Story Highlights
- At the North American Fan Festival, Final Fantasy 14’s updated system requirements were revealed along with a teaser for the next expansion and various other details.
- Strategy boards will be added to the game moving forward, allowing players to formulate plans in the game rather than using external sites.
- Final Fantasy 14 will finally arrive on Microsoft’s gaming console after almost a decade. It’s set to launch on Xbox Series X|S with the new expansion in Summer 2024.
Final Fantasy 14 has revealed the updated hardware requisites for its first major graphics overhaul. Set to arrive with its next expansion, Dawntrail, the new visuals aim to enhance the overall aesthetic of the game by utilizing improved textures, shadows, and material qualities. Between the new system demands and what was shown during the fan festival, we can deduce that the caliber of this revamp will be positively staggering.
These new requirements are similar to what we see in most modern releases. For perspective, FromSoftware‘s magnum opus, Elden Ring, demanded an eighth-generation Core i7 processor along with a GTX 1070 with 8 GB of VRAM or another equivalent. Required specifications don’t necessarily translate to a similar visual boost but Yoshi-P has shown us examples; explaining how this overhaul will be implemented in Final Fantasy 14.
Graphics updates will be rolled out on a periodic basis, starting with the upcoming expansion in Summer 2024. After that, each part of the game will gradually receive a makeover, starting with A Realm Reborn followed by Heavensward, and so on. Efficient though it may be, this process will create some jarring experiences for players as the visual fidelity between old & new content in FF14 will be clear as day.
Regardless of the temporary setback, fans of Square Enix‘s critically acclaimed MMORPG are rejoicing as they look forward to patch 6.5, and the launch of a new expansion. One factor is the existence of shader programs that are capable of enhancing the visual aesthetic of a given game. While it’s not in the same league as a proper overhaul, it may serve as a temporary source of relief for those not inclined to see obvious differences.
Aside from a visual rework, Final Fantasy 14 seems to be incorporating yet another third-party system. The inclusion of strategy boards will allow players to formulate plans for tackling boss encounters and raids. Till now, the raiding community has used external sites to create these using various graphics and assets. Seeing the implementation of such a system in the game itself shows promise for the next ten years of the MMO’s life.
Final Fantasy 14 is available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC, and Steam. It’s also arriving on Xbox Series X|S in Summer 2024.
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