Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail review
What is it? The fifth expansion for Square's MMO, and the first following the end of the Hydaelyn and Zodiark saga.
Release date July 2, 2024
Expect to pay $40/£30
Developer Square Enix
Publisher Square Enix
Reviewed on Intel Core i7-7700, 16GB Ram
Steam Deck Playable
Link Official site
Endwalker was the conclusion of ten years worth of world building and story that culminated in a universe-ending threat. It was a moment for the MMO ages that saw the Warrior of Light pushed to their limits and brought a close to the Hydaelyn and Zodiark saga. Now the next expansion for Final Fantasy 14 is here. Can it live up to fan’s expectations?
No. No it can’t. But frankly, what could have? There’s no following up saving the world and fighting the physical embodiment of universal despair. Instead, Dawntrail bravely walks its own path of fresh beginnings and new adventures. There’s the occasional stumble along the way through the new continents of Tural, but it (mostly) sticks the landing.
The first thing you’ll notice in Dawntrail, before you’ve even made it onto the boat to Tural. is just how good everything looks. This expansion brings a major graphical update to the game that has vastly improved character looks, materials and lighting. It’s such a big leap forward that I spent my first hour of playtime just marvelling at the tiniest of details, like the fact my character now has slight dark circles around her eyes that adds actual depth to her face. The bottle and cupboards in my house have defined texture to them, and the foliage feels so full now. Everyone has had a real glow up.
After inviting you to join her squad during the last patch of Endwalker, cat in charge Wuk Lamat very much directs the story of Dawntrail. She’s the reason you’re travelling to Tural—you’re only there to help her win the right of succession and claim the Dawnservant’s throne over her siblings. It’s a real family story of living up to expectations and stradling that line between love and rivalry.
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