Final Fantasy XIV typing minigame Keybound Brawler launches October 28
Square Enix's Keybound Brawler brings a keyboard typing challenge to the Manderville Gold Saucer, with Barret and Tifa costumes split by character gender.
Square Enix has announced that Keybound Brawler, a keyboard-based typing minigame, will arrive in Final Fantasy XIV at the Manderville Gold Saucer on October 28, 2026, according to kotaku.com.
The first run of the minigame is a collaboration with the Final Fantasy VII Remake series. Players who take part in its first iteration can earn costumes based on Barret and Tifa from Final Fantasy VII Remake.
The Barret costume is wearable only by male characters, and the Tifa costume only by female characters.
The announcement drew complaints on social media and on the game's subreddit from console players, who raised the need for a keyboard to play the typing minigame.
Past changes to gender-locked gear
The gender restriction on the new costumes follows earlier changes to similar limits in the game. In 2020, game director Naoki Yoshida announced that the gender restriction on the game's wedding outfits would be removed, and before the Endwalker expansion Square Enix lifted the gender restriction on maid outfits while making male Viera a character option.
Earlier this year, Final Fantasy XIV announced crossover events with the Final Fantasy VII remake project, including a themed raid series. The game recently launched on the Switch 2.
Quick answers
When does Keybound Brawler launch in Final Fantasy XIV?
The typing minigame is scheduled to arrive at the Manderville Gold Saucer on October 28, 2026.
What rewards does Keybound Brawler offer?
In its first iteration, a collaboration with the Final Fantasy VII Remake series, players can earn Barret and Tifa costumes. The Barret costume is limited to male characters and the Tifa costume to female characters.