Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn beta begins February 25

Test play Gridania and its surrounding areas.

The Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn beta test will begin on February 25, Square Enix has announced.

The date is a week later than planned, according to producer Naoki Yoshida, but the extra time allowed the team to prepare more system features and character options for testing.

The first phase of the beta will be limited the the areas surrounding Gridania. Players will be able to experience limited quests from the main scenario, and side-quests designed to accompany them. An instanced dungeon designed for level 30 players will also be available.

Features in the beta include “Full Active Time Events” (FATE), which are events that “take place in non-instanced areas and appear at random.” Players can participate by simply being within the event’s proximity without the need to form a party. You’ll also be able to try the new “Guildhest” system, which was known as the “Behest” system in version 1.0.

If you’ve yet to apply for the beta, you can still do so. Select your region: North America, Europe, France, Germany, or Japan.

Thanks, NeoGAF.