the elder scrolls online vs final fantasy xiv

Both The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) and Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) are popular MMORPGs with dedicated fanbases, but they offer very different experiences. Heres a detailed comparison to help you decide which one might suit you better: Setting & Lore ESO: - Based on The Elder Scrolls universe (Tamriel), with deep lore and a more Western RPG feel. - Open-world exploration with a focus on player freedom and non-linear storytelling. - Darker, more grounded fantasy with political intrigue and war. FFXIV: - Set in the high-fantasy world of Hydaelyn, heavily inspired by Final Fantasy tropes. - Story-driven with a structured, linear main scenario (MSQ) that evolves over expansions. - More anime-inspired, with vibrant, colorful aesthetics and melodramatic storytelling. Winner? Depends on tasteESO for freedom, FFXIV for a cinematic narrative. Gameplay & Combat ESO: - Action-based combat with light attack weaving, dodging, and skill combos. - Class flexibilityany race/class can use any weapon or armor. - No strict roles; builds can be customized for DPS, tank, or healer. FFXIV: - Tab-target combat with a 2.5s GCD (slower but strategic with oGCD abilities). - Strict class roles (Tank/Healer/DPS) with defined rotations. - Jobs (classes) are locked per character but can be swapped freely. Winner? ESO for action combat, FFXIV for polished, rotation-based gameplay. Story & Quests ESO: - Fully voice-acted quests with meaningful side stories. - Non-linearyou can explore zones in any order. - Less emphasis on a central narrative, more on world-building. FFXIV: - Heavily story-focused, with a long, mandatory MSQ (takes 100+ hours to catch up). - Expansions (Heavensward, Shadowbringers, Endwalker) are critically acclaimed. - Some filler quests in early game (ARR can feel slow). Winner? FFXIV if you love deep, emotional storytelling; ESO for bite-sized, explorable lore. Endgame & Progression ESO: - Veteran dungeons, trials (raids), and PvP (Cyrodiil, Battlegrounds). - Horizontal progressiongear doesnt become obsolete quickly. - Crafting and housing are very deep. FFXIV: - Raids (Savage/Ultimate), dungeons, and deep job optimization. - Vertical progressionnew gear tiers each patch. - Side activities like Gold Saucer, Island Sanctuary, and deep crafting/gathering. Winner? FFXIV for structured endgame; ESO for open-ended progression. Multiplayer & Social Features ESO: - More solo-friendly, with optional group content. - Guilds (trading, PvP, social) but less forced interaction. - Cross-play between PC and consoles. FFXIV: - Strong emphasis on group play (duty finder for dungeons). - Free Companies (guilds) and a very friendly community. - No cross-play (PC/PS5 separate). Winner? FFXIV for a more social MMO experience. Monetization ESO: - Buy-to-play (optional subscription for perks like crafting bag). - Expensive DLCs and Crown Store cosmetics. FFXIV: - Subscription-based (free trial up to Stormblood). - Expansions must be bought, but no pay-to-win. Winner? FFXIVs free trial is generous, but ESO is cheaper long-term if you avoid subs. Final Verdict Play ESO if - You love Elder Scrolls lore and open-world freedom. - Prefer action combat and solo-friendly gameplay. - Want to avoid mandatory group content. Play FFXIV if - You want a JRPG-style story with emotional depth. - Enjoy structured, role-based group content. - Prefer polished, themepark-style MMO design. Both are greatESO is more of a "live in the world" experience, while FFXIV is a "journey through a story." Try both if you can!