Final Fantasy XIV‘s updates are anything but minuscule. Following the release of the game’s latest expansion, Shadowbringers, is Patch 5.1 – Vows of Virtue, Deeds of Cruelty. With it comes a sizable amount of content including a new Alliance Raid Dungeon fashioned after the stellar action game NieR: Automata, New Game+ mode, various gameplay adjustments, and lots more. Players will be able to download Patch 5.1 starting October 29th. Below, you’ll see a breakdown of what to expect.
The next chapter following the conclusion of Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers
While credits may have rolled on the main story, Shadowbringers is keeping to the FFXIV tradition of delivering an epilogue to the expansion’s arc. The story pattern for the Heavensward and Stormblood expansions is the main scenario, followed by a lengthy epilogue, then a few chapters dedicated to setting up the next expansion. If Shadowbringers were to follow this trend, Patch 5.1 can possibly help answer some lingering questions that the main story introduced.
A crossover collaboration Alliance Raid featuring NieR: Automata
The new 24-man dungeon coming to FFXIV is called YoRHa: Dark Apocalypse The Copied Factory. It’s inspired after NieR: Automata‘s post-apocalyptic atmosphere and style. Nier series creator Yoko Taro and producer Yosuke Saito are said to have a hand in the collaboration, so it’s safe to say we can expect the full-fledged personality of NieR in this special FFXIV event. Alliance Raids aren’t just fancy, challenging dungeons, however. They also include a lengthy, intricate story to go with them, and players can expect the same treatment for this crossover collaboration.
A new character will also be introduced that goes by the name of 2P, the android who sports the inverse colors of her counterpart 2B, the protagonist of NieR: Automata. From the game’s official site, it’s clear 2P has a vital role to play in The Copied Factory dungeon. How she influences gameplay however is left to our imagination until October 29th.
Beast Tribe Quests
The mischievous and child-like Pixies are next in line to offer a set of Beast Tribe Quests. Rewards from these kinds of assignments can range from orchestrion rolls to mounts and emotes.
The Grand Cosmos Dungeon
FFXIV players will get to venture into a new dungeon called The Grand Cosmos, a bright and grand, yet abandoned elvish palace. After the devastation of the Flood forced the palace’s regal inhabitants out of their home, a mage embracing solitude and protected by a “legion of familiars” now sits on the throne. How this ties to the story is unclear, but players can look forward to tackling this dungeon with friends or with AI companions via the Trust System.
New Game+
While New Game+ won’t be available for Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn yet, Patch 5.1 brings the mode to the Heavensward, Stormblood, and Shadowbringers expansions. The expansions are split into four chapters. Additionally, one autosave slot will be granted for New Game+. You won’t be able to jump between quests, but instead, start quests from the beginning of a chosen chapter. Thankfully, you’ll be able to carry over your character’s job and story progression. The idea here is to re-experience the stories, but you can also choose to level up a new job while going through it. However, quest rewards cannot be redeemed again.
The developers say the reason why A Realm Reborn won’t be included just yet is because the story itself is quite large and needs more refinement.
Job Adjustments for Ninja and Samurai
Generally, FFXIV has done a good job of balancing the playable classes while keeping an emphasis on the fun factor. Some are given minor adjustments, while others get a complete overhaul. For Patch 5.1, major changes will be coming to the Ninja and Samurai jobs.
Ninja:
– Mudra/ninjutsu will be on the same global cooldown as weapon skills with potency boosts.
– Ninki gauge caps at 50.
– Bhavacakra, Hellfrog Medium, and Bunshin cost 50 points from the Ninki gauge.
– Accumulating Ninki meter has been adjusted to fit this change.
– Trick Attack will no longer require a back attack to trigger the vulnerability effect.
– The vulnerability effect itself lasts for 15 seconds, inflicts 5% defense down (as opposed to its original 10%.
– Shadow Fang can inflict its damage-over-time effect without requiring a combo beforehand.
Samurai:
– Meditation status effects can stack up to 3 times and won’t expire.
– Shoha will need Meditation to have 3 stacks.
– Iaijutsu, Meditate and Tsubame-gaeshi now grant stacks of Meditation.
All of the adjustments coming in 5.1 can be seen here.
FFXIV Brings Fellowships & the Ishgard Restoration/Crafter, Gatherer Adjustments
On a more community-focused approach, Patch 5.11 (coming November 12) will be implementing Fellowships, a new way to interact with players without the restrictions of Grand Companies. Along with major overhauls for the crafter and gatherer classes, an ongoing event called the Ishgard Restoration will debut. In the Ishgard Restoration, will be an ongoing event for those classes. Disciples of the Land/Hand players will slowly rebuild the Firmament by completing tasks and deliveries.
An Extreme trial, New Items, and more
– Players will be able to take on the Extreme version of Shadowbringers final trial boss.
– New mounts and hairstyles will be added.
– The Slice is Right minigame is coming to The Gold Saucer.
– Wolf-themed glamour.
– Updates to the Blue Mage job.
For the full list of changes to Final Fantasy XIV, stay tuned for October 29th. Until then, you can visit the Nova Crystallis site for a full breakdown.
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