FFXIV just released the worst Online Store microtransactions I’ve ever seen — the set costs more than Dawntrail itself, and players have had enough

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Over the years, excessive microtransactions have taken various forms, from the controversial loot boxes in Star Wars Battlefront 2 at launch to the costly cosmetic items in games like Valorant. On a particularly unfortunate day this week, Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV), a widely acclaimed MMORPG by Square Enix, unveiled what could possibly be the most egregious microtransactions I’ve encountered so far.

I’m talking about the new Belt-Leather Outfit collection recently added to the FFXIV Online Store marketplace. This set consists of three options: trousers, a cropped version, and another purchase that includes a hat and gloves. The outfit appears quite appealing, although it might seem somewhat basic; the combination of a turtleneck sweater and a leather harness, along with leather pants and shoes, makes for a stylish ensemble.

But then I saw the prices.

Here are two variations of the leather set available, each with slight differences such as cuffed pants or boots instead of regular shoes. Each piece costs $18 individually, and the hat and gloves add an extra $6. In total, to own the entire Belt-Leather set for some fun play, you’ll need a substantial amount of $42.

To clarify the situation, this price tag is twice as much as the ongoing Dawntrail expansion cost, which many players find hard to believe. It’s an excessive amount, in fact, that seems unreasonable for just a few variations on basic clothing items. Not surprisingly, the Final Fantasy XIV community is quite upset about these overpriced items and their costs, with numerous critical posts dominating the r/ffxiv subreddit at this moment.

One fan expressed their discontent by stating, “This represents a disappointing low in terms of the cash shop.” To many, the value received for the money spent in the Online Store has been declining significantly over time. Another frustrated player commented, “I never imagined I’d be saying this about this game, but Square Enix is earning these negative posts right now. I’ve invested a lot in glamours throughout the years, but what they’re doing here borders on daylight robbery.

It’s quite absurd to demand $42 for a rather simple glamour item, especially when previous sets priced over $18 offered additional pieces and more elaborate designs. This is even more surprising given that similar options can be found for very little in-game currency (Gil) on the Market Board. In fact, within just a few hours, a player managed to create a “DIY Leather Belt at home” set that looks remarkably like the Online Store item, without spending any money at all on apparel from the store.

The release timing could be improved, as it’s not ideal to unveil expensive cash shop items, especially now. Regrettably, the announcement coincided with Square Enix revealing that Hrothgar and Viera will soon have the ability to wear hats, a feature fans have been eagerly awaiting since the introduction of these playable races alongside Shadowbringers in 2019.

It’s disheartening to see that even as some issues raised by players are addressed with positive changes, we still encounter setbacks in the form of contentious blunders, which can sometimes give the impression that progress is two steps forward and one step back.

Regarding changes in the Final Fantasy XIV Online Store, significant improvements are likely to occur if the majority refrains from purchasing microtransactions. As one player put it, these high prices persist because many continue to purchase them, as the sellers are aware of this trend.

Although there are numerous other outfits available for purchase on the Market Board using gil, as well as the ongoing Steam Summer Sale, I’m confident that you could find more worthwhile ways to use your $42 at this moment.

As a tech-loving gamer, I can confidently say that Final Fantasy XIV is one of the most impressive MMOs currently available, standing out as an exceptional title among both PC and Xbox games. Despite some costly in-game items, it’s hard to deny its quality. What sets it apart is the fact that you can enjoy the main A Realm Reborn experience, along with the initial expansions Heavensward and Stormblood without spending a dime (although features are limited). Plus, this epic game is playable on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, PS5, and PS4.

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2025-07-01 00:09