With a recent GameAwards nomination for the best ongoing game, Square Enix’sFinal Fantasy 14has proven to be not just an amazingFinal Fantasygame, but an incredible fantasy MMO RPG. And with the nominations, a whole host of new players may want to explore the sprawling vistas of Eorzea. In the game’s opening hours, it establishes the combat system and story. However, the world opens up around level 20, when players will be presented with a choice: what Grand Company should they join?
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What are Grand Companies (asks the disembodied voice)? Grand Companies operate as the three major guilds within the world and players must align themselves to one or the other. There is no company that is objectively the best to join, with each one being a viable option that is dependent on how a player chooses to navigate throughout the game. There are three Grand Companies to choose from inFinal Fantasy 14which are: The Immortal Flames, The Maelstrom, and The Order of the Twin Adder. Players can find out which one fits them best.
There are many Free Companies (smaller guilds created by players that they can join) withinFF14, however, each one allies itself with the guild leader’s chosen Grand Company. All achievements will be affiliated with the leader’s said guild too.
5The Immortal Flames
The Immortal Flames located in Ul’dah is s a company compromised of battle-hardened warriors and is run by the ex-gladiator champion Raubhan Aldynn. The Immortal Flames boasts a red uniform color theme and has a desert aesthetic with knight-style armor sets. In lore, most of Ul’dah’s military strength can be found with the Immortal Flames company. Some of the most notable members include:
If players choose the Immortal Flames company and complete missions they can eventually access elite flame weapons, the serpent weapon set and the titles Flame Lord, or Flame Lady, depending on the character’s gender.
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4The Maelstrom
The Maelstrom of Limsa Lominsa was founded by Admiral Merlwyb Bloefhiswyn and is a marine-themed naval force that protects the Thalassocracy where her armada resides. For the players who prefer a seaside location, the Maelstrom boasts the marketplace close by and players will receive a black and red uniform once they confirm their allegiance. Those among their ranks include
The Maelstrom is particularly enticing for people wanting to engage with thePvP, Player versus Player,gameplay as this Grand Company has a reputation for winning battles. When fighting for Maelstrom, players have the opportunity to engage inChocobobarding and unlock the tiles of Storm Lord and Storm Lady.
3The Order Of The Twin Adder
Surrounded by forestry and nature, The Order of the Twin Adder is headed by the clairvoyant Kan-E-Sanna who is an Elder on the Seedseer council that governs the city-state of Gridania. If the player prefers a natural biome or has an affinity forarchersandmages, then the Twin Adder might be a better fit. Some figures of importance within the Adders include:
The Twin Adders also provide uniforms with a color palette of yellows, greens, and browns as fitting with their earthy tomes of Gridania. As the Grand Company name suggests, allying with the Twin Adders also unlocks specific ranks and titles such as Serpent Lord and Serpent Lady.
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2On Company Payroll
Joining a Grand Company opens the game up and is identified by the main quest lineThe Company We Keep. Once the quest is completed, players canreceive their mounts, be supplied with company-related missions, obtain seals and earn ranks that access more dungeons and better equipment.
Ranks
Grand Companies operate similarly to an army, employinga rank systemthat identifies the player’s achievements within their company. A player can increase their rank by completing missions and events and subsequently earning seals. The lowest rank is a Private Third Class and proceeds all the way up to Champion, however, players can only rank up to Captain.
Seals
Grand Company currency, or seals, can be used in a multitude of ways from purchasing items from the Quartermaster (weapons, armor, and crafting items) to increasing the rank of the player’s character. Seals can be earned via:
1Changing Companies
Switching Grand Companies inFinal Fantasy 14is relatively easy; with a few caveats. One must wait 15 days before changing companies, be at least a Second Lieutenant rank, and pay 50,000 Gil to switch, however, it is important to note that the first switch is free. Also, once a player switches they will not be able to use company-exclusive gear or uniforms, and their rank will be reset in the new guild, therefore having to start from the bottom of theGrand Company progressionsystem.
Final Fantasy 14is out now on Microsoft Windows, PS4, and PS5.
