The release date for Final Fantasy XIV Online’s latest expansion, Dawntrail, was finally revealed by producer and director Naoki Yoshida during a panel at PAX East in the US.
The expansion will officially be launching on Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024, giving the world just over a week to get through Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree expansion before dipping back into FFXIV.
Along with the release date, a number of bonuses and inclusions across various editions of the expansion were revealed, with a heavy emphasis on characters and motifs from the sorely-underrated Final Fantasy IX. In regards to why there are such pervasive nods to the PS1 classic, which has long been rumoured to have a remake in the works, Yoshida told PAX East-goers, “You may have noticed a lot of Final Fantasy 9 references here… the reason is a secret.”
Yoshida says the reason for the FFIX references for FFXIV Dawntrail is a secret
preorders begin next week pic.twitter.com/42ggKIK8IW
— Wario64 (@Wario64) March 23, 2024
Yoshi-P also revealed the Dawntrail Collector’s Edition, which will be available for pre-order in limited quantities exclusively on the Square Enix Store starting Tuesday, 26th March, 2024 at 8:00 pm AEDT, though as usual this one is unlikely to be available to Aussie fans.
The Dawntrail Collector’s Edition will be available on PC and Mac including a voucher for the expansion, while console players in qualifying regions will be able to get the Collector’s Box which includes only the physical goods listed below and does not include a copy of Dawntrail. inside the CE/box is:
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Dawntrail Special Art Box – A unique art box with a shimmering golden base, evocative of a fabled city of gold. It features a Dawntrail illustration by artist Yoshitaka Amano.
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Expertly Crafted Viper Figure – An impressive high-quality figure that showcases the Warrior of Light as a viper. Including the base, the figure measures approximately H 9.65″ x W 4.52″ x D 5.90″ (H 24.5cm x W 11.5cm x D 15cm).
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Adventurer’s Cloth Map – The latest version of the FFXIV world map, which includes new locations debuting in Dawntrail. Printed on high-quality cloth, measuring approximately 16.53″ x 29.52″ (42cm x 75cm).
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The Unending Journey – A ruled notebook inspired by a favourite journal of adventurers, measuring approximately 5.90″ x 4.33″ (15cm x 11cm).
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Adventurer’s Pen Case – A roll-up pen case to hold writing instruments and other small items essential to your adventures. Unfolded, the pen case measures approximately 8.26″ x 9.44″ (21cm x 24cm).
Additionally, the Dawntrail Digital Collector’s Edition will also be available on 26th March, 2024 for pre-order from participating digital storefronts, and will include the following in-game bonus items:
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In-game Item: Ark Mount – Cleave a trail through the heavens with your own personal Ark, modeled after the dynamic eidolon from FINAL FANTASY IX. A trailer showcasing the mount can be viewed below.
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In-game Item: Garnet Minion – Freer than a canary and sharper than a dagger, this lovingly rendered mammet of FINAL FANTASY IX’s Garnet will fly fearlessly to lands afar.
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In-game Item: Chocobo Brush: Pictomancer Weapon – With its charming chocobo motif and signature twinkling star effect, this whimsical brush draws out the best in any pictomancer.
Players who pre-order FINAL FANTASY XIV: Dawntrail from participating digital storefronts will be eligible to receive the following bonuses:
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Early Access – Early access is tentatively scheduled to begin on Friday, 28th June, 2024 at 7:00PM AEST and will allow users to play Dawntrail ahead of the official release.
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In-game Item: Wind-up Zidane Minion – This miniature version of FINAL FANTASY IX’s Zidane makes for an ideal adventuring companion ? so long as you keep an eye on your valuables.
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In-game Item: Azeyma’s Earrings – Earrings crafted in the image of the radiant sun, symbol of the goddess Azeyma. These useful earrings feature attributes that will vary according to the user’s class/job and current level when equipped. Additionally, the earring grants a 30% increase in EXP gained by defeating enemies when worn, perfect for leveling your jobs to 90
