Over the last decade, Final Fantasy XIV has gone from one of Square Enix’s biggest failures to one of the most-played MMOs in the entire world. Throughout all of those years, the game has built a massive passionately dedicated fanbase, which inevitably led to a wealth of fan creations that help flesh out the world of FFXIV even more.
While buying a house in-game can be an exercise in frustration, exploring the marvelously creative houses of other players is the exact opposite. Dozens of players have brought unique twists on housing designs, creating immersive eateries, role-playing havens, nightclubs, and even museums.
If you find yourself wanting to take a virtual vacation one of these weekends, we’ve collected some of the must-see player-created attractions in Final Fantasy XIV. There’s a bit of something for everyone.
Eorzean Aquariums
Data Center: Crystal
World: Malboro
Location: Lavender Beds, Ward 16, Plot 59
Fishing is one of the most time-consuming activities in Final Fantasy XIV, and if you don’t have hundreds of hours to sink into it, you might want to consider stopping by the aquarium. There are three different aquariums created by the Eorzean Museum Network, and each one is an astounding feat that lets you gaze longingly at the underwater creatures of Eorzea.
The group has done a phenomenal job of collecting every single species of fish from across the game, and for multiple aquariums to boot. If you really want something impressive, though, you should stop by the group’s newly opened “Big Fish House,” where you’ll be dwarfed by the exhibits on display.
MGM Studios
Data Center: Aether
World: Midgardsormr
Location: Goblet, Ward 19, Plot 8
If you’ve ever wanted to visit a movie studio but live nowhere close to California, the MGM Studios at Midgardsormr should be your first virtual vacation spot. This is genuinely one of the most impressive creations you’ll find in all of Final Fantasy XIV, with over 50 rooms recreating iconic scenes from beloved films like Jurassic Park, The Shining, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and even Singing in the Rain.
This is the perfect venue to utilize your G-Pose skills and snap a variety of pictures, like one of those tourists that visit Hollywood and plaster it all over their Facebook. It’s okay, no one will judge you.
Fluffyland
Data Center: Materia
World: Bismarck
Location: Empyreum, Ward 6, Plot 51-60
Much like MGM, Fluffyland provides a uniquely imaginative experience, but this time it’s not constrained to a single house. Fluffyland is a series of different houses, each of which contains an amusement park ride or attraction.
There’s some masterful work that’s gone into crafting each of these houses, and making them actually look like a theme park ride. There’s Bumper Cars, a Safari, and even a spoof called “Pirates of the Fluffybeans.”
Firebird Theatre
Data Center: Aether
World: Faerie
Location: Empyreum, Ward 6, Plot 60
Seeing a theatrical production in FFXIV is an experience every player should have at least one. The sheer ingenuity and skill to turn something like The Importance of Being Earnest into an in-game stage play is simply staggering. The FireBird Theater is one of a handful of groups putting on productions, and their neatly designed venue makes it easy to get invested.
There are a couple of guidelines and rules the FireBird Theater puts in place to optimize the experience, but you can also look at the troupe’s past performances on YouTube to get the feel of how things play out. If you’re craving a good drama but don’t want to leave the comfort of your house, consider popping over to the FireBird Theater for a night of revelry.
The Mewing Maid Cafe
Data Center: Primal
World: Exodus
Location: Lavender Beds, Ward 29, Plot 36
If you’re into the role-playing scene in FFXIV there are a ton of fascinating little locations to visit, but some of those places aren’t exactly rated PG. If you want an RP hangout that’s also safe for work, The Mewing Maid Cat’fe is the perfect choice.
Maid Cafes are a one-of-a-kind experience, and the Mewing Maid is the perfect place to grab a snack and have some friendly conversation. You can also take a cute pic with your favorite maid, if you want. Just remember to mind your manners. The Cat’fe opens on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11am ET.
For Pet’s Sake Cafe
Data Center: Crystal
World: Mateus
Location: Goblet, Ward 1, Plot 40
For Pet’s Sake is an adorable pet-themed cafe where you can sip a beverage among the cute and cuddly displays. It’s a great place to simply unwind and chill for a bit, but what’s really neat is that the cafe doubles as an “adoption” center.
Some of the minions on offer include a Juicy Watermelon and the adorable Odder Otter. How can you beat getting a snack and a new traveling pal?
Cafe Leblanc
Data Center: Aether
World: Cactuar
Locations: Mist, Ward 19, Plot 42
Persona 5 is an all-timer of a game, and if you find you simply can’t stop thinking about Persona, even while playing Final Fantasy, then this is the spot for you. Cafe Leblanc is a beautiful recreation of the player’s iconic hangout in Persona 5, but it’s more than just looks.
Pop by during their open hours, Wednesdays and Sundays from 2pm-5pm ET, and you can treat yourself to some of the trademark spicy curry.
Ascian Hooters
Data Center: Crystal
World: Balmung
Location: Empyreum, Ward 15, Plot 55
Hooters is one of those bizarre restaurants that you hear a lot about for uh, reasons, but as soon as you visit one you realize it’s a weird environment mixed with not-very-good food.
Luckily, Ascian Hooters is pretty much the opposite of that. An unassuming eatery filled with the American fare you’d expect, like wings, but with quite a few secrets as well. Head to the private chambers of this restaurant and you’ll discover a menagerie of wild and bizarre rooms. Just be
Waffle House
Data Center: Crystal
World: Balmung
Location: Mist, Ward 16, Plot 1
Much like Hooters, the Waffle House is an American institution and a constant source of viral internet videos. Hilariously, the FFXIV version of Waffle House plays into both of these aspects. The top floor is a snazzy diner where you can order coffee, omelets, Popoto Pancakes, and a variety of other delicacies.
Be careful if you order a waffle, though, as it can lead to a duel in the restaurant’s underground colosseum, where players are encouraged to be as “theatrical as possible.” Dinner and duels, this truly is a Waffle House.
The Ravens Gallery
Data Center: Crystal
World: Balmung
Location: Empyreum, Ward 17, Plot 42
The Eorzean Museum Network has a variety of installations to visit across many different worlds, but after the aquariums, The Ravens Gallery is my personal favorite. This massive museum collects paintings from every single lookout point across Eorzea, and everywhere else Warriors of Light have visited. It’s an incredibly neat way to see the journey of Final Fantasy XIV play out, remembering each step you’ve taken.
What makes the experience even more immersive is how each exhibit is themed after the area it’s presenting, like the dark mechanical feel of Azys La or the rustic Easter theme of Shirogane. The presentation here is what really elevates The Ravens Gallery into something special.
