Highlights
Final Fantasy 14's upcoming graphics update in Dawntrail is adding incredible depth and fidelity to models and textures.
The Dawntrail expansion introduces thrilling new content such as a fresh continent, two additional occupations, an elevated level limit, and system enhancements. These exciting updates were unveiled at the first in-person Fan Festival after a long hiatus of nearly five years.
The graphical enhancements in Final Fantasy 14's Dawntrail update surpass the initial development images and are anticipated to surpass the original 1.0 graphics, providing players with a significantly enhanced visual experience.
Final Fantasy 14 recently unveiled impressive footage of the upcoming graphics update in Dawntrail. This upgrade brings greater depth to the models, textures, and overall graphical quality, offering players a fresh perspective on Final Fantasy 14.
At the first in-person Fan Festival in nearly five years, a wealth of new information about Final Fantasy 14 and the Dawntrail expansion was revealed. This significant update introduces a captivating new continent with numerous challenges and mysteries, two additional job options, an enhanced level cap, and various system enhancements.
One of the most highly anticipated features of Dawntrail is the graphics update. Final Fantasy 14 showcased the progress it has made in improving the visuals, which were first introduced nearly two years ago. In the keynote address, director and producer Naoki Yoshida unveiled a comparison between the original and Dawntrail versions of character models, gear, and environments. The updated graphics feature shiny and reflective metal, smooth and captivating faces, and vibrant and abundant grass and flowers.
Last year, when Final Fantasy 14 initially introduced the graphics update, it shared a few screenshots showcasing the desired changes in character models and environments. However, the recently unveiled footage surpasses the early development images by a wide margin. It appears that the new fidelity of Final Fantasy 14 will finally surpass the notoriously poor optimization of the original 1.0 graphics, which were hindered by overly complex models for games of that era.
Of course, the increased graphical fidelity of Final Fantasy 14 results in higher minimum and recommended system requirements for PC. While most computers should still be able to run the game, players are advised to obtain any necessary upgrades before the release of Dawntrail next summer. The PS4 client will continue to function properly and will receive support for the foreseeable future. Additionally, the recently-announced Xbox Series X/S version of Final Fantasy 14 will be available in Spring, prior to the expansion's launch.
Dawntrail presents itself as an exhilarating new chapter in Final Fantasy 14 that offers the ultimate summer getaway. Departing from the serious atmosphere of Endwalker, Dawntrail brings forth a thrilling expansion filled with exploration, adventure, and intrigue throughout Tural, the continent known to Eorzea as the New World. More details about Dawntrail will be unveiled at the London Fan Festival on October 21 and the final convention in Tokyo in early 2024.
Final Fantasy 14 can be enjoyed on PC, PS4, and PS5, with an Xbox Series X version set to release in Spring 2024.