Final Fantasy XV Comrades Expansion Beta Test Begins August 3, 2017

One of the four add-ons announced for Final Fantasy XV is a multiplayer expansion. Comrades would allow people to create a custom character and head out into the world with it, working with other players to complete objectives and explore. On August 3, 2017, Square Enix has revealed people will be able to sample and test out Comrades in a closed beta.

The Comrades closed online beta is expected to run from August 3-8, 2017, though those are only “projected” dates. People who have a PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live subscription and have purchased the Final Fantasy XV season pass will be able to play. People testing the game will be able to make and use up to eight avatars, using limited customization options. The only weapons available are the club, dagger, katana, and shuriken, and only four default Royal Sigils will be available in the test version. They will visit a closed beta base camp, go through a tutorial then have three quests, each with up to three legs, to complete with other players. The game will match people up with others, and preset chat messages and voice chat will be available. Cooking is present, with each quest participant getting one ingredient after a quest, and Meteorshard quest rewards will be doled out. (Meteorshards can’t be used in the closed beta.)

Some details on the full version of Final Fantasy XV’s Comrades was also provided. In the full game, you get to develop your avatars using experience, eventually getting to use Noctis, Gladiolus, Ignis, and Prompto after the expansion is updated. Your avatar will start in a city, rather than the closed beta base camp, and can use crossbows, polearms, and shields in addition to the closed beta’s weapons. Weapons can be leveled up and have abilities. There will also be more Royal Sigils. In the full game, your characters will be customized with quest rewards and items purchased in shops, there will be single and multiplayer quests, some with storylines. Meteorshards will help you get more quests or add new activities to the game, there will be more cooking options, and your online interaction options will allow you to make camps, access more chat options, take photos with people, and get Quest Report Cards after working with people.

Final Fantasy XV is available for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.