‘Vows of Virtue, Deeds of Cruelty’
As is customary, Square Enix is gearing up for the next massive Final Fantasy XIV patch: 5.1. Due at the end of October (Square is never precise with these things until they’re basically ready), 5.1 is called “Vows of Virtue, Deeds of Cruelty,” and will continue the main storyline as well as add a ton of new content into the mix: most notably, the casual 24-person NieR raid.
Other main additions include a new Frontlines (PVP) map, Blue Mage alterations (new level cap is 60, new job quests, can party with other Blue Mages for specific duties), a crafting and gathering rework (through 5.2, which “increases ease of entry,” and sweeps the UI up a bit), Ishgard can be restored (it’s a crafter/gatherer quest to help build the Firmament), Fellowships are in (“casual communities” of up to 1000 players), the Bard’s song playing techniques are being buffed (easier to play in a party, plus a new horn instrument), and New Game+ is being added.
So about that New Game+! In what isn’t the norm for an MMO, you’ll be able to revisit Heavensward, Stormblood, and Shadowbringers main scenario quests as of 5.1, with Realm Reborn main quests, class/job/role/Chronicles/side story quests coming later. You basically select a chapter (Heavensward and Stormblood are two parts each), get an auto-save slot, and obtain no quest rewards. YoRHa: Dark Apocalypse is also the big draw, and will be heavily modeled after the factory in Automata, with a “2P” companion.
It all sounds pretty amazing! Main Final Fantasy XIV patches almost never disappoint, and the NieR raid will probably be worth running over and over again just for the little details, especially since series father Yoko Taro is directly involved.
FFXIV [Twitter]
