Every FFXIV Expansion Ranked Worst to Best

After a decade, FFXIV has released several expansions to build on its story and take you on a journey as the Warrior of Light. Of course, not all expansions are created equal when it comes to content quality. So, here’s every FFXIV expansion ranked worst to best.

FFXIV: Every Expansion Ranked Worst to Best

6. A Realm Reborn

A Realm Reborn is the reason that the current version of FFXIV is able to exist. The 1.0 version of the game was flawed in a way that was difficult to fix, and the solution was to destroy that world with a meteor and start over. Although ARR still has its flaws, and it isn’t the most interesting story among the expansions, it provided a much needed foundation for the future of the game. But even if it’s the reason FFXIV would later gain critical acclaim, it pales in comparison to the expansions that followed it.

5. Stormblood

Stormblood receives the most hate among expansions. While it’s a flawed expansion, it’s not a bad MMO. Many of Stormblood’s issues stem from it having two stories that are essentially the same, but set in different locations.

The result was that neither story had the time it needed to be fully told. In a lot of ways, the MSQ here felt more like a transition between Heavensward and Shadowbringers, and a way to set up the state of Garlemald that you later see in Endwalker. Yet even with its flaws and the issue that came with pacing and storytelling, Stormblood had fun dungeons and trials. Susano remains one of my favorite trials to get from roulettes.

4. Dawntrail

Dawntrail is the latest expansion and you can read my full thoughts in my Dawntrail review. Like with Stormblood, there are a lot of mixed opinions about Dawntrail. It’s not necessarily a bad expansion, but it’s not peak Square Enix content that you see in Endwalker and Shadowbringers either. The biggest problem that Dawntrail has is its MSQ. It needs to set up the next large story arc, and I believe it accomplishes that at the very end. However, the journey to that point is a little shaky.

Although the MSQ is the low point of the expansion, the dungeons and trials are a blast. Plus, the music is incredible. The last zones steal the show in terms of story and design. Overall, you have such a mix of pros and cons in this expansion, it lands in the middle of the ranking.

3. Heavensward

Heavensward proved the potential of FFXIV. In comparison to the most recent expansions, it’s not as flashy and the mechanics for duties, dungeons, and trials are much easier. However, the developers started experimenting with new mechanics that would continue to evolve during future expansions. The story for Heavensward also showed that FFXIV is an MMO where it’s worthwhile to watch the cutscenes, read dialogue, and pay attention to the plot.

You might be the Warrior of Light, but you aren’t immune to having allies betray you. As a result, you end up running and seeking sanctuary in Ishgard with Alphinaud and Tataru, not knowing what happened to the rest of the Scions or if they’re okay. The combination of searching for your allies and working to help Ishgard with its internal issues creates an emotional journey that improves on ARR in every way.

2. Endwalker

The conclusion of the Hydaelyn and Zodiark story arc, Endwalker ends an era. It’s intense, you feel a sense of urgency right from the beginning. There are moments that you feel rushed due to the nature of the MSQ and how much content there is to get through. It’s almost overwhelming. As a result, the pace is fast, and some character development opportunities are missed. However, the trial against Endsinger is an emotional high point. The mechanics are unique and fun, and the phase switch has you in tears as you finish the fight. Although it’s a memorable expansion, it’s not the best expansion.

1. Shadowbringers

For the first time, you get to explore another reflection in Shadowbringers. While the pacing is a little shaky, the story keeps you immersed. Especially when you show up in a new world on what seems like a sunny day, then find out it’s the middle of night and there hasn’t been darkness for a century. You take on the role of the Warrior of Darkness, learn about life before the world was shattered, and start to understand the nature of the Calamities, along with the real motives of the Ascians. It’s such a masterpiece, and it truly feels like a high point of the series (though not the last high point, I hope).

And that wraps up every FFXIV expansion ranked worst to best. Although we’re ten years into the game, it’s going strong, and I think there’s another ten years to look forward to. From here, check out our FFXIV guide hub for content about Dawntrail!