Not all MMOs survive their first year or two, and while Final Fantasy XIV had a rocky start, the game made a huge comeback and is now one of the larger MMOs out there. While it's been consistently good for years now, it has recently grown thanks to new content and fans abandoning other games like World of Warcraft. Part of why it has been able to entice audiences is because of FFXIV's unique structure. While most MMOs have storylines and deep lore, Final Fantasy XIV puts those things front and center in a way that other games do not.

FFXIV has a story spanning the main game and four expansions with the latest one, Endwalker, just kicking off this month. Each tells its own epic tale that builds on FFXIV's world, characters and lore. There is also plenty to do once the story is over, with side-stories, end-game gear grinding, collectables, higher difficulty content and more. It's a well-rounded MMORPG that does things a bit differently -- and in a good way.

RELATED: Why The Hildibrand Quests In Final Fantasy XIV Are a Must Complete

Instead of sending players out on typical fetch quests, having separate information windows off to the side or accessing content solely based on level, FFXIV hands things to the player through the story, which is the heart of the game. Everything from professions to transmog features to late-game content is accessed through some form of story big or small. Everything connects, which is a refreshing take. Even characters come back in minor and major roles, and locations are reused in meaningful ways. Nothing is really one-and-done or simply a task to do like it is in other MMOs.

There aren't just cutscenes or slow build ups in FFXIV. Instead, the game's story is built like a single player RPG despite not experienced as such. The player is the center of a group of heroes contributing to the various plots and lore, which is always being expanded. While this content is solo, players are never really alone, as there is still the MMO element with communication and playing alongside others. Players can experience the story collectively when a new game comes out, contributing to a strong community of players who share the love of a good story.

RELATED: How FFVII Remake Part 2 Could Improve On The Originals Most Terrifying Encounter

Final Fantasy XIV Endwalker

FFXIV is an RPG first with plenty of MMO elements to enjoy. Dungeons, raids, crafting, gathering, collecting and more are still part of the game, but these MMO staple elements are delivered alongside the story, something that makes them more meaningful and less of a grind. This approach is a breath of fresh air from traditional MMO pacing. Even the slower parts, like A Realm Reborn, have a purpose, as they build the world up and introduce characters before getting into heroics and meatier plots.

It is this deep and compelling storytelling that has made FFXIV so successful. While there are still plenty of players who prefer more traditional MMOs with lots of grinding, PVP and focus on the end-game, Yoshida and Square Enix took a chance on making something new, and it paid off. Final Fantasy XIV does things that other MMORPGs do not, and its unique style makes it a game fans of RPGs -- even those who typically prefers single-player experiences -- should give a shot.

KEEP READING: Final Fantasy IX Anatomy: Five Weird & Gross Facts About Vivi's Body