by theygamesThe FF14 7.1 patch notes are here as we prepare to dive into the first major update for the critically acclaimed MMORPG since the launch of its latest expansion. With the continuation of the main story of Dawntrail, the beginning chapter of the FF11 alliance raid, and the start of Allied Society quests for the new zones, there’s already a lot to look forward to, with even more in the months ahead. With the patch notes stretching on seemingly forever, I’ve picked out some of the most important details to pay attention to.
We got an in-depth look at the latest Final Fantasy 14 patch recently, as producer and director Naoki Yoshida dove into the new content headfirst during FF14 Live Letter 84. There’s lots to look forward to, although the highlights are likely to be the continuation of the main scenario quest and the first part of alliance raid Echoes of Vana’diel, which is a special crossover with fellow Square Enix MMORPG Final Fantasy 11.
Of course, that means we already know largely what is coming, so let’s take a quick look through some of the newer reveals. Firstly, the Pelupelu have set up a new base in Kozama’uka (featuring a very welcome additional Aetheryte) to join up with the Hanu Hanu for the combat Allied Society quests.
Up to ten quests can now be displayed in the duty list on-screen at once, although the default setting remains five. You can now also click icons in the duty list to use emotes or open the crafting log for many pre-Dawntrail quests. Additionally, instant portraits have been improved with an option to automatically update them as you change your gear sets.
The number of instances for Shaaloani and Heritage Found has been dropped from three to two, while the other Dawntrail zones are no longer going to be split up, which will mean busier areas overall but far shorter hunt trains than before. Tuliyollal, Solution Nine, and a new zone introduced in 7.1 will all have multiple instances, however.
Weekly gear restrictions are gone on raids in the first tier of The Arcadion, with the exception of the Holoblade weapon component gained in M4 – although you’ll now only need four of these, rather than seven, to exchange towards the item you want. You’ll also now be able to upgrade crafted gear from 710 to 720 at Eirene in Solution Nine using Everkeep Rain, which is bought with Allagan Tomestones of Aesthetics.
While we’re thinking about farming, there are new bicolor gemstone rewards available from Shadowbringers, Endwalker, and Dawntrail FATEs. Wondrous Tails categories have been reworked, and dungeons are now grouped together in larger 20-level brackets, with leveling and high-level dungeons considered separately. This should give you much more choice when doing your weekly check-in with Khloe.
There’s a new base hairstyle (inspired by a design contest entry) along with two more for Viera and two for Hrothgar, and a cocktail-shaking emote. Beyond this, new emote text commands suggest that we’ll be getting the Hanu Hanu’s Ohokaliy emote, along with two more for ‘attend’ and ‘sprinkle water.’ Additionally, a wide selection of emotes have been added to the list you can use while sitting on the ground.
Several more gear sets have also been made gender-neutral, namely the Eastern Lord and Lady sets (both the regular and Errant versions), the Far Eastern Patriarch and Matriarch outfits, and the Nezha Lord and Lady clothing. There are lots of transparency tweaks to items of clothing such as the Bunny Chief Tights, which should now better reflect your character’s underlying skin tone. and many open-toed shoes now have “improved toe detail.”
Due to additional graphical updates, you’ll also be able to claim another free FF14 Fantasia by speaking to the Wandering Moogle in Old Gridania. Note, however, that this will only be obtainable until the launch of patch 7.2, so grab it while you can.
Rounding things out, the ability to change your housing interior has now arrived, while the maximum submersible rank for Free Company voyages has gone up to 125, and there are new nautical maps, areas, and items to look out for. There’s also the ability to have the Scions cheer you on in Mahjong, although interestingly the patch notes state that doing so requires completing the Heavensward main quest
FF14 patch 7.1 ‘Crossroads’ launches on Tuesday November 12. Of course, some parts of the 7.1 patch cycle won’t make an appearance until later on. Most notable among them is the Shadowbringers-based Futures Rewritten Ultimate, the latest addition to the ultimate tier of FF14’s hardest challenge fights, which arrives with patch 7.11 on Tuesday November 26.
Beyond that, the Dawntrail Hildibrand questline, Nitowikwe’s custom deliveries, and additional Wachumeqimeqi quests will be added on Tuesday December 17 in path 7.15, with the Cloud of Darkness chaotic alliance raid landing one week later on Tuesday December 24. Finally, on Tuesday January 21 patch 7.16 will introduce the conclusion to Dawntrail’s role quest series.
Yoshida says that downtime for maintenance won’t last 24 hours with this patch, but you’ll want to keep a close eye on the FF14 server status to ensure you know when you can start playing. If you’re curious to branch out, see what new MMOs are worth your attention in 2024.
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