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Anyone who’s been on board Square Enix’s most profitable MMO to date knows that the latest expansion ended a 10-year-old narrative. It saw the final showdown between Zodiark and Hydaelyn and even added a few universe-ending threats thrown into the mix. However, not 0nly did it give us closure, but it allowed us to breathe deeply and relax for a minute. At least before the Post-Endwalker content for FFXIV arrived, while it wasn’t so bad, the story didn’t live up to many players’ expectations. Yet, despite that, the content updates the MMO has received make this the ideal time to join adventurers in Eorzea and beyond.
Why The Post-Endwalker Content for FFXIV Didn’t Feel Right
Whenever there’s a new expansion in FFXIV, the developers put together a fantastic story that usually makes room for the next big patch as time goes on. This happens between patches x.1 to x.5 of every expansion. However, the story from 6.1 to 6.5 felt more like filler anime episodes. Yes, Zero was fantastic, and traveling to another world full of voidsents was interesting, but it didn’t grab me.
What I think was the main culprit here was the lack of serious stakes during the adventure. Let’s face it: most of us have been fighting to save the world for years. We’ve faced Ascians and Primals and even traveled to the end of the universe to stop it from being destroyed. So, you can imagine that after receiving the promise of relaxation, we would get that. Nope. Instead, we got another threat in the shape of Golbez, his team of elemental goons, and a rescue mission in another world.
While it isn’t bad, the team behind FFXIV has always had pacing issues, and that’s how these patches felt. Yes, the trials and dungeons were mindblowing, but what else is there if you’re not connected to the story? This is what’s made the MMO stand out from others, and it dropped the ball a bit. Thankfully, this was just a rough patch because the MSQ of 6.55, while short, gave everyone that glimmer of hope and promise of adventure we were all waiting for.
Onto Gilded Lands
Everyone knows right now about Dawntrail, which is the expansion that comes after the Post-Endwalker content of FFXIV. This time, we’re traveling to a place full of South American vibes with a few cyberpunk buildings thrown into the mix because, well, it’s a Final Fantasy staple, and it finally feels like a new adventure.
This time, there isn’t an imminent threat you have to stop. You don’t have to wait months to travel to another world to see what happened to your companions. No, sir. Instead, it’s just you, your friends, and a new, lovable character traveling to the golden coasts of Tural. It finally feels like we’re living behind all the chaos, the danger, and the high-stakes missions to have the summer vacation arc we’ve been waiting for, and oddly enough, that’s how the developers describe the new expansion will feel.
No Time Like the Present
Despite my complaints and criticism toward the latest Post-Endwalker content of FFXIV, I firmly believe now’s the best time to become a member of this MMO. While the story lost its focus, the gameplay didn’t. Post-Endwalker patches had some of the most significant changes to the game in years. You can now tackle all the MSQ alone with NPCs who join you in certain instances. Besides, there’s now a fun PvP mode with a type of battle pass that doesn’t require you to spend a dime other than your subscription. And, if that wasn’t enough, the free trial includes everything up to Stormblood.
Furthermore, I recommend jumping into the game before Dawntrail arrives before Yoshi-P claims they are approaching the new expansion with a Realm Reborn mentality, which is how they revived the once-failed MMO. This is exciting because, beyond the new area, two new DPS jobs, and side activities, the game is getting a facelift. After years of using the same graphical style, it is getting its new upgrade soon, and seeing the difference will make everyone appreciate it more.
Also, and this is important, this Final Fantasy game has the longest story out there, and that makes sense; as we said, the Endwalker arc concluded a 10-year-old plot, so you better start tackling the story with time.
Welcome to Eorzea
As someone who has played MMOs all his life, there’s no other one that brings a smile to my face the way that FFXIV does. After years, I’ve come to terms with its pacing and post-expansion issues because I know the team is always preparing something grander for us. And now, I’ve returned to the game to level up my last jobs, get a bit of gil, and prepare my glamour sets for my travels. Because I don’t know about you, but I could use a vacation in Tural. And, if you’re a new player, why not join us in this new beginning for one of the most engaging MMOs out there?
