It’s been a wild ride for Square Enix’s Final Fantasy XIV. Ever since its revival in 2013 with director Naoki “Yoshi-P” Yoshida at the helm, the MMORPG has only gone on the up in terms of the quality of its content, as well as popularity in the MMO market.
The latest upcoming update, Patch 5.3, will introduce a slew of new current content for the latest expansion, Shadowbringers, on 11 August. This includes more story quests, class/job balances, new weapons and updates to current and previous raids. More importantly, it will also streamline the quest and leveling content for the base game, A Realm Reborn, as well as increase the level cap for the free-to-play trial from 35 to 60.
Speaking of the free trial, content for such has been expanded upon significantly, allowing new players who want to try FFXIV out to go through content up to patch 3.56, or in lay man’s terms, the entirety of the game’s first expansion, Heavensward. This includes story quests, 24-player alliance raids, and all other side content included up to said patch.
Additionally, free trial players will also be able to access DLC-only jobs in the Machinist, Astrologian and Dark Knight, as well as be able to play as the draconic Au Ra race. If this isn’t a bargain, we don’t know what is.
Also, at some point during the main story of the 5.3 patch, players will also be prompted to complete the alliance raid The Crystal Tower in order to advance the main story. While we won’t divulge exactly why this is necessary (because the FFXIV community is particularly sensitive about spoilers), let’s just say it’s directly tied to the events of the Shadowbringers expansion and the coming update.
Other updates include the introduction of the second installment of the Nier Automata collaboration level 80 raid, as well as the limited-time level 80 Unreal trial featuring Shiva in the Akh Afah Ampitheater.
Marion has a serious RPG addiction. Sometimes it bleeds into real life; he forgets to sleep because he thinks he has a Witcher’s body clock. Forgive him in advance if he suddenly blurts out terms such as “Mind Flayer” and “Magic Missile”, because never once does he stop thinking about his next Dungeons & Dragons game.
Si Jia
