All Races in Final Fantasy XIV

When you first start Final Fantasy XIV, the choice of races and classes can be overwhelming. So whether you’ve just downloaded the game or are looking to pick your character before even getting started, keep reading to find out about all the races in Final Fantasy 14.

Currently, the stat differences between the races are so negligible they do not affect any build you might want to try. Races, in that sense, are entirely cosmetic in Final Fantasy XIV, so you shouldn’t worry about picking the “best” one. Instead, just select the one you like the look of.

Hyur

Hyur are the default “human” race in Final Fantasy XIV. They look and act pretty much exactly like humans. But just like real-life humans they have a variety of appearances. According to their in-game lore, Hyur have a larger number of languages and traditions, as well as a diverse heritage, resulting in a lack of a unified culture.

They come in two sub-races, or clans—Midlanders, and the slightly taller and robust Highlanders.

Elezen

Elezen are the “elves” of Final Fantasy XIV. Tall, pointy-eared, and long-lived, the Elezen are native to forests and mountain caves. They are often aloof and arrogant.

Elezen have two clans, which represent a pair of subraces: The Wildwood Elezen, and the Duskwight Elezen, with the former taking up home in the forests, and the later preferring caves and subterranean locations.

Lalafell

Lalafell are a diminutive, child-like race who are known for agriculture and social skills. In the world of Final Fantasy XIV, it’s not uncommon to see them acting as merchants or politicians, jobs they excel at.

There are two clans of Lalafell, Dunesfolk, who have bright glowing eyes, and Plainsfolk who often have brightly colored hair with shades like mossy green and earthy reds.

Related: Best Jobs in Final Fantasy XIV

Miqo’te

Miqo’te are a race of cat people with fluffy ears and long tails. Shorter than Hyurs, but taller than Lalafells, the Miqo’te are hunters and fighters. They are often territorial and solitary.

They are divided into two clans, the patriarchal Seekers of the Sun, and the nocturnal Keepers of the Moon.

Roegadyn

Roegadyn are towering and brawny warriors. They’re one of the largest player races and are known for their fearsome muscles and brawn. However, Roegadyn are also often seen in positions of command and leadership as well.

The Roegadyn clans are the Sea Wolves, who are sea-faring pirates, and the Hellsguard who are mountain-dwelling volcano-lovers.

Au Ra

The scaled Au Ra are the descendants of dragons, and typically live in the far eastern continents. They have a prominent role in the Stormblood expansion, but were first introduced in Heavensward.

The two clans of Au Ra are the Raen, who often live underwater or hidden deep within mountain ranges, and the Xaela, who dwell in the open steppes.

Hrothgar

The Hrothgar are towering, beastly lion-people who were introduced in Shadowbringers. They bear a striking similarity to the Ronso of Final Fantasy X, and can even have similar head horns. Currently, you can only play as a male Hrothgar.

Their two clans are the Helions, and the Lost, who differ on whether they regard the Hrothgar queen as their rightful leader.

Viera

Final Fantasy 14’s bad-ass bunny girls, female Viera were introduced initially in Shadowbringers. However, as of the Endwalker, male Viera will also be in the game. In a flip of the usual trope, the Female Viera tower over their male counterparts.

The two Viera clans are the jungle-dwelling Rava, and the Veena, who live in snow-capped mountains.

Ready to dive into Final Fantasy 14? Check out the Best Final Fantasy XIV Expansions on Pro Game Guides.