The Ultimate FFXIV MSQ List: Every Main Story Questline Order and Guide

Final Fantasy XIV’s Main Scenario Quest (MSQ) chain forms the narrative spine of the entire game, guiding players from the desperate escape in Ul’dah to the existential clash at the world’s end. This comprehensive list details every major arc, patch, and expansion milestone required to experience Eorzea’s epic saga. Understanding this sequence is essential for both new adventurers and veterans seeking a structured path through the ever-expanding storyline.

The MSQ is not merely a series of quests; it is the curated journey through A Realm Reborn, Heavensward, Stormblood, Shadowbringers, and Endwalker, each expansion adding deeper layers to the world’s lore and raising the stakes of the conflict against the Garlean Empire and beyond. Navigating this intricate timeline ensures players grasp the profound character developments and geopolitical shifts that define Final Fantasy XIV’s unique approach to long-form storytelling.

Core Principles of the MSQ Progression

Progressing through the Main Scenario Quest is gated by a combination of level requirements, achievement completions, and specific story beats. Players cannot simply jump ahead; the game ensures foundational knowledge and appropriate power levels before introducing the next narrative challenge. This structure maintains pacing and prevents confusion for newcomers encountering the elaborate mythology for the first time.

* **Level Syncing:** MSQ quests are tied to specific level brackets. You must reach the recommended item level, often by grinding levequests, hunting, or participating in other content, to unlock the next chapter.

* **Expansion Gates:** You must complete the initial MSQ of an expansion (e.g., A Realm Reborn) before accessing the next one (Heavensward), regardless of your character’s level.

* **Achievement Dependencies:** Certain story milestones require defeating specific optional bosses or completing side quests unlocked along the way.

The Complete Chronological MSQ List by Expansion

To assist adventurers in tracking their progress, here is the definitive list of MSQ lines and their corresponding expansions. This serves as a checklist for anyone aiming to experience every moment of Eorzea's primary narrative.

A Realm Reborn (Patch 0.90–1.0)

The foundational saga that revived the franchise. This arc introduces the Warrior of Light, the scattering of the Scions, and the desperate struggle to reclaim Eorzea from the Garlean Empire.

1. The King's Command
2. The Warrior of Light
3. The Twelve Little Leaders
4. Deliverance
5. The Wildlands
6. The Thousand Maws of Thordan
7. The Final Test
8. The Edge of Reality

Heavensward (Patch 2.0–3.0)

This expansion explores the conflict between the Holy See and the Garlean Empire, focusing on the liberation of Ishgard and the discovery of the dragon within.

9. The Heavens' Ward
10. The Empyreum
11. An Ancient Revelation
12. The Greatest Invention
13. Legacy of the Holy See
14. Dragonsong's Reprise
15. Before a Fallen World
16. Heavens' Light

Stormblood (Patch 4.0–5.0)

The story turns to the liberation of Ala Mhigo and the resistance against the Garlean warmachine, blending high-seas adventure with themes of revolution.

17. The Rising
18. The Narrow Road to Hell
19. The Heart of the Rebellion
20. The Final Episode
21. A Newfound Purpose
22. The Wrath of the Beast
23. The Price of Deceit
24. Breaking the Coil

Shadowbringers (Patch 6.0–7.0)

A darker, more philosophical entry where the Warrior journeys to the First to confront the Sin eaters and the nature of light and darkness.

25. The First
26. Oceans to Cross
27. The Price of Faith
28. The Cage at World's End
29. The Storms of Fate
30. Picking Up the Pieces
31. The Cost of Courage
32. Before the Dawn

Endwalker (Patch 5.0–6.0)

The grand conclusion to the original Hydaelyn and Zodiark storyline, resolving the existential threats that have loomed over the world since its inception.

33. Moon Unswayed
34. Divide and Conquer
35. Relics of the Realm
36. The Heart of Chaos
37. As Goes the King
38. The Warrior of Darkness
39. The Final Battle
40. Echoes of Reality

Post-Main-Story Narrative Threads

While the list above concludes the primary "A Story" quests, the world of FFXIV continues to evolve. Players often look to specific side quests that provide closure for major characters, even after the main plot finishes.

Notable Character Arcs Post-Endwalker

• The Zenos Variants Questline: Providing resolution to the conflict with the twin princes of Garlemald.
• The Warrior of Light's Personal Quests: Unlocking the final chapters of the Scions' personal stories, including Krile, Y’shtola, and Alphinaud.
• The Eureka Incursions: Optional endgame raids woven into the narrative fabric of the Source.

Tips for Efficient MSQ Completion

Staying on top of the MSQ can be daunting due to the sheer volume of content. To manage this, players often adopt specific strategies to ensure they do not miss critical story beats or unlocks.

1. **Follow the Quest Tracker:** The game will generally highlight the next logical step. If you are unsure where to go, open your Quest Log and look for the yellow or gold exclamation marks directly related to the MSQ.

2. **Complete Side Quests in Zones:** While chasing the main story, take time to complete the "A Realm Reborn" side quests. These often grant vital experience points and currency that smooth out the level-grinding process.

3. **Utilize Trust System:** In older expansions, the Trust system allows you to skip certain repeatable quests. Use this to fast-track minor objectives and focus on the core narrative beats.

4. **Plan Your Leveling:** Before diving into a new expansion’s MSQ, ensure you are within 5-10 levels of the recommended level. Grinding levequests specific to the zone is the most efficient method.

The Impact of the MSQ on the Game World

The MSQ list is more than a checklist; it is the history of Eorzea. Each chapter alters the political landscape, introduces new factions, and changes the geography of the world. For instance, completing the Stormblood MSQ grants access to the True Endwalker quests, which are only available after the main conflict is resolved. This gating mechanism ensures that players witness the full evolution of the world they inhabit, making the victories and losses feel genuinely earned. The narrative design here is sophisticated, treating the player not as a mere hero, but as a necessary component of a larger, predetermined fate.