Final Fantasy 14 Unveils Patch Notes for Update 7.16

Final Fantasy 14 released its latest update, Patch 7.16, on January 21. This update has wrapped up the Dawntrail Role Quest series and brought some noteworthy PvP balance tweaks. Gamers are also eagerly anticipating Patch 7.2, expected later in March or early April 2025.

Patch 7.16 hits just a month after the previous Patch 7.15, which thrilled fans with another chapter in the beloved Hildibrand saga. This newest update focuses primarily on bringing the Dawntrail Role Quest series to a satisfying close. It builds on the storyline where the Warrior of Light is tasked with recovering precious Turali artifacts from a nefarious group called the Passage of the Unbound. Surprisingly, the rowdy bunch’s leader, Apyaahi, a devious Viera, is still lurking in the shadows. Once players have made their way through all five of the Dawntrail Role Quest chains, including Melee DPS and Healer quests, and completed the main story quest "Dawntrail," they can dive into the quest "Picking Up the Torch" available in Tuliyollal. Successfully outmaneuvering Apyaahi will earn players the ‘Pose of the Unbound’ emote and the elusive Bright Bustle Orchestrion Roll.

The 7.16 update doesn’t stop there. It has also tackled some player feedback, specifically tweaking the Chaotic alliance raid within the Cloud of Darkness. Thanks to user comments, players can now trade Clouddark Demimateria 1 for Clouddark Demimateria 2 at a 5-to-1 exchange rate via a Viera NPC named Uah’shepya in Solution Nine. Some attack labels for the Cloud of Darkness have been corrected, and the update also addresses frame rate issues on Mac systems when using certain controllers. Players should ensure they have about 303 MB of storage available for downloading the patch, although storage needs might vary slightly for different console platforms.

Patch 7.16 has also ushered in a host of PvP-specific changes just as Season 13 of Crystalline Conflict kicks off. Buffs have been introduced to certain essential elements of offensive toolkits for Jobs like Viper, Machinist, and Black Mage to increase their competitive edge. Conversely, slight nerfs were made to the defenses of Jobs like Ninja, Astrologian, and Scholar. Faster action times for moves such as Recuperate and Purify have been implemented, aiming for quicker responses in PvP skirmishes.

This latest update brings to a close the 7.1 series, as players eagerly await what the 7.2 update holds in store. The future promises more ways for Square Enix to keep the community engaged.

Patch 7.16 Notes (January 21, 2025)

Playable Content

• New role quests are available, including "Picking Up the Torch." Completing previous quests and the main scenario quest "Dawntrail" is a prerequisite.
• Added new chapters for New Game +; all must be completed before unlocking.
• New orchestrion roll added: Bright Bustle Orchestrion Roll.
• New emote introduced: Pose of the Unbound.

Battle System

• Players can exchange Clouddark Demimateria 1 for 2 via Uah’shepya in Solution Nine (X:8.7 Y:13.5).

PvP Job Changes

• Reduction in time between execution and activation for various actions for enhanced playability.
• Adjustments made in response to feedback for effectiveness and timing considerations for Patch 7.2.
• Healing jobs now have restrained recovery abilities due to their significant impact in matches.
• Enhancements were applied to jobs deemed underperforming since Patch 7.15.

Crystalline Conflict

• Transition from Season 12 to Season 13.
• Top ranking players from each data center will receive awards post-season.
• Rewards available for players finishing in Bronze tier or higher from the Seasonal Quartermaster.
• Rank adjustments for Season 13 across various data centers.

System Updates

• Introduction of new achievements and items.
• New text commands and trophies/achievements for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.

Resolved Issues

• Adjusted Clouddark Demimateria labeling.
• Fixed various action execution issues, graphical anomalies, gamepad-related FPS problems for Mac, and minor text issues.

This extensive update continues to lay the groundwork for more exciting developments in the world of Final Fantasy 14, promising an enriched gaming experience for all adventurers.