The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024

The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024

As a seasoned adventurer who has traversed the realm of Eorzea for countless moons, I must say that Patch 7.1, or “Dawntrail,” was a veritable feast for the eyes and a boon to this old Miqo’te’s heart. From the addition of two dye channels to my beloved Job artifact armor, to the new cosmetic eyewear slot that allows me to sport both spectacles and headgear at the same time (a fashion choice I like to call “Miqo’te with glasses on top”), this update has truly brought a smile to my face.

2023 marked a bustling period for Final Fantasy 14, but 2024 outshone it significantly by introducing a new expansion and much-needed technological enhancements to Square Enix’s widely praised MMORPG. While Endwalker concluded a significant storyline within Final Fantasy 14, Dawntrail initiated an entirely new narrative that will guide players through uncharted territories of Etheirys and beyond.

The introduction of Final Fantasy 14‘s fifth expansion brought about numerous alterations within the game. While certain modifications were immediately noticeable, others were geared towards enhancing the overall player experience in FF14. Similar to the diverse and vibrant landscapes of Tural, Final Fantasy 14 is a rich and engaging adventure that leverages player input to mold its direction. Moreover, Final Fantasy 14 debuted on Xbox Series X/S and paved the way for a Mobile version, broadening its existing scope and securing its long-term prospects. To sum up, 2024 marked the arrival of several significant updates that merit appreciation.

The 7.0 Graphics Update

The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024

Without a doubt, one of the most significant modifications in Final Fantasy 14 this year was a major graphical revamp, marking the game’s first such overhaul. This extensive update transformed character designs, improved environmental textures, and enhanced lighting effects. Consequently, the graphics update known as Dawntrail led to an increase in both minimum and recommended system requirements for Windows users. However, to cater to PC gamers, Final Fantasy 14 introduced two upscaling options: AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) and Nvidia’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS).

As a dedicated gamer diving into the world of Final Fantasy 14, I’ve noticed that the developers have always listened keenly to our feedback and made improvements accordingly, especially when it comes to character models. In patches 7.0 and 7.1, they went above and beyond by providing us with free Fantasia potions – these magical items allow you to completely transform your character’s appearance, even changing their race and gender! Now, that’s a deal Square Enix doesn’t often offer. Usually, these potions cost $10 in the Final Fantasy 14 Online Store, but receiving them for free? That’s an opportunity I couldn’t let slip by!

The 7.1 Housing Interior Updates

The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024

In Final Fantasy 14, the housing system continues to be a profitable venture for players and free companies, and Dawntrail has undergone some adjustments that players can take advantage of. With each significant content update, more indoor and outdoor decorative items are added to the expanding collection that players can gather. Patch 7.1 introduced a fresh choice for personalizing virtual homes, allowing interior wallpapers and frames to be replaced with designs unique from the housing district where the home resides. For instance, a house in Lavender Beds can now sport the interior of a Shirogane district or Empyreum home.

In the Crossroads update, I’ve noticed a sleeker design with some columns being removed from various stories, creating a more streamlined experience. Excitingly, during the 2024 Tokyo Game Show, the developers of Final Fantasy 14 shared their plans to let players customize interior spaces by expanding them! For instance, they mentioned that a medium-sized house could soon boast a large indoor area. Although this feature is set for release in 2025, fellow adventurers, it’s wise to start stashing away our Gil now in anticipation of these exciting changes!

Dawntrail and New Main Story Direction

The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024

At first, Dawntrail was advertised as a kind of extended break, but it actually transported players to the coastal regions of Tural, the western landmass of Etheirys, also famously referred to as the New World. This vast continent is divided into two parts: the tropical Yok Tural in the south and the enigmatic Xak Tural in the north. Tural drew its inspiration from our very own Americas, with the beaches of Tuliyollal mirroring the vibrant landscapes and lively sounds of nations like Mexico and Brazil. In stark contrast, the futuristic, cyberpunk cityscape of Solution Nine provided an unprecedented experience within Final Fantasy 14. While the change in scenery and atmosphere marked the distinct halves of Dawntrail’s main story in Patch 7.0, subsequent Patch 7.1 aimed to resolve outstanding issues across the continent, even addressing matters in Solution Nine.

Even though certain enigmas surrounding Tural’s story in Dawntrail remain unresolved at present, eager players must stay patient until content updates slated for 2025 to finally uncover the climactic chapters of this captivating saga. As for what lies beyond Dawntrail, only time will tell; however, intriguing locales like the vast continent of Meracydia might yet be in store for adventurers to delve into during future expansion packs.

Dawntrail’s New Raids and Rewards

The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024

Initially, Dawntrail’s 4-player dungeons required a higher level of teamwork and attention compared to earlier versions. This mindset carried over into its 8-player raids and trials. With the introduction of Patch 7.01, access to The Arcadion raid was granted for all contenders, commencing with the Light-Heavyweight tier. Subsequent patches will provide players with opportunities to tackle the Arcadion’s Cruiserweight and Heavyweight divisions. Following the opening of The Arcadion, Patch 7.11 introduced Futures Rewritten (Ultimate), an intense 8-player gauntlet modeled after the Eden raid series from Shadowbringers. In addition to 8-player content, groups of 24 players were given two distinct challenges. Patch 7.1 marked the release of Jeuno: The First Walk, the inaugural raid of an eagerly awaited crossover series with Final Fantasy 11, known as Echoes of Vana’diel.

Instead, let me rephrase this in a more natural and easy-to-read manner: A new type of challenge called the Chaotic Alliance Raid was introduced for players, which presented them with a different set of difficulties. This innovative raid was named The Cloud of Darkness (Chaotic). Although gamers had previously encountered The Cloud of Darkness in the World of Darkness raid within A Realm Reborn, the new Chaotic difficulty level offered additional challenges.

The Final Fantasy 16 Crossover Event

The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024

As the months approached for the release of “Dawntrail”, players of “Final Fantasy 14” were rewarded with a highly awaited crossover event, linking it to Creative Studio 3’s other significant production, “Final Fantasy 16”. During this time-limited event, the Hero of Light and the Vagrant Songster assisted an enigmatic swordsman who had mysteriously appeared in Eorzea, devoid of any past recollections. To everyone’s surprise, this man was none other than “Final Fantasy 16″‘s main character, Clive Rosfield. Alongside the Hero, Clive journeyed through the city-states of Ul’dah and Gridania in search of assistance to regain his lost memories.

In the skilled hands of the Minstrel, I found myself engaged in a thrilling showdown against an illusionary Ifrit spirit, reminiscent of Final Fantasy 16’s Flame Eikon, within Clive’s mind. Having triumphed and reclaimed my position as the master of Ifrit, Clive was unexpectedly accompanied by Torgal, his loyal canine comrade. Guided by him, we made our way back to Valisthea, leaving behind the Minstrel and myself. The Final Fantasy 16 event has ended, so now we wait to see if Final Fantasy 14 will host future collaborations with other games.

New Hall of the Novice Challenges

The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024

The Crossroads update also added something new for Final Fantasy 14 newcomers and returning players, as the Hall of the Novice added two new challenges. These challenges were made to teach players some battle mechanics that have become prevalent in expansion content, such as stack markers, tankbusters, and tethers. The changes were made in response to player feedback, with some voicing concerns that the game did a poor job of explaining stack markers to new players. This often results in less experienced players panicking and running away from the group and getting knocked out, rather than sharing the damage among the group.

The Hall of the Novice has introduced new content as its first significant update since its debut in the Patch 3.2 of Heavensward expansion. Completing the challenges within this hall rewards players with the Neophyte’s Ring, an item that boosts experience points for jobs at level 60 and below. This bonus can be combined with other accessories to enhance experience point gains, allowing players to swiftly progress in various jobs during Patch 7.1 and beyond.

The Introduction of Female Hrothgar

The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024

Five years after their male counterparts made their debut during the Shadowbringers expansion, I finally got the chance to step into the role of a Female Hrothgar in this game. This towering, lion-like race draws inspiration from the Ronso from Final Fantasy 10, with the playable character Kimahri Ronso being one of Yuna’s trusted Guardians on her Summoner’s Pilgrimage.

In the spotlight for the launch of the Female Hrothgar character, we have Wuk Lamat – a brave, passionate warrior with a heart for her community. Wuk Lamat is simply one among many colorful characters in the game Dawntrail. As of Patch 7.1, though, Wuk Lamat’s story is still untold, leaving room for future updates to bring it to life. Unless there are any unexpected alterations from the development team, the Female Hrothgar will likely be the final playable race in Final Fantasy 14.

New Jobs – Viper and Pictomancer

The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024

In addition to increasing the maximum level limit to 100, Dawntrail rolled out two distinct Damage Per Second (DPS) roles for players to experiment with: the Viper and the Pictomancer. The Viper is the main job introduced in Dawntrail, a swift melee DPS character who uses a pair of one-handed swords called twinfangs. This versatile character can also merge their twin swords into a powerful glaive for extra force. Similar to the Reaper, the Viper is regarded as an innovative Job within Final Fantasy 14.

In a similar vein, the Creative Studio 3 design for the latest caster DPS in Final Fantasy 14 seems to have been influenced by Final Fantasy 6’s character, Relm Arrowny. The Pictomancer, like its predecessor, employs a magic paintbrush and an abundance of creativity to deal damage from a distance and assist teammates. While it doesn’t possess a Resurrection spell, the vibrant magic and raid utility of the Pictomancer have quickly earned it a place in fans’ hearts. Meanwhile, jobs like Dragoon, Astrologian, Ninja, Black Mage, and Monk underwent significant modifications during Dawntrail, based on player feedback, with further changes expected in upcoming content updates.

The 7.1 PVP Rework and Crystalline Conflict Map Updates

The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024

In the long-awaited update known as Final Fantasy 14 Patch 7.1, substantial modifications were introduced to Frontline, Crystalline Conflict, and Rival Wings for Player vs Player enthusiasts. Most jobs experienced adjustments in their PVP kits, including both the introduction and elimination of specific abilities. The Red Mage and Black Mage underwent complete redesigns, while some jobs like Dragoon and Dark Knight were scaled back in Frontline mode. Additionally, this update made Guard more responsive, and changes were made to the Warrior’s Primal Rend ability so that its stun effect would be applied at the end of the animation instead of immediately upon use.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve noticed some exciting updates to my favorite game, Rival Wings. They’ve tweaked the designs of their vehicles and minions, adding a fresh twist to the gameplay. In terms of ranked mode for Crystalline Conflict, it’s now active only at one Data Center per continent, such as the Primal Data Center in North America. This should make for some intense, regional competition! Furthermore, the Red Sands and Cloud Nine maps have been revamped with new lanes and line-of-sight objects. These additions can either aid or complicate team fights, adding an extra layer of strategy to my gaming experience.

Two Dye Channels and Glamour System Improvements

The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024The 10 Biggest Changes to Final Fantasy 14 in 2024

In addition to the hyped-up visual aspects of the game, Dawntrail noticed that the dual-dye system received some updates. This enhancement provided players with an expanded range of options to personalize their characters’ wardrobes by adding a second dye channel to numerous weapons and armor, even including Job artifact armor from previous expansions. However, not all glamour items have a second dye channel as of Patch 7.1. Some previously non-dyable items, like Gaia’s Attire, were given two dye channels with the Crossroads update. Square Enix didn’t stop at adding a second dye channel to boost the game’s glamour system; they also made other changes aimed at improving it.

As a passionate player of Final Fantasy 14, I’m thrilled about the latest update! Now, my characters can rock both headgear and spectacles at the same time, thanks to the new cosmetic eyewear slot. I can acquire these stylish accessories from various vendors or trade them on the market board. Excitingly, they’re planning to introduce even more varieties in the future!

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2024-12-11 17:15