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2024 was a pivotal year for Final Fantasy 14, marking not only the release of a much-anticipated expansion but also significant technical enhancements that the gaming community had long been waiting for. Even though Endwalker wrapped up a monumental story arc, Dawntrail ushered in an exciting new journey, taking players to uncharted territories within Etheirys and beyond.
With this fifth expansion, Final Fantasy 14 introduced a wealth of changes. Some were obvious right off the bat, while others worked quietly to enhance the player experience. Much like the continent of Tural itself, the game is infused with vibrant diversity, continuously evolving and responding to player feedback. Adding to its growing audience, Final Fantasy 14 was made available on the Xbox Series X/S, and a foundation was laid for a mobile version, broadening its global reach. In short, 2024 brought significant and celebratory updates to the game.
The 7.0 Graphics Update
Perhaps the most notable change this year was Final Fantasy 14’s first major graphical overhaul. This sweeping update transformed character models, environmental textures, and lighting conditions across the game, leading to an increase in the minimum and recommended system requirements for Windows users. To accommodate different setups, the game introduced two PC upscaling options: AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) and Nvidia’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS).
Listening to player feedback remained a core part of the update process, with character model refinements made based on user suggestions. In Patches 7.0 and 7.1, players received free Fantasia potions, allowing them to change their character’s appearance, race, or gender without the usual $10 cost from the online store.
The 7.1 Housing Interior Updates
The housing system in Final Fantasy 14 continued to be a lucrative arena for players and free companies. Dawntrail added features that enthusiasts could take advantage of, like new furnishings for interiors and exteriors with every major update. Patch 7.1 introduced an intriguing option: players could now swap an interior’s design from its housing district with that of another, like having a Shirogane interior in a Lavender Beds home.
Moreover, the Crossroads update brought a minimalist design option by removing certain columns in houses. During the 2024 Tokyo Game Show, developers announced plans to allow players to resize house interiors to larger dimensions, such as converting a medium house into a spacious large home, expected in 2025, prompting players to start saving their Gil.
Dawntrail and New Main Story Direction
Dawntrail embarked players on a “summer vacation” style adventure to Tural, the western continent of Etheirys. With similarities to the Americas, its vibrant Tuliyollal beaches took inspiration from locales like Mexico and Brazil, while Solution Nine’s cyberpunk aesthetic offered a stark contrast. Patch 7.0 tied each half of Dawntrail’s story with its environment, with Patch 7.1 addressing unresolved elements, particularly in Solution Nine.
While some mysteries in Tural remain, players must await 2025’s content patches to see Dawntrail’s story fully unfold. Potential new destinations like Meracydia may await players in upcoming expansions.
Dawntrail’s New Raids and Rewards
From the get-go, Dawntrail’s dungeons demanded greater strategy and teamwork. This ethos carried into 8-player raids and trials; Patch 7.01 opened The Arcadion, advancing through Light-Heavyweight to Cruiserweight and Heavyweight tiers. Futures Rewritten (Ultimate), familiar to Shadowbringers fans, offered a fresh 8-player challenge. Large-scale 24-player raids followed, as Patch 7.1 introduced the Final Fantasy 11 crossover, Echoes of Vana’diel.
Chaotic Alliance Raids allowed for new challenges, with The Cloud of Darkness (Chaotic) as a notable example. Responding to criticism about rewards, developers made the Chaotic difficulty farmable, encouraging players to help each other while earning incentives.
The Final Fantasy 16 Crossover Event
Anticipation swelled for the limited-time Final Fantasy 16 crossover, featuring Clive Rosfield. Players aided Clive, who arrived in Eorzea with amnesia. Journeying alongside him and the Warrior of Light, they travelled through Ul’dah and Gridania. With guidance from the Wandering Minstrel, they battled Ifrit in Clive’s mind, rekindling his memory as Ifrit’s Dominant. Reunited with Torgal, his wolf companion, Clive returned home to Valisthea, leaving speculation open about future crossovers.
New Hall of the Novice Challenges
The Crossroads update aimed at Final Fantasy 14 newcomers and returnees with two new Hall of the Novice challenges. These were designed to teach battle mechanics, such as stack markers, tankbusters, and tethers, addressing player concerns over the clarity of such mechanics for newcomers. Successfully completing these challenges rewards players with a Neophyte’s Ring, boosting experience points for Jobs at level 60 and below.
The Introduction of Female Hrothgar
Fans received the long-awaited Female Hrothgar, five years after the Male Hrothgar debuted in Shadowbringers. Inspired by Final Fantasy 10’s Ronso, these striking, lion-like figures are represented by Wuk Lamat, a new young, earnest warrior, in Dawntrail’s rich narrative. Though Wuk Lamat’s tale is not yet complete, further updates are anticipated.
New Jobs – Viper and Pictomancer
Dawntrail upscaled the action by raising the level cap to 100 and introducing two new DPS jobs: Viper and Pictomancer. The Viper, using dual swords named twinfangs, can merge them into one for increased power, echoing the Reaper’s original concept. The Pictomancer pays homage to FF6’s Relm Arrowny, utilizing art to support allies and attack opponents. Despite lacking a Resurrection spell, it’s gained fans for its unique skillset. Several existing Jobs also underwent significant adjustments based on feedback, with more changes on the way.
The 7.1 PVP Rework and Crystalline Conflict Map Updates
The PVP landscape was redefined with Patch 7.1’s overhaul in Frontline, Crystalline Conflict, and Rival Wings. PVP kits were revamped across all Jobs, with sweeping transformations for Red Mage and Black Mage, and tactical nerfs like those applied to Dragoon and Dark Knight. Changes also included refined abilities and strategic map updates, enhancing competitive play.
Two Dye Channels and Glamour System Improvements
Dawntrail refreshed the glamour and dye systems, introducing a second dye channel for select gear, enabling more personalized style expressions. Not all items have this as of Patch 7.1, but previously non-dyeable store items also gained dye options. Additionally, eyewear can now be worn with headgear, and the new Glamour Outfit system aids wardrobe management.
Overall, 2024 has been a monumental year for Final Fantasy 14, expanding horizons and enriching player experiences in innovative and exciting ways. Each update and addition builds on a foundation of player feedback, setting the stage for a bright future.
