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.

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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!