Pulled this down from Reddit - All credit goes to Abqu
I thought this may help with some of our guys who may have questions surrounding it's circumstances.
What is early access?
Early access is a period of time before official service begins where those who have permission will be able to play the game.
Isn't that the same as phase 4/open beta?
No. There are two key distinctions between them.
First, open beta is available to all who have met the requirements for beta access; early access entry has different requirements.
Second, there is a chance that open beta's data will not carry over into release. Early access' data will carry over.
When does early access begin?
There is no official start date for early access, but a good educated guess points to it starting after the 15th of August.
How long is early access going to be?
There are conflicting reports, but the information suggests between 3 and 7 days.
EU retailers are reportedly telling their customers that it is a 7 day period, but our official Square Enix statement right now is, "Nothing has been made official by us", and so we have to respect that.
I saw that early access was confirmed to start on August 20th. What changed?
The information claiming the start date of August 20th was not from an official source. The developers recently told us that nothing was made official, so we are back to speculation.
How can I get early access?
There are only two ways to gain early access: Legacy-designated accounts and those who pre-order.
Do 1.0 players automatically get early access?
No. For a 1.0 player to get early access, you must have a Legacy account or preorder.
Do Beta testers automatically get early access?
No. You must have a Legacy account or preorder.
I have my early access code. What do I do now?
First, go to this website, and input your email. That's as far as you can go at this point in time. Square Enix will send you further information when it is available.
I input my early access code, and it shows up in my games profile. I'm done, right?
No. There isn't a way to tie your early access code to your FFXIV service account just yet. You most likely entered the code on Square Enix's member's site, which is a pseudo-social networking area, and has no bearing on actual gameplay. (Example image.)
I ordered from Square-Enix directly, where is my pre order code?
Square Enix has said that they will email you your code at a future date.
I ordered from a third-party retailer, where is my pre order code?
Generally speaking, if you ordered from a third party, you should have your code by now. Most brick-and-mortar shops will print out the code on a receipt. Online retailers often send the code in a second email, after your order has been confirmed.
If you preordered from a third party, and do not have your access code, you should contact them.
Please be advised: it has been reported that EU online orders are sending their codes out at a later date, so if this applies to you, keep it in mind.
I ordered from NewEgg, where is my pre order code?
NewEgg is not part of the early access program, and so you will not be receiving a code from them.
Can I just buy an early access code?
Square Enix has not made this option available.
What does a pre order code look like?
It is an 18 character code, with a mix of numbers and letters.
XXXXXX - ### - XXXXXX - ### is the general format people have been reporting.
How will I play the game before release if I don't have my software and product key?
Square Enix will contact you with directions on how to download the client. You will not need your physical products for early access.
Once I input my preorder code, will I be able to play on PS3 and PC?
Yes, the current information suggests that early access is platform free.
Do I have to pre order the Collector's Edition to get early access?
No, any valid pre order will qualify.
Will the Collector's Edition Digital Upgrade qualify me for early access?
No, it is not available for preorder, but release day purchase, and as such, will not come with early access.
Gamestop gave me more than 1 code -- what happened?
They simply printed multiple codes, either through associate error or other factors. You should be okay.
Hope this was helpful! Took awhile to format it to make it readable on the Gaiscioch website!