Does Shadowbringers Include Heavensward and Stormblood?
In Final Fantasy XIV, Shadowbringers is the third expansion pack, released in 2019. Many players have been wondering if this expansion includes the previous two expansions, Heavensward and Stormblood. In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and provide detailed information on what you need to know.
Answer to the Question
Yes, Shadowbringers includes both Heavensward and Stormblood. According to Square Enix, the developers of Final Fantasy XIV, Shadowbringers includes all prior expansions, including Heavensward and Stormblood. This means that if you purchase Shadowbringers, you will also get access to the content from both Heavensward and Stormblood.
Understanding the Expansions
To better understand the context, let’s briefly go over what each expansion brought to the game:
- Heavensward: Released in 2015, Heavensward introduced a new city, Ishgard, and a new storyline that expanded the game’s lore. It also added new classes, including the Dark Knight and the Machinist.
- Stormblood: Released in 2017, Stormblood continued the story of Heavensward and introduced new areas, including the coastal city of Kugane and the desert region of Doma. It also added new classes, including the Samurai and the Red Mage.
- Shadowbringers: Released in 2019, Shadowbringers is the third expansion and introduces a new storyline, new areas, and new classes, including the Gunbreaker and the Dancer.
Implications for New Players
If you are a new player, you may be wondering what this means for you. Here are some key points to consider:
- Complete Edition: Square Enix offers a Complete Edition of Final Fantasy XIV, which includes the base game and all previous expansions, including Heavensward and Stormblood. This is a good option if you want to start playing from the beginning and experience the entire storyline.
- Individual Expansion Purchase: You can also purchase each expansion individually. If you do this, you will need to play through the previous expansions in order to access the new content in Shadowbringers.
- Subscription Required: To play Final Fantasy XIV, including Shadowbringers, you will need an active subscription. The game offers a free trial period, but to continue playing, you will need to subscribe.
Comparison of the Expansions
Here is a table comparing the three expansions:
| Expansion | Release Year | New Areas | New Classes | New Storyline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavensward | 2015 | Ishgard | Dark Knight, Machinist | Continued storyline of A Realm Reborn |
| Stormblood | 2017 | Kugane, Doma | Samurai, Red Mage | Continued storyline of Heavensward |
| Shadowbringers | 2019 | New areas | Gunbreaker, Dancer | New storyline, including a new world and allies |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Shadowbringers does include Heavensward and Stormblood, providing a complete experience for new and veteran players alike. If you are interested in playing Final Fantasy XIV, it is recommended to start with the Complete Edition, which includes all previous expansions. Alternatively, you can purchase each expansion individually and play through the previous content to access the new story and features in Shadowbringers.