Hergen “Kahuna” Taens, community manager a Square Enix Europe, has to released details on the social aspect of the upcoming Final Fantasy MMO: Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn.
The social aspect, Linkshells and Free Companies, allow you to team up with other players to embark on adventures, either to take on dungeons or to grind experience together as a group.
Linkshells are in the in-game equivalent to personal communicators, which – as typical of fantasy-based games – is powered by magic. Linkshells are group chat channels for clans or corporations, of which there is a maximum of eight you can link to. There can be up to 128 members withing each channel, and there are three ranks. You have to have a Linkshell equipped in order to use it. If the chatter is getting too much, you can also set the Linkshell to be inactive.
- Master
The owner of the Linkshell. The only one who can completely disband the [Linkshell]. Can promote and demote other members, as well as exile them, if deemed necessary. - Leader
Promoted by the Master, they can invite new members into the Linkshell, and exile others. - Member
Normal members of a [Linkshell].
As for Free Companies, they are for groups of individuals who want to go on an organised adventure together. Every Company can have up to 512 members, which is four times higher than the member cap of Linkshells, and has the same three ranks as the Linkshells. Similar to creating a corporation in EVE: Online, creating a Free Company allows you to come up with its own name, its own Company tag that will appear next to members’ names, and a Company portrait (or crest in this case).
Free Companies also have a ranked element to them. Starting at Rank 1 out of a maximum of eight, for every deed that the members of the Company accomplish, the Free Company is awarded with Company Credits. Each new ranks grants the Company new bonuses, and there is a Company Chest where members can deposit and store items and money for the good of the Company. Using the Company Credits can also buy you bonuses, such as a 5 percent experience bonus for the whole of the Free Company for the next 24 hours. Being a member of a Free Company is touted to be very rewarding. What’s more, if you save up enough money you can buy your Free Company a House.
Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn will be available on PS4 this coming April 14. It will also be launching on PC and PS3, which will be dropping on both platforms next week on March 25.
Source: PlayStation.Bog.