Final Fantasy XIV Patch 2.5 “Before the Fall” Now Live

Greetings, PlayStation gamers!

My name is Matt “Bayohne” Hilton and I’m on the Final Fantasy XIV community team. We’re extremely excited that Part 1 of our latest Patch 2.5, titled “Before the Fall,” is now live! As with each major update, there is a lot of exciting content to tackle and I’d like to introduce PlayStation Blog readers to some of the major points to experience.

First off, if you haven’t seen it, check out the Patch 2.5 – Before the Fall trailer!

We’ve got new dungeons for you and your fellow adventurers to challenge, including the massive “Keeper of the Lake!” Here you’ll be tasked with climbing inside the wreckage of a giant Garlean airship that was destroyed by wyrm lord Midgardsormr. The remains of the wyrm lord are still wrapped around his defeated foe to this day…

The final chapter of the Crystal Tower story also makes its debut and sends players into the World of Darkness, where familiar Final Fantasy bosses await. Will your alliance of 24 adventurers be able to overcome the Cloud of Darkness?

The primal elder Odin has been spotted once more in the Shroud and adventurers have been asked to investigate. You know what that means? It’s time to form a party to try and take him down! This special battle was originally created for our global fan events, but now it’s available for everyone to try — and it’s even harder than before.

Of course, everyone’s favorite Manderville man makes his return as well! Hildibrand — agent of enquiry, inspector extraordinaire — is hot on the trail of the phantom thief and it’s up to you to assist in solving the case! It seems that Gilgamesh has returned with even more arms than before… each wielding a different weapon, too! Maybe we should talk this out???

We’ll also be launching Patch 2.51 in February, featuring the Manderville Gold Saucer! If you’re a Final Fantasy VII fan, you may find a lot of similarities here from the Gold Saucer there! Mini-games, chocobo racing (that you’ll actually control yourself!) and even a full version of the Triple Triad card game from Final Fantasy VIII will be playable! (I can’t wait to spend a ton of time here… fighting bosses and saving the world can wait a bit!)

As I mentioned earlier, this is just a look at “Part 1” of our Patch 2.5 release. Before the Fall Part 2, set to release in March, will conclude the main storyline that began with A Realm Reborn and prepare players for the release of Heavensward, our first expansion!

This is just a brief look at what’s available to play and there is much more waiting for you to experience. What’s that? You don’t currently play FFXIV, but you want to try it out? Well, perfect, because we have a 14-day (get it?) trial available for free on PS4 and PS3! It’s a great opportunity to jump into the realm of Eorzea and take the first steps of your adventure!