Square Enix's highly anticipated Final Fantasy XIV expansion, Dawntrail, has finally received a release date. During the recent PAX East event, Producer and Director Naoki Yoshida unveiled that early access for Dawntrail will commence on June 28, 2024, followed by the full release on July 2, 2024.
Pre-orders for Dawntrail will open on March 26, 2024, at 9 AM PDT, GMT, and JST. This provides eager fans with an opportunity to secure their copies and gain access to the early access period. Steam pre-orders will have a global start time at 9 AM PDT.
To complement the release, Square Enix has prepared enticing Collector's Editions for both physical and in-game content. The physical Collector's Edition features a Viper Job figure, a beautifully illustrated realm map, a journal to document your adventures, and a vintage-style pen case. The box itself showcases an artwork by Yoshitaka Amano.
For in-game enthusiasts, the Collector's Edition offers exclusive items. An Ark mount, accompanied by the adorable Wind-up Garnet Minion. Express your style with the Chocobo Brush, a cosmetic weapon that adds flair to your character's appearance.
In addition to the Collector's Editions, players who pre-order Dawntrail will receive addtional bonuses. A Wind-Up Zidane Minion and Azeyma's Earrings, which provide a 30% experience boost up to level 90.
Furthermore, Final Fantasy XIV and Final Fantasy XVI fans can look forward to an exciting crossover event, scheduled between April 2 and May 8, 2024.
Yoshida emphasized the development team's commitment to evolving Final Fantasy XIV as an MMORPG. The expansion will introduce refined multiplayer gameplay, expanded large-scale duties, a more fulfilling gaming experience, improved rewards, and exhilarating and original elements in battles. The aim is to encourage strategic thinking and risk-taking among players, ensuring that the game remains engaging and captivating.
Furthermore, Square Enix has plans to increase the rewards offered to players by approximately 1.5 times the current amount by patch 7.3-ish. This commitment to enhancing the player experience exemplifies the company's dedication to providing a rewarding and enjoyable journey within the game.
Yoshida also revealed that the development team is actively considering the long-term future of Final Fantasy XIV, envisioning what the game will look like even beyond the forthcoming version 8.0.