Hey guys! So you're thinking about diving into the world of Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) on your PlayStation 4? Awesome choice! This game is seriously massive, with a ton to do, but getting started can feel a bit overwhelming. Don't sweat it, though! This guide is here to break down everything you need to know to get your FFXIV adventure off to a smooth start on your PS4. We'll cover everything from buying the game and setting up your account to understanding the controls, picking your first class, and making friends in Eorzea. Let's jump in!

Getting Started: Buying and Installing FFXIV on PS4

Okay, first things first, you'll need to actually get your hands on the game. There are a couple of different versions available, so let's quickly go over those:

• Starter Edition: This is the most basic version and includes the base game (A Realm Reborn) and the first expansion (Heavensward). It's a great option if you're not sure whether you'll like the game or not, as it's the cheapest way to get started. Keep in mind, though, that you'll eventually need to upgrade to the Complete Edition to experience all the content.
• Complete Edition: This bad boy includes everything! The base game and all the expansions released so far (Heavensward, Stormblood, Shadowbringers, Endwalker, and any future ones). This is the best value if you know you're going to be hooked.

Once you've decided which version you want, you can purchase it digitally from the PlayStation Store or physically from a retailer. Digital is usually the easiest, as you can download the game right away. After purchasing, the download will start automatically. Make sure you have enough space on your PS4's hard drive – FFXIV is a pretty big game!

Once the download is complete, the installation will begin. This might take a while, so grab a snack, watch an episode of your favorite show, and let your PS4 do its thing. After installation, you're ready to launch the game and create your Square Enix account!

Setting Up Your Square Enix Account and Logging In

You can’t play FFXIV without a Square Enix account, so you’ll need to create one if you don't already have one. When you launch the game for the first time, it will guide you through the account creation process. You'll need to provide an email address, create a username and password, and agree to the terms of service.

Pro Tip: Use a strong, unique password that you don't use for any other accounts. Security is important, especially for online games!

After creating your account, you'll need to link it to your PlayStation Network account. The game will walk you through this process as well. Once everything is linked, you're ready to log in and start your adventure!

When you log in, you'll be prompted to select a world (server). Choose carefully, as this is where your character will live and where you'll interact with other players. Consider choosing a world that's recommended for new players or one that has a good balance of population. You can also check online resources to see which worlds are popular for certain communities or languages.

Understanding the PS4 Controls

Now, let's talk controls. Navigating FFXIV on the PS4 controller can take some getting used to, especially if you're coming from PC. Here's a quick rundown of the basics:

• Movement: Use the left analog stick to move your character around.
• Camera: Use the right analog stick to control the camera.
• Actions: The face buttons (X, O, Square, Triangle) are used for various actions, like attacking, using abilities, and interacting with objects. You can customize which actions are mapped to which buttons in the game's settings.
• Triggers: The L2 and R2 triggers are used to access different hotbars. Hotbars are where you'll put your abilities and items for easy access.
• L1 Button: Holding L1 brings up a radial menu with various options, like accessing your inventory, map, and party menu.
• Touchpad: Pressing the touchpad opens the map. You can also use the touchpad to interact with the user interface.

Don't worry if it feels awkward at first. Spend some time practicing and experimenting with the controls until you feel comfortable. You can also adjust the control settings to your liking in the game's menu.

Character Creation: Race, Class, and Appearance

One of the most exciting parts of starting FFXIV is creating your character! You'll get to choose your character's race, gender, appearance, and starting class (also known as a job).

There are several races to choose from, each with its own unique appearance and lore:

• Hyur: The most human-like race in Eorzea.
• Elezen: Tall and elegant, with pointy ears.
• Lalafell: Small and adorable.
• Miqo'te: Cat-like people with tails and ears.
• Roegadyn: Large and muscular.
• Au Ra: Dragon-like with horns and scales.
• Hrothgar: Lion-like people, only male.
• Viera: Rabbit-like people, only female.

Your choice of race doesn't have a huge impact on gameplay, so pick whichever one you like the most!

Next, you'll choose your starting class. This will determine your role in combat (tank, healer, or DPS) and the type of weapons and armor you can use. Here are a few popular starting classes for beginners:

• Gladiator (Tank): A melee class that uses swords and shields to protect allies. Gladiators eventually become Paladins.
• Conjurer (Healer): A magic class that uses healing spells to keep allies alive. Conjurers eventually become White Mages.
• Arcanist (DPS): A ranged magic class that uses spells to damage enemies. Arcanists can eventually become either Scholars (healers) or Summoners (DPS).
• Marauder (Tank): A melee class that use axes to protect allies. Marauders eventually become Warriors.

Don't worry too much about picking the