"Final Fantasy 14 Open Beta on Xbox Series X|S Requires Game Pass Subscription"

The Xbox Series X/S version of Final Fantasy 14 will require Xbox Game Pass Core for the final release, despite not needing it for the open beta, in contrast to the game not needing PS Plus on PlayStation. This requirement is due to the game not being classified as free-to-play, as it either has an initial cost or requires a paid subscription to play through it. The open beta for the Xbox Series X/S version is set to start on February 21, with the full launch to follow immediately after, at which point an Xbox Game Pass Core subscription will be necessary to play.