It would not be FFXIV Fan Fest without a major announcement, and Square Enix brought big news with the newest Final Fantasy 14 expansion, Dawntrail.
Announced during the FFXVI Fan Fest keynote, the expansion was shown off with a stunning new trailer that gave eager and excited fans a taste of what the new expansion will bring to the wildly popular MMORPG. Taking to the stage, Final Fantasy 14 director Naoki Yoshida (Yoshi-P) excitedly announced the FFXVI expansion, Dawntrail, along with the statement that he wanted to continue to work on the game “until I die or even afterward.”
The expansion is planned to release alongside the 7.0 update and is looking to release in Summer 2024. Dawntrail looks to bring a wealth of content to the game, including locations and a new story that should draw new and old fans alike to the world of Final Fantasy 14.
With this announcement, Square Enix seems eager to keep the MMO going strong for years to come. Joining previous expansions Heavensward, Stormblood, Shadowbringers, and Endwalker, Dawntrail looks to deliver another meaty storyline for players to sink their teeth into.
If previous expansions are any indication, Dawntrail’s main scenario questline will provide a solid 60-80 hours of new content as players journey to new lands and uncover new mysteries surrounding the Warrior of Light. Rich, cinematic cutscenes and fully voiced characters have been a hallmark of Final Fantasy 14′s story presentation, making each expansion feel like its own full-fledged RPG campaign.
Details are still scarce about Dawntrail’s setting and plot, but loyal Final Fantasy 14 players can expect the same level of care and world-building that has defined the MMO’s previous narrative-driven expansions. With the Hydaelyn/Zodiark saga has reached its conclusion in Endwalker, Dawntrail will kick off a new arc that long-time players and newcomers alike can enjoy as the game continues to cement its status as one of the most story-rich MMOs on the market.
Final Fantasy 14 is available for the PS4, PS5, and PC, and the expansion is in development for a Summer 2024 release. The 2023 FFXIV Fan Festival will be held in Las Vegas between July 28-29, 2023.
