With a recent GameAwards nomination for the best ongoing game, Square Enix's Final Fantasy 14 has proven to be not just an amazing Final Fantasy game, 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?
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 in Final Fantasy 14 which 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) within FF14, 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.
5 The 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:
- Pipin Tarupin
- Grand Marshal Still River
- High Commander Swift
- Dancing Wolf
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.
4 The 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
- Grand Marshal Eynzahr Slafyrsyn
- High Commander R'ashaht Rhiki
The Maelstrom is particularly enticing for people wanting to engage with the PvP, Player versus Player, gameplay as this Grand Company has a reputation for winning battles. When fighting for Maelstrom, players have the opportunity to engage in Chocobo barding and unlock the tiles of Storm Lord and Storm Lady.
3 The 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 for archers and mages, then the Twin Adder might be a better fit. Some figures of importance within the Adders include:
- Seedseer Raya-O-Senna
- Seedseer A-Ruhn-Senna
- Grand Marshal Swethryk Brookstone
- High Commander Vorsaile Heuloix
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.
2 On Company Payroll
Joining a Grand Company opens the game up and is identified by the main quest line The Company We Keep. Once the quest is completed, players can receive 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, employing a rank system that 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:
- Completing FATEs (Full Active Time Events)
- Fulfilling Grand Company Hunting Log entries
- Completing Grand Company Leves (Combat missions)
- Undertaking supply and provision missions
1 Changing Companies
Switching Grand Companies in Final Fantasy 14 is 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 in order 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 the Grand Company progression system.
Final Fantasy 14 is out now on Microsoft Windows, PS4, and PS5.