As the Final Fantasy XIV community eagerly anticipates new patch releases, the excitement for substantial updates, like Patch 7.2, is palpable. Major patches introduce an array of thrilling features and enhancements that ignite player enthusiasm.
Producer Live Letters offer a preview of new content in each major patch. Live Letter 86 provided an in-depth look at upcoming mechanics, features, and items available with the release of Patch 7.2 – Seekers of Eternity, set to launch on March 25. Fans were treated to gameplay demonstrations led by Naoki Yoshida himself.
While many topics discussed during the Live Letter had already been highlighted in Live Letter 85 on February 7, several exciting new details were revealed.
The Live Letter was presented in Japanese, requiring translations for English-speaking audiences. Translations utilized in this article were provided by Miuna and Iluna from the FFXIV Discord Server.
No More Delays with the New Mounting System
One of the most significant announcements was the overhaul of the mount system. For the past decade, players have had to pause to allow their mounts to summon. With Patch 7.2, this cumbersome situation will be eliminated, as players can now directly call out their mounts without interrupting their actions.
This change may seem minor, but it’s particularly impactful for gameplay in revamped locations like the Borderland Ruins (Secure) Frontlines map.
Sneak Peek at The Arcadion: Bruiserweight Tier
The Arcadion: Bruiserweight Tier is poised to be the standout feature in the main 7.2 patch, alongside the main scenario quest (MSQ) content. The Savage versions will launch a week later on April 1, allowing players to prepare with high-item-level gear.
During the demonstration, Yoshida introduced the first boss players will confront in this content: Dancing Green. The arena features a pattern of colored tiles, and Yoshida likened parts of the fight to Dance Dance Revolution, indicating likely placement-based mechanics.
The mechanics observed during the demo appeared to synchronize beautifully with the upbeat background disco music, hinting at various likely position changes throughout the encounter.
Gear obtained from Normal and Savage Tier Arcadion raids was also displayed, showcasing a distinctive Mad Max aesthetic. Images of this gear can be found above, despite some shaky camera work during the presentation.
Aim for the Stars with Cosmic Exploration Launch
Yoshida also shared extensive gameplay footage showcasing the new Crafting and Gathering content, Cosmic Exploration, scheduled for Patch 7.21 on April 22. The Moon setting revealed new gameplay mechanics, including mission types for players.
After completing the MSQ quest “Endwalker,” players can access Cosmic Exploration with any Crafting or Gathering Job at level 10 or higher. Inside the instance, various mission types will allow players to earn both Cosmo Credits and Lunar Credits, usable for rewards and unlocking additional features.
Cosmo Missions target single-player experiences, functioning similar to Guild Leves, where specific resources need to be collected, rewarding Cosmo Credits to redeem for exclusive items.
What’s more exciting are the Critical Missions and Mecha Ops. Critical Missions will require team efforts from players to accomplish specific objectives in a limited timeframe. Mecha Ops resemble Duels from The Bozjan Southern Front and Zadnor, where players can pilot Mechas by entering a lottery with their Lunar Credits.
Ground support roles are available for any number of players, with unselected members having their Lunar Credits restored. Players also have the option to participate in Cosmic Fortune, an engaging roulette-style minigame offering exclusive rewards like glamours, mounts, minions, or even a new Metallic Cobalt Green Dye.
Players dedicated to Crafting and Gathering will compete for the coveted title of “Star Contributor” based on their contributions in Cosmic Exploration, offering various accolades over a 14-day span.
Exploring Occult Crescent
Another highlight is Occult Crescent, a massive new content addition launching on May 27 with Patch 7.25. Featuring up to 72 players, participants will engage in massive encounters against mobs and bosses, earning EXP to boost their Knowledge Level.
Grouping with parties allows players to sync Knowledge Levels, enhancing their ability to gain EXP chains when defeating similar monsters. The introduction of Phantom Jobs offers new gameplay dynamics, with the initial three jobs unlocked via Occult Crescent quests.
Critical Engagements (CEs) require players to be at the site and interact with location points to join battles, replacing the traditional menu-based registrations.
A unique feature in Occult Crescent is the exploration of Forked Tower, a 48-player dungeon where players can activate nodes using ciphers. Players with ciphers can teleport to Forked Tower, but only 48 players will enter, selected randomly.
Within Forked Tower, raising restrictions will be imposed, which can be circumvented by certain Phantom Jobs. Additionally, treasure chests found throughout Occult Crescent will be retained by those who open them, harking back to past content in Eureka.
Bordeland Ruins (Secure) Updates for PvP
The beloved Borderland Ruins (Secure) PvP map has received essential updates while maintaining its core framework. Players will still contend for control of nine essential locations while combating Allagan Weaponry in the center.
New features include the location buff “Sheer Will,” boosting damage for all players inside a key area, requiring a more dynamic strategy from players who can no longer camp effectively at owned areas.
Teleporters added around the map simplify movement between locations, enhancing overall gameplay flow and lessening spamming communication regarding “MID, MID, MID!”
Final Fantasy IX-Inspired Tomestone Gear Arriving
Incorporating themes from Final Fantasy IX, a new collection of Tomestone gear inspired by FF characters will be available, likely purchasable with the new Tomestones of Mathematics. Players will need to engage in high-level content to acquire these sought-after outfits.
For those wishing to embrace their inner Viper and emulate Zidane, this is the perfect opportunity, as these new outfits offer a more practical design compared to the previous Tantalus Attire Veteran Reward.
Exciting New Mounts and Minions in Patch 7.2
While the specifics around the new mounts and minions were sparse, Yoshida introduced various upcoming additions during the Live Letter presentation.
Minions showcased during the event include some eye-catching designs, such as the adorable Beagle and a variety of whimsical and quirky characters sure to attract diverse player preferences.
Mounts will also include several amusing options, such as a demon box mount where players’ legs dangle on either side and a Tesla-esque car, along with a formidable mech set to be featured in Cosmic Exploration.
Additionally, players can earn the Extreme Trial wing mounts that transform during flight, visually stunning and sure to impress friends and fellow adventurers.
Upcoming Maintenance Schedule for Patch 7.2
Players can mark their calendars for the following key dates associated with the Patch 7.2 content:
- March 25: Patch 7.2 goes live
- The Arcadion: Cruiserweight Tier
- New MSQ quests
- April 1: Release of the Savage version of The Arcadion: Cruiserweight Tier
- April 22: Patch 7.21 goes live
- Cosmic Exploration
- May 27: Patch 7.25 launches
- Occult Crescent
- Further Hildibrand Adventures
- Mamool Ja Allied Society Quests
As we await the promised content from Live Letter 86, the countdown to March 25 has begun. Players will soon be diving into the new experiences and challenges awaiting them!
FAQ
What is Patch 7.2 in Final Fantasy XIV?
Patch 7.2, titled Seekers of Eternity, introduces new mechanics, features, and items, including the Arcadion raid and the revamped mount system. It is scheduled for release on March 25.
How does the new mount system work in FFXIV Patch 7.2?
The new mount system allows players to summon their mounts without stopping their current action, improving gameplay speed and efficiency. This change is expected to enhance the overall player experience, particularly in challenging content.
When will Cosmic Exploration be available in FFXIV?
Cosmic Exploration, which is focused on Crafting and Gathering, will be introduced on April 22 with Patch 7.21. Players will take on various missions to earn rewards.
Can I get the new gear from Tomestones in Patch 7.2?
Yes, new Tomestone gear inspired by Final Fantasy IX will be available for purchase with the new Tomestones of Mathematics. Players must engage in high-level activities to obtain these powerful outfits.
What other new content is coming with FFXIV Patch 7.2?
In addition to the new raids and mount system, Patch 7.2 includes updates to the Borderland Ruins PvP map, several new mounts and minions, and the introduction of major new content such as the Occult Crescent later on.