Good day, Warriors of Light! Square Enix has released more details about Keybound Brawler, an FFVII-themed typing mini-game. This special mode is the first batch of Final Fantasy VII Remake content coming to FFXIV. Though, unlike other parts of the collab, like the Beyond the Lifestream raid series, Keybound Brawler will be available before Evercold arrives!
The four-player mode begins on Wednesday, October 28th at 4 a.m. (EDT) and ends with the release of Patch 8.0. There are some pretty tempting rewards, so let’s find out what they are and how we can get them! ⌨
How to Unlock Keybound Brawler
To participate in Keybound Brawler, you’ll need access to unlock the Gold Saucer. If you haven’t already, you must level up a Disciple of War or Disciple of Magic job to Level 15. Furthermore, you must have completed one of the following main scenario quests:
After you meet these requirements, talk to the Well-heeled Youth in Ul’dah — Steps of Nald at X:9.6, Y:9.0. The “It Could Happen to You” quest will begin, and you’ll be on your way to the Gold Saucer. As always, remember to attune yourself to the main aetheryte so that you don’t need to take the airship every time you want to visit.
When you arrive at the Gold Saucer, talk to the Catlike Mammet, who bears a striking resemblance to Cait Sith. You can find them at X:5.4, Y:7.0. This will initiate the “Keyward Bound” quest. Completion of this quest will allow you to take part in Keybound Brawler and earn Manderville Gold Saucer Credits (MGC)!
What Prizes Can I Earn From Playing Keybound Brawler?
When you’ve accumulated enough MGC to buy what you want, head towards Keybound Square. Find the MGC Trader at X:6.2, Y:6.0 to exchange your event currency for items. Some of the highlights include the Avalanche Brawler’s (Tifa) attire, Avalanche Leader’s (Barret) attire, Magitek Scorpion mount, and Magitype emote. Check out the table below for a full list of prizes and their required MGC.
| Exchangeable Items | Required MGC |
| Avalanche Brawler’s Top | 430 |
| Avalanche Brawler’s Halfgloves | 260 |
| Avalanche Brawler’s Bottoms | 430 |
| Avalanche Brawler’s Boots | 260 |
| Avalanche Brawler’s Earring | 190 |
| Avalanche Leader’s Sunglasses | 190 |
| Avalanche Leader’s Vest | 430 |
| Avalanche Leader’s Halfgloves | 260 |
| Avalanche Leader’s Cargo Trousers | 430 |
| Avalanche Leader’s Boots | 260 |
| Avalanche Leader’s Earring | 190 |
| Avalanche Gatling Gun | 430 |
| Magitek Scorpion Identification Key | 430 |
| Wind-up Barret | 260 |
| Welcome to the Gold Saucer Orchestrion Roll | 190 |
| Let the Battles Begin! Orchestrion Roll | 190 |
| Fight On! Orchestrion Roll | 190 |
| Keybound Brawler Farmer’s Kit | 190 |
| Ballroom Etiquette — Intrepid Inputs | 260 |
| Keybound Coffer | 910 |
I Play on Console — Do I Really Need a Keyboard?
Yes, you need a keyboard to keep up in Keybound Brawler. Square Enix states that, “Gamepads and on-screen keyboards cannot be used.” We might be stating the obvious, but one option is to borrow the keyboard from your household computer. Just make sure that your roommates or relatives know what you’re doing beforehand. You could also buy a cheap keyboard for under $15 at major retailers.
If you’re really strapped for cash, check the “Free Stuff” category on Facebook Marketplace. I myself obtained a fully functional smartwatch in my neighborhood a couple of years ago. And while you may or may not find a working keyboard, you might find something else you need for free! 💵
Whatever platform you play FFXIV on, we hope that you acquire that Tifa attire, Barret minion, or whatever catches your eye. Again, the FFVII collab begins on Wednesday, October 28th. Have fun!
Check back with Icy Veins to stay on top of FFXIV news, especially with Tokyo Fan Fest and Evercold approaching!