From Reeling in Fish to Revolutionizing the Gaming World: Inside the Thriving Player-Run Museum Scene of Final Fantasy 14

Final Fantasy 14's fanbase has consistently showcased its creativity, treating the popular MMORPG as a separate immersive world. The game's players have utilized the housing system to construct impressive structures, perform plays, and engage in other unique activities. A notable success story within this fanbase is the unexpected emergence of the Eorzea Aquarium.

Initially, a dedicated Fisher main suggested a solution to a limitation in the game's housing system, which eventually led to the establishment of museums within Eorzea. These museums have experienced overwhelming success, with three branches spread across the game's four real-world regions and the creation of an entire in-game museum network. It has been an eventful year for the founder of the Eorzea Aquarium, Fruity Snacks, who sat down with Game Rant for an interview focused on fishing, museums, and the renowned Cinder Surprise. The following transcript has been edited for clarity and conciseness.

A: My name is Fruity Fruits, but most people know me as Fruity, Fruits, or Fruit Snacks. I proudly identify as a Fisher main in Final Fantasy 14, and I'm part of a small but dedicated community. Fishing is my primary passion, and I actively contribute to the Eorzea Aquarium and the Eorzean Museum Network as their curator and director. Additionally, I serve as a moderator for the Fishcord community. Needless to say, fishing keeps me busy and fulfilled.

Q: What sparked your interest in Final Fantasy 14?

A: I first came across Final Fantasy 14 around 2014 or 2015, when a friend of mine introduced me to the game. This was shortly after Heavensward had been released. Initially, I played the free trial version, which wasn't even available on Steam back then. I remember starting the game one November night and realizing that I was quite taken with it. From that point on, I continued playing regularly. It was actually my friend who suggested I give it a try as a way to unwind after a demanding week of work. They told me I needed something lighthearted and fun, so I created a whimsically designed lalafell character and dove into the game.

Q: Why did you build the aquarium?

The aquarium wasn't originally intended to be a venue within the game. My initial goal was simply to create a gathering place for fishers on the Crystal server to meet and access Free Company chests for storing and distributing baits.

One day, I realized that each house had restrictions on the number of fish tanks allowed, regardless of their size. The limits were set at four, six, eight, and ten. I mentioned this in the Fishcord, which is the main Discord server for fishing and Final Fantasy 14 enthusiasts. I suggested that if a Free Company was willing, they could use their FC rooms to bypass the aquarium limit and showcase all the different types of fish. I even threw out the idea of it becoming Eorzea's first aquarium.

To my surprise, many people were excited about the concept and volunteered to join the project. Suddenly, I found myself leading the initiative.

Within a short span of a few hours, we managed to gather a significant number of volunteers, filling up at least half of the available rooms. This was quite impressive considering that there were about 14 or 15 people involved. Right from the start, I had already enlisted myself and, to our surprise, we were graciously offered a house. Well, it wasn’t exactly a gift in the traditional sense. The owner of the house simply required our permission to utilize it for their own needs, specifically submersibles. In return, they granted us complete freedom to make any desired changes to the house, including giving it a new name. They were truly supportive and committed to helping us.

We reached a mutually beneficial agreement, whereby we were not required to pay any rent. Our only obligation was to allow them access to the submersibles, which we happily agreed to. Fortunately, I had enough funds, in the form of Gil, to finance the entire project, even if it meant purchasing a house. Additionally, we also received generous donations from a few individuals that helped cover any remaining costs. With the acquisition of the house secured, we could now move forward with planning our next steps and determining the vision for our venture.

The aquarium's initial objective was to serve as a valuable resource for the community. To achieve this, we created multiple well-decorated rooms with the housing designers in mind. Our intention was to invite these designers to explore the variety of aquarium fish we had to offer.

However, once we officially opened on May 1, 2022, chaos quickly ensued. Initially, our plan was to announce the opening on Twitter, where I had a modest following of around 150 followers. But to our surprise, that single tweet gained immense traction and went viral. Within the first 12 to 24 hours, we estimate that over 1,000 people visited the aquarium. This sudden surge of visitors persisted for at least three weeks, surpassing all expectations.

We didn't anticipate what happened next. We thought, "Hey, maybe a few people will show up," but we were completely clueless. We knew this was a unique and special event, but we never expected anyone to actually be interested enough to attend. People from Europe and other regions even created alternate accounts just to be a part of this, as travel between data centers wasn't possible back then. Some of them came up with clever names like "I'mhere Forfish" and "Aquarium Visitor." There was so much buzz that at one point, we actually caused the server to temporarily shut down. But we persevered. We were determined to make this work. We are here to stay and keep moving forward.

That's when we decided to organize more events. Since cross-region data center travel still wasn't available, we eventually established a full-scale aquarium on the European servers a few months later. And just this past February, we expanded to the Oceania servers. This organization, which we now refer to as an official group, caters to players from three out of the four main regions in Final Fantasy 14.

We name the initial aquarium as Aquarium Crystal, followed by Aquarium Spriggan in the European Union, and Aquarium Sophia in Oceania. The names are derived from the respective server names, except for Crystal, as we find the name Aquarium Malboro quite unpleasant.

Currently, I am situated inside the aquarium, and I've just noticed the sudden appearance of five individuals right behind me. This is a frequent phenomenon that we experience. Our rough estimation suggests that we receive an average of 10 to 15 visitors per day, which is considered relatively high in the realm of housing.

Q: How is organizing the three aquariums across different global regions logistically?

It wasn't as challenging as one might expect. We took charge of the entire process. Initially, we began with what we referred to as cargo alts. We discovered new servers that offered free character transfers. This allowed us to load items onto a character and then move them over without any cost. We employed the same strategy for Oceania. Essentially, we packed an aquarium into a box because the individuals who reside in the Sophia region, where the Oceania server is located, consider it their home. Their resources were not as abundant.

We essentially gathered everything we could and transferred it all to Oceania. They were able to claim these items and it provided them with a strong start. Typically, if something is costly on Oceania, it tends to be inexpensive on Crystal Data Center servers. So, we would purchase it here and assist in transferring it over for use there. As for other logistical needs, such as acquiring necessary personnel, our primary resource is players. Much of it is voluntary. There are various ways in which someone can volunteer for the aquariums, and hosting a room with an alternate character is one of them. If someone chooses to do so, we provide them with the rooms we wish to create or require. Would you like to handle this one? Certainly. Great. Here's a budget for the room, you can keep it, and you have complete freedom to use it however you see fit. We are also available to assist with leveling if necessary. If someone needs help getting through Aurum Veil, for example, we will readily jump in and quickly guide them through it.

There are certain strategies that can assist in obtaining the necessary seals to level up. For example, participating in the leveling roulette when a specific role is in demand grants bonus seals. Additionally, if one possesses dungeon gear or purchases green icon dungeon gear, they can use it for turn-ins. These options are usually available at a reasonable cost, typically under 100,000 Gil. These are just a few effective methods we have discovered to expedite the leveling process with ease.

There are no set deadlines in place for character progression. We operate on a flexible system where individuals can level at their own pace. If a patch is released, we encourage players to focus on playing the patch content and not to worry about other ongoing activities. Each player is free to choose their own tempo. Some may complete it quickly, while others may take a couple of months to fully enjoy the story once again. Regardless of their approach, we offer equal support to all players.

Q: What kind of events do you host?

We have organized a variety of events, with our very first one being about a year ago called Sharkapalooza. As a community resource, we recognized the expertise of our skilled fishermen and decided to conduct an event where we assist players in obtaining their shark mounts. To acquire a shark mount, players need to earn 10,000 points in a single voyage on the Indigo route of ocean fishing, and so we accomplished that by completing two or three routes.

For the event, we transformed the basement of the aquarium into a presentation stage, using wall partitions. Each partition was color-coded based on the corresponding time of day in the fishing zone, displaying the anglers' prints showcasing the fish to target during that time. I replicated the visual style of the online resources in the game. Prior to each voyage, I delivered a brief presentation highlighting the activities and objectives in Zone One, Zone Two, and Zone Three. Furthermore, the participants were paired up with aquarium volunteers who would provide them with more detailed instructions while onboard the boat.

We brought together experienced fishermen with those who were less confident in their fishing abilities, and dedicated ourselves to assisting them in obtaining a shark trophy. The first voyage attracted over 100 participants, and we had a similar turnout for the second voyage until we reached the maximum capacity for housing. This taught us a valuable lesson about the population limit for house occupancy. Although we did not encounter any issues on opening night, our first event exceeded this limit, providing us with valuable insights.

These types of events are a regular occurrence for us. The aim is to offer support to individuals who wish to fish or catch large fish, educate them about fish and fishing techniques, and ultimately ensure everyone has an enjoyable time. Towards the end of last year, we deviated from our usual routine by organizing a unique event called the "All Tanks Wake," a clever twist on the seasonal celebration known as All Saints' Wake. It took the form of a Halloween-themed "murder mystery" held within the confines of the aquarium.

Volunteers created characters to share the tale of a missing shark from the aquarium. Originally called the funnel shark in the game, it quickly became known as the pog shark due to its amusing resemblance to a pogging motion. However, in reality, it is a basking shark. If you search for a basking shark, you will see exactly what I mean. We dedicated around a month to developing these characters and crafting a story that unfolded within the aquarium, revolving around the theft of the pog shark. Participants were required to attend and interact with these characters, posing questions that they would answer while remaining in character. The objective was to figure out the culprit and their motive, making it akin to an in-game version of Clue. The event was a resounding success, prompting us to already plan for its return this year.

Mark your calendars for June 24, as we are thrilled to announce the upcoming Aqueerium Pride Day. Aqueerium Pride Day is an all-inclusive, multi-region event held at the Eorzean Aquarium, which celebrates pride around the world. Each region will host distinctive activities, ranging from Fish Trains to Ocean Fishing excursions, and even art parties! This will mark the second year of our Pride event, and we are elated to host it once again, this time reaching a global audience.

The North American session will begin at 3 p.m. Eastern Time at Aquarium Crystal on the Malboro server, specifically in Lavender Beds ward 16, plot 59.

For our European participants, the Fish Train will commence at 1:30 p.m. GMT at Aquarium Spriggan, located in Lavender Beds ward 20 on the Spriggan server, specifically at plot 34.

And in Oceania, we are hosting an art party at 5 p.m., Australia Eastern Time, at Aquarium Sophia, located in Lavender Beds ward 1, plot 58 on the Sophia server.

Our events usually revolve around fishing or something fun that involves the aquarium. But the highlight of it all was Fishfest, which took place in February of this year. Fishfest was a two-day event filled with various fishing-themed activities. It was a chance for us to bring together all the different events we had previously organized and put them into practice simultaneously.

As part of Fishfest, we created The Trials of the Big One, which took place in another house lent to us specifically for the event. This section of the event was centered around Namazu-themed puzzles. Players were required to solve three puzzles that would provide them with clues about the whereabouts of the Big One. Once they found the Big One, they had to answer a final question in order to receive a prize.

Additionally, we had panels where experts shared their knowledge on specific fishing-related topics. One person delved into the world of snails and mollusks found in Final Fantasy 14 and how they correlate with real-life fish and snails. Another individual captivated the audience for three hours with his extensive talk on ocean fishing.

We also introduced Fish Trains, a relatively new activity. Similar to hunt trains, participants would start in Thavnair and defeat the two S-Rank fish there, then move on to Labrynthos and tackle the two S-Rank fish there, and so on. Fish Trains operate around the same principle, where a group of individuals gather at a designated fishing spot. These events are pre-planned, although not as straightforward as S-Ranks. Unlike S-Ranks, you need to schedule Fish Trains in advance, but the concept remains the same – a group of fishermen congregate, target a specific fish, move on to another, and repeat for as long as desired given the constant availability of fishes. It was a great success, with the Fish Train at a larger scale than ever before. We had a consistent turnout of around 80 to 90 participants, all crowded around small fishing holes. It was quite amusing, witnessing nonstop fishing activities for six hours straight. However, we made sure to provide guidance on the fish we were aiming to catch, the challenges that may arise, and essential fishing tips. By doing so, we aimed to prove that fishing is not as difficult, dull, or tedious as commonly perceived, but rather an enjoyable activity to engage in with friends.

Q: What's your favorite aquarium fish?

Now, when asked about my favorite fish in patch 6.4, my answer would have to be different. While the Draconian Squeaker, an adorable little red upside-down catfish, used to hold that title, I have discovered a new fascination. Enter the Aquamaton, a rather peculiar creature that may sound bizarre but is truly remarkable. Not only is it the only inorganic fish that can thrive in an aquarium, but it is also the sole robotic fish that anyone can successfully catch. Crafted by the skilled hands of dwarves, this legendary fish from Shadowbringers can be found in the captivating Seagazer Shoals in Kholusia.

Sothis, the first turtle that can be kept in aquariums, is absolutely adorable. This small turtle gracefully flaps its arms in its tank, displaying a disarmingly blank expression on its face as it joyfully navigates through life. Personally, Sothis is among my favorite aquatic creatures, although my preference does vary depending on the day and my mood. Sometimes, I'm fascinated by the elegance of sharks, while other times I'm drawn to the ethereal beauty of the Unconditional or the mesmerizing colors of the Warden of the Seven Hues. Choosing just one favorite is a difficult task considering the vast array of fish species; each one possesses its own unique charm and allure.

Q: Could you provide some insight into the Eorzea Museum Network?

A: Certainly. The Eorzean Museum Network was born from the success of the Eorzean Aquariums on Crystal, Spriggan, and Sophia. The Crystal Aquarium in particular gained significant resources, both in terms of Gil and profitability. In fact, we managed to cover the building costs within about an hour and a half of opening solely through donations. The popularity and growth of the Aquarium led to the formation of a network, as people with unique items and rare fish expressed their desire to contribute. This network aims to not only encompass fishing, but also art, lore, and other aspects we consider worthy of a museum.

The Eorzean Museum Network is based on the International Council of Museums, or ICOM, which has a well-defined criteria for what qualifies as a museum. Similar to ICOM, you can submit your venue to us and we will assess if it meets the requirements to be recognized as a museum. We have created a platform for individuals who have existing museums, those looking to establish one, or anyone seeking assistance with museum-related projects to reach out to us. We are committed to supporting you in various aspects such as marketing, advertising, and obtaining necessary materials.

Furthermore, we have a dedicated team of individuals who specialize in crafting and can fulfill any crafting needs your museum may have. We have a passionate community of volunteers who are eager to contribute their time and expertise in building in-game venues and ensuring their success. Currently, the Eorzean Museum Network boasts a membership of at least 19 museums spread across all regions of the game. While there are a few upcoming museums that are yet to be announced or completed, we are continually growing and expanding our network.

As mentioned before, that was our intention. We took the initiative to create a brand new Twitter account exclusively for this purpose. Additionally, we transformed the Aquarium discord into the Eorzean Museum Network discord, which serves as the central hub for all interactions related to the museum network and aquarium. This is where our dedicated team of volunteers operates, utilizing specific channels tailored for their needs. However, if you simply wish to be a part of our fantastic community without volunteering, we also have designated spaces for that. It is within these spaces that we make all our announcements and communicate various important updates.

When starting out with fishing, my main tip would be to focus on completing quests. These quests not only teach you the mechanics of fishing but also set the tone for what the activity entails. While fishing is considered a gathering profession like botanist and miner, it operates by its own set of rules. In fact, I often refer to it as the "blue mage" of gathering professions, as it was the first limited job before such jobs were introduced. This highlights just how different fishing is compared to other gathering activities. While both involve gathering, the approach and requirements are distinct. For example, as a fisher, you won't have to race against time and weather conditions to gather materials like a botanist might. Fishing is much more straightforward in that regard.

Q: What is fisher fan service?

A: Fisher fan service refers to content within the game that is specifically designed to cater to and please fans of the fishing profession.

A: If you've ever indulged in ocean fishing, there's something that adds another level of intrigue to the experience - spectral currents. The Studium questline delves deep into the mysteries surrounding these spectral currents, unraveling what they are and how they come to be. What truly captured my interest was the extensive exploration of this specific mechanic, derived from ocean fishing. The game developers went the extra mile by explaining that these spectral currents arise from the convergence of ley lines coursing through the oceans, influencing the fish and making them appear spectral. This fascinating phenomenon also enhances the attractiveness of the fish, making them more likely to be caught during such currents. Without a doubt, I highly recommend taking part in this captivating adventure.

Q: You mentioned that fishing is designed to be about slowing down and connecting with nature and having a discussion with nature. How does it emulate real-world fishing?

A: Indeed, fishing brings us closer to nature and encourages a slower pace. Interestingly, fishing entails a lesser-known fact - there exist approximately 60-70 bait and tackle options for anglers. Surprisingly, a single fish, such as the Merithor Goby, can be enticed by a wide range of baits. However, each bait has its own nuances, as the fish may take longer to bite if it's uncertain or show a quicker bite if it's more inclined towards it. This behavior is observed in every fish.

I also enjoy fishing in real life. When targeting trout specifically, I make sure to use a lure that is highly effective for enticing them. However, if I am more interested in seeing what I can catch without any specific preferences, I opt for a different kind of lure that works well for attracting various types of fish. Although using a more general lure might extend the time it takes to catch something, it increases the likelihood of encountering different species.

Similar to real-life fishing, there is always a chance for fish to escape. This holds true even when playing the game. As a level 90 fisher during the early stages of Endwalker, I amused myself by attempting to catch low-level fish, such as level five fish. Surprisingly, one managed to slip away despite being significantly lower in level compared to me and my superior gear. This occurrence mirrors the unpredictability of real-life fishing. You can successfully reel in a fish, feeling accomplished, only for it to suddenly elude your grasp.

One of the main contributors to the development of fishing in the game was believed to be a passionate fisherman. There is an interesting anecdote that involves taking the composer, Masayoshi Soken, on a fishing expedition in the Sea of Japan. It appears that Soken himself is an extremely enthusiastic angler, and this passion is evident in the game.

The fishing minigame in Final Fantasy 14 sets itself apart with its unique approach. Unlike other games such as Stardew Valley or Guild Wars 2, it is more akin to a realistic fishing simulation like Ultimate Bass Hunter. In Guild Wars 2, fishing involves casting into a specific area with the right bait, and requires timing and reflexes to keep a bar within another bar. However, Final Fantasy 14's fishing minigame stands apart from this, offering a completely different experience.

The new ocean fishing route offers more than just a gameplay experience; it serves as a means of communication with the game's environment. It reflects the world in which the game takes place and incorporates mechanics that are intricately woven into this environment. One fascinating aspect is the fish guide, which features descriptions and guide entries for each of the 1400 fish available in the game. I personally like to refer to this section as the "fish lore". Each fish has its own unique guide entry, sharing its story and contributing to the overall narrative of the game. By delving into these entries collectively, players can uncover hidden tales and narratives that may not be explicitly mentioned in the main quest or sidequests. This depth and attention to detail make the ocean fishing route a truly captivating experience. So, have you tried the new ocean fishing route? I'm curious to know your thoughts.

A: The new ocean fishing route is incredibly enjoyable, especially with the introduction of the elusive "blue fish". These legendary creatures are known to be the most challenging to catch and are considered rare in the world of ocean fishing. The designs of these mythical fish are quite captivating and add to the overall excitement of the experience. One particularly fascinating aspect is the impact of different types of bait on the fishing process. For the first time in ocean fishing, we are witnessing how the choice of bait affects our approach to different zones and stops based on the time of day. If our goal is to accumulate points, we highly recommend using plump worms instead of krill. However, if we are aiming to complete a specific mission, krill is the preferable option. Our decisions are based on precise numbers and data that we have diligently collected, revealing the frequency at which a fish is likely to bite.

A: I have numerous Final Fantasy 14 big fish stories, but one in particular stands out. It was a time when I was completely clueless about the game mechanics, yet by some stroke of luck, I managed to catch an incredibly rare fish with a single cast.

I consider my most recent and favorite achievement to be one of the alternate characters I was working on. I now have characters in every region dedicated to tending to my aquariums and exploring museums. When I start playing a new character, my first priority is to level up my fishing skills. There is a particular rare fish called Cinder Surprise that can be found in Ahm Arang. This fish, originating from Shadowbringers, is notorious for being extremely elusive and having a very limited window of availability. It is believed to have a 1% chance of appearing every 10 days, and it only stays up for six minutes. Often, several days go by between its appearances. However, I decided to challenge myself and attempt to catch this fish with my Oceania character, even though I was only at level 85. I hurriedly rushed to reach level 90.

To my surprise, the window of opportunity opened, and on my first try with my Oceania character, I successfully caught the rare fish. For reference, both of my other characters, named Fruity Prime (my main character) and Fruity Two (my European alternate character), had attempted to catch this fish numerous times, but it took them more than 20 windows to achieve success. On the other hand, my Oceania character managed to catch it on the first attempt. I had put in extra effort to level up my character quickly just for this purpose, and it paid off. In the end, the experience was somewhat anticlimactic because there was so much anticipation and buildup, but in the end, I easily achieved my goal. It almost felt as if the battle I had expected turned out to be surprisingly easy, as I caught the fish on my third cast or so.

I did not manage to make any acquaintances that particular day as it requires several months of painstaking efforts to successfully catch these fish. Whenever someone accomplishes it effortlessly in a single attempt, jubilation ensues. Meanwhile, there is a group of people at the back who express their dissatisfaction with grumbling murmurs.

Fishing is an incredibly enjoyable activity that I strongly recommend trying. I genuinely believe in the enjoyment it brings, and I'm not just saying that to promote my guides or profit from it. I engage in fishing because I am personally passionate about it and want to share with others the truly rewarding experience it offers. Unlike other aspects of the game, fishing allows you to slow down and appreciate your surroundings. It's like a marathon rather than a sprint, requiring dedication and patience. By engaging in fishing, you can explore areas of the game that are not accessible through quests and experience the beauty of rare weather conditions in different zones. In each zone, there are both common and rare weather patterns, each with a certain likelihood of occurrence.

Some extraordinary weather conditions can truly transform the area and captivate your senses. Take, for example, the fleeting moments when a certain fish emerges during rare weather. To fully experience this phenomenon, you must patiently spend about 15 minutes, casting your line and eagerly awaiting a bite. As you wait, you can also take a moment to appreciate the surroundings and absorb the beauty of your surroundings. Imagine being at the Lochs during a thunderstorm, where you have the chance to encounter a remarkable species of fish. As the sun sets in the background, the vibrant hues of purples and reds combine with the electrifying atmosphere to create a truly breathtaking scene. One must also not forget the magical ambience of Rak'Tikka during Umbral Wind in the nighttime. These wondrous locations and the thrilling experiences they offer are just another reason why indulging in the activity of game fishing can enhance your appreciation for the incredible world around you.

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Final Fantasy 14 is available now for PC, PS4, and PS5.