Controversial Change in Stormblood Dungeon Infuriates Final Fantasy 14 Fans

Highlights

Final Fantasy 14 fans are upset about the removal of the ghost transformation mechanic in the Drowned City of Skalla dungeon due to the expansion of the Duty Support system.

With the implementation of the Duty Support system, players are now able to complete the Main Scenario with minimal assistance, significantly reducing the need for party members. However, this change has led to alterations in the mechanics of Skalla and other dungeons.

The decision to remove the ghost transformation feature in Skalla was deemed essential, yet it has left some fans feeling disheartened since this element was cherished for its distinctiveness and amusement within the dungeon.

Final Fantasy 14 fans are disappointed that the Drowned City of Skalla dungeon no longer includes a mechanic that turns them into ghosts. This alteration was implemented as part of the expansion of the Duty Support system in Final Fantasy 14.

In the latest update, Patch 6.5, titled "Growing Light," Final Fantasy 14 introduced various additions such as a new chapter for the Main Scenario quest, the conclusion of the Myths of the Realm raid, and content for the Island Sanctuary. However, one of the significant changes is the completion of the Duty Support system throughout the entire Stormblood, allowing players to complete the Main Scenario of Final Fantasy 14 mostly by themselves.

Unfortunately, there were downsides to this change. The Drowned City of Skalla, like other dungeons in the Final Fantasy 14 Duty Support system, underwent alterations. Towards the end of the dungeon, players had to cross a series of chasms to reach the final boss. Previously, they would step on a glyph that transformed them into a zangbeto, a large ghostly creature found in the dungeon, and fly across. Now, defeating each group of enemies simply creates a bridge instead.

This was not the only change made to dungeons in the Final Fantasy 14 patch. Adjustments were also made to encounters in Skalla, The Burn, and the Ghimlyt Dark to make them less frustrating. The dungeons themselves have mostly remained the same, although Hien and Yugiri no longer appear as NPCs in the fights since they are now Duty Support characters. As a result, Lyse always uses the Limit Break on the Magitek giant near the end of the dungeon. This is unfortunate, as Hien was the only one with a unique Limit Break animation out of the three candidates that would previously be randomly chosen for the role.

The decision to switch to Skalla is understandable given the circumstances. Programming the NPCs to use the ghost form was likely a difficult task, especially considering the consequences of the buff wearing off while players are over the chasm. Furthermore, some players grew frustrated with the slow movement of the ghost form as the novelty wore off. However, many fans are disappointed by the removal of what they considered to be a unique and enjoyable aspect of the dungeon, especially since the NPCs could have simply teleported across, as seen in previous dungeons.

Regardless, the revisions made to the Drowned City of Skalla align with Final Fantasy 14's contemporary and streamlined design approach. Players must cherish their fond memories of the jiggling ghosts while they anxiously await more information about the Dawntrail expansion.

Final Fantasy 14 is available now for PC, PS4, and PS5, with an Xbox Series X/S version launching in Spring 2024.