The lights are on
If you've played any MMO then you know it takes forever to download. FFXIV is no exception.
FFXIV is so slow in fact it could literally take you days to download the Beta (as I've said in earlier posts).
This is a guide intending to show you a quick way around this process that does not infringe SE's user agreement.
But first off you need to register in order to being the process of downloading the Beta:
Open Beta Registration Instructions "To participate in the open beta test, you will need to register a registration code. To do so, please follow the steps outlined below. 1. Access the following URL. http://entry.ffxiv.com/ * The page will become accessible starting at 19:00 on Sept. 1, 2010 (PDT) [10 PM EST, 7PM PST]. 2. Log in with your Square Enix account and have a registration code issued. * Depending on the access status, we may temporarily suspend the issuance of registration code. If you cannot have registration code issued, we ask that you please wait a little while before trying again. 3. Register the registration code you received by e-mail on the Square Enix Account Management System. Click "Select Service" from "Services and Options" on the left menu. Select "FINAL FANTASY XIV" from the services available and then "Add a service account." Enter the registration code you've been issued and proceed to the end of registration. The Square Enix Account Management System: https://secure.square-enix.com/account/"
After this process is complete you'll be able to begin downloading the Open Beta client.
As soon as you begin, however, you'll notice how extremely slow the download is.
There's a simple solution to this, which I'll explain on the next page:
Congratulations - not even 30 minutes into the Open Beta and everyone broke it lol.
Due to extreme traffic both for registering as well as trying to log in, everything pretty much crashed right now.
Not even Closed Beta players who have everything installed already can get on.
I'd highly recommend to wait until tomorrow afternoon (middle of the night for Japan) before attempting to register or log on to the Beta itself.
Quick update: Here's an easier way to get the Beta code and to finally begin able to download the game:
After you register your username at http://entry.ffxiv.com/ go to this site to try and attempt for a key:
secure.square-enix.com/.../login
This includes all former Beta testers (SE lied to us, lol) who were told to wait for an email.
Again, there's still extreme traffic and I doubt you'll get a key until later in the day.
If you do get a Beta key, odds are the link SE sent you to activate it won't work, so go here and activate it yourself:
secure.square-enix.com/.../Login
Be sure to check out http://www.ffxivorigin.com/ for more information.
Dude, I am not getting help from this at all. I can't even get to the downloading screen you have an image of on page 2. I click the shortcut, or even the "ffxivboot" application, a black window pops up, then I get a message saying the beta version has stopped working. This is all I get.
Does it briefly say "checking version" before it fails?
That happens quite often, I just keep rebooting the client until it passes this phase into "initializing."
If this isn't the case then check to see if you turned off your firewall. Any firewall will pretty much kill the client, even its minor DAT files that end up properly starting the download.
Try following this thread if simply turning off your firewall doesn't work or you're using Windows 7: www.ffxivorigin.com/.../973-open-beta-client-error.html
Also, for those who've obtained the Beta Key be sure to use SE's official Beta site to your advantage as well - dev-na.ffxiv.com/ubbthreads.php
Never mind, I fixed it. My drivers weren't up to date, so I updated them. And installed DirectX. Things you tend to forget after reformatting your computer. ;-P
Forgot to mention for players who do plan to use the Xbox 360 controller but have yet to download the driver to actually use it go here:
www.microsoft.com/.../download.aspx
Be aware that if you have a wireless controller you cannot simply connect it through wifi - you need to buy a separate wireless adapter (the play and charge kit doesn't count either, I tried lol).
A wired controller is only $27 on Amazon (www.amazon.com/.../ref=sr_1_2).
For players who want to use a PS3 controller follow this guide:
www.ffxivorigin.com/.../using-ps3-gamepad-final-fantasy-xiv-141
I've been receiving a lot of the same questions time and again, so I've made a 5th page as an example of how to download a patch, namely the most recent(9-7-2010).
If you have a question then post it here, I'm sure other players other than myself can help you out.
Not only will you benefit but other players who have similar questions can benefit as well.
From the Beta site:
"The open beta test currently being conducted is scheduled to end at 5:00 p.m. on September 19, 2010 (PDT)."
This is on a Sunday 8PM EST, 5PM PST.
The Collector's Edition will be available on the 22nd while the regular version will be on the 30th.
The PS3 version will come out in March, if not delayed.
Hopefully Final Fantasy XV will be better.