To circumvent this, you can make a separate FFXIV account to register the free trial to (make sure to create an entirely new Square Enix account as well, not just FFXIV).

If you bought the game at any point, then you are no longer eligible for the free trial.

You will need to create both a new Steam and new FFXIV (make sure to create an entirely new Square Enix account as well, not just FFXIV) account to play the free trial. Also note that this applies to any existing FFXIV account you had as well, since it is linked to your Steam. To circumvent this, you can make a separate Steam account to register the free trial to. You will need to create both a new PSN and new FFXIV account (make sure to create an entirely new Square Enix account as well, not just FFXIV) to play the free trial. Also note that this applies to any existing FFXIV account you had as well, since it is linked to your PSN. To circumvent this, you can make a separate PSN account to register the free trial to.

If you have the free trial already installed and have not paid money for the game, then the expanded free trial applies to your account and you can simply login to begin playing it.

Given all the confusion about account creation for FFXIV (I know, it sucks) in light of the new patch and free trial extension, I figured there was a need for a specific thread people can defer to.

Steam ffxiv free trial