Square Enix have announced their plans for the upcoming beta test for Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. The beta test will be divided into four phases and will initially only be for the PC version of the game. It will kick off in mid-February. The PlayStation 3 beta test will take place at a later date. Read on for details.
PHASE 1:
- Closed beta/NDA in place
- Commences mid-February 2013
- Duration: 2–4 weeks
Phase 1 will be followed by 1-2 weeks of debugging.
PHASE 2:
- Closed beta/NDA in place
- Duration: 1–3 weeks
Phase 2 will also be followed by 1-2 weeks of debugging.
PHASE 3:
- Closed beta/NDA in place
- Duration: 1–3 weeks
- PlayStation 3 beta test begins
Another 1-2 weeks of debugging following Phase 3.
PHASE 4:
- Open beta/NDA lifted
- Duration: 1–2 weeks
Note that all of the above time periods are subject to change, depending on the volume of feedback and adjustments that Square Enix have to make to the game along the way. More details regarding each phase of the beta test follow below:
PHASE 1:
- Between 5 and 10 Worlds will be available.
- All races and genders will be playable.
- Certain customization options will be unavailable until phase 3.
- The level cap will be set to 35.
- Eorzea time implemented (morning, afternoon, evening, night, etc.)
- Part of the main scenario, sidequests, class quests dungeons available.
- Note: Phase 1 characters will be deleted at the start of phase 2.
PHASE 2:
- Between 10 and 15 Worlds will be available.
- All races and genders will be playable.
- Certain customization options will be unavailable until phase 3.
- The level cap will be set to 35.
- Gamepad control will be implemented.
- Grand Companies/Grand Company exchange items, Private Chocobos.
- Chocobo raising unavailable. Additional Full Active Time Events/class quests.
- Note: Phase 2 characters will be deleted at the start of phase 3.
PHASE 3:
- Data centers now in Japan and overseas (previously only in Japan).
- More than 20 Worlds will be available.
- All character customization options will be available.
- The level cap will be set to 35 or above (TBD).
- Version 1.0 characters can be used.
- Testing will commence on the PlayStation 3.
- All FFXIV service account holders qualify as testers in phase 3.
- Overseas data centre stress-testing and performance optimization.
- Note: Phase 3 characters will be deleted at the start of phase 4.
PHASE 4:
- Phase 4 is scheduled to be an open beta.
- The PlayStation 3 version will be available.
- Characters created in Phase 4 will carry over to the official release.
- More than 20 Worlds will be available.
- All character customization options will be available.
- Version 1.0 characters can be used.
That’s just a summary of Square Enix’s beta test roadmap for Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. If you’d like to read the entire plan in more detail, you can read through this PDF file.
