Final Fantasy 14is unofficially receiving Virtual Reality support thanks to the efforts of a talented group of mod developers, allowing players to experience the world of Etheirys from a new perspective. Though Square Enix is legally required to condemn the use of mods, add-ons, and other tools that alter the way the game is played, it has done little tothwartFinal Fantasy 14playersfrom using them – allowing the modding scene to exist in a de-facto gray area.
The times when Square Enix tookstrong action againstFinal Fantasy 14third party contentoften revolved around popular Twitch streamers either advertising or showcasing the mods and add-ons forbidden by the developers. This stance came at a surprise for manyWorld of Warcraftplayers, due to Blizzard’s significantly more open stance on the use of add-ons. Though Square Enix might not ban someone fromFinal Fantasy 14for using mods or talking about mods, talking about using mods is where it seems to cross the line.
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This VR adaptation ofFinal Fantasy 14was developed by mod group Flat2VR, and it uses the FFXIV Quick Launcher to integrate itself into the game. AFinal Fantasy 14player named Elliott Tate posted the mod in action over on the game’s official subreddit, though one obviously can’t get the full experience through a video.
In terms of community reception, the mod seems to have glowing reviews thus far, with many players wondering what the experience would be like to take down Extreme Trials and other high-endboss fights fromFinal Fantasy 14in VR. However, the game’s flashy visuals and overall cinematic direction in boss encounters might not mesh well with this idea in practice, as it might induce nausea as often as it would induce thrills.
It is important to mention thatFinal Fantasy 14is planning a graphical overhaulfor the expansion afterEndwalker. Rumored to launch in early 2024, this expansion pack would see the game’s visuals reborn from the top-down. Improved lighting and shadows, character models, sky-boxes, clutter and environment detail – the whole of Etheirys is slated to receive a full makeover.
ThoughFinal Fantasy 14managed to remain a visual treat even in 2022 with zones such as Elpis and Old Sharlayan, some of its aspects have aged rather poorly over the past decade. Most of its blocky, pixelated textures remain a relic ofFinal Fantasy 14’s initial graphics downgrade forA Realm Reborn, and getting them updated officially will give the game a much-needed facelift. Whether players end up enjoying these visuals on their monitors or in a Virtual Reality will forever remain in their discretion.
Final Fantasy 14is available now on PC, PS4, and PS5.
