Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) offers a rich, immersive world full of deep storylines and evolving characters, and at the heart of it all lies the Main Scenario Quests, often abbreviated as MSQ. These quests form the backbone of the game’s narrative, leading players through epic wars, political intrigue, ancient mysteries, and cosmic conflicts. The MSQ guides your journey from humble beginnings to becoming the Warrior of Light and beyond. Whether you’re a new player or a returning adventurer, understanding the flow and structure of the Main Scenario Quests is key to enjoying the full Final Fantasy XIV experience.
What Are Main Scenario Quests in FFXIV?
The Core Narrative Path
Main Scenario Quests in FFXIV are the primary storyline missions that unlock new content and progress the overarching tale of Eorzea and beyond. These quests are different from side quests or job quests in that they directly impact the game’s world and open up major gameplay features. As you complete them, you’ll unlock new regions, dungeons, trials, and often new game mechanics such as mounts, retainers, and even access to other expansions.
Mandatory for Progression
You cannot progress to new expansions or areas without completing the previous MSQ content. This ensures players stay engaged with the story and prevents them from skipping key plot points. The MSQ is also the primary way to level your first job up to max level since it grants substantial experience points, especially in the early stages of the game.
Major MSQ Story Arcs and Expansions
A Realm Reborn (ARR)
The journey begins in the realm of Eorzea, where you choose your starting city-state: Ul’dah, Limsa Lominsa, or Gridania. The A Realm Reborn questline introduces the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, the Garlean Empire, and primals like Ifrit and Titan. The MSQ here is quite long and contains several fetch-type quests, but it sets the stage for all future expansions.
- Introduces: Scions, Garleans, Primals, Crystal Tower
- Notable Trials: The Bowl of Embers, The Howling Eye
- MSQ ends with: Operation Archon and the fall of Ultima Weapon
Heavensward
The first major expansion, Heavensward, is widely praised for its storytelling. The MSQ takes you to Ishgard, a city torn by a thousand-year war with dragons. Themes of redemption, truth, and sacrifice define this arc. You’ll join the fight against Nidhogg and uncover secrets buried beneath the Holy See.
- Introduces: Ishgard, Dravanians, Wyrmkings
- Key Trials: Ravana, Bismarck, Thordan VII
- MSQ climax: Dragonsong War resolution
Stormblood
Stormblood shifts focus to liberation, taking players to Ala Mhigo and Doma to free them from Garlean rule. The MSQ here is more militaristic, featuring civil resistance, espionage, and full-scale battles. The political nuances add depth, and the visual design of the Far East brings a fresh aesthetic.
- Introduces: Doma, Ala Mhigo, Yotsuyu, Zenos
- Notable Trials: Susano, Lakshmi, Shinryu
- MSQ ends with: Zenos’ shocking actions and setting up Shadowbringers
Shadowbringers
Regarded as one of the best MMORPG stories of all time, Shadowbringers sends the Warrior of Light to the First a parallel world where you become the Warrior of Darkness. The narrative is emotionally intense, with themes of morality, sacrifice, and duality. You confront the sin eaters, face Emet-Selch, and uncover the history of the Ascians.
- Introduces: The First, The Crystal Exarch, Emet-Selch
- Key Trials: Titania, Innocence, Hades
- MSQ ends with: Return to the Source and revelations about Hydaelyn and Zodiark
Endwalker
The culmination of the Hydaelyn-Zodiark saga, Endwalker takes you to the moon and beyond. It’s a deeply philosophical and emotionally resonant MSQ, touching on themes like despair, hope, and the end of existence. The final confrontation is more introspective than explosive, and it brings closure to a decade-long narrative arc.
- Introduces: Mare Lamentorum, Garlemald’s fall, Elpis
- Major Trials: Anima, Zodiark, Endsinger
- MSQ climax: Meditational journey through the cosmos and a peaceful finale
Dawntrail (Upcoming Expansion)
Although details are limited, Dawntrail promises a new beginning. Set in the New World of Tural, it marks a shift from the heavy themes of Endwalker toward discovery and adventure. The MSQ here is expected to introduce fresh regions, allies, and threats in a land untouched by the prior wars of Eorzea.
Gameplay Elements Unlocked Through MSQ
Essential Game Systems
Many critical systems are tied to MSQ progression:
- Mounts: First unlocked during ARR MSQ
- Duty Finder and Dungeon Access: Each dungeon is introduced via MSQ
- Retainers and Market Board Use: Tied to story progression
- Trust System: Introduced in Shadowbringers MSQ for solo play
Unlocking Travel and Exploration
The MSQ opens up airship travel, aetheryte teleportation points, and access to new continents or even entire worlds. Without progressing in the MSQ, you cannot visit areas like Ishgard, Kugane, or the First.
Tips for Completing Main Scenario Quests Efficiently
- Always follow the gold MSQ marker (a meteor icon). These are your priority quests.
- Do not skip cutscenes on your first playthrough MSQ contains most of the game’s lore and context.
- Combine MSQ with dungeon roulettes for efficient leveling.
- Use the Duty Support or Trust systems if you prefer solo dungeon runs.
- If you’re a returning player, the New Game+ feature allows you to replay MSQ chapters.
Why the Main Scenario Quests Matter
Story-Driven Content
FFXIV is renowned for its storytelling, and the MSQ is where that brilliance shines. With voice acting, rich characters, moral complexity, and long-term consequences, the MSQ feels more like an epic RPG than a typical MMO questline. Characters grow with you, and many reappear throughout multiple expansions, building a living, breathing narrative world.
Required for Unlocking Endgame
Whether you want to raid, craft, or explore PvP content, MSQ progress is often a gatekeeper. Endgame zones, relic weapons, alliance raids, and even certain housing areas require MSQ milestones to access. Skipping it is not an option if you want the full FFXIV experience.
The Main Scenario Quests in Final Fantasy XIV are more than just a vehicle for leveling up or unlocking zones. They are a journey, a commitment, and one of the strongest pillars of the game’s enduring appeal. With powerful storytelling, unforgettable characters, and a world that evolves as you progress, the MSQ offers a uniquely rewarding experience that transforms players from novices to legends. Whether you’re braving the snow-covered peaks of Ishgard or facing cosmic truths in Endwalker, the MSQ ensures your path is meaningful every step of the way.