Can you just buy Dawntrail?
In order to play dawntrail, you will also need to own either final fantasy xiv online – starter edition or final fantasy xiv online – complete edition. All editions of the game require user registration. All editions of the game other than the free trial require an active paid subscription to play. You can start playing up to the first two expansions for free on the free trial. After that, you only need to buy the complete edition, or starter + dawntrail. Both are the same price. You only ever need to buy the latest expansion plus the starter edition as a base.
Can I just buy Dawntrail?
In order to play Dawntrail, you will also need to own either FINAL FANTASY XIV Online – Starter Edition or FINAL FANTASY XIV Online – Complete Edition. All editions of the game require user registration. All editions of the game other than the Free Trial require an active paid subscription to play. Alternatively, the Complete Edition of FINAL FANTASY XIV ($59. USD) can be purchased, which will include A Realm Reborn and all currently released expansions.