Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail, the highly anticipated fifth expansion for the renowned MMORPG from Square Enix, promises an array of exciting features to captivate players upon its launch. Alongside the introduction of two brand-new combat Jobs and a fresh continent, Final Fantasy 14 is set to undergo its first significant graphical enhancement since its rebirth in 2013 as A Realm Reborn, with improvements to character models and game environments.
Following the epic conclusion of the long-running Hydaelyn-Zodiark saga, this expansion heralds a new era for Final Fantasy 14. Players will embark on a new journey after receiving an invitation from the traveler Wuk Lamat, joining the Warrior of Light and the former Scions of the Seventh Dawn in the land of Tural. Here, a pivotal rite of succession awaits to determine the realm's new leader, with Wuk Lamat among the four primary contenders. Known as the New World, Tural is divided into two distinct regions resembling the Americas: the tropical Yok Tural and the enigmatic Xak Tural. Populated by diverse races such as the Hrorthgar, the Pelupelu, and the Mamool Ja, Tural sets the stage for the unfolding adventure. Dawntrail is scheduled for release on July 2, with early access commencing on June 28.
What to Expect in Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail
Each expansion of Final Fantasy 14 has brought new Jobs and enhancements to existing ones, and Dawntrail continues this tradition. The blade-wielding Viper and the artistic spellcasting Pictomancer will debut as a melee DPS and caster DPS respectively in this expansion. The Viper, a prominent figure in Dawntrail, utilizes dual swords that can be melded together, while the Pictomancer employs a magical paintbrush to unleash ranged attacks. In addition to these fresh Jobs, the level cap will rise from 90 to 100, with revisions planned for the Dragoon and Astrologian. Details regarding these Job adjustments remain undisclosed, building anticipation for their unveiling.
Key Features of Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail
- The game's first notable graphical enhancement
- Level cap increased to 100
- Introduction of two new Jobs: Viper and Pictomancer
- Unveiling of a new continent: Tural
- Addition of a new playable race: Female Hrothgar
- Inclusion of new challenging raids: The Arcadion (8-player), Echoes of Vana'diel (24-player), and Futures Rewritten (Ultimate)
- Introduction of new features: Cosmic Exploration and an Adventuring Foray akin to Bozja and Eureka
- Debut of a new Limited Job: Beastmaster (coming post-Dawntrail)
Dawntrail will usher in a visual transformation for Final Fantasy 14 with its long-awaited graphical upgrade. While character models and environments will receive immediate updates, certain weapon and armor sets will be enhanced gradually. Additionally, a new playable race, the highly anticipated Female Hrothgar, will join the game, allowing players to envision their characters with the updated graphics by downloading the Dawntrail Benchmark for PC.
In addition to the primary narrative revolving around Tural and the succession rite, players will confront fresh trials on their quest. Among the confirmed raids in Dawntrail, the enigmatic Arcadion will challenge 8-player groups shortly after the expansion's release on July 2. Subsequently, several months later, the Echoes of Vana'diel alliance raid series inspired by Final Fantasy 11 will commence in the initial major post-Dawntrail update. The foes from Square Enix's storied past that players will confront as bosses in the 24-player encounters remain a mystery. Noteworthy challenges await those seeking the pinnacle of raiding, with the Futures Rewritten (Ultimate) content, based on the Eden raid series, set to launch concurrently with the first Vana'diel alliance raid.
Crafters and Gatherers are not overlooked, as the introduction of Cosmic Exploration in future updates will cater to their interests. The Beastmaster Limited Job will join the ranks alongside the Blue Mage in a subsequent patch cycle post-Dawntrail, accompanied by a new adventuring foray reminiscent of Bozja and Eureka. With a blend of fresh content and enhancements to existing features such as the blacklist, the Dawntrail expansion is poised to be a milestone update in the history of Final Fantasy 14.