[Informational] Early Access FAQ

Pulled this down from Reddit - All credit goes to Abqu

I thought this may help with some of our guys who may have questions surrounding it's circumstances.

What is early access?

Early access is a period of time before official service begins where those who have permission will be able to play the game.

Isn't that the same as phase 4/open beta?

No. There are two key distinctions between them.

First, open beta is available to all who have met the requirements for beta access; early access entry has different requirements.

Second, there is a chance that open beta's data will not carry over into release. Early access' data will carry over.

When does early access begin?

There is no official start date for early access, but a good educated guess points to it starting after the 15th of August.

How long is early access going to be?

There are conflicting reports, but the information suggests between 3 and 7 days.

EU retailers are reportedly telling their customers that it is a 7 day period, but our official Square Enix statement right now is, "Nothing has been made official by us", and so we have to respect that.

I saw that early access was confirmed to start on August 20th. What changed?

The information claiming the start date of August 20th was not from an official source. The developers recently told us that nothing was made official, so we are back to speculation.

How can I get early access?

There are only two ways to gain early access: Legacy-designated accounts and those who pre-order.

Do 1.0 players automatically get early access?

No. For a 1.0 player to get early access, you must have a Legacy account or preorder.

Do Beta testers automatically get early access?

No. You must have a Legacy account or preorder.

I have my early access code. What do I do now?

First, go to this website, and input your email. That's as far as you can go at this point in time. Square Enix will send you further information when it is available.

EU version here.

I input my early access code, and it shows up in my games profile. I'm done, right?

No. There isn't a way to tie your early access code to your FFXIV service account just yet. You most likely entered the code on Square Enix's member's site, which is a pseudo-social networking area, and has no bearing on actual gameplay. (Example image.)

I ordered from Square-Enix directly, where is my pre order code?

Square Enix has said that they will email you your code at a future date.

I ordered from a third-party retailer, where is my pre order code?

Generally speaking, if you ordered from a third party, you should have your code by now. Most brick-and-mortar shops will print out the code on a receipt. Online retailers often send the code in a second email, after your order has been confirmed.

If you preordered from a third party, and do not have your access code, you should contact them.

Please be advised: it has been reported that EU online orders are sending their codes out at a later date, so if this applies to you, keep it in mind.

I ordered from NewEgg, where is my pre order code?

NewEgg is not part of the early access program, and so you will not be receiving a code from them.

Can I just buy an early access code?

Square Enix has not made this option available.

What does a pre order code look like?

It is an 18 character code, with a mix of numbers and letters.

XXXXXX - ### - XXXXXX - ### is the general format people have been reporting.

How will I play the game before release if I don't have my software and product key?

Square Enix will contact you with directions on how to download the client. You will not need your physical products for early access.

Once I input my preorder code, will I be able to play on PS3 and PC?

Yes, the current information suggests that early access is platform free.

Do I have to pre order the Collector's Edition to get early access?

No, any valid pre order will qualify.

Will the Collector's Edition Digital Upgrade qualify me for early access?

No, it is not available for preorder, but release day purchase, and as such, will not come with early access.

Gamestop gave me more than 1 code -- what happened?

They simply printed multiple codes, either through associate error or other factors. You should be okay.

Hope this was helpful! Took awhile to format it to make it readable on the Gaiscioch website!

Very helpful thanks :)

I am going to say it again....wait for it....if you wish to play on Excalibur and do not have a beta key, please let someone know.  We have a few spares.  If you do not create a character (even as aplace holder) right at the start of phase 4, it is likely you will not be able to roll on that server, as it may fill up.

It is a shame that 1.0 non-legacy status players do not get early access, I think SE made a mistake doing that..kinda unfair.

I second that - thanks, very helpful. 

I just pre-ordered and just got  my early access code :) I am also  waiting on Ph. 4 to commence since I am getting a little anxious to try this out.

Although at this very moment I am wondering why I am still awake and not tucked into my bed.... it's after 4 a.m. here.   Must be the excitement of making my pre-order ;)

I'm not sure why Abqu picked the "after Aug 15th" for Early Access, since SQ-Enix has stated "last third of August". While he's technically correct I'd think about the 20th rather than the 15th if you are planning time off for EA.

Oooooh man! NewEgg is going to get a lot of canceled orders

They is how Yoshi replied in an interview about Open Beta and Early Access

It was said the early access bonus from Collectors Edition is about 5 days, but open beta is about one week?

Y: Might be short but I can't answer on the duration yet.

Then say if it was right before the release date, why did you separate the open beta (phase 4) and early access?

Y: Open beta is for everyone around the world to try it out, and early access is a bonus for pre-order. Not everyone is getting early access, and as you know we want to split the wave of server rush (laugh)

Are you going to wipe character data in open beta?

Y: Open beta is open so as long as there isn't any critical bugs we are planning not to wipe. As long as there isn’t any data type of bugs we aren't going to wipe and transfer to official service.

But if you're not going to wipe character data during open beta, wouldn’t that lower the merit of early access?

Y: Is that right?

You make character during open beta, and if you can play that character in official service, there isn't much reason to purchase the Collectors Edition and participate in the early access.

Y: I believe 3-5 days advantage for MMORPG is pretty big for players who want to play right away.

I see. So looks like people will dash start from open beta but you're okay with that?

Y: Yes that is alright.

*Edited to provide formatting