In the 11 years sinceFinal Fantasy 14was relaunched, the critically acclaimed MMORPG has taken strides to make the game accessible to as many players as possible. In each major content update forFinal Fantasy 14, Square Enix strives to improve or outright overhaul some features long considered outdated or forgotten.
In mid-November,Final Fantasy 14will release Patch 7.1, Crossroads, the first major content update sinceDawntrail’s July launch. The release window means thatFinal Fantasy 14players should circle November 12 and 19 on their calendars, as those are the most likely dates for the patch to drop. Between two new Alliance Raid challenges, the Futures Rewritten (Ultimate) eight-player raid, and some loose ends fromDawntrail’s main story being tied up, the Crossroads update has a breadth of features for level 100 players to enjoy. However, for players who have been hesitant to tryFinal Fantasy 14, or returning adventurers looking to get back into the game, Patch 7.1 will offer two neat ways to bring them up to speed.
The Hall of the Novice Is Getting Much-Needed Attention
The Hall of the Novice is intended to teach newFinal Fantasy 14players how to fulfill their party rules. Like other MMOs such asWorld of Warcraft,Final Fantasy 14uses the Tank, Healer, and DPS trinity to determine what roles a specific Job can play. For example,the White Mage is a Healerthat can quickly mend wounds with Cure and Medica, or use offensive spells like Glare and Holy to help their team finish a fight faster. Players who complete the tutorials for at least one Role will be awarded a Brand-New Ring that grants bonus experience to all Jobs level 30 and under.
However, asFinal Fantasy 14began incorporating more mechanics, each with different visual markers, the Hall of the Novice failed to keep up with its intended purpose. Starting with Patch 7.1,the Hall of the Novice will get a much-needed refresher. Once the Crossroads update goes live, players at level 49 or higher can access a new, optional tutorial focused on various visual markers that appear in higher-level instances.
Of all the mechanics that newerFinal Fantasy 14players often mess up, the “stack marker” is among the most common. This attack divides its damage proportionate to the number of players standing on it, so taking it alone may result in a player getting knocked out. In addition to stacks, some markers that require players to spread out across the arena, or are intended for certain roles such as Tanks, will also be taught in the updated Hall of the Novice. A new reward will be offered upon completion, but what that is remains to be seen.
The Duty Support System Will Include Non-Story Dungeons
Along with the updated Hall of the Novice, Patch 7.1 will expand the pool of dungeons that players can run with up to three NPC companions via the Duty Support system. This system was designed forFinal Fantasy 14players who wish to complete some story content by themselves, or for players who may have some anxieties interacting with others. As an evolution of the Trust system introduced inShadowbringers,the Duty Support system was expanded throughoutEndwalkerto include dungeons fromA Realm Reborn,Heavensward, andStormblood.
As of Patch 7.05, every dungeon required for main story progress can be completed via Duty Support.Patch 7.1 will add optional dungeons to the Duty Support system, starting with the level 20 dungeon called Halatali. With Duty Support functionality added, Halatali’s boss fights will subsequently be altered and may include more streamlined mechanics for players to puzzle out. While more optional dungeons will be added to Duty Support over time, only time will tell what those will be.
Final Fantasy 14 (2010)
WHERE TO PLAY
Begin your adventure in FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm RebornCreate your very own Warrior of Light and embark upon a quest to deliver the land from an eternity of Darkness.Take to the skies in FINAL FANTASY XIV: HeavenswardTake your first steps in the reclusive nation of Ishgard, locked in a seemingly never-ending struggle with dragons.Rekindle the fires of hope in FINAL FANTASY XIV: StormbloodJourney to the East and rise up against the might of the Garlean Empire.Become the darkness in FINAL FANTASY XIV: ShadowbringersTravel to a world where light ushers all unto oblivion. But hope is not yet lost, for where there is light there is shadow.Journey to the very stars above in FINAL FANTASY XIV: EndwalkerA great calamity has been building - a second advent of the Final Days. The Warrior of Light must journey ever higher and stand firm as hope’s last bastion.Set forth for new horizons in FINAL FANTASY XIV: DawntrailBlue seas, clear skies, and boundless possibilities await! Explore uncharted territories with familiar faces as hope’s light dawns once more.
