The upcomingFinal Fantasy 14Patch 7.1, titled “Crossroads,” will introduce several solo-friendly features, including enhancements to the Duty Support system, which lets players complete story dungeons alongside NPC allies. Producer and Director Naoki Yoshida shared details about Patch 7.1 during the broadcast, confirming that support for non-main scenario dungeons like Halatali will beadded to the Duty Support system.
While these improvements are a major step for solo players, there’s a key change Square Enix could implement to make the Duty Support system inFinal Fantasy 14even more accessible: allowing multiplayer compatibility within the system. Expanding the system to allow small groups of friends to team up with NPCs would elevate the experience even further.
Enhancing Player Flexibility with Customizable Party Sizes
One potential improvement toFinal Fantasy 14’sDuty Support systemwould be to allow more customization in party composition, similar toWorld of Warcraft’sDragonflight Follower Dungeons. This system scales from 1 to 4 players, letting participants fill in party gaps with NPC companions. Implementing a similar feature inFinal Fantasy 14would allow two players to team up with NPCs, reducing the pressure that comes with roles like tanking or healing, especially for players who experience anxiety in high-pressure situations.
For some players, particularly those with social anxiety or uncertainty about the game’s mechanics, diving into fast-paced dungeons with strangers can be overwhelming. A customizable Duty Support system would give them the opportunity to learn mechanics with a friend, offering a supportive environment without the pressure to perform perfectly for unfamiliar teammates. With NPCs filling the remaining slots, they could take their time, focus on mastering each mechanic, and coordinate strategies without the fear of letting down a random party.
For example, in anFF14dungeon like The Vault—where boss mechanics can be punishing, and the healer’s ability to manage incoming damage is critical—having an NPC tank to balance out the party would allow players to ease into their roles together. They could communicate openly, make mistakes, and learn from them without the stress of being hurried along by more experienced players in a PUG. The combination of NPCs and familiar friends would offer a safe space for experimentation and growth.
Accessibility for Time-Constrained Final Fantasy 14 Players
Customizing party sizes inFinal Fantasy 14’sDuty Support system would alsobenefit players with limited gaming time. Instead of waiting in potentially long queues to form a full party, two friends could jump into a dungeon with NPCs, significantly reducing wait times. This would make it easier for players who can only log in for short sessions to complete content quickly and efficiently. Producer and Director Naoki Yoshida has often highlightedFinal Fantasy 14as a game that players can enjoy even if they only have a couple of hours to spare, and this change would further support that philosophy by making dungeons more accessible to time-constrained players.
Why This Change Could Improve the Game’s Accessibility
Making the Duty Support system more multiplayer-friendly would not only cater to players who enjoy small-group content but also enhance the game’s accessibility for newcomers and veterans alike. Allowing twoplayers to join forces withFinal Fantasy 14’s NPCswould bridge the gap between solo play and traditional multiplayer content, giving players more control over their dungeon experience.
This in a way could also help smaller friend groups join in the fun together. With amarriage system added toFinal Fantasy 14, it could even be a way for romantic couples to connect through their gaming endeavors.Final Fantasy 14is already one of the most player-friendly MMOs out there. Such a customizable system would only help create it to be even more so.
