Let's dive into some great news: Final Fantasy 14's latest expansion, Dawntrail, is right on schedule. Even better, with the launch just two weeks away, we now have a detailed content release timeline, thanks to the “Letter from the Producer Live” aired last night.
Firstly, a reminder about the 48-hour downtime for the 7.0 patch maintenance, previously discussed in a Live Letter. The servers will go offline for Dawntrail patching on Wednesday, June 26th. This extended downtime is due to the massive size of the new patch—90GB on PC, slightly less on PS5, and 100GB on Xbox, as explained in last night's live letter. The extra time is to ensure everyone can get it installed smoothly.
Early Access for Dawntrail and the 7.0 patch kicks off on June 28th, as previously announced. While exact times are not specified, these patches typically go live around 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. PDT. You’ll need the expansion purchased and registered to access specific content, including new classes. However, it’s expected that any announced 7.0 quality of life changes, such as Fantasia updates and graphics enhancements, will be implemented across the game.
The official launch of Dawntrail is set for Tuesday, July 2nd. This date marks the full release for those who didn’t pre-order, allowing everyone to embark on the new expansion.
Once players have had a chance to delve into the main story, the Arcadion raid will be added on July 16th, two weeks after the official launch.
Lastly, on July 30th, another significant patch will be released. This update will introduce Arcadion (Savage), the high-end version of the new raids, alongside advanced crafting and gathering content. Additionally, the patch will include the Allagan Tomestones of Heliometer and the Cenote Ja Ja Gural treasure maps for some extra fun with friends.
Get ready for an exciting journey with Dawntrail, packed with content and adventures ahead! Please also check our recent Guide: Preparing for Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail
As a reminder, the additional two-week delay for the Savage content was first implemented in Endwalker to provide more breathing room for players to complete the expansion and prepare for high-end raids. This approach has been consistently applied to every patch introducing new raid content. The necessity of this delay became evident, given the severe congestion experienced in the week or two following an expansion’s release.
Like any major game launch of this scale, these schedules are subject to change, and downtime may occur due to necessary fixes or adjustments. It's also important to note that FFXIV is still occasionally experiencing DDoS attacks, though their frequency and intensity have decreased in recent weeks. Stay prepared, and if you encounter congestion, consider using Data Center Travel to move to less crowded worlds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the unveiling of the FFXIV Dawntrail patch schedule brings exciting news for fans eagerly awaiting the latest expansion. With a clear timeline laid out during the recent "Letter from the Producer Live," players can look forward to a well-structured rollout of content. The detailed schedule ensures everyone has ample time to prepare for the extensive updates, including the significant 7.0 patch and subsequent additions like the Arcadion raid and its Savage counterpart. While unforeseen changes and occasional challenges like DDoS attacks may arise, the preparation and communication from the FFXIV team promise a smooth and thrilling experience for all adventurers in the world of Eorzea. Get ready to dive into the new adventures that Dawntrail has to offer! For those eager to explore the latest updates, be sure to check out our Futures Rewritten Ultimate product page in FFXIV for a comprehensive guide to all the new features. This page provides detailed insights and resources to help you get the most out of the Dawntrail expansion.