Embracing Change: Transitioning from PC to PS5 for Final Fantasy XIV
Final Fantasy XIV is set to unveil its latest expansion, Dawntrail, on June 28 for those who pre-order. As an avid player, I’m eagerly anticipating this release. However, there’s a catch—I haven’t yet completed the previous expansion, Endwalker. Although it launched in late 2021, life has been hectic and I found myself sidetracked midway through the content. With today being April 3rd, I have a mere 85 days left to conquer Endwalker and its associated patches. This situation calls for a significant shift in my gaming approach: I’m transitioning from playing on PC to utilizing the PS5.
The Allure of Console Gaming
For four years, my journey with Final Fantasy XIV has been exclusively on PC—a choice driven by the game’s nature as an MMO. The intricate actions required during large-scale dungeons or raids felt perfectly suited for keyboard and mouse controls. Using a controller always seemed limiting, especially given my role as a White Mage (healer). Yet one of the primary obstacles I’ve encountered while trying to finish Endwalker is simply my desktop setup; sitting at my desk for extended periods isn’t appealing anymore.
Quest Design Challenges
The heart of the matter lies within Final Fantasy XIV’s quest structure. As an MMO title, many main scenario quests can feel rather repetitive mechanically. While Endwalker does feature some thrilling combat sequences, it only includes nine main scenario dungeons or trials scattered across 108 quests—resulting in numerous tasks that require traveling from one location to another or engaging in minor battles and item collection activities. The dialogue segments are where I truly find enjoyment since they contribute significantly to the narrative experience I’m seeking; however, much of what occurs between these moments can feel tedious—especially when seated uncomfortably at my desk.
A New Approach with DualSense
Despite initial reservations about using a controller instead of traditional input methods, the idea of relaxing on my couch was too enticing to resist—and thankfully I managed to grab a discounted PS5 version of the game! However, switching input methods means essentially relearning how everything works within this new context—a process that can be slow and frustrating at times.
One major adjustment involves configuring cross hotbars—the console equivalent for executing actions—which differ significantly from keybinds used on PCs. These hotbars resemble two intersecting plus signs with designated action slots corresponding to buttons on your controller’s d-pad and face buttons; while it’s an innovative solution for adapting MMO complexity onto consoles, mastering it requires time and patience.
Discovering Comfort in Gameplay
After navigating through these initial challenges over roughly 24 hours spent fine-tuning settings and optimizing cross hotbars configurations, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how well this platform switch has worked out overall! Movement feels more fluid now; although WASD controls aren’t particularly cumbersome when traveling around Elpis or Labyrinthos—using joysticks offers simplicity that enhances gameplay enjoyment considerably.
Most quests don’t heavily focus on combat either so even if reactions are slightly delayed due to unfamiliarity with cross hotbar mechanics during brief skirmishes—it hasn’t detracted much from overall immersion into this beautifully crafted world! Now I find myself zoning out comfortably until cutscenes demand attention again—turns out Endwalker is quite engaging!
Balancing Both Worlds
However—as exhilarating as console play may be—I still notice limitations during intense dungeon runs or trials where performance matters most; thus far I’ve reverted back towards PC gaming when tackling these challenging encounters alongside fellow players since interacting with others remains one core joy derived from FFXIV experiences!
While NPC parties via Duty Support could suffice during such instances—they lack that human element which makes multiplayer interactions special! To bridge this gap somewhat effectively—I’ve connected Bluetooth keyboards allowing me quick access messaging capabilities without needing full-fledged desktop setups every time!
In conclusion—the transition between platforms presents both advantages along with drawbacks—but ultimately switching over has opened up new perspectives regarding diverse ways individuals engage within FFXIV universe! As anticipation builds toward Dawntrail launch date approaches—I foresee alternating between both systems throughout upcoming adventures ahead!