Final Fantasy XIV Online: Complete Collectors Edition

The good stuff

The storylines are honestly some of the best in any game I’ve played. I remember finishing the Shadowbringers questline and just sitting there, stunned - the emotional payoff was real. And the world keeps evolving; even after 500 hours, there’s always something new, like seasonal events or minor quests that add depth. The gameplay isn’t just combat either - crafting, fishing, and even cooking are fully fleshed out and genuinely fun. Plus, the cross-play between Xbox and PC means you can team up with friends no matter what platform they’re on. It’s rare to find an MMO where both the lore and systems feel this tight.

The not-so-good

It’s not a small download - like, 100+ GB, so make sure you’ve got space and patience. And if you’re not into grinding or long-term commitment, this might feel overwhelming. There’s no “quick start” mode that skips the first few hours of setup. Also, the UI on Xbox isn’t as polished as on PC - menus are clunky, and navigating gear upgrades takes more clicks than it should. And yeah, you do have to log in regularly to keep playing, which feels less like a feature and more like a gate. If you’re looking for a casual pick-up-and-play experience, this isn’t it.

Bottom line

If you’re serious about diving into Final Fantasy XIV Online: Complete Collectors Edition for Xbox Series X|S, go for it. It’s the full package, all expansions included, and it’s probably the best value you’ll find for an MMO on console. But don’t expect instant gratification - this is a marathon, not a sprint. If you’re down for long-term investment, deep storytelling, and community-driven fun, this is one of the few MMOs that actually delivers. Skip it if you want something light or quick. But if you’re ready to commit? You won’t regret jumping in.