Final Fantasy XIV is one of the most popular MMOs in the world, and the game is getting a huge new update before the end of the year in the form of an expansion pack. Titled Endwalker, the expansion pack will introduce a whole host of new content including new jobs, dungeons, and locations, so if you’re currently taking a break from the game, now is the perfect time to get back into it.
Now, you’re no doubt excited to learn about all the new content Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker is going to offer, so let’s jump straight into things.
Brand new story content
Endwalker will follow on from the events of Shadowbringers, the previous expansion pack, ultimately bringing the Zodiark and Hydaelyn storylines to a close. Not a lot of details have been released yet, but rest assured that the story is going to be thrilling, exciting and emotional like never before with the Warriors of Light facing their biggest ever challenge. Game patches introduced after Endwalker’s launch will introduce new storylines to FFXIV, so you also have that to look forward to down the line.
One last thing to note: if you want to play through all the new Endwalker story content at launch, be sure to play through the main story and previous expansions beforehand, otherwise you won’t have access to it yet. We wouldn’t want you to miss out.
New locations to explore
New story content implies new locations to explore, and Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker will not disappoint. You’ll get to visit Thavnair and the city of Radz-at-Han, the imperial capital of Garlemand, and even a new region known as Mare Lamentorum that’s located on the moon! It’s suspected that the new Loporrit tribe will reside in Mare Lamentorum, so expect to come across many cute bunny-like creatures hopping about when you explore that region.
From wastelands and tropical islands to bases on the surface of the moon, there are a bunch of new areas filled with all kinds of new content, so be sure to explore them all.
New jobs
Two exciting new jobs are being added to FFXIV: Sage and Reaper. Sage is a healer role that will allow you to provide invaluable support to your teammates during fights, and Reaper is a melee DPS role that lets you mow down enemies with a powerful scythe. Both Sages and Reapers will have unique abilities for you to take advantage of, so if you’re itching for new fighting mechanics, why not give the new jobs a go? Who knows, maybe one of the jobs will become your new favourite.
Unfortunately, if you're a tank, there aren't any new jobs for you this time around, but don’t worry as you’re not missing out entirely! With the release of Endwalker, many existing jobs will receive changes and new abilities, so you're guaranteed some new content associated with your preferred tank role.
Also, lastly, it’s worth noting that both the Sage and Reaper jobs will start at level 70, taking away the need for you to painstakingly grind up all the way from level 1. You’ll be able to jump straight into the new content with the new jobs without having to worry about being under-levelled.
New dungeons and raid
Endwalker wouldn’t be a new Final Fantasy XIV expansion without the addition of new dungeons and trials, so expect plenty of those at launch. For the more experienced players out there, there’s also going to be a new high-end raid added called Pandæmonium, so if you’re looking for a truly difficult challenge, you’re going to get one. It’s looking like it’s going to be the most brutal raid yet, so you’re going to need a team of the most skilled players around if you want any hope of succeeding.
Level cap increase
As with every other expansion, the level cap will once again be increasing with the release of Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker, this time from 80 to 90. With so much new content being added to the game, it only makes sense to expand the progression system and give players the chance to level up their characters further. New and more powerful gear will also become available to you as you level up, so get ready to upgrade your loadout and be stronger than ever before.
A new place to call home
Now, let’s briefly talk about the new housing area called Empyreum that is being added to FFXIV. Purchasing a house and customizing it how you see fit is a big part of the game for many players, so it’s great to see new homes being made available in a fantastic new location.
At Endwalker’s launch, players will only be able to explore Empyreum, but the next patch in early 2022 will see plots become available for players to purchase.
Island Sanctuary
Lastly, let’s talk about Island Sanctuary, which is supposed to be a new kind of casual solo experience that’s releasing as part of the Endwalker update. Players will have access to their own unique islands where they'll be able to tend to crops, raise animals, and just relax a bit. It sounds a lot like something out of Stardew Valley, but hey, if it's going to be anything like that excellent game, then it's sure to be a boatload of fun.
And so much more…
We’ve only covered the major things coming with the Endwalker update but know that there’s still a bunch more stuff coming that we didn’t get the chance to cover in this article, including new gear, items, and even a new elephant-like tribe.
There isn’t long left until launch, so if you love Final Fantasy XIV and are excited to try out all the new content, then get ready to download the Endwalker expansion when it releases on December 7th, 2021. Fingers crossed it doesn't get delayed again!