Square Enix trademarks the term “Shadowbringers.” It is speculated that this could be the name of the next expansion for Final Fantasy XIV.
In connection with the current anniversary event, the FFXIV community is hotly debating what the next expansion of the MMORPG will bring. Fans dissect every hint and new piece of information. They hope to learn what jobs or story twists could be coming next.
The official announcement of the next FFXIV expansion is expected in November at the Fan Fest in Las Vegas, as was the case with Heavensward and Stormblood.
However, there are several reasons to believe that the new trademarked name “Shadowbringers” thematically fits the next expansion of Final Fantasy XIV.
The hints are piling up
- The story of FFXIV takes a dark turn in Patch 4.3:
In the latest content patch of Final Fantasy XIV, players experienced several surprises. A long-since presumed dead and forgotten NPC reappeared and referred to himself as “Shadowhunter.” A name that originated from the fact that he had successfully managed to kill several Ascians for good. As proof, their masks were attached to his belt.
The storyline is now seemingly finally turning toward the main antagonists of Final Fantasy XIV, the Ascians. Since the main objectives of the Ascians are the resurrection of the dark deity Zodiark and the spread of darkness in the world, it is not far-fetched to think that they could be referred to as “Shadowbringers.”
- The anniversary event provides hints to further story development:
During the annual anniversary event, an NPC gives hints about how the story of the game could continue. The NPC represents Naoki Yoshida, the head of Final Fantasy XIV.
These hints always come in the form of a short poem and are often ambiguous. This year, however, the message reads quite ominously:
Even in the English version, it is mentioned that due to the actions of the Warrior of Light, events in FFXIV could soon worsen. The Japanese version is even more explicit, stating that the Hero of Light will plunge the world into darkness after the “defeat of Stormblood.
- The timing is right:
The securing of trademark rights for the expansions “Heavensward” and “Stormblood” occurred around the same time in 2014 and 2016 as the trademark for “Shadowbringers” is now.
It is still early for speculation, as the expansion itself is not expected to be officially announced until Fan Fest in Las Vegas in November. However, the name “Shadowbringers” would fit well with the course of the story of FFXIV and the clues left behind.
Meanwhile, the crossover between Final Fantasy XIV and Monster Hunter: World is in full swing. Here you can find our guide to the Rathalos fight (hard):
Rathalos EX: Guide to the new hard trial in Final Fantasy XIV
