Final Fantasy 14 has a new patch called Reflections in Crystal out today with a slew of new changes, including an expansion of the free-to-play content, more locations for flyable mounts, and bringing an end to the Shadowbringers story line that started last year.
Final Fantasy 14’s free-to play aspect has been greatly expanded with patch 5.3. Even with a record number of players in the game Square Enix hopes to expand that number by making it easier for new players of the trial. Max level has been increased with the ability to level up to 60 from the previous 35 limit. Free content for the game has also been expanded and allows players to play through to the Heavensward expansion. In addition, the patch will make quests more streamlined and easier to complete greatly speeding up the leveling up process while not effecting the overall story content.
The content changes were initially scheduled for release earlier in the year but Covid-19 restrictions delayed the original plans, including the cancellation of the game’s FanFest. To substitute, Square has instead released videos detailing the changes. One key change will be granting mounts the ability to fly through location in A Realm Reborn. Players will be able to use their mounts in places like Middle La Noscea, Western Thanalan, and Coerthas Central Highlands. Regarding quests, significant changes have been made to the reward system in the older content, with certain quests being altered or removed all together. Players will be notified in the duty list and journal of these changes if they’ve already accepted the changed quests.
Smaller changes have also been made to the overall game as well. To make navigation easier, all quest objective markers have an elevation indication, making it easier for players to make their way to an objective. With crafting, players can now to use materials found in their inventory to search for crafting recipes using the “Search Recipes Using This Material” option. Doing so will produce a list of recipes associated with the material.
While Square Enix has been busy adding new quests to Final Fantasy 11, some major content is being added to Final Fantasy 14 as well. The inclusion of a new The Heroes’ Gauntlet dungeon, which players can play through together or with NPCs, has been added, and this also include a new eight-player Trial that Square Enix has yet to name. An additional part of the Dark Apocalypse Alliance Raid, named The Puppets’ Bunker, has also been added to the game. Finally, Square has added unique versions of Primal Trials from previous expansions. Called Unreal Trials, These unique twists will change with every additional patch with the current one focusing on Shiva for level 80 players.
Patch 5.3 is a major milestone for Final Fantasy 14 as the game continues to grow in scope with every new patch and expansion with no signs of slowing down. With Square Enix announcing that Marvels Avengers players will have a free upgrade path to next gen versions of the game it’s a wonder what they will have planned for Final Fantasy 14 with next gen on the horizon.
Final Fantasy 14 is out now for PC and PS4.
Source: Final Fantasy 14 Official Site
