to deliver Eorzea from certain destruction. An epic story and endless challenges await, with every heart-wrenching moment creating unforgettable memories within this vast realm.
Choose From a Myriad of Playable Races and Switch Jobs with a Single Tap
FFXIV MOBILE offers a variety of playable races, each with its own distinct appearance and background. Nine jobs will be available at launch, and the Armoury system allows you to switch jobs freely. The freedom to change roles on the fly brings endless possibilities to your adventures!
Fishing, Triple Triad, and Chocobo Racing: Take a Respite from Adventuring
Intense and thrilling battles are just one part of your journey. In your spare time, you can wander over to the Gold Saucer for some chocobo racing and the Triple Triad card game. Customize your own cozy home, take part in various festive seasonal events, or express yourself with an array of outfits and glamours for your Warrior of Light. The first release of the mobile game introduces 11 crafting and gathering classes, allowing you to experience a different pace of Eorzea; cast your line as a master fisher, become an adept miner, alchemist, and more.
Play Together or on Your Own. Enjoy a Relaxed Social Community
FFXIV MOBILE inherits the relaxed and welcoming community aspects of the original game, allowing you to enjoy social interactions the way you want. You can experience the game in your own way, whether solo or alongside other players. Beginners and mentors, party members, and even adventurers you meet by chance can become your friends. Explore the unknown, share moments of joy, and make Eorzea a better place through the bonds of friendship.
- Developer(s)
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Lightspeed Studios
- Multiplayer
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Online Co-Op
, Online Multiplayer - Number of Players
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1+