Final Fantasy 14 (FFXIV) introduces Steam Account linking in March, 2022

Final Fantasy Xiv Endwalker Exploration
Final Fantasy Xiv Endwalker Exploration (Image credit: Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Square Enix has announced a new security process for their MMORPG, Final Fantasy XIV.
  • Starting this early March, Steam players will be required to link their Steam account to a Square Enix account in order to play the game.

To bolster their ongoing efforts to protect consumers from online fraud and hackers, Square Enix has recently announced a new security precaution for the critically acclaimed MMORPG, Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV), specifically the Steam version. Starting from early March, players who play FFXIV via Steam will need to link their accounts to their Square Enix accounts.

This process is done by performing a one-time link between the user's Steam and Square Enix when they launch Final Fantasy XIV from their Steam library. To link accounts, the user's Steam account must contain a Final Fantasy XIV license that matches the one found in their Square Enix account, whether its the Free Trial version ot the full game.

They can check the verification of their FFXIV licenses by logging onto the Mog Station website and selecting the "Service Account Status" menu to see if the "(Steam)" notation is there for Steam users. They can also verify the licenses on their Steam account by clicking on their Steam display name, selecting the "Account details" option, and click on "View licenses and product key activations", which is found under "Store & Purchase History".

Once the account link is complete, players will need to use the new launcher layout introduced in Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker. If players are using the original launcher layout, they will need to switch the new one by using the launcher's Config menu. If a Steam player no longer has a Final Fantasy XIV license or cannot access their Steam account, they will need to contact Steam directly for support.

We will likely hear more details on this new security feature later this month when Square Enix airs the next Letter from the Producer livestream on Feb. 18, along with news on the upcoming Patch 6.1.

CATEGORIES
Alexander Cope
Contributor — Gaming

Alexander Cope is a gaming veteran of 30-plus years, primarily covering PC and Xbox games here on Windows Central. Gaming since the 8-bit era, Alexander's expertise revolves around gaming guides and news, with a particular focus on Japanese titles from the likes of Elden Ring to Final Fantasy. Alexander is always on deck to help our readers conquer the industry's most difficult games — when he can pry himself away from Monster Hunter that is! 

Read more
Final Fantasy XIV
FFXIV lead Yoshi-P warns Square Enix may pursue "legal action" against stalker-enabling mod, but says nothing about fixing the glaring vulnerability that makes it work
Custom Chocobo Steam Deck
Square Enix announces Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is Steam Deck Verified and shows off a fluffy Chocobo-themed handheld
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth gets a Steam Deck hotfix and other emergency stability fixes on PC
Sephiroth and Cloud flanked by Shinra soldiers in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
After "not meeting expectations" on PS5, 'Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth' has enjoyed a spectacular Windows PC launch via Steam
Avowed
Xbox Cloud saves on Steam? Avowed continues new trend for Microsoft games
Promotional screenshot of the player riding a Chocobo in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
Square Enix confirms that Windows PC will be the best place to play 'Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth,' with enhanced graphics, improved framerates, and other exclusive features
Latest in Steam
JSAUX RGB Steam Deck Accessories
At last, now even your Steam Deck can have RGB
Hogwarts Legacy on Steam Deck.
Do all Steam Windows PC games run on the Steam Deck?
Star Wars May the 4th be with you
The force is strong with this Steam sale, save big on Star Wars games
Steam Sale
Here are the best Steam Summer Sale deals going on now for PC, Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and gaming handhelds
Steam Deck's left touchpad.
How to enable Steam Deck Performance Overlay — See FPS, GPU/CPU data, and more
Tesla Model 3
You can now play Steam games on your Tesla — here's why that's not stupid
Latest in News
Cloud servers
Microsoft has killed "several" data center projects in the U.S. and Europe, according to reports — Microsoft responds (Updated)
Photo of Microsoft's new sign-in page for Xbox.com using the Microsoft Edge browser.
Over one billion users will get a new Microsoft user experience, and it has a dark mode
The Thing: Remastered key art
The Thing comes to Xbox Cloud Gaming's "Stream Your Own Game" library alongside other new arrivals
Promotional screenshot of heroes fighting a giant in Pillars of Eternity
Obsidian's classic Baldur's Gate successor 'Pillars of Eternity' is getting a surprise turn-based mode later this year, alongside other updates
Atomfall
Atomfall reviews and Metacritic scores are in: Here's a roundup of what everyone's saying about this new Game Pass survival game
Screenshot of one of the new flat world presets in Minecraft.
Minecraft testing new flat world presets and a better way to locate your friends in-game