Viral baby hippo Moo Deng has shaken up Final Fantasy XIV's economy

By now most people know the viral baby hippo Moo Deng. For those who don't, Moo Deng is a resident of the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand who recently became an internet sensation after social posts and videos of her wild expressions, enthusiastic playtime and funny little habits spread online . In the last few weeks, Moo Deng's fan base has grown so much that she has become a true celebrity.

Because of their popularity, global interest in baby hippos – as mascots, as zoo attractions – has increased significantly. Baby hippos are official In. For Final Fantasy XIV Players, this interest has led to something rather strange – a complete upheaval in the minion companion market.

In Final Fantasy XIVyou can travel with a servant as a companion. Minions don't really do much, but they are very cute and prevent you from having feelings to lonely as you trudge through quests. While there are dozens of minions available to players, one in particular has stopped the Eorzea region in its tracks: the Hippopotamus Calf's minion (pictured above).

The hippopotamus calf's servant bears a strong resemblance to Moo Deng. As a result, the Minion has now become incredibly popular – so much so that the price of purchasing one is high Final Fantasy XIV servers has increased by more than 900%.

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Per KotakuThe price of the servant was around 30,000 gil before Moo Deng's viral popularity. As of today, you will need to spend around 300,000 gil for this minion.

In a clever nod to this sudden rise in the Minion market, this has Final Fantasy XIV The team delved into all the memes and put the hippo calf servant in the spotlight on social media. “Undisturbed. Moisturized. Happy. In my lane. Concentrated. Flourishing,” the team wrote about the servant, referencing viral posts surrounding Moo Deng.

With all this attention, the minion's price has increased significantly, as has its popularity – to the point where players are now incorporating new items and clothing items into the game in the style of Hippo Calf and Moo Deng very funny meme shirts.

As the excitement around Moo Deng continues to grow, we expect new articles and additions Final Fantasy XIVas well as other online communities. It seems no one can get enough of this viral hippo. Against the grim global news backdrop, she is at least a ray of hope for those in need of some comic relief.

Even if it disrupts the economy Final Fantasy XIVMoo Deng is an absolute gem.