Square Enix is preparing to introduce Keybound Brawler to Final Fantasy XIV on October 28, 2026. However, the upcoming Final Fantasy VII Remake collaboration has already attracted criticism from players. Two restrictions are causing frustration: mandatory keyboard controls and gender-locked cosmetic rewards.
The new attraction will arrive at the Manderville Gold Saucer, offering players a typing-based minigame inspired by Final Fantasy VII. While the concept sounds interesting, some players believe Square Enix is unnecessarily limiting participation and customization.
Keybound Brawler Requires a Keyboard
Unlike most activities in Final Fantasy XIV, Keybound Brawler cannot be played using a controller.
Players must use a physical keyboard to participate. Square Enix has confirmed that gamepads and on-screen keyboards will not work with the attraction.
This requirement creates an inconvenience for console players who normally enjoy Final Fantasy XIV using controllers. Although compatible keyboards can be connected to consoles, players may need additional equipment to access the event.
For an MMORPG that supports multiple platforms and control methods, some fans consider this restriction disappointing.
The minigame itself focuses on typing commands to defeat enemies. Players can participate in four-player challenges and earn special Manderville Gold Saucer currency, known as MGC.
Gender-Locked Rewards Spark Additional Criticism
The keyboard requirement is not the only controversial decision.
Square Enix has also confirmed that two major cosmetic rewards will feature gender restrictions.
The collaboration introduces outfits inspired by two popular Final Fantasy VII characters:
- Tifa Lockhart: Her outfit can only be equipped by female characters.
- Barret Wallace: His outfit can only be equipped by male characters.
These limitations prevent players from freely combining the crossover clothing with their preferred character appearances.
Character customization plays an important role in Final Fantasy XIV. Many players spend considerable time collecting glamour equipment and creating unique outfits.
Consequently, the decision to restrict these particular rewards has frustrated parts of the community.
Square Enix Previously Removed Similar Restrictions
The controversy has become more noticeable because Square Enix previously worked toward removing gender restrictions from cosmetic equipment.
In 2020, Final Fantasy XIV began removing restrictions from wedding outfits. The developer also made maid outfits available to additional character genders ahead of the Endwalker expansion.
These changes gave players greater freedom when customizing their characters.
However, the upcoming collaboration appears to move in the opposite direction.
Some players have questioned why Square Enix would introduce new gender-locked equipment after previously expanding cosmetic options.
The developer has not provided a detailed explanation for these particular restrictions.
Final Fantasy VII Collaboration Includes Several Rewards
Despite the criticism, Keybound Brawler will introduce several rewards for participating players.
Alongside the Tifa and Barret outfits, the collaboration includes:
- Magitek Scorpion mount
- Wind-up Barret minion
- Special typing-themed emote
- Final Fantasy VII orchestrion rolls
- Exclusive adventurer portrait customization
- Additional event rewards
Players can exchange MGC earned through the minigame for these items.
The event begins on October 28, 2026, and will remain available until Patch 8.0 launches.
Square Enix has also confirmed that Keybound Brawler will return as a special event at irregular intervals afterward.
Will Square Enix Reconsider the Restrictions?
For now, Square Enix has not announced any changes to the keyboard requirement or gender-locked outfits.
Both restrictions have become major talking points before the event’s release.
While Keybound Brawler offers a different type of activity for Final Fantasy XIV players, its accessibility limitations could discourage some fans from participating.
The controversy also highlights the importance of player choice in an MMORPG where customization and accessibility have become significant parts of the experience.
Whether Square Enix eventually removes these restrictions remains uncertain.
For now, players interested in the upcoming collaboration should prepare to use a physical keyboard and be aware that certain cosmetic rewards cannot be equipped by every character.
