Can You Just Buy Shadowbringers?
Square Enix’s popular massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), FINAL FANTASY XIV, has a vast open world filled with adventure and excitement. With the constant release of new expansions, players can explore new continents, classes, and stories. Shadowbringers is one such expansion, introducing a thrilling new storyline and gameplay features. But the question arises: can you just buy Shadowbringers without getting the entire game?
Short Answer
No, you cannot purchase Shadowbringers as a standalone expansion. To play Shadowbringers, you need to own the complete game or purchase the entire package including the base game and its previous expansions. This policy applies to all platforms, including PC, PlayStation, and Steam.
How to Get Shadowbringers
To obtain Shadowbringers, you have three options:
• Purchasing the Complete Edition: The FINAL FANTASY XIV ONLINE COMPLETE EDITION includes A Realm Reborn, Heavensward, Stormblood, and Shadowbringers. This edition can be bought on the official Square Enix website, Steam, or the PlayStation Store.
• Buying Previous Expansions: If you don’t want the complete package, you can purchase A Realm Reborn, Heavensward, Stormblood, or Shadowbringers separately. Each expansion build upon the previous one, so it’s recommended to play them in order for the best experience.
• Subscribing to the Game: You can also subscribe to the FINAL FANTASY XIV service, which allows you to access the base game, previous expansions, and new content as they become available. This is a great option for casual players or those who enjoy exploring the vast world and characters.
Why Not a Standalone Expansion?
Square Enix implements this policy for several reasons:
• Game Integration: Shadowbringers builds upon the lore and characters established in the previous expansions. Playing previous expansions will enhance your experience and ensure you understand the story, characters, and gameplay mechanics.
• Balance: By requiring the complete package, Square Enix maintains game balance, ensuring players have access to the entire storyline, character classes, and gameplay mechanics.
• Revenue Stream: Allowing players to purchase a standalone expansion could disrupt Square Enix’s revenue streams from selling the complete game.
Conclusion
In summary, you cannot buy Shadowbringers without purchasing the complete game or previous expansions. This ensures a smoother gameplay experience, maintains balance, and helps Square Enix maintain its revenue stream. If you’re interested in playing FINAL FANTASY XIV, the best option is to subscribe to the game or buy the complete edition, including A Realm Reborn, Heavensward, Stormblood, and Shadowbringers.
Key Takeaways
• Shadowbringers is not a standalone expansion; you need to purchase the complete game or previous expansions.
• The best option is to subscribe to the game or buy the complete edition.
• Buying previous expansions allows you to play the game in chronological order.
• Square Enix implements this policy for game integration, balance, and revenue stream maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I play Shadowbringers with a non-Square Enix account?
A: No, you need a Square Enix account to play any of the expansions, including Shadowbringers.
Q: Can I transfer my characters and items from one service account to another?
A: No, it’s not possible to transfer characters and items between different service accounts.