Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood is free to acquire for a limited time

Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood, the second expansion for Final Fantasy XIV, is free to acquire for a few weeks. On March 27, 2023 Square Enix announced that the digital download version of the expansion will be available free of charge for those who own or buy the "Starter Edition" of the game. The offer ends on May 8, 2023. 

According to Square Enix's post on its support site, players need to own or purchase the Starter Edition of the game (formally titled the Final Fantasy XIV Online Starter Edition), either via retail purchase, through Steam, or through Square Enix's online store. The Starter Edition is functionally identical to the "Free Trial" edition and contains both the base game Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, and Heavensward, the first expansion. It also includes a 30-day free subscription period with the purchase.

Redeeming the digital copy of Stormblood will require a player to acquire a code from Steam, Square Enix's online store, or the PSN store. During the promotional period, the purchase will be free. For PC and Steam, they'll also have to register the code on the Mog Station site to attach it to their service accounts. The Steam version of the game is treated separately from the Windows PC edition, so players should also make sure to get their codes for the correct platform.

Additionally, Square Enix has revived its Free Login Campaign promotion, which also lasts until May 8, 2023. It is open to players who have previously purchased and registered a copy of Final Fantasy XIV, and whose service accounts were inactive for at least 30 days. The free login period will last for four days from the time the users first login during the campaign.

Final Fantasy XIV is available on PC, PS4, and PS5.