Final Fantasy XIV is currently hosting the Keybound Brawler event, a collaboration that brings Final Fantasy 7's Tifa and Barret into the game with themed outfits and other cosmetics. To acquire these outfits, players must participate in the new typing-based mini-game and earn a special currency.
The Keybound Brawler event is active from October 28 until the release of Final Fantasy XIV's 8.0 patch, which is expected in January. To join the event, players must have reached at least level 15, completed one of the main scenario quests related to the envoys of Gridania, Ul'dah, or Limsa Lominsa, and have unlocked the Gold Saucer. A keyboard is also essential for participating in the event.
Players earn Manderville Gold Saucer Credits (MGC) by winning matches in the Keybound Brawler. These credits can then be exchanged for the Final Fantasy 7-themed items at the MGC Trader located in Keybound Square. It's important to note that MGC is a distinct currency from the Manderville Gold Saucer Points (MGP) earned through regular Gold Saucer activities.
Acquiring all four pieces of Tifa's outfit requires 1,380 MGC, while Barret's five-piece outfit costs 1,570 MGC. These totals do not include the Avalanche Brawler's Earring and Avalanche Leader's Earring. Each successful Keybound Brawler match, involving three waves, can yield between 200 to 340 MGC depending on the player's score. Therefore, players can expect to play between six to 12 matches to gather enough MGC for both outfits. It is also worth noting that the outfits are gender-locked.
To begin the Keybound Brawler event, players should head to the Gold Saucer in Thanalan and speak with the Catlike Mammet at coordinates (5.4, 7.0) to accept the "Keyward Bound" side quest. Following this, players must interact with W'zazanh at the Wonder Square (6.1, 7.3) to enter Keybound Square. Inside, speaking with the Magitype Master will complete the quest. To re-enter the Keybound Square in the future, players will need to speak with W'zazanh, as there are no direct teleportation crystals available.
Once inside Keybound Square, players can initiate matches by speaking with the Keybound Registrar NPC at coordinates (5.8, 6.0). Players can queue solo or as a group. Each match consists of three waves where players defend a barrier from approaching enemies. To attack, players must accurately type the words that appear above the enemies. Punctuation and accents are significant, and failure to type correctly will result in damage to the party's HP bar. If the barrier's HP depletes, the brawl is failed.
Participating in a match awards MGC, with the final amount influenced by the player's score and the number of waves survived. Completing the final wave also rewards players with a keybound coffer, which may contain various items including food and weapons, in addition to MGC and MGP.
Beyond the Tifa and Barret outfits, the Keybound Brawler event offers a variety of other rewards, including the Magitek Scorpion mount. The event's rewards and their MGC costs are as follows:
- Avalanche Brawler's Top - 430 MGC
- Avalanche Brawler's Halfgloves - 260 MGC
- Avalanche Brawler's Bottoms - 430 MGC
- Avalanche Brawler's Boots - 260 MGC
- Avalanche Brawler's Earrings - 190 MGC
- Avalanche Leader's Sunglasses - 190 MGC
- Avalanche Leader's Vest - 430 MGC
- Avalanche Leader's Halfgloves - 260 MGC
- Avalanche Leader's Cargo Trousers - 430 MGC
- Avalanche Leader's Boots - 260 MGC
- Avalanche Leader's Earring - 190 MGC
- Avalanche Gatling Gun - 430 MGC
- Magitek Scorpion Identification Key - 430 MGC
- Wind-up Barret - 260 MGC
- Welcome to the Gold Saucer Orchestrion Roll - 190 MGC
- Let the Battles Begin! Orchestrion Roll - 190 MGC
- Fight On! Orchestrion Roll - 190 MGC
- Keybound Brawler Framer's Kit - 190 MGC
- Ballroom Etiquette - Intrepid Inputs - 260 MGC
- Keybound Coffer - 910 MGC