FFXIV 7.0 Release Date & Graphics Update, Patch Notes

FFXIV 7.0 Release Date

Final Fantasy XIV’s Naoki Yoshida says that players won’t get any indication about the story for FFXIV Patch 7.0 until Patch 6.5 and beyond.

FFXIV 7.0 Graphics Update

The big ticket item as we approach the next expansion and Patch 7.0 is the graphics overhaul, which was outlined in a Live Letter earlier this year. It’s a major piece in modernizing FFXIV, and it’s not the only one. Recently, Europe got new servers, Japan got restructured data centers, and Oceania servers went live. And while new North American servers are still being worked, it’s been a key focus, especially considering the congestion troubles around Endwalker‘s launch.

An example of how character models and lighting are being touched up for the graphics overhaul in FFXIV come Patch 7.0

An example of how character models and lighting are being touched up for the graphics overhaul in FFXIV come Patch 7.0.

“Naturally, the graphical update isn’t the only challenge we’re undertaking; we’re also working on future-proofing with significant server expansions, as well as investing in infrastructure and other aspects,” Yoshida mentioned. “Outside of that, well… I suppose that depends on what sort of ideas we have for the [Patch] 7.X series. I know I’m already wracking my brain over it (laughs),” he typed out, probably giggling to himself.

FFXIV has a much higher profile now, and with more eyes on the game than ever before, ushering the game into a new era also means taking care of the not-so flashy aspects like servers and improving the user experience. Though I have noticed over the years of playing FFXIV, new ideas explored in patch content are often a testbed for something we’ll see in the future. However that may manifest in the next expansions or set of patches, it’ll be exciting to parse when the time comes.

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FFXIV Will Get Major Graphics Update in 7.0

Final Fantasy XIV has been running with largely the same engine since its relaunch as A Realm Reborn in 2013. That’s nearly a decade of operation. In that time, we’ve moved on from the PlayStation 3 and the old video cards to the PlayStation 5 and Nvidia RTX cards. That’s a huge jump in graphical potential that FFXIV hasn’t really tapped into.

During tonight’s Live Letter From the Producer, FFXIV creative director and lead producer Naoki Yoshida announced the first major graphical update for the game! The update is coming in Patch 7.0 and beyond, so it’s a ways off, but the team at Square Enix has begun testing some of the new visuals.

FFXIV 7.0 Graphics Update

Yoshida said that the team wanted to address the “overall picture” of FFXIV, improving graphics while not changing the game’s current aesthetic. He also wanted players to know that “the new graphics will not be comparable to standalone titles,” for those expecting FFXIV to look like first-party single-player games like Horizon Forbidden West (which was mentioned by name).

The system requirements for PC will be updated with the changes, but support for the PS4 version will remain. In fact, Yoshida said the team will be optimizing the PS4 version. It will also receive new graphical options, like the frame rate or resolution priority modes from the PS5 port.

FFXIV 7.0 Graphics Update

After a fake tease showing the standard Hyur with realistic lighting and skin, Yoshida said realism isn’t the focus of the updates. The changes are mostly aimed at textures, lighting, and shaders, allowing the team to make existing models and environments look much better.

Yoshida then showed off some early screenshots. Examples included closeups of the standard male Hyur, another with stubble, a female Miqo’te, a male Roegadyn, and a female Lalafell, all with higher resolution textures and shaders. The difference is striking, especially considering that the models remained the same. Yoshida said self-cast shadows were one key point here, allowing the shadows from hair and facial features to be rendered in higher quality.

The graphical update isn’t just for characters though. There will be higher resolution textures coming to gear as well, better shaders to mimic materials like metal, cloth, and leather, and improved lighting across the board. These changes aren’t coming to all gear immediately; Square Enix will focus on popular glamour first and then gradually roll out further updates in 7.x patches.

FFXIV 7.0 Graphics Update

FFXIV 7.0 Graphics Update

Some of these graphical improvements are also aimed at the game’s environments. Yoshida showed before-and-after shots of the Studium, Titania, and one area in Thavnair. The Studium and Titania scenes sported improved shadow, realistic lighting, and additional light sources, while the Thavnair scene showcases the gleaming gold capable with better material shaders and textures.

Another set of changes are based on the optimization of the game’s engine. Yoshida noted that the team is addressing how memory is used by animations and rendering. Animations will see a great deal of improvement, and Yoshida said that further changes in memory use may also allow for longer emotes. There was also a scene in Thavnair’s port town of Yedlihmad, showing off how improvements in optimization will allow the team to add more objects in the environment. The dock in the second image adds far more variation, detail, and object density.

FFXIV 7.0 Graphics Update

The most stunning improvement is in the grass, which is currently automatically-generated by the engine. Yoshida noted that the grass in FFXIV has bothered him for some time; he mentioned a cutscene in Elpis where the pixelated grass ruined the mood and he asked the team to remove it to preserve the scene. The grass is simply amazing, looking far more realistic. Imagine this new grass spreading across Etheirys!

Square Enix is also experimenting with other graphical improvements like fog and ambient occlusion. All of these improvements are currently being tested, but Square Enix isn’t looking to force players to upgrade their PCs. These will all be options and the artists are being consulted to make sure any changes won’t ruin current content.

Regardless, this is the first step toward the future of FFXIV. If the game is going to survive another decade, then it needs to push its graphical prowess so it stands alongside more modern games. We’re excited to see where the developers land with all of their graphical improvements.

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