Square Enix has revealed its plans to continue support of the critically acclaimed MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV Online for the next 10 years and announced some of the upcoming content that players can expect in the near future.
During the last broadcast of Letter from the Producer, producer and director Naoki Yoshida unveiled a number of improvements coming to Final Fantasy XIV Online so that the game can continue to evolve into an online RPG that can be enjoyed both solo and with other players, and also long term goals such as graphics enhancement.
As of the upcoming patch 6.1, it has been revealed that the in-game trust system, which currently allows players to overcome selected dungeons of the main scenario with a group of NPC companions, will be further developed. This feature allows players to enjoy the story at their own pace without having to seek the company of other players. Patch 6.1, scheduled for release in April, will bring the Trust System to all dungeons of A Realm Reborn’s main scenario, with more to be added at a later date. Additionally, to help new players and those looking for a single-player experience, several low-level dungeons and main-scenario trials will be adjusted to facilitate solo play. Looking ahead, Yoshida also confirmed that work is underway on the game’s first graphical update, the first improvements are to be introduced with the release of the next expansion, and more will appear in the future. Improvements are planned for both the character and the game world, and will include elements such as higher-resolution textures, improved material quality, and better lighting and shadow effects.
A partial map of the new content planned for the upcoming patches has also been announced. This is not a complete list, and even more unannounced content is still waiting to be unveiled. The recent release of the widely acclaimed Endwalker ™ expansion completes the Hydaelyn and Zodiark saga, but there are still plenty of new adventures and challenges waiting for players, including:
Patch 6.1 Series
“Hildibrand’s Further Adventures” – patch 6.1 – 6.5
“Tataru’s Grand Endeavor” Sidequest Series – Patch 6.1 – 6.5
Myths of the Realm # 1 (Alliance Raid)
Crystalline Conflict (new PvP)
Quests and daily quests Arkasodar
Dragonsong’s Reprise (new Ultimate quest ) Duty)
Ultima’s Bane (Unreal)
A Realm Reborn Trust Support (Patch 2.0) Main Scenario Dungeons
New Summon-style UI (Name to be determined)
New Hairstyles for Hrothgar
Empyreum (Ishgard Housing)
Custom Shipments: Ameliance
Plus New Trials & More various updates …
Patch 6.2 Series
Trust Support for A Realm Reborn 2.X Main Scenario Dungeons
Trust Support for 2-3 dungeons of Heavensward ™ main scenario.
New Weapon
Upgrades New Variable Difficulty “Criterion” Dungeon (1-4 players)
“Island Sanctuary
Plus Pandæmonium, Faux Hollows, other Trials, and more …”
Patch 6.3 Series
Trust system for the remaining dungeons of the main scenario Heavensward
Deep Dungeon Series # 3
Ultimate Duty # 5
Island Sanctuary Updates
Plus Kingdom Myths, Faux Hollows, other Trials and more …
Patch 6.4 and Patch 6.5 Series
Stormblood ™ Master Scenario Trust System
Criterion Dungeons # 2 and # 3
Additional area for the Island Sanctuary
Plus Pandæmonium ending, more Kingdom Myths, Faux Hollows, other Trials, and more …
Final Fantasy XIV Online Free Trial is set to reopen new user registration tomorrow, February 22, after it was suspended to help combat server congestion with the Endwalker launch. The extended Free Trial now includes all content from A Realm Reborn and the Heavensward expansion (and patch 3.56 updates), as well as an additional playable race (Au Ra) and three additional playable competitions (Dark Knight, Astrologian, and Machinist). Players using the Free Trial can enjoy hundreds of hours of award-winning gameplay and storyline equivalent to two full Final Fantasy titles, with no game time limit . More information is available right here .
