In a fascinating turn of events, **Final Fantasy XIV’s** Hippo Companion now costs a staggering 900% more due to the viral fame of Moo Deng, a pygmy hippopotamus from Thailand. Moo Deng’s vivacious charm has not only endeared her to internet audiences but also significantly influenced the game’s in-game economy.
Key Takeaways
- Moo Deng has surged to internet fame, prompting increased demand for FFXIV’s Hippo Calf minion.
- The price of the Hippo Calf minion has risen from around 30,000 Gil to nearly 300,000 Gil.
- Square Enix has leveraged Moo Deng’s popularity to draw attention to the minion.
Moo Deng’s Popularity
Moo Deng, a pygmy hippopotamus from Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand, has captivated the internet with her energetic and playful behavior. Her endearing antics have spread like wildfire across social media platforms and even caught the eye of Saturday Night Live (SNL).
Impact on Final Fantasy XIV
Moo Deng’s viral success has translated into a significant increase in demand for the **Hippo Calf minion** in **Final Fantasy XIV** (FFXIV).
This item is a **cosmetic pet** that follows players around, not providing any gameplay advantages but serving as a charming in-game companion.
Price Increase of Hippo Calf Minion
Prior to Moo Deng’s internet fame, the Hippo Calf minion was typically sold for about 30,000 Gil.
However, in response to Moo Deng’s popularity, the price has surged to nearly 300,000 Gil on some servers—an incredible 900% increase.
Server-Specific Market Reaction
It’s important to note that this price hike is not uniform across all servers.
Nevertheless, the overall trend shows a marked increase in the **cost of the Hippo Calf minion** compared to other minions within the game.
Square Enix’s Involvement
**Square Enix**, the game’s developer, has also contributed to the growing hype.
The official Final Fantasy Twitter account shared an image and video of the Hippo Calf minion, drawing a playful connection to Moo Deng’s antics.
This official acknowledgment likely incited even more players to seek out and collect the minion.
Alternative Ways to Obtain the Minion
For players unwilling to pay the inflated prices, there is a way to grind for the Hippo Calf minion.
It can be obtained as a random drop from the level 84 Endwalker expansion dungeon, Vanaspati.
However, this method requires players to undergo multiple dungeon runs, which can be time-consuming.
Community and Developer Response
Both the FFXIV community and Square Enix have been actively engaging with the Moo Deng craze.
Fans have created mods, and the developers continue to make references to Moo Deng in their posts.
This wide-scale engagement indicates that Moo Deng’s popularity has had a notable cultural impact on the gaming community.
FAQs
Who is Moo Deng?
Moo Deng is a pygmy hippopotamus from Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand, who has become an internet sensation due to her playful nature.
What is the Hippo Calf minion in Final Fantasy XIV?
The Hippo Calf minion is a cosmetic pet in FFXIV that follows players around, adding a cute charm but no gameplay benefits.
Why has the price of the Hippo Calf minion increased?
The price surge is due to Moo Deng’s viral fame, which heightened the demand for the minion, causing its market price to skyrocket.
Can I get the Hippo Calf minion without spending Gil?
Yes, you can obtain it as a random drop from the level 84 Endwalker expansion dungeon, Vanaspati, although this requires multiple runs.
Has Square Enix addressed this price increase?
Square Enix has not directly addressed the price increase but has contributed to the hype by referencing Moo Deng on their official channels.
