Square Enix provided the first details on what is coming with Patch 5.1 for Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers. This patch, entitled Vows of Virtue, Deeds of Cruelty will be the first major update for Final Fantasy XIV's third major expansion. This update will include the YoRHa: Dark Apocalypse alliance raid and is part of the announced collaboration with the NieR franchise that first surfaced in February 2019.
Vows of Virtue, Deeds of Cruelty will also include some additional content for those who aren't keen on raiding. This new content includes a new main scenario questline. There is also a New Game+ option that allows you to replay old content with your current gear and abilities. There is also a new dungeon, new extreme trial, new Beast Tribe quest, PvP updates, and more.
Additional details on these changes can be found below. Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers is available now on Windows, Mac, Steam, and PlayStation 4 starting at $39.99.
Square Enix also wanted to make sure that everyone knows about the free trial for Final Fantasy XIV Online. This free trial allows anybody to download the game and play up to level 35 for free. You can also create up to eight characters, and try out the different races, classes, and jobs with no restrictions on play time.
Vows of Virtue, Deeds of Cruelty will also bring a variety of new content, features and improvements. During the livestream, FINAL FANTASY XIV Online Producer and Director Naoki Yoshida outlined much of the content that will arrive with the release of Patch 5.1:
- New Main Scenario Quests – Patch 5.1 introduces the next chapter in the exhilarating Shadowbringers main storyline.
- New 24-Player Alliance Raid: “The Copied Factory†– Guest creators Yosuke Saito and YOKO TARO bring together FINAL FANTASY and NieR in the YoRHa: Dark Apocalypse alliance raid series.
- Restoration of the Holy See of Ishgard – This crafter- and gatherer-focused content encourages players to work together to build the Firmament in Ishgard. The new content is accompanied by extensive system adjustments and updates for crafting and gathering classes.
- New Game+ – Replay previously completed quests while retaining one's current progression and job level.
- New Dungeon: “The Grand Cosmos†– Players can tackle this new dungeon alongside fellow adventurers, or a party of non-player characters using the Trust system.
- New Extreme Trial – Players will be able to challenge a new extreme difficulty trial.
- New Beast Tribe Quests – The Pixies
- PvP Updates – Substantial changes will be made to PvP actions, alongside the introduction of a new Frontline map and ruleset.
- Blue Mage Job Updates – The first major update to this limited job will feature an increased level cap, new job quests, as well as new blue mage-specific battle challenges and content.
- Performance Action Updates – The addition of an ensemble feature will allow groups of players to create music together.
- Patch 5.1 will also feature job adjustments, Gold Saucer updates, system updates, and more
