Our group of six was engrossed in catching crabs at Valkurm Dunes, a routine outing just like any other. Suddenly, the unexpected occurred. One member of our crew, a Black Mage, was performing his usual magic tricks – casting chain spells and causing damage. Unfortunately, he unintentionally drew the attention of the crab, which wasn’t typically a big deal. However, at the precise moment the crab was about to use its weaponskill, he inadvertently pulled it.
Crabs have several weaponskills at their disposal. On one end of the spectrum, Bubble Curtain is just a minor water attack that isn’t particularly threatening. But they can also unleash a tank-busting move called Scissor, and this crab chose to do exactly that on our Black Mage before any of us could react. This tank-buster strike was so powerful it instantly reduced the Black Mage from full health to zero.
Instead of an ordinary Black Mage, this one was a particularly dedicated character, often referred to as “hardcore.” Hardcore characters are unique because they only get one chance before their performance is logged on a worldwide leaderboard, and a somber announcement echoes across all maps in the server. As I glanced at the chatbox, I saw a survival time of approximately 200 hours for the Black Mage. The entire team offered sympathies, but the Black Mage appeared surprisingly unfazed. After a brief resuscitation spell (Raise), we were back to slaying crabs and leveling up. It’s just another day in HorizonXI, a private server for Final Fantasy XI.
It’s not uncommon to find private servers for MMOs (Massively Multiplayer Online games), especially when the original creators have moved on or discontinued these games. Avid fans often strive to keep these games alive, and there are plenty of such examples in existence. I previously discussed a private server for Shin Megami Tensei: IMAGINE, which is still operational a year later. However, private servers for games that are actively managed by their parent companies present a unique situation. You can easily sign up for an official account and pay a subscription to access the authentic version of Final Fantasy XI today, with minimal hassle. So, why opt for a private server?
To grasp this concept, let’s initially look into the development and structure of an MMO like ‘Final Fantasy XI’, dating back two decades. When ‘Final Fantasy XI’ debuted (and for a considerable duration after that), its design was purposefully challenging, sometimes even hostile, to foster teamwork among players. In contrast to contemporary MMOs, once you reached level 10, grouping up wasn’t just suggested — it was necessary. The preferred spot for leveling from 11 to 20 was Valkurm Dunes, and without a party of four to five members assisting, it was difficult to survive there. This style of gameplay persisted throughout the game until the level cap was reached.
As time went by, the concept of it being essential to interact with others in Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) games began to be debated. After its rebuilding phase, Final Fantasy XIV came back as A Realm Reborn, and players were appreciating the self-reliant journey through the game’s narrative and progression. World of Warcraft had already emphasized solo-play for leveling, with group-play reserved for dungeons and raids, but its design philosophy leaned even more heavily in this direction with the highly successful Mists of Pandaria expansion introducing activities suitable for solo play (perhaps even leaning too much so with Warlords of Draenor and Garrisons). On a broader level, it appeared as though MMOs were moving towards more self-reliant pursuits, and Final Fantasy XI eventually adopted this trend as well.
Introduced in 2014, a new system called Trusts enabled gamers to bring friendly NPCs’ doppelgangers into their gaming world as party members. This eliminated the need for gathering people or waiting for hours in Valkurm Dunes for an invitation, as you could now simply engage with a few NPCs and summon them before leveling up. While this undeniably simplified and smoothened the leveling process for players, it also had its drawbacks. Trusts quickly became the primary method for leveling all Jobs under all circumstances, and since there was no longer a need to invite others, interactions with other players outside of your Linkpearl (Guild) significantly decreased.
In simpler terms, HorizonXI is a type of server that aims to replicate the original expansions of Final Fantasy XI as accurately as possible, with some modifications. At present, it’s operating on the “Wings of the Goddess” expansion (from around 2006), and they’re planning to introduce the “Treasures of Aht Urhgan” soon. This means that most of the content available is based on the game’s history from 2005-2006, including any conflicts or issues that existed during that period. This is a reason why some private servers for Final Fantasy XI have been created, as many players prefer the feel of the older versions of the game.
In the game world, there aren’t any warp crystals for instant travel from Windurst to Bastok; instead, you need to take the ferry between Selbina and Mhaura or use an airship to travel to Jeuno. Also, unlike in some versions of the game, you can’t just summon a personal Chocobo mount whenever you want – you have to rent them from specific characters. Additionally, there are no experience-granting tomes scattered around the wilderness, nor are there Trusts or Adventuring Fellows. This setup might seem restrictive if you’re used to other versions of the game, but I found that learning to navigate and level up without these conveniences made for a more enjoyable gaming experience compared to what I experienced on retail.
The server is exceptionally busy (considering it’s a private one), often hosting close to 3000 players at peak times; even during off-peak hours, there are always around 750 players. I can’t say for certain how many of these players are AFK managing their Bazaars, but it’s never been hard to find groups to play with, even with my irregular schedule and time zone. This is largely thanks to several modifications the developers have made compared to retail versions, such as adjustments to loot drops, experience rates, and certain Jobs.
As a long-time fan, I’ve often felt that Thieves were the party guests no one particularly wanted to invite in earlier games, as they seemed to offer very little compared to other jobs, with their damage output being relatively mediocre and not particularly special. However, in HorizonXI, it seems like the developers have given them a bit more attention. For instance, Thieves can now perform Triple Attack at level 30 instead of 55, which is a significant speed-up. Furthermore, their elemental weaponskills are now hybridized and can be used with Sneak Attack or Trick Attack, adding versatility to their combat style. Lastly, Mug now grants a flat 5% critical chance bonus to a target, making it a more reliable tool for dealing damage. At level 30, with proper use of Sneak Attack and Trick Attack, a Thief can easily deal over 40% of an enemy’s HP in a single blow – making them much more appealing than they were before!
Numerous modifications have been implemented, more than can be covered in a single post, but here are some noteworthy adjustments:
1. The protective abilities of shields have been enhanced, with stronger and more frequent blocks.
2. The recast time for Utsusemi: Ichi and Ni (a Ninja spell that grants three perfect dodges) has increased by 15 seconds.
3. This dual change opens up opportunities for tanks who may not be Ninjas to shine in the spotlight, although Ninja remains a top choice as a subjob.
4. Certain desirable drops (initially exclusive to rare Notorious Monsters) have been replicated, with similar items now dropping from boss encounters as well, providing an alternative method of acquisition.
5. Lastly, the Hardcore system mentioned earlier – when creating a character, you are given one chance to see how far you can progress before your character dies.
Following 18.5 days of gameplay in HorizonXI, I can confidently express that the server is skillfully balancing a fine line – maintaining ‘desirable’ resistance and eliminating ‘undesirable’ friction. The challenge lies in distinguishing between the two and identifying where they exist within the game. Game designers tackle these questions daily, and it remains just as complex when working on an established title like Final Fantasy XI. To gain insights into the creative process behind the development of a new version of a multi-decade MMO, I reached out to the HorizonXI development team to delve deeper into their thought process regarding the server.
Hi there, on HorizonXI, my username is Kipling. As part of the admin team, I handle administrative duties, game design tasks, and balance adjustments. I hopped aboard the project not long after its official announcement as a Community Manager. In my free time outside of HorizonXI, I’m a fan of fighting games. At the moment, Street Fighter 6 (Ed) is the one I’m playing most frequently, and I’ve managed to reach master rank. I can’t wait for the next installment of Fatal Fury too!
Hello! I’m Aerec, both within our community and on the team. I have the privilege to be part of the admin team and was the one who initially proposed the idea that evolved into HorizonXI. My main areas of focus are Era+ Development, Game Design, Server Administration, and I occasionally delve into various other tasks. When I’m not programming for Horizon, I must admit that many of us on the admin and lead team have limited time for activities outside of server management – In fact, several of the team leads consider their work on the server as a secondary job, dedicating 30+ hours per week. However, when I do manage to steal some free time, I enjoy participating in MTG Commander Nights that one of the developers and I host locally, as well as games like Old School Runescape and alternative versions of Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask.
Greetings! I go by Beirabear, part of our admin team here at HorizonXI since its inception. I handle administrative duties while also spearheading the creative aspects. In my spare time, you’ll find me immersed in books, taking care of my pets, and enjoying games such as Pokemon and Fields of Mistria.>
Damarus: Hello! I’ve been with Horizon since even before its debut, initially working as a developer, then advancing to Lead Developer position, and later becoming part of the Admin team. While I pop in and out on the server for play, my true passion lies in the development. Apart from Final Fantasy XI, my favorite games are Dungeons & Dragons for tabletop gaming – I’ve been running a campaign for friends for approximately 5 years now with around 7 players involved – and The Talos Principle on my computer.
Website for Role-Playing Games (RPG): HorizonXI is an Era+ Final Fantasy XI private server that sets a permanent level cap at 75. Regardless of new expansions, jobs, and so forth being introduced, this limit will remain unchanged. Can you tell us about the origins of HorizonXI? Was there any particular format or discussion within the team during the conception phase, or was it more of a reaction to something that happened on the official server?
The initial conception for this project stemmed from a collective desire among us to recreate the nostalgic feel of the level 75 cap era in Final Fantasy XI, infused with modern twists and exclusive content. Having dabbled on numerous level 75 cap servers or heavily customized ones, we embarked on this journey aiming to preserve the essence of the 75 era while enhancing the gameplay and offering novel elements for exploration. The sense of discovery was integral to the original game, and we sought to capitalize on that aspect. Initially, some founding team members leaned towards a more traditional 75 cap experience, while others favored a more customized one – our approach eventually found a middle ground.
In the process of creating the initial phases of HorizonXI, what key objectives did you strive to achieve? Did any significant elements or concepts get discarded along the way? What were the reasons behind these decisions?
The main objective was to create an atmosphere reminiscent of the level 75 era in Final Fantasy XI by focusing on teamwork and social interaction, as many modern MMORPGs have de-emphasized this aspect. FFXI at level 75 was particularly unique for its strong emphasis on collaboration, and we aimed to preserve that distinctive feature. Furthermore, we made concerted efforts to provide players with new adventures and challenges. This included introducing novel items, quests, quality of life improvements, and custom job modifications – all to keep the experience engaging while maintaining the essence of what makes the game so beloved.
Regarding dropped major features, there were certain functionalities that didn’t make it into the initial release but are planned for future implementation, like a “refer a friend” program. Typically, we place delayed features and content in a queue and implement them gradually over time. The launch server adhered to our original design vision and scope in terms of features.
RPG Site Inquiry: It seems like the obvious question here, but have you or your team ever been contacted by Square Enix regarding the development of Final Fantasy Horizon XI? Is there any history of conflict or collaboration between your group and Square Enix? I’ve previously written about an unofficial partnership with Atlus for Shin Megami Tensei: IMAGINE private servers. Although most details of the agreement remain confidential, some aspects could be disclosed, such as examples.
Absolutely not. To date, we haven’t made contact with them, and there hasn’t been any disagreement or conflict. We hold Square Enix in high regard, admiring their incredible creations that have significantly influenced our lives as well as countless others, even our team. Final Fantasy XI particularly left an indelible mark on us, leading to the creation of HorizonXI. Frankly, we believe a game with the same level of depth and impact as level 75 cap in FFXI may never be replicated again. The enchantment they wove was truly remarkable. We’re deeply appreciative of Square Enix for this masterpiece and encourage everyone to subscribe to Final Fantasy XI to keep it thriving.
You’re looking forward to the launch of RPG Site: Treasures of Aht Urhgan this year, with its addition of three new jobs – Blue Mage, Corsair, and Puppetmaster. I’m curious about the progress in developing these jobs, particularly the Corsair due to its high potential as a damage dealer, supporter, and key element of any team. Given its power and popularity, has the design process for Corsair taken into account its strength and appeal? Could you provide some general insights or examples regarding this?
The primary focus in these tasks involves ensuring they function correctly while simultaneously finding ways to improve the user experience using our Era+ system of tailored modifications and improvements. For instance, Puppetmaster, being a pet job, is exceptionally intricate from a coding standpoint. We not only need to perfect player interactions but also those with the automaton and how it interacts with the server. Similarly, Blue Mage stands out due to its unique spells, spell learning process, and properties gained from equipping different spell sets. Lastly, Corsair offers its own exclusive Phantom Roll mechanics and strategies for utilizing this system. In summary, the TOAU jobs are exceptionally distinct, which makes them fascinating to a large number of players.
It’s well-known that the three TOAU roles are highly sought-after, so we’re dedicating our best work to ensure they meet expectations. We’re also focusing on fine-tuning each role for optimal gameplay, aiming to preserve what players adore while offering fresh experiences and new collectibles. We appreciate the contributions of all community developers and testers who help bring these roles to life with their code work.
On HorizonXI’s RPG site, it seems like your team operates on a volunteer basis and doesn’t receive any donations or payments for services. I was wondering if you could provide some insight into how the server expenses are covered? Are there options to contribute financially to help shoulder the costs of maintaining the server, or is this not an available option?
As an ardent enthusiast of this fantastic server, I’m proud to share that it’s self-funded by our dedicated team members. We don’t ask for or accept donations, and we never will. The server has always been, and will forever remain, free to play. This project is a labor of love born from the deep-rooted passion of Final Fantasy XI aficionados who happen to have some spare cash. Periodically, members of our team gather to evaluate monthly expenses, and those who can contribute financially, do so. It’s a straightforward approach that keeps our server thriving. While we greatly value offers to help with costs, we maintain this as a personal endeavor to safeguard its continuous operation.
Is it true that during the release of ToAU (Trials of the Arch Magus) or shortly after, the Fields of Valor system was added to retail servers, enabling players to complete training missions while exploring and adventuring with others? Will this system be incorporated into HorizonXI, or do you believe it won’t align well with its design?
The game Fields of Valor was published approximately a year following the debut of Wrath of the Goddess. Although we’re eager to incorporate it, implementation is unlikely until we reach the WOTG era in HorizonXI. While our server does boast some unique features, we aim to roll out content primarily in the same order they appeared during the 75 cap era of FFXI on retail. Translated, this means Fields of Valor is on its way, but not immediately. However, do anticipate Era+ adjustments when it does launch to maintain a fresh gaming experience.
RPG Site: HorizonXI distinguishes itself by recreating a specific era of FFXI while incorporating contemporary design elements to minimize redundancy, often termed Era+ (for instance, scavenging for ammunition in the manner it was done post-2013 retail update instead of the obsolete method pre-2013). When implementing such changes, some modifications are self-explanatory (such as scavenging), while others necessitate extensive discussion and planning (perhaps the Eco-Warrior adjustment). Can you describe your team’s development process when considering these modifications?
This version aims to provide a more engaging experience for players by modernizing certain aspects of FFXI while preserving its original charm. The process of implementing changes involves careful consideration, discussion, and planning to ensure the enhancements are beneficial, enjoyable, and consistent with the game’s overall feel.
In my gaming world, back in the days before 2013, scavenging would net me some valuable crafting materials. But since then, it’s been all about ammo – arrows, bolts, you name it. Now, let’s talk about this Eco-Warrior quest, a real adrenaline rush! It’s a team-up mission to tackle some beasties hiding in a treacherous cave or mine. Before, the rewards didn’t justify the risk, but on Horizon, it’s a different story – it dishes out an enormous experience boost!
Our internal guideline is that every Era+ modification should address some issue to maintain the distinctive charm of the level 75 cap era in Final Fantasy XI. This approach ensures that we don’t overdo custom changes, which could dilute the unique features that made this era so captivating. Consequently, all Era+ modifications are designed to resolve perceived problems or smoothen out challenging aspects of the gameplay experience.
In our analysis, we found that Eco-Warrior’s content was exceptional, but the incentives for players weren’t compelling enough to keep them engaged. Therefore, we boosted the rewards within Era+ to stimulate interaction with the content. Similarly, we handle all other Era+ updates in a consistent manner. Custom job alterations aim to emphasize the essence of each job and address any existing balance concerns. Fresh quests are developed to provide new prizes for areas where the original game may have been lacking, or revise bothersome yet necessary equipment choices such as the Thief’s Knife. Life quality improvements are made to eliminate unnecessary obstacles and frustration while maintaining the game’s sense of gradual achievement.
Typically, our project initiation kicks off with brainstorming sessions. A team member spots an issue, and together, we discuss possible solutions using Era+. Once we’ve honed in on a potential approach, we dive deeper into the documentation phase. Following that, the work moves to development for evaluation and coding. Subsequently, it lands on our testing server. Once it’s fully prepared, it transitions to the live server. We continuously gather player feedback and make modifications as needed.
Topic: Preservation of Online Games in the Gaming Industry
For me, preserving online games has become a deeply-held, elusive mission – much like Moby Dick was to Captain Ahab. As time passes and gaming evolves with increasingly complex mechanics, many older Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOs) and live-service titles are abandoned by their creators. Square Enix is maintaining Final Fantasy XI, but they’re not adding new content; on the other hand, companies like those who once supported MMOs are shutting them down. However, NCSOFT took an unusual step by granting a license to run a private City of Heroes server, which is refreshing, although this approach hasn’t been widely adopted yet. Do you have any insights or thoughts on the topic that you’d like to share?
It’s a dream of ours to see an official partnership on this project. We eagerly anticipate the day when that becomes a reality. While there isn’t currently any merchandise available for enthusiasts of the level 75 cap era in Final Fantasy XI, we remain optimistic about its future. For now, we’ll keep developing HorizonXI for fellow passionate fans like ourselves.
End of interview.
In the ever-evolving world of MMOs, it’s crucial to acknowledge private servers that successfully capture the essence of their original content. For instance, if you search for any Ragnarok Online server, you might find one with experience rates amplified by 1,000. To me, this fundamentally undermines the purpose. Why engage in a game designed for longevity when you can max out in a matter of hours, days, or weeks? Similarly, why play something emphasizing group dynamics only to summon NPCs and play solo? Servers like HorizonXI appreciate what made Final Fantasy XI unique – logging in, teaming up with others, and immersing yourself in the community within the game. Occasionally, it’s about witnessing a fellow player getting overwhelmed by a crab, and other times it involves collaborating with strangers to venture into perilous caves to complete objectives. Removing these aspects for the sake of convenience makes me question what I believe is the heart of the experience: everyone progressing together towards a shared distant goal.
1. Here, you can download HorizonXI for free. To support the official Final Fantasy XI release, you can do so by following this link.
or
2. Download HorizonXI at no cost from here. Support the official Final Fantasy XI launch by clicking on this link.
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2025-04-21 05:58