World of Warcraft Vs Final Fantasy XIV: Which One is Better?

Which is better, in World of Warcraft vs Final Fantasy XIV? This is the question that has been on the minds of gamers everywhere ever since these two popular MMORPGs were released. Both games have their pros and cons. Some people prefer the more action-packed gameplay of World of Warcraft, while others prefer the more detailed world and character customization of Final Fantasy XIV. 

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. So which one is right for you? In this article we'll break down all of the major differences in this battle of World of Warcraft vs Final Fantasy XIV so that you can make an informed decision about which game is right for you. Let's get started!

What is World of Warcraft?

World of Warcraft [WoW] is a Massively Multiplayer Online RPG (MMORPG) game that first came out in 2004. The game has had multiple expansion packs since. These include The Burning Crusade, Wrath of the Lich King, Cataclysm, Mists of Pandaria, WarLords of Draenor, Legion, Battle of Azeroth, and the latest being Shadowlands, released in 2020. Players create a customized character to play in the first or third-person perspective. They can engage in player versus [PvP] or play as a team to complete quests, fight monsters, interact with non-playable characters and explore the open world. Besides, the game also features a solo mode where one can play without any interactions.

Players choose two primary skills to help them create items, such as blacksmithy, tailoring, mining, and more. They can also level up and acquire various secondary skills like cooking and fishing. To level up playable characters, one has to earn experience points [EXP]. This helps gain them more power to complete quests and fight enemies. Similarly, players can use the game's currency to trade items to get better equipment. Once characters earn enough power, they gain access to new areas of the land.

What is Final Fantasy XIV?

Final Fantasy XIV is a massive online multiplayer RPG developed by Square Enix and is the fourteenth entry from the Final Fantasy series. The game is set in the fantasy world of Eorzea, and like WoW, players of Final Fantasy XIV also control a customized avatar who explores a hostile realm with enemies arising from every corner. Players can choose their avatars between two tribes; this is what determines the character's stats and elemental traits. 

Two different quest modes are available for players, ‘story quest' and ‘Leve quests.' Players can unlock story quests after characters have gained enough EXP and unlocked new abilities and powers. At the same time, the side quests [Leves] can be broken down into different factions that involve combat and gathering. Completing Leve quests can gain players new abilities. Similarly, players can accumulate experience points through crafting items, defeating monsters, and completing quests which at some point automatically increments the player's character.

How Does World of Warcraft Compare to Final Fantasy XIV?

The two games have plenty of similarities; however, we can still note several major contrasts. Here are some of the ways in which they differ:

Story

Both WoW and Final Fantasy XIV have deep stories behind them and have been around for quite some time. Each has seen a series of expansions over the years with changes that fans describe as promising. Meanwhile, a couple of differences set them apart; which can also determine the type of players they suit. For instance, the lore involving WoW consists of a cluster of years of world-building. Although it may be approachable to those unfamiliar with the game's history, it still requires a bit of understanding to be fully enjoyed.

Nonetheless, FFXIV provides unique scenarios and quests that do not require players to have previous insight into the series. Mainly because the game features a stand-alone concept that allows even those without prior experience with the series to explore it widely. The game features a realm named Eorzea, where one starts off their adventure as a part of a trio. Their main task is to defend Eorzea from its invaders, while completing missions and side quests along the way. However, the extensive storyline featured in WoW can keep players entertained for hours and is suitable for those who enjoy indulging in profound storylines.

Gameplay Mechanics

The gameplay mechanics for both FFXIV  and WoW are somewhat identical. However, we can spot a few differences in the core gameplay of the two games. For instance, players in both games are encouraged to team up with others in order to tackle certain difficult dungeons, where the more teammates one has, the greater the chances of success. However, in WoW, only a regulated number of characters can enter a particular battleground at once. Also, the latest expansion for FFXIV made it so players can go longer without joining a party; this feature is appealing to those who prefer solo missions.

The combat mechanism that WoW features offers the classic hack and slash technique where players can use a variety of magical or physical attacks as per the class chosen at the beginning of the game. All of which are very easy to learn for first-timers but may take a while for one to master its perks.

However, the combat system in FFXIV follows a more formal route when it comes to fulfilling moves. In this game, players can change the character's class at any time; however, it may seem to be lacking to some players as it lacks an auto-attack system and requires manual input when targeting an enemy. WoW appears to offer more competent gameplay. However, FFXIV offers more flexibility thanks to the Armoury System, where one can change the class of their characters through the weapons they wield. Because of a combination of flexible class play and traditional mechanics, FFXIV appears to be the best WoW when it comes to gameplay.

Graphics 

Both games offer different but unique styles in their visual display. WoW puts up a 3D representation of the universe that is Warcraft. It features fantasy-like cartoonish graphics that most gamers find appealing. The game represents its characters in fascinating effects that can be seen even during battles. While FFXIV maintains a more realistic, mature visual representation. Both games have impressive graphics; it only depends on what a player's preferences are.

Multiplayer Features 

WoW provides a wide variety of choices for multiplayer characteristics and offers players two server sites, Normal and Role Playing. In Normal, players focus on quests and fighting monsters, while in RP, they take their character through a story session. Similarly, it offers PvE and PvP, whereby players can switch between the two after their character levels up to a certain rank. 

In comparison, FFXIV features rigid gameplay with an Aumory System that allows players to switch roles at different starting points. The classes are divided into four disciplines, each with distinct skill titles, namely, Discipline of Magic: for practitioners of magic arts, Discipline of War: for masters of physical combat, Discipline of the Land: for gatherers who collect resources and Discipline of the Hand; for crafters and handymen. The skills acquired in the different classes on FFXIV are most suitable for party-based combat.

The Final Verdict

It's evident that compared to FFXIV, WoW is more popular and appealing to most new gamers searching for a fantasy adventure game. This is thanks to the visuals, gameplay content, multiplayer options, and years of development. However, some players prefer a more classic RPG, and FFXIV would be a perfect fit for such a demographic.

Which game do you think is the best in the duel of World of Warcraft vs Final Fantasy XIV? Share your pick with us in the comments below or over on our socials here!

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