Final Fantasy XIV vs Lost Ark
Every attribute in the database, side by side — MMOlist scores Final Fantasy XIV at 85 and Lost Ark at 70, but the right pick depends on how you play.
Final Fantasy XIV
2013 · Subscription · Tab Target
Lost Ark
2022 · Free-to-Play · Action
The short version
What they share: a themepark world, no open-world PvP and vertical endgame progression.
Compared with Final Fantasy XIV, Lost Ark is seen as more pay-to-win, grindier, less casual-friendly, heavier on scheduled chores and lighter on crafting.
Final Fantasy XIV — strengths: Outstanding main story and music; One character can play every job. Watch out for: Slow, formulaic early hours.
Lost Ark — strengths: Exceptional raid boss design; Snappy isometric action combat. Watch out for: Honing system invites swiping.
| Final Fantasy XIV | Lost Ark | |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Live | Live |
| Release year | 2013 | 2022 |
| Developer | Square Enix | Smilegate RPG |
| Business model | Subscription | Free-to-Play |
| Platforms | PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox | PC |
| Combat type | Tab Target | Action |
| World design | Themepark | Themepark |
| MMOlist score | 85 | 70 |
| Steam rating | 86% | 61% |
| User score | 8.2/10 | 7.2/10 |
| Critic score | 85 | 81 |
| Steam peak CCU | 95K | 1.3M |
| PvE focus | ||
| PvP focus | ||
| Grindiness | ||
| Solo friendly | ||
| Duo friendly | ||
| Casual friendly | ||
| Typical session | 1–2 hours | 1–2 hours |
| Time to endgame | 100–300h | 100–300h |
| Catch-up friendly | ||
| Chore pressure | ||
| Endgame progression | Vertical | Vertical |
| Alt friendly | ||
| Crafting depth | ||
| Guild importance | ||
| P2W perception | Very Low | Very High |
| Open-world PvP | No | No |
| Full-loot PvP | No | No |
| Housing | Open World | Instanced |
| Steam Deck | Playable | Playable |
| Cross-play | Yes | Partial / N/A |
| Cross-progression | Yes | Partial / N/A |
| Update cadence | Very Active | Very Active |
| Best for | Story lovers; Casual players; Crafters and housing decorators; Controller players | Raid mechanics enthusiasts; ARPG fans; Players who love daily structure |
Pick Final Fantasy XIV if you want…
- Story lovers
- Casual players
- Crafters and housing decorators
- Controller players
Pick Lost Ark if you want…
- Raid mechanics enthusiasts
- ARPG fans
- Players who love daily structure
Keep exploring
Still torn? Add a third game, or let the quiz decide from how you actually play.