Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward
News, coverage and analysis tracking Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward across the outlets.
Final Fantasy 14 receives first Nintendo Switch 2 gameplay trailerSquare Enix has released the first gameplay trailer for Final Fantasy XIV on the Nintendo Switch 2, following its announcement at the recent Fan Festival. The trailer showcases footage of the MMORPG running on the upcoming console, which is slated for an August release. The game's director has also commented on the expected frame rate performance.
FFXIV Y’shtola Nendoroid Appears Ahead of Emet-Selch, Haurchefant, and YotsuyuGood Smile Company and Square Enix have announced new Nendoroid figures for Final Fantasy XIV characters, with Y’shtola Rhul pre-orders opening now. Figures for Emet-Selch, Haurchefant Greystone, and Yotsuyu Brutus are also planned. The Y’shtola figure, depicting her Shadowbringers attire, will release in Japan in November 2026 and worldwide in Q2 2027.
"Kefka is the ultimate troll": Final Fantasy 14's top raiders are being hoodwinked by a returning JRPG icon proving to be the most annoying Ultimate boss yetThe new Kefka-themed Ultimate raid in Final Fantasy XIV is proving to be an exceptionally challenging and troll-filled experience for top raiders. Players are amused by Kefka's deceptive mechanics, including a fake 'Complete' cutscene and a vanishing chest, which have led to the fight being humorously dubbed 'UMAD'. The raid's difficulty and unique trolling elements are generating significant community discussion and memes during the world's first race.
Once cruelly stolen away, FF14's ultra-cute otter backpack is finally returning for goodThe highly anticipated Senor Otter Pack cosmetic item for Final Fantasy XIV is returning permanently with the Make It Rain 2026 event, which begins May 29. This event, celebrating the Manderville Gold Saucer, will also feature a Senor Otter minion and a 50% boost to Gold Saucer Points earned. The item was previously distributed erroneously in patch 7.5 and subsequently removed.
Final Fantasy 14's newest expansion name almost broke the series' 12-year tradition as Yoshi-P 'really…Final Fantasy XIV director and producer Naoki Yoshida revealed several rejected names for the MMORPG's expansions, including 'Absolute Zero' for the upcoming 'Evercold'. While the team often favored compound words for expansion titles, Yoshida explored alternatives like 'World's End' for Endwalker and 'Darkbringer' for Shadowbringers, but ultimately stuck to the established naming convention.
Siliconera’s 2026 Mother’s Day Game Gift GuideSiliconera's 2026 Mother's Day game gift guide offers suggestions for single-player and multiplayer titles, recommending the Nintendo Switch 2 as a versatile and affordable console. Featured games include Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, Hello Kitty Island Adventure with new expansions, the relaxing InKonbini, the deep roguelike Mewgenics, and Monster Hunter Stories 3. The guide also highlights Pokemon Pokopia, Resident Evil Requiem, Bluey the Videogame, and Final Fantasy XIV with its upcoming Evercold expansion.
FFXIV Free Trial Now Includes Shadowbringers ExpansionThe free trial for Final Fantasy XIV now includes the Shadowbringers expansion, in addition to the base game and previous expansions Heavensward and Stormblood. This update allows new players to reach level 80 and access all jobs and races from these expansions. Restrictions on gil, Party Finder, trading, and market board usage remain in place.
Yoshi-P hoped we wouldn't notice, but Final Fantasy 14 Evercold is indeed inspired by Norse mythologyFinal Fantasy XIV director and producer Naoki Yoshida confirmed that the upcoming expansion, Evercold, is inspired by Norse mythology. Elements such as serpent-adorned architecture and frosty settings in the trailer hint at these influences. This follows the game's trend of drawing from various cultures and mythologies for its expansions.
As if Final Fantasy 14's free trial wasn't already generous enough, it now includes the best expansion in the…The free trial for Final Fantasy XIV has been expanded to include the Shadowbringers expansion, allowing players full access to content up to level 70. This update, effective with Patch 7.5, also enables free trial players to unlock races like bunny boys and hrothgals, and participate in Nier-themed alliance raids. Standard free trial limitations such as gil caps, restricted chat, and no access to Free Companies or Party Finder remain in place.
FF14 Evercold's 'Evolved Mode' jobs aren't a replacement, because Yoshi-P remembers what happened to Star Wars GalaxiesFinal Fantasy XIV director Naoki Yoshida discussed the upcoming 'Evolved Mode' for the Evercold expansion, emphasizing it will be an optional alternative to the existing 'Reborn Mode' to avoid alienating the player base. Yoshida cited the unpopular overhaul of Star Wars Galaxies as a cautionary tale, ensuring that established systems will remain supported and viable. The development of Evolved Mode began about a year and a half ago, with battle system planner Hikaru Tamaki playing a key role.
Final Fantasy XIV: Evercold Expansion And Switch 2 Version AnnouncedSquare Enix announced Final Fantasy XIV: Evercold, the next major expansion launching in January 2027, which will include new jobs, a level cap increase to 110, and new content. A version for the Nintendo Switch 2 is also set for August 2026 with a separate subscription. The announcement was made at the Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival 2026 in Anaheim, which also revealed an Evangelion collaboration and a battle system overhaul.
Here's everything in FF14 7.5 shown during Live Letter 92, including the return of Final Fantasy's most sinister villainThe Final Fantasy XIV Live Letter 92 provided a detailed preview of the upcoming Patch 7.5, 'Trail to the Heavens,' launching April 28. The update includes the first part of a new Main Scenario Questline, the conclusion of the Echoes of Vana'diel alliance raid, and the introduction of the new Beastmaster limited job. The presentation also showcased new dungeons, trials, PvP updates, quality-of-life improvements like consolidated dye systems and expanded glamour dresser options, and the return of characters like Zero and Golbez, with a tease of Kefka's involvement.- Wisdom of Nym: What we learned about Final Fantasy XIV’s next patch from the first live letterThe latest Final Fantasy XIV live letter revealed details about upcoming patch content, including the new limited job Beastmaster, which will feature roguelike elements. Other discussed topics include a new trial boss, potential story hints related to Ilsabard and the Void, updates to housing and glamour systems, and dye consolidation. The article also touches on the schedule for future content releases.
Top 5 Best FFXIV ClassesThis guide ranks the top 5 classes in Final Fantasy XIV, an MMORPG known for its flexible job system. The article explains the game's class and job progression, detailing the three main roles: Tank, DPS, and Healer, and highlights specific classes like Dragoon, Paladin, White Mage, Arcanist, and Red Mage as strong choices for players.