Final Fantasy 14 Expansions

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game by Square Enix that came out in 2013. Since then, the developers have pushed out multiple expansions to extend the main storyline and add more content than what was seen on launch day. Here is a detailed list of all expansions for Final Fantasy 14 in order.

Heavensward

Expansion Number: 1

Release date: June 23, 2015

Heavensward is the first expansion for Final Fantasy XIV. The story follows the Warrior of Light as they journey to Ishgard, a city-state embroiled in the centuries-long Dragonsong War against the Dravanian Horde.

Uncovering the truth behind the conflict’s origins and Ishgard’s dark secrets, they must confront powerful dragons, navigate political intrigue, and mend the rift between man and dragon. In a tale of sacrifice and redemption, the Warrior strives to end the cycle of vengeance and bring peace to the war-torn nation.

Below is an overview of new features introduced in the Heavensward expansion.

New Features and Content

1. Expanded Level Cap

• The level cap has been increased from 50 to 60 for all classes and jobs.

2. New Playable Race

• The Au Ra: Introduced as a new playable race, featuring distinct curved horns and scaled bodies. Choose between two clans:
  • Raen: Calm and noble, with pearly scales.
  • Xaela: Fierce and nomadic, with darker scales.

3. New Jobs

• Three new jobs added, each with unique mechanics:
  • Dark Knight (Tank): Wield the power of darkness and a greatsword to protect allies.
  • Astrologian (Healer): Harness celestial magic and a deck of cards to heal and support your party.
  • Machinist (DPS): Utilize advanced firearms and turrets to decimate foes.

4. Massive New Areas

• Explore the breathtaking skies and landscapes of Ishgard and beyond:
  • The Dravanian Forelands
  • The Churning Mists
  • The Sea of Clouds
  • Coerthas Western Highlands
  • The Dravanian Hinterlands

5. Flying Mounts

• Take to the skies with flying mounts!
  • Unlock flying functionality in specific zones by attuning to Aether Currents.
  • New mounts include the majestic black Chocobo and a variety of other aerial companions.

6. New Main Scenario Questline

• Embark on a dramatic story that delves into the Dragonsong War, the centuries-long conflict between Ishgard and the Dravanian Horde. Discover the truth behind Ishgard’s isolation and confront the dragon Nidhogg.

7. Additional Dungeons and Raids

• Dungeons: Tackle new challenges with dungeons like The Vault and The Aery.
• Raids:
  • Alexander: Enter the mechanical colossus and face off against its powerful inhabitants.
  • New high-end raid difficulty: Savage.

8. New Beast Tribes and Primals

• Befriend new beast tribes:
  • The Vanu Vanu
  • The Gnath
• Battle powerful new Primals, including Bismarck and Ravana.

9. Expanded Crafting and Gathering

• New recipes, materials, and items added to crafting professions.
• Gatherers can now collect rare materials in new zones, with additional gameplay mechanics and rewards.

10. New Player Housing Options

• Ishgardian housing is introduced (accessible in future patches).

11. Quality of Life Improvements

• Enhanced Duty Finder and Party Finder functionalities.
• Expanded inventory space for gear and items.
• New glamour and crafting system updates.

Stormblood

Expansion Number: 2

Release date: June 20, 2017

Stormblood is the second expansion to Final Fantasy XIV. The story follows the Warrior of Light as they join forces with resistance fighters to liberate the oppressed nations of Ala Mhigo and Doma from the tyrannical rule of the Garlean Empire.

Traveling across the East and West, they rally allies, confront powerful imperial foes, and reignite the flames of rebellion. Amidst the battles for freedom, they uncover deeper threats that could plunge the world into chaos once more.

Below is an overview of new features introduced in the Stormblood expansion.

New Features and Content

1. Expanded Level Cap

• The level cap has been increased from 60 to 70 for all classes and jobs.

2. New Playable Jobs

• Two new jobs introduced, both with no base class requirements:
  • Samurai (DPS): A powerful melee job that wields a katana and channels the power of Sen to unleash devastating attacks.
  • Red Mage (DPS): A hybrid magic and melee job combining Black and White Magic with elegant rapier strikes.

3. Massive New Areas

• Explore the diverse landscapes of Gyr Abania and Othard, including:
  • The Fringes
  • The Peaks
  • The Ruby Sea
  • Yanxia
  • The Azim Steppe
  • Rhalgr’s Reach (new hub city).

4. Swimming and Diving

• Characters can now swim in designated bodies of water and dive underwater in specific areas.
• New underwater zones and content accessible through diving, including quests and hidden treasures.

5. New Main Scenario Questline

• Lead the resistance in an epic journey to liberate Ala Mhigo and Doma from the Garlean Empire, confronting legatus Zenos yae Galvus and his fearsome army.

6. Additional Dungeons and Raids

• Dungeons: Take on new challenges in locales like Shisui of the Violet Tides and Bardam’s Mettle.
• Raids:
  • Omega Raid Series: Unravel the mysteries of the enigmatic Omega weapon in a multi-part raid series.
  • Alliance Raid: Return to Ivalice explores the ruins of the legendary region with a thrilling storyline.

7. New Beast Tribes and Primals

• Befriend new beast tribes:
  • The Kojin (underwater traders).
  • The Ananta (serpent-like artisans).
• Face off against new Primals, including Susano and Lakshmi.

8. Expanded Crafting and Gathering

• New recipes, materials, and gathering nodes added across the new zones.
• Fisher now gains the ability to dive for underwater treasures and rare fish.

9. New Player Housing District

• Shirogane: A Far Eastern-themed housing district located in Kugane, offering new plots and styles for player homes.

10. Role Actions and Battle System Overhaul

• Combat system reworked for all classes, introducing streamlined abilities and new role-specific actions.
• Job gauges added for enhanced visual feedback on resource management.

11. Forbidden Land: Eureka (Introduced in later patches)

• A unique exploration zone with a focus on group play, elemental affinity mechanics, and special rewards like relic weapons.

12. Quality of Life Improvements

• Inventory expanded with the addition of the Chocobo Saddlebag.
• Enhanced cross-world Party Finder and the introduction of cross-world Linkshells.
• Updates to glamour, crafting, and gathering systems.

Shadowbringers

Expansion Number: 3

Release date: July 2, 2019

Shadowbringers is the third expansion for Final Fantasy XIV. The story takes the Warrior of Light to the First, a world on the brink of destruction due to an overwhelming flood of Light.

Tasked with becoming the Warrior of Darkness, they must restore balance by confronting the sinister Sin Eaters and unraveling the mysteries of the Ascian plot. Along the way, they uncover long-buried truths about Hydaelyn, Zodiark, and the fate of all worlds.

Below is an overview of all the features introduced in the Shadowbringers expansion.

New Features and Content

1. Expanded Level Cap

• The level cap has been increased from 70 to 80 for all classes and jobs.

2. New Playable Jobs

• Two new jobs added, with no base class requirements:
  • Gunbreaker (Tank): A dynamic tank wielding gunblades and employing defensive and offensive magicks.
  • Dancer (DPS): A ranged physical DPS job that performs elegant dances to bolster allies and deal damage.

3. Massive New Areas

• Explore the visually stunning and diverse zones of the First, including:
  • Lakeland
  • Kholusia
  • Amh Araeng
  • Il Mheg
  • The Rak’tika Greatwood
  • The Tempest

4. Trust System

• Solo players can now team up with NPC allies, including Scions of the Seventh Dawn, to tackle certain main scenario dungeons.

5. New Main Scenario Questline

• Become the Warrior of Darkness and restore balance to the First by vanquishing the Light-fueled Sin Eaters and unraveling the Ascian scheme to bring about the Rejoining.

6. Additional Dungeons and Raids

• Dungeons: Take on new challenges in visually stunning dungeons like Holminster Switch and Mt. Gulg.
• Raids:
  • Eden Raid Series: Restore balance to the elements in the First and encounter new challenges designed by Tetsuya Nomura.
  • Alliance Raid: YoRHa: Dark Apocalypse, a crossover with NieR: Automata, explores a mysterious android-inhabited world.

7. New Beast Tribes and Primals

• Befriend new beast tribes:
  • The Pixies (mischievous fey beings).
  • The Qitari (scholarly lizard-like beings).
  • The Dwarves (stubborn, helmet-wearing miners and crafters).
• Battle new Primals, including Titania and Innocence.

8. Restoration of Ishgard (Introduced in later patches)

• Participate in the Ishgardian Restoration, a massive community crafting and gathering project to rebuild the Firmament district.

9. Expanded Crafting and Gathering

• New crafting recipes, gathering materials, and collectibles added across new zones.
• Fishing introduced to ocean voyages, allowing players to catch rare fish and earn rewards.

10. New Player Hub City

• The Crystarium: A bustling city that serves as the hub for adventurers in the First.

11. Role Quests

• Class-based job quests replaced with role-specific questlines, offering rich stories for Tanks, Healers, Physical DPS, and Magical DPS roles.

12. New Game+ Mode

• Revisit previously completed Main Scenario Quests and relive your favorite moments while retaining your current character’s level and gear.

13. Quality of Life Improvements

• Major streamlining of older Main Scenario Quests for smoother progression.
• Increased inventory space with the addition of two new gear sets and expanded Chocobo Saddlebag capacity.
• Enhanced crafting and gathering systems, including new interface features.

Endwalker

Expansion Number: 4

Release date: December 7, 2021

Endwalker is the fourth expansion to Final Fantasy XIV. The story brings the Warrior of Light to the climax of the Hydaelyn and Zodiark saga, as they confront the apocalyptic Final Days threatening all existence. Journeying across Eorzea and beyond to new lands like Old Sharlayan, Garlemald, and the moon, they face the Ascian Fandaniel and the fanatical Zenos.

In a story of hope and sacrifice, the Warrior must unite the world to overcome despair and forge a brighter future.

Below is an overview of all the features introduced in the Endwalker expansion.

New Features and Content

1. Expanded Level Cap

• The level cap has been increased from 80 to 90 for all classes and jobs.

2. New Playable Jobs

• Two new jobs introduced, with no base class requirements:
  • Sage (Healer): A barrier healer utilizing Nouliths, advanced weaponry powered by aether.
  • Reaper (DPS): A melee job that wields a scythe and summons a Void avatar for devastating attacks.

3. Massive New Areas

• Discover breathtaking new zones as you journey across the world and beyond:
  • Old Sharlayan
  • Labyrinthos
  • Thavnair
  • Garlemald
  • Mare Lamentorum (set on the moon)
  • Elpis

4. New Main Scenario Questline

• Experience the dramatic conclusion of the Hydaelyn and Zodiark saga as you face the apocalyptic Final Days and confront powerful foes to determine the fate of the star.

5. Additional Dungeons and Raids

• Dungeons: Explore beautifully designed new dungeons such as The Tower of Zot and The Aitiascope.
• Raids:
  • Pandæmonium Raid Series: Delve into the ancient Asphodelos and uncover the secrets of Lahabrea’s dark experiments.
  • Alliance Raid: Myths of the Realm explores the history of the Twelve, Eorzea’s pantheon of gods.

6. Island Sanctuary (Introduced in later patches)

• A relaxing solo content feature where players can create their own island paradise, farm crops, raise animals, and customize their island home.

7. New Beast Tribes and Primals

• Befriend new beast tribes:
  • The Arkasodara (elephantine artisans).
  • The Loporrits (moon-dwelling caretakers).
  • The Omicron (mechanical beings exploring the meaning of life).
• Battle powerful new Primals, including Anima and Zodiark.

8. Expanded Crafting and Gathering

• New recipes, materials, and nodes added across the new zones.
• New Spearfishing mini-game system introduced for Fishers.

9. New Player Hub Cities

• Old Sharlayan: A hub of knowledge and learning for adventurers.
• Radz-at-Han: A vibrant Far Eastern-inspired trade city in Thavnair.

10. Data Center Travel System (Introduced in later patches)

• Players can visit worlds in other data centers to play with friends and participate in activities.

11. Role Quests

• New role-specific questlines for Tanks, Healers, Physical DPS, and Magical DPS, with additional story content that ties them together.

12. New Trust NPCs and Updates

• Expanded Trust System, allowing players to bring NPC allies into additional dungeons, including new Endwalker dungeons.

13. Major Quality of Life Improvements

• Aetherial Wheelchair Support: More accessible settings for new and returning players.
• Increased inventory space, expanded Glamour Dresser capacity, and improved user interface features.
• Streamlined progression through previous expansion content.

14. Expanded Gold Saucer Content

• New minigames and rewards, including new prizes for the Triple Triad card game.

Dawntrail

Expansion Number: 5

Release date: July 2, 2024

Dawntrail is the fifth expansion for Final Fantasy XIV. The narrative follows Wuk Lamat, a young heroine striving to step out of the shadows of those who protected her.

Her journey of self-discovery leads her to the new world of Tural, where she participates in the Rite of Ascension, a competition held by her father, Gulool Ja Ja. As she learns about the world and the responsibilities of leadership, she faces a notably flat, irredeemable villain bent on conquest.

Below is an overview of all the features introduced in the Dawntrail expansion.

New Features and Content

1. Expanded Level Cap

• The level cap has been increased from 90 to 100 for all classes and jobs.

2. New Playable Jobs

• Two new jobs introduced, with no base class requirements:
  • Pictomancer (DPS): A ranged physical DPS job that uses aetherial ink to create powerful images and illusions.
  • Viper (DPS): A melee DPS job that wields a whip and venomous attacks to poison and control enemies.

3. New Areas

• Explore new zones, including the nation of Tuliyollal, and the search for a legendary city of gold where it’s said that people can live forever in eternal youth.

4. New Main Scenario Questline

• Continue the story from Endwalker as you follow Wuk Lamat’s journey of self-discovery and leadership in the new world of Tural.

5. New Dungeons and Raids

• Dungeons: Take on new challenges in visually stunning dungeons such as The Tower of Zot and The Aitiascope.
• Raids:
  • Arcadion Raid Series: Delve into the ancient Asphodelos and uncover the secrets of Lahabrea’s dark experiments.
  • Alliance Raid: Myths of the Realm explores the history of the Twelve, Eorzea’s pantheon of gods.

6. New Beast Tribes and Primals

• Befriend new beast tribes:
  • The Arkasodara (elephantine artisans).
  • The Loporrits (moon-dwelling caretakers).
  • The Omicron (mechanical beings exploring the meaning of life).
• Battle powerful new Primals, including Anima and Zodiark.

7. New Game+ Mode

• Revisit previously completed Main Scenario Quests and relive your favorite moments while retaining your current character’s level and gear.

8. Quality of Life Improvements

• Major streamlining of older Main Scenario Quests for smoother progression.
• Increased inventory space with the addition of two new gear sets and expanded Chocobo Saddlebag capacity.
• Enhanced crafting and gathering systems, including new interface features.

9. Expanded Gold Saucer Content

• New minigames and rewards, including new prizes for the Triple Triad card game.

10. New Player Housing District

• Shirogane: A Far Eastern-themed housing district located in Kugane, offering new plots and styles for player homes.

11. Role Quests

• Class-based job quests replaced with role-specific questlines, offering rich stories for Tanks, Healers, Physical DPS, and Magical DPS roles.

12. New Trust NPCs and Updates

• Expanded Trust System, allowing players to bring NPC allies into additional dungeons, including new Dawntrail dungeons.

13. Major Graphics Overhaul

• The first major graphical update since the original 2010 launch, including improved shadows, environmental and player textures, real-time lighting, and more detailed and varied environmental features like grass and flowers.

14. New Jobs

• Introduction of new jobs such as Pictomancer and Viper, offering players fresh gameplay experiences.

15. New Areas

• Exploration of new zones, including the nation of Tuliyollal, and the search for a legendary city of gold where it’s said that people can live forever in eternal youth.

16. New Main Scenario Questline

• Continuation of the story from Endwalker as players follow Wuk Lamat’s journey of self-discovery and leadership in the new world of Tural.

17. New Dungeons and Raids

• Dungeons: New challenges in visually stunning dungeons such as The Tower of Zot and The Aitiascope.
• Raids:
  • Arcadion Raid Series: Delve into the ancient Asphodelos and uncover the secrets of Lahabrea’s dark experiments.
  • Alliance Raid: Myths of the Realm explores the history of the Twelve, Eorzea’s pantheon of gods.

18. New Beast Tribes and Primals

• New beast tribes including The Arkasodara, The Loporrits, and The Omicron.
• New Primals such as Anima and Zodiark.

19. New Game+ Mode

• Revisit previously completed Main Scenario Quests and relive your favorite moments while retaining your current character’s level and gear.

20. Quality of Life Improvements

• Streamlined older Main Scenario Quests for smoother progression.
• Increased inventory space with the addition of two new gear sets and expanded Chocobo Saddlebag capacity.
• Enhanced crafting and gathering systems, including new interface features.

21. Expanded Gold Saucer Content

• New minigames and rewards, including new prizes for the Triple Triad card game.

22. New Player Housing District

• Shirogane: A Far Eastern-themed housing district located in Kugane, offering new plots and styles for player homes.

23. Role Quests

• Class-based job quests replaced with role-specific questlines, offering rich stories for Tanks, Healers, Physical DPS, and Magical DPS roles.

24. New Trust NPCs and Updates

• Expanded Trust System, allowing players to bring NPC allies into additional dungeons, including new Dawntrail dungeons.

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Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game developed by Square Enix and initially released in 2013 for PC and PlayStation 3.