Final Fantasy 14 Mobile is exactly what it sounds like: a mobile adaptation of the enormously popular MMO, Final Fantasy 14 Online. It’s an intriguing move for Square Enix, as the company typically doesn’t produce mobile editions of its latest AAA console games. While there have been other Final Fantasy titles on mobile platforms, such as the older entries found in the Pixel Remasters, this game sets itself apart. It’s akin to Final Fantasy 15: Pocket Edition in that it’s a fresh, standalone game taking inspiration from its console counterpart, rather than a direct port.
Square Enix and LightSpeed Studios officially announced Final Fantasy 14 Mobile in November 2024. However, they kept us waiting on gameplay footage, opting instead to release a teaser trailer filled with cinematic moments and insights from the developers. Earlier this month, though, we got a peek at some leaked screenshots from its closed beta tests. This unofficial glimpse revealed gameplay reminiscent of FF14 Online but with distinct new UI elements that offer a fresh twist.
In a move that validated these leaks, Square Enix unveiled an official gameplay trailer on December 9, showcasing the new features of Final Fantasy 14 Mobile.
Now, let’s dive into an interesting development: it appears that Final Fantasy 14 Mobile is doing away with cross hotbars, a familiar setup for FF14 Online players, and introducing ability wheels instead. These leaked images didn’t capture any battles or NPC interactions, but what they did reveal about the UI was intriguing. Influenced heavily by the original, FF14 Mobile retains the minimap in the top corner and health/mana bars at the bottom. However, the standout feature is a new ability wheel in the bottom right corner, replacing the traditional cross hotbars.
For those not in the know, cross hotbars are designed to ease controller gameplay in Final Fantasy 14 Online, especially for console players. They offer quick access to skills during battles without sifting through extensive menus. Essentially, they function like advanced shortcut keys. A total of 128 slots are available across 8 hotbars, with each capable of holding 16 skills.
With this in mind, the new ability wheels could simplify the console experience. While cross hotbars do a commendable job of translating the MMO’s keyboard-and-mouse setup to a controller, they can be cumbersome. Selecting a skill involves holding LT or RT (L1 or R1 on PlayStation) and pressing another button, which complicates the experience. The ability wheels, by contrast, might be more intuitive for console play. If players could use a single button combined with thumbstick movements to choose skills, it could streamline the experience significantly. Square Enix might want to consider integrating this feature into the original FF14 for current-gen consoles.
FF14 Mobile preserves much of Eorzea’s charm, inviting players to experience the world of Hydaelyn with the light of hope. Players can embark on epic adventures, pick from a diverse range of races, and switch jobs seamlessly using the Armoury system. Moreover, the mobile game isn’t all about combat; players can engage in activities like fishing, chocobo racing, and the Triple Triad card game, offering a break from their intense quests. The game promises to deliver the same camaraderie and social experience through a welcoming community, letting adventurers explore and bond at their own pace.
