The MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV is getting not only a new expansion but also a graphics update. At the fan festival in Las Vegas, the development team from Square Enix showcased initial comparison images between the old and new graphics. However, the graphics update requires a higher hardware standard on PC.
What is the problem? Many players have been able to play for years with their current PC setup without making any modifications to the PC. However, the improved graphics now require more performance, meaning the requirements for their own computers are increasing.
Some fans are not happy about this, as they now have to upgrade their PCs specifically for Final Fantasy XIV. One player writes, for example, that he would just meet the minimum requirements with his current computer (RX 580 and Ryzen 5 1600). (via reddit.com)
How Final Fantasy XIV will look after the graphics update can be admired in the following video:
By lowering some settings, many players might already be able to enjoy the new graphics with some compromises. A fan is alternatively considering in the same thread whether the Steam Deck would be a possible alternative.
Other players, however, are left out in the cold, as they play on a laptop that no longer meets the requirements and cannot simply be upgraded. Some are therefore glad that they are playing on the PS5 and do not have to worry.
What do the developers say about it? Producer Naoki Yoshida knows that many players have to upgrade their PCs. However, he remains positive and explains during the announcement that the upgrade would have a significant advantage:
We do not want to force anyone to get a super high-spec PC, but we think that upgrading to this level would also be helpful when playing other games. Those of you who need it should think about upgrading your system by next summer; that would be fantastic.
Yoshida recommends upgrading not only for Final Fantasy XIV but also for other games. That the producer himself is enthusiastic about other titles has already been proven during a live stream with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
The new system requirements at a glance
What are the new requirements? The recommended system requirement before the graphics update will become the minimum requirement after the update. Players will then need at least an i7-6700 processor and a “GTX 970” or “RX 480” graphics card.
Minimum requirements:
- CPU: Intel Core i7-6700 or higher
- Memory: 8 GB
- Storage Space: 140 GB or more on HDD
- Graphics Card:
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or higher
- AMD RADEON RX 480 or higher
- Screen Resolution: 1280 x 720
Recommended settings:
- CPU: Intel Core i7-9700 or higher
- Memory: 16 GB
- Storage Space: 140 GB or more on SSD
- Graphics Card:
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 or higher
- AMD RADEON RX 5600 XT or higher
- Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080
When is the update coming? The graphics update will be released along with the Dawntrail expansion in summer 2024. It will bring improved character models, shadows, lighting, weather effects, object density, and much more.
All about the announcement of Dawntrail can be read on MeinMMO: Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail – New expansion of the MMORPG aims to send the Warriors of Light on vacation
