Playing Final Fantasy XIV on the Nintendo Switch 2 is Freeing

I've always had a weird relationship with Final Fantasy XIV. It is a game that I always wanted to get into, but something would hold me back. I started out playing on the PlayStation 4, with my character being a White Mage. I chose this role because of one of my favourite Final Fantasy characters, Aerith, and my general fascination with healers in role playing games. I enjoyed playing, completing A Realm Reborn, but playing on the PS4 felt disconnected. The loading times were long, and my PS4 sounded like it would take off whenever I played. Sowhen it was announced that 14 would be coming to the Nintendo Switch 2, my main console these days, I was immediately interested in beginning my journey with FFXIV again.

Dancing with Dragoons

I am not a natural at playing the MMORPG genre. My younger brother, who ranks Shadowbringers as one of the best stories he has played through, and somewhat an MMO veteran, helps me out a lot when playing 14. I no longer wanted the responsibility of being a White Mage, and he recommended I go Dragoon. I was immediately interested, as it meant I could play like another of my favourite characters in FF, Cid Highwind. The class quests I have found interesting, being invested in the tragic tale of Foulques, and enjoying the feeling of progressing to become a legendary Dragoon. Estinien is an intriguing character, and the quests to obtain the Dragoon armour have been fun and rewarding. With the pressures of healing the whole team off my back, I find dungeons more fun as now I just have to worry about eliminating enemies. I'm still working my way around actually knowing the unique abilities, but it feels really fun being able to attack in such a fearless manner that fits well with the established lore for Dragoons in the game.

FFXIV is the Perfect Pick Up & Play Game

Never would I have thought that playing an MMO on a portable device would be the most fun experience until I tried 14 on the Switch 2. I didn't have to sit in one place, wait an age for the PS4 version to boot up, then try and feel up to immersing myself for a while. On the Switch 2, everything runs smoothly, and I can play wherever I want. Switch 2 features like the touchscreen have made it a lot easier to navigate the menus, and I feel more in control of my gameplay setup than I was previously. Traditional MMO players can even play with a keyboard and mouse setup. I also find side quests, like Daily Dungeon Roulette, the perfect activity for short pick up and play sessions. It never feels like I haven't played enough. Every play session feels worthwhile and fun.

Yoshi-P and his team put a lot of effort into this port, allowing it to be easily accessible for newcomers and returning players like me alike. It is because of this port that my 14 hiatus is now over. I truly enjoy playing 14 now, looking forward to sessions with my younger brother, and can't wait to dive into the critically acclaimed expansions with a Dragoon Cid would be proud of.

By Rain Friction

27/09/2026