In a bold move to tackle real-money trading (RMT), the developers of Final Fantasy 14 Mobile have implemented a mid-July update that restricts access to key economic features behind a paywall. Players must now spend a minimum of 30 yuan (approximately $4.18) to regain access to the market board, face-to-face trading, and company chest functionalities.

This collaborative project between Square Enix and Tencent's Lightspeed Studios has been specifically optimized for mobile devices, featuring a streamlined combat system adapted for touchscreen controls. Currently available as a free-to-play title in China with ongoing beta tests in Japan, the mobile version simplifies job abilities while maintaining the core Final Fantasy 14 experience.

The development team explained these changes through an official Bilibili post, later translated by the community, stating the measures aim to curb black market activities that violate the game's terms of service. Alongside the paywall implementation, rewards from main story quests have been reduced as part of comprehensive anti-RMT strategies.

While these changes address RMT concerns, players have identified other inconsistencies in the mobile version. Notably, structures from later expansions like Shadowbringers and Endwalker have appeared in the game world, despite the current focus on A Realm Reborn content.