It’s lastly right here – the tip of Endwalker. As of patch 6.55 we’re lastly saying goodbye to FF14’s newest growth after two years of saving the universe, battling the bodily embodiment of despair, travelling the rift between dimensions, and marvelling at bizarre grapes. It’s been one hell of a experience, however how does the sport stand now because it prepares for its subsequent chapter within the upcoming Dawntrail growth?
Endwalker noticed the sport wrap up the Hydaelyn and Zodiark story – a saga that was a ten years within the making – and introduced with it a shock inhabitants enhance that result in a number of new servers being wanted. It lastly put to relaxation why the Ascian menace that plagued gamers throughout A Realm Reborn, Heavensward, Stormblood and Shadowbringers, did what they did. It was the proper finish and launch to a decade of pressure. How can Sq. Enix presumably observe that up?
We began seeing the seeds of our subsequent journey throughout Endwalker’s newest updates which noticed us travelling to the thirteenth – a mirrored image of the Scion’s world that had succumbed to darkness – to cease it from breaking into our personal. It could have been a comparatively quick journey within the grand scheme of issues, nevertheless it additionally put a variety of potential for the longer term on the market. Not solely did we get to satisfy our new goth lady fave Zero, the sport confirmed that travelling between worlds, once more, is feasible. It additionally ended issues on a excessive be aware – that even within the darkest of locations there may be hope for a recent begin. Very like FFXIV setting off in a brand new course and recent journey for its subsequent growth.
The tone going into Dawntrail has taken an enormous shift compared to the likes of Endwalker and Shadowrbingers. As a substitute of bracing ourselves for a struggle for the way forward for the realm/world/universe, it’s all about setting your self up for a jaunt throughout the ocean only for the sake of seeing what’s there. It’s a way more optimistic and intriguing place to be in.
The top of Endwalker in patch 6.55 additionally gave us a little bit tease of what we’ve bought to sit up for. We bought to lastly meet a feminine Hrothgar (the following new playable race) after being launched to the energetic Wuk Lamat and immediately falling in love along with her, and we additionally bought a glimpse of the brand new Pictomancer job with tiny scholar Krile lastly becoming a member of us in battle after spending years on the sidelines (though there may be the potential for some in-fighting with the Scions as Thancred and Urianger have been known as to Tural by a competing celebration). Hopefully, there received’t be any dangerous blood between us by the tip of it and we’ll have the ability to hug it out in some unspecified time in the future. It could have simply been a small present of what’s to return, nevertheless it’s helped ramp up the joy for the longer term.
The ultimate chapter within the Endwalker growth additionally indicators the tip of this raid tier. The final two years has offered a wonderful vary of each high-end and informal fights, be that as singular boss fight-like trials or the significantly wonderful 24-man Alliance raid which noticed gamers go up in opposition to the 12 important deities of Eorzea. There are a frankly ridiculous quantity of challenges to tackle proper now, and if you happen to’ve been a little bit shy about attempting the more durable Savage model of fights, now could be the proper time to provide it a go. Gear has additionally gotten stronger, so these first few fights are a little bit extra approachable now.
Nevertheless, hardcore raiders might discover themselves at a little bit of a loss – the final patch earlier than the following growth is when issues are at their quietest. Sadly, there received’t be any new challenges to check your self in opposition to till the Summer time and Dawntrail’s launch. The Manderville weapons have additionally been a disappointment, regardless of the hilarious absurdity of their surrounding story.
The most recent step within the relic quest (FFXIV’s greatest weapons, constructed up over time) is only a easy case of buying and selling in tomestones for the gadgets you want, so there isn’t a lot to work in direction of – it doesn’t carry the identical feeling of accomplishment as earlier expansions. It’s the one space that looks like a slight letdown. I can see why the builders did it this manner; earlier variations have been too grindy, however this growth issues swung manner too far the opposite manner. This is hoping Naoki Yoshida and his crew will have the ability to strike the fitting steadiness, now all of the groundwork has been laid out. Not less than I’ll have the ability to full multiple of them this time, although, even when that’s not one thing price displaying off anymore.
Whereas there may be loads of informal content material to maintain most gamers comfortable, such because the farming-lite Island Sanctuary space and the Remaining Fantasy 16 crossover occasion in April, it’s going to be an extended wait till the Summer time for many. Now will be the good time to take a break and are available again recent for a brand new journey in Dawntrail. Simply don’t keep away too lengthy, the way forward for FFXIV is trying exceptionally vivid.