Summary
Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrailwill change the stealth mechanic used for specific story quests by including new indicators that may help players tell where to avoid detection. This mechanic was introduced inFinal Fantasy 14during theEndwalkerexpansion for specific moments in Garlemald, but its inclusion was a point of contention for players.
In addition to the game’s first major graphical update,Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrailwill make changes to other game systems. To coincide with the graphical update, a second dye channel will be available for specific weapons and armor, with more being added retroactively over several patches.Dawntrailwill also give players who use a Fantasia potion one hour of in-game time to change their character’s appearance without consuming another potion. At the time of writing,Final Fantasy 14underwent 48 hours of maintenance ahead of the expansion’s early access period. Square Enix recommended playersdownloadDawntrail’s massive patch files in advance, with the Patch 7.0 download file totaling 57.3 GB on PC.
While parts ofDawntrail’s main story remain a mystery, one change should make a specific game mechanic easier for players. According tothe preliminary Patch 7.0 notes, a stealth mechanic added inEndwalkerwill include target indicators to help players see where an NPC’s detection radius is. DuringEndwalker, the level 82 main scenario quest “Tracks in the Snow” tasked players with following a Garlean girl named Licinia to her home without being detected and without losing sight of her. This meant players had to use sparse points of cover to avoid detection or risk starting over. This mechanic proved problematic for both players with visual impairments and those not used to stealth mechanics.
Final Fantasy 14 Adding New Stealth Indicators In Patch 7.0
However, the stealth segments ofFinal Fantasy 14will change in response to player feedback. As of Patch 7.0, an indicator will tell players when an NPC is about to turn around, which is symbolized by two yellow lines with black stripes. Another indicator will show an NPC’s detection radius, which will give players an idea of how far away they should be from an NPC they’re tailing. In light of the changes, Twitter user Sara Winters said that this will help players with visual impairments. Whether the stealth mechanics will return inDawntrail’s main storyor not remains to be seen.
Between the stealth mechanic andthe dungeon shortcut changes,Final Fantasy 14players should have an easier time experiencing the game’s story in Patch 7.0. With any luck, Square Enix will continue making player accessibility improvements a priority inDawntrail.
Final Fantasy 14 (2010)
WHERE TO PLAY
Begin your adventure in FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm RebornCreate your very own Warrior of Light and embark upon a quest to deliver the land from an eternity of Darkness.Take to the skies in FINAL FANTASY XIV: HeavenswardTake your first steps in the reclusive nation of Ishgard, locked in a seemingly never-ending struggle with dragons.Rekindle the fires of hope in FINAL FANTASY XIV: StormbloodJourney to the East and rise up against the might of the Garlean Empire.Become the darkness in FINAL FANTASY XIV: ShadowbringersTravel to a world where light ushers all unto oblivion. But hope is not yet lost, for where there is light there is shadow.Journey to the very stars above in FINAL FANTASY XIV: EndwalkerA great calamity has been building - a second advent of the Final Days. The Warrior of Light must journey ever higher and stand firm as hope’s last bastion.Set forth for new horizons in FINAL FANTASY XIV: DawntrailBlue seas, clear skies, and boundless possibilities await! Explore uncharted territories with familiar faces as hope’s light dawns once more.
