Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail Expansion

Final Fantasy 14 had already established itself as a remarkable success within the Final Fantasy franchise and the MMO genre. Its unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and expansion had endeared it to players worldwide. A new chapter had been on the horizon in the form of the highly anticipated Dawntrail expansion. This expansion promises graphical enhancements, an enthralling story arc, and the introduction of fresh characters and locations. It is set to usher in an exciting phase for the game despite the fact that FFXIV is just over a decade old now.

What is Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail 14 about?

The era of Zodiark and Hydaelyn has concluded, leaving vast uncharted territories in its wake especially for those who take Emet-Selch's words seriously at the end of Endwalker. In the spirit of beginning anew, Yoshida joked he wants to bring "the very best summer vacation a hero could have" with this expansion. That has been met with relief and joy from many gamers as after the Final Days of Endwalker, a lighter tone is what many have craved.

In the forthcoming Dawntrail expansion, the journey takes players to a place familiarly known as "the New World," but referred to as Tural by its inhabitants. Here, the Warrior of Light collaborates with trusted companions like Alphinaud, Alisaie, and Erenville to facilitate the crucial Rite of Succession, determining the land's next ruler. Notably, other revered scions including Estinien, Thancred, Y'shtola, Graha, and Urianger accompany the adventure, and Yoshida tantalizingly hinted at their involvement in a contest for the throne—some even competing directly against players.

Gamers are poised to embark on an odyssey through the enigmatic depths of the Indigo Deep, venturing into uncharted domains that have remained unseen in FF14. The central enigma revolves around the search for the "legendary gates of a city of gold," whether these gates represent a tangible location or hold deeper symbolic significance remains shrouded in intrigue.

Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail’s New Jobs

Dawntrail is set to introduce two fresh professions to the FF14 world, although their specific identities remain a mystery. During his North American Fan Fest presentation, Yoshida maintained an air of secrecy, refraining from revealing these new roles prematurely. However, he did provide a hint while confirming that one will be a melee DPS and the other a ranged caster DPS.

Additionally, the expansion adheres to tradition by raising the level cap, transitioning players from Endwalker to Dawntrail. This shift elevates FF14's level cap from 90 to 100, granting players access to ten additional levels of battle abilities. This expansion of capabilities will undoubtedly lead to the emergence of innovative strategies in the game.

Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail trailers

Teaser Trailer:

What platforms will Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail be released for?

Final Fantasy 14 is currently accessible on Mac, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Windows PC. At FanFest, Square Enix CEO Takashi Kiryu, Yoshida, and Xbox head Phil Spencer confirmed the impending release of an Xbox Series X version, expected in spring 2024. Notably, this Xbox version will feature cross-play compatibility with other editions of the game. While it's a logical assumption that the Dawntrail expansion will become available across all existing platforms, no official confirmation has surfaced as of September 2023.

When will Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail be released?

Square Enix has confirmed that FF14 Dawntrail is set to debut in the summer of 2024, although the exact date remains unspecified. During the keynote, Yoshida expressed his desire to release the expansion "as early as possible," but he advised fans to keep in mind that the timeframe is a general reference, allowing for flexibility if the MMO requires additional development time.

Past experiences suggest that delays, if any, tend to be relatively short. The first three FF14 expansions all launched in June or July, while Endwalker experienced a minor delay, originally slated for November but releasing on December 3, 2021.

Regarding pricing, it is highly probable that FF14 Dawntrail will be priced at $59.99 upon launch, consistent with previous expansions. However, Square Enix has yet to provide official confirmation. Additionally, players will continue to require the $12.99 monthly subscription fee and will need to own the Shadowbringers and Endwalker expansions.