It’s our most anticipated game of the year, and it’s just around the corner. Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail officially launches on July 2, 2024, but early access begins two weeks from today, on June 28. Creative Studio III (formerly Creative Business Unit III) hosted a lengthy Final Fantasy XIV Letter from the Producer Live Part LXXXII, sharing details about Dawntrail’s story, locations, characters, adjustments, and more. We also got a closer look at the very expensive and somewhat creepy Alisaie and blue Alisaie dolls.
As for the launch trailer, the start of it really sets the tone: “Well, for once, the fate of the world doesn’t rest on our shoulders. We might even get a chance to enjoy ourselves.” Of course, Final Fantasy XIV veterans won’t believe that for one minute, but the expansion is definitely looking to be a more intimate, story-driven experience with low stakes. If you’re unaware, Dawntrail kicks off a new story arc following the conclusion of the Hydaelyn vs. Zodiark saga, which ended with Endwalker. The team at Creative Studio III has mentioned several times that the goal of the expansion is to feel like a summer vacation for Warriors of Light, although we’re guessing we’ll get an emotional gut punch or two. The launch trailer teases a bit of Krile’s storyline, which we know will be explored in this expansion.
The story will also clearly focus on Wuk Lamat, who has asked the Warrior of Light for assistance in a rite of succession in Tural in the last bits of story content in 6.55.