Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) set in the world of Hydaelyn, with the central story taking place in the realm of Eorzea. In this condensed retelling of the FFXIV story, we’ll cover the main story beats from A Realm Reborn through Endwalker expansions.
Heavensward
The story continues in the isolated region of Ishgard, embroiled in a millennium-long conflict known as the Dragonsong War between the Ishgardian humans and the Dravanian dragons. The Warrior of Light and the Scions reveal that the war was instigated by the Archbishop Thordan VII and his followers, who conspire with the Ascians for power. The Warrior of Light, aided by the dragon Hraesvelgr and his ally Estinien, defeats Thordan and the great wyrm Nidhogg, ending the Dragonsong War and paving the way for peace between Ishgard and Dravania.
Stormblood (SB): The Warrior of Light ventures to the regions of Gyr Abania and Othard to liberate them from the Garlean Empire’s control. Along the way, the player encounters the enigmatic Zenos yae Galvus, the cruel Garlean prince obsessed with power and combat. The Warrior of Light overcomes the Empire’s forces, liberates Ala Mhigo and Doma, and ultimately defeats Zenos. Meanwhile, the Scions uncover evidence of the Ascians’ involvement in the Empire’s machinations.
Shadowbringers
The Scions and the Warrior of Light are summoned to a parallel world known as the First, which is threatened by a catastrophic phenomenon called the Flood of Light. Here, they learn of the Ascians’ true nature as survivors of an ancient civilization called Amaurot, who seek to resurrect their lost world by causing calamities to merge the shattered reflections of the original world. The Warrior of Light, now the Warrior of Darkness, thwarts the Ascians’ plans and restores balance to the First by defeating the Lightwardens, powerful beings that perpetuate the Flood of Light. The Warrior of Light ultimately confronts the Ascian Emet-Selch, one of the masterminds behind the calamities, and defeats him, ending the threat to the First.
Endwalker
The Scions and the Warrior of Light return to their own world and face the final Ascian, Fandaniel, who plans to bring about the “Final Days,” a catastrophic event that would destroy all life. At the same time, the Garlean Empire is on the brink of collapse, and Zenos, who has returned from the dead, seeks to sow chaos for his amusement. The Warrior of Light travels to the far reaches of Hydaelyn, including the moon, discovering secrets about the Ancients, the creation of the primals, and their own origins as a reincarnation of the Ancient Azem. The Warrior of Light confronts Fandaniel and Zenos, putting an end to their twisted plans, and in doing so, prevents the Final Days from occurring.
With the immediate threats resolved, the Scions turn their attention to the underlying cause of the calamities: the unsundered Ascian, Elidibus, who seeks to complete the Rejoining and resurrect his brethren. The Warrior of Light learns that Elidibus, once the Emissary of the Convocation of Fourteen, is driven by a deep sense of duty to save his people, even at the cost of other lives.
The Scions and the Warrior of Light confront Elidibus in the heart of the Amaurotine capital, which exists in an ethereal state. As the climactic battle unfolds, the Warrior of Light ultimately defeats Elidibus, ending the Ascians’ long-standing interference in the world.
With the Ascian threat neutralized, Eorzea and the world of Hydaelyn can finally begin to heal. The Scions work to foster peace between nations and rebuild the trust that was once lost. The Warrior of Light’s journey as a champion of the realm continues, fighting against new challenges and threats that arise in the ever-evolving world.
In conclusion, Final Fantasy 14 lore is a grand tale of adventure, sacrifice, and the power of friendship in the face of adversity. The Warrior of Light’s journey takes them through various lands, cultures, and challenges, ultimately culminating in the defeat of the enigmatic Ascians and the prevention of the world-ending Final Days. The story stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of unity in overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds.