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XIV on Mac vs Shadow: catalog facts
XIV on Mac	Shadow
Free Free and open source; the game itself requires its own purchase and subscription.	Paid Paid subscription; the homepage showed a discount offer.
macOS	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Web
One-click Dalamud plugin setup ReShade support with many effects	Full Windows PC, so any launcher, mod or app can be installed Clients for most desktop and mobile platforms plus a browser
Only for Final Fantasy XIV Unofficial client, so game updates can break plugins until patched	Ongoing subscription cost Needs a fast, stable internet connection
Downloadable app	Downloadable app, Web application, Hosted service
Open source	Closed source
License not stated	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	Account needed
Needs internet	Needs internet
Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 24, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.