Final Fantasy 14’s upcoming patch 6.5, called Growing Light, has a release date and a new trailer. This patch sets the stage for the Dawntrail expansion coming next summer.
Growing Light was revealed during the Letter from the Producer Live event at Fan Fest Las Vegas in July. It will be split into two major updates: the first part will be released with patch 6.5 on October 3rd, while the second part will arrive in patch 6.55 in January.
Patch 6.5 will introduce new Main Scenario quests, known as Part 1, which will lead into the Dawntrail expansion. These quests will continue the story of Endwalker, the 2021 expansion, and the post-Hydaelyn-Zodiark storyline in Final Fantasy 14.
Additionally, patch 6.5 will introduce a new dungeon called the Lunar Subterrane, set on the Moon, as well as a new trial featuring Zeromus in The Abyssal Fracture. These additions continue the inclusion of Final Fantasy 4 characters and locations in Endwalker and its subsequent patches.
For players seeking a challenge, the Unreal difficulty version of the Heavensward trial Fight in the Singularity Reactor will be available again, allowing a rematch against Thordan and his knights.
The Myths of the Realm alliance raid series, part of Endwalker’s level-90 content, will conclude with the new raid taking place in Thaleia. This follows the introduction of the raids in patches 6.1 and 6.3, featuring Aglaia and Euphrosyne respectively.
Furthermore, duty support will be expanded to include the ability to play the Drowned City of Skalla, the Burn, and the Ghimlyt Dark solo with AI companions. This means that every main scenario dungeon from A Realm Reborn to Endwalker can be played alone.
Other updates coming with patch 6.5 include adjustments to various jobs, the introduction of Series 5 of PvP modes, enhancements to Crystalline Conflict’s minimap and UI, and new content for the game’s crafting area, including new ranks, materials, items, crops, animals, and a gathering area.
After patch 6.5, patch 6.51 will introduce new variant dungeons called Aloalo Island and Another Aloalo Island, a new arena for Crystalline Conflict in The Red Sands, and Splendorous Tools tool enhancement quests in late October.
In mid-January, patch 6.55 will continue the Main Scenario in Part 2 of the Growing Light questline. It will also introduce new side quests in Tataru’s Grand Endeavor and Somehow Further Hildibrand Adventures. Additionally, new weapon enhancement quests for Manderville Weapons and further alliance quests for the tribes in Endwalker will be available.
If you haven’t tried Final Fantasy XIV yet, its free trial has been expanded with patch 6.5. The trial now includes the base game and the Heavensward and Stormblood expansions, allowing you to play up to level 70 for free.