Final Fantasy XI Free Trial Finally Loses Its Time Limit
Square Enix's older MMO now lets newcomers play to level 75 for free with no playtime cap, echoing Final Fantasy 14's trial.
Final Fantasy XI has expanded its free trial, removing the old two-week time limit and raising the level cap from 50 to 75. Square Enix first floated the changes in May 2026, and producer and director Yoji Fujito confirmed them again in September, with the update now live. Players whose trial accounts previously hit the fourteen-day or level 50 limit can use those accounts again, and the client is available through the Square Enix Store. The move finally brings the older MMO closer to the generous trial that Final Fantasy 14 has offered for years.
The offer still covers only the base game, with no expansion content, and social features remain restricted. Trial players cannot use the auction house, trade with others, or carry more than 100,000 gil, limits aimed at curbing gold farming. They also cannot start parties, though they can join groups formed by paying subscribers. The structure will be familiar to Final Fantasy 14 players, and Square Enix is plainly hoping the more generous door policy pulls new adventurers into Vana'diel. The game rewards patience and self-direction far more than modern theme park MMOs, so a veteran guide helps.
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Sources
Where this story ran: 2 outlets on 30 September 2026. The summary above is written by GamersGuild; the links go to the original reports.