14 DAY TRIAL // One of the most successful MMORPGs in the last year or so, Final Fantasy XIV will receive some important improvements in the coming months, developer Square Enix revealed this week. Not only that, but the Japanese studio vouched to provide regular updates for the critically acclaimed game for the next 10 years.
During the latest Letter from the Producer live broadcast, Producer and Director Naoki Yoshida highlighted some of the most important additions coming to the game. Beginning in the upcoming Patch 6.1, Yoshida announced that the in-game Trust System, which currently allows players to tackle select main scenario dungeons with a party of NPC comrades, will be further expanded.
The feature is meant to allow players to enjoy the story at their own pace, without needing to seek out a party of fellow players. Additionally, the upcoming update, which is currently set for release in April, will see the Trust System implemented for all the main scenario dungeons of A Realm Reborn, with more to be added at a later date.
Also, to support new players and those seeking a single-player experience further, several low-level main scenario dungeons and trials will be adjusted to support an accessible, solo-play experience.
More importantly, Yoshida confirmed work is underway to begin the game’s first graphical update, with the first enhancements aiming to be implemented with the launch of the next expansion pack, and more to follow.
The studio plans to add improvements for both character and world visuals, as well as higher-resolution textures, enhanced material qualities, and better lighting and shadow effects. Last but not least, a partial roadmap of new content planned for upcoming patches was also announced.
Although the recent release of the Endwalker expansion brought an end to the Hydaelyn and Zodiark saga, a wealth of new adventures and challenges will still be coming for players, including new main scenario questlines, new quests and dailies, new trials, Trust System improvements, additional areas and much more.
In other news, Square Enix announced that the Final Fantasy XIV Online free trial is scheduled to reopen new user registration beginning February 22, following its suspension to help combat server congestion around the launch of Endwalker.
The expanded Free Trial now includes all content from A Realm Reborn and the Heavensward expansion, as well as an additional playable race (Au Ra), and three additional playable jobs (Dark Knight, Astrologian, and Machinist). Also, there’s no limit on playtime.