Square Enix's Final Fantasy 14 director, Yoshi-P, acknowledges the game's post-Dawntrail imperfections, but he sees Patch 7.3 as ushering in a fresh start for the MMO.
In an interview with Famitsu, director Naoki "Yoshi-P" Yoshida revealed plans for a significant reset with Patch 7.3, aiming to address major current issues and improve the player experience in Final Fantasy 14. Yoshida acknowledged that the game is not in a perfect state after the Dawntrail expansion and has apologised for quality issues linked to revised development processes.
The upcoming patch will conclude the Dawntrail story arc and mark a phase focused on solving player concerns and implementing solid changes moving forward. Patch 7.3 is set to be a "new starting point" for the game's development and narrative.
Improvements in PvP
Patch 7.3 introduces PvP Series 9, ends Series 8, and adds a new Crystalline Conflict map (The Bayside Battleground). General PvP balance adjustments, persistent visual effects for certain buffs, a shortened cooldown for Purify that now costs MP, and new rewards in Trophy Crystals are among the changes aimed at enhancing the PvP experience. Crystalline Conflict will get new competitive ranks above Crystal: Omega and Ultima, with rank promotion and demotion based on earned Crystal Credit. Casual PvP matches will now allow parties of up to two players.
New Content Updates
The fourth Deep Dungeon, Pilgrim's Traverse, is introduced, alongside updates to Cosmic Exploration coming with Patch 7.31. The update also revives Vault One Iron, an area with dangerous monsters and loot, challenging treasure hunters in the game world.
Addressing Player Feedback
While Yoshi-P has hinted at ongoing content plans beyond 7.3, the immediate focus is on addressing player feedback, refining gameplay systems, and restoring quality and engagement that had declined due to prior development challenges. The community remains uncertain about the promised improvements in Patch 7.3 and beyond, with some players expressing skepticism about Yoshi-P's commitment to addressing the current issues in the game.
Future Developments
An Ultimate raid is in development for Final Fantasy 14, but a release date has not been announced. New Final Fantasy 11-inspired characters and raids are being developed for future updates. The new Deep Dungeon is expected to reflect Final Fantasy 14's new philosophy on difficulty. Square Enix, the developers of Final Fantasy 14, took past feedback into account while designing Patch 7.25.
Square Enix is facing "major" challenges with Final Fantasy 14, following fans' feedback. The developers are hoping to announce the dates for the next Fan Festival soon. Despite the challenges, Patch 7.3 marks the start of more concrete changes on the developers' behalf to better players' experiences.
Steam reviews continue to reflect the community's dissatisfaction with the current state of Final Fantasy 14, with the expansion Dawntrail seeing its reviews drop back to "Mostly Negative." Itahana Toshiyuki, the character designer for Final Fantasy 9, has joined Square Enix's Creative Business Unit 3 (CS3).
Patch 7.4 is set to introduce a new variant dungeon. Jokes about the Dawntrail protagonist Wuk Lamat being killed off to add impact to the game's story have circulated, but no official confirmation has been made. The next FanFest details are yet to be announced by Square Enix.
[1] Yoshi-P Interview with Famitsu [2] Final Fantasy 14 Patch 7.3 Official Site [3] Final Fantasy 14 Patch 7.31 Official Site [4] Yoshi-P's Apology for Quality Issues in Final Fantasy 14
- Patch 7.3, aiming to enhance player experience and address major issues in Final Fantasy 14, will also introduce PvP Series 9, new Crystalline Conflict maps, and changes to improve the competitive PvP experience.
- The developers of Final Fantasy 14, Square Enix, have revealed plans for a new Ultimate raid, as well as the creation of new Final Fantasy 11-inspired characters and raids for future updates.
- Patch 7.3 is set to introduce the fourth Deep Dungeon, Pilgrim's Traverse, along with updates to Cosmic Exploration, and the revival of the challenging Vault One Iron.
- Square Enix is hoping to announce the dates for the next Fan Festival soon, acknowledging the "major" challenges and feedback from fans regarding Final Fantasy 14's current state.
- Despite Yoshi-P's commitment to improving the game with Patch 7.3, some players remain skeptical about the promised changes, as reflected in the consecutive negative Steam reviews for the Dawntrail expansion.
