The fantasy MMO Final Fantasy XIV: ARR is set to support DX 11 on PC in the upcoming year, in 2015. Additionally, they are revealing what Patch 2.5 will look like, which has been dubbed “Before the Fall”.
In MMOs, developers follow various strategies. Some reveal nothing about their future plans, out of fear of disappointing players if things change. This includes, for example, ArenaNet: What Guild Wars 2 plans for 2015 can only be speculated.
At the other end of the spectrum is Square Enix with Final Fantasy XIV. Here, the plans for 2015 are already very clearly outlined. In spring, the new expansion Heavensward is set to release. At the fan festival in Tokyo, they also outlined the final patch of the “old Final Fantasy XIV”, the 2.5 patch, which will be released in two parts.
In the first part, three new dungeons will be introduced:
- The Keeper of the Lake
- The Hard Mode of The Wanderer’s Palace
- the Hard Mode of Amdapor Keep
Also in the first part: An end to the Hildebrand saga (though they keep that open), new crafting recipes, the main quest continues, and in the raid “Crystal Tower”, the bravest heroes enter the “World of Darkness.” They also hint at more “big surprises”.
In a second part, they will introduce a type of “fun island”, with Chocobo racing, the card game Triple Triad, and other activities. The main story will also come to a conclusion.
With Heavensward, the expansion, Final Fantasy will also offer a DX-11 client that PC players can choose. This brings mirrored floors, better shadows, nicer water effects, and similar improvements. This won’t turn the world upside down, but the difference is noticeable.
Here in a video you can see the changes:
http://youtu.be/lMF91IgrpJg
Learn more about the new expansion Heavensward in this article: Final Fantasy XIV Details, Images, Videos about the expansion Heavensward: New Races and Jobs
