Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail Review
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail is the latest expansion in the long-running Final Fantasy XIV MMO. For those who haven’t played it, Final Fantasy XIV probably should have been titled Final Fantasy Online II. It’s been going since 2010, and after a very rocky first few years, it’s had 5 excellent expansions. Each expansion grew the plot, and it all came to a close with 2021’s phenomenal Endwalker finale.
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail came out this month, even though Final Fantasy XIV’s story is over. Dawntrail has been described by Square-Enix as a “summer vacation” story. We’ve been told that we should expect something light before the next major story arc begins. When I started Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail, I thought it was going to be a new area, with a couple new Job classes, and some new dungeons. It is all those things, but it’s also a game much greater than the sum of its parts.
Meet Wuk Lamat
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail begins with the Warrior of Light (your player-created character), traveling to a new continent called Tural. This new region is very Mexican- inspired. It’s gorgeous, and unique from any of Final Fantasy XIV’s other lands. The player meets Wuk Lamat, a Hrothgar, battling for rulership of Tural. I was surprised to find out that Wuk Lamat is actually Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail’s story protagonist. The Hero of Light is more of a supporter and observer.
In fact, Dawntrail’s story was my favorite part of the whole expansion. After all the epic-ness of Endwalker, I was expecting pure fluff. I am happy to write that Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail goes in some pretty epic and emotional directions. The Final Fantasy series sometimes shines above all other JRPGs when it comes to plot and characters, and Dawntrail nailed these aspects! The writing drew some really strong emotional reactions from me. I play JRPGs for the story, and tend to not like MMOs if they don’t have any plot driving them forwards. Dawntrail truly shines as a story-driven, single player MMO.
Dawntrail’s story focuses on Wuk Lamat’s struggle to unite the disparate tribes of Tural under his banner. The story is a bit of a departure from the more traditional Final Fantasy stories, but it’s still compelling and engaging. The characters are well-developed, the plot is full of twists and turns, and the overall theme of unity and hope is a welcome change of pace from the high stakes of Endwalker.
The story’s pacing is also a strength, it’s not rushed and allows for character development and world-building to breathe. The game makes a point of explaining the history and culture of Tural, which adds depth to the world and makes it feel more real. The story is also visually stunning with vibrant colors and detailed environments that draw the player into the world.
Dawntrail’s narrative is not just a summer vacation; it’s a complex story with a lot of heart. It’s a story about hope, unity, and the power of believing in yourself. It’s a story that will stay with you long after you’ve finished it. It’s a story that takes the player on an emotional journey, and one that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good story.
Two New Job Classes
The gameplay is still the same World of Warcraft-inspired MMORPG open world adventure people have grown to love. Nothing has changed. But there are two new Job classes: Pictomancer and Viper. Pictomancer is definitely the more unique of the two. It’s a flashy mage with powers similar to Relm in Final Fantasy VI. The player swings a paint brush through the air as their paintings come to life, and deal various kinds of bizarre attacks.
The Pictomancer’s abilities are visually stunning and fun to use. The class is a great choice for players who enjoy a more unorthodox approach to combat. The Pictomancer’s abilities are also very versatile, being able to deal both damage and support. The class is also very mobile, making it a great choice for players who enjoy a more active playstyle.
Vipers are fast damage dealers that look like rejects from Assassin’s Creed. Though they appear thief-like, they wield two broadswords. Vipers are less unique than Pictomancers, but might provide a look that some players have really been looking for. Vipers are a great choice for players who enjoy a more aggressive playstyle. The class is also very mobile, making it a great choice for players who enjoy a more active playstyle. This class doesn’t break the mold, but it’s a fun addition that’s sure to appeal to players who enjoy a more hands-on approach to combat.
The addition of these new Job classes adds a lot of replayability to Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail. While the existing Job classes are all well-designed and enjoyable to play, the addition of two new classes gives players a chance to try out something new and exciting. It’s always refreshing to experience a new class, especially one that’s as unique as the Pictomancer. The new classes also provide a great opportunity for players to experiment with different playstyles and find what works best for them. They are a welcome addition to an already great game.
Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail is a fantastic expansion to the best single player MMO today. There were some hiccups during the game’s prerelease, but since launch, everything’s gone very smoothly. Even on launch day, when traffic was at its height, it only took me 30 minutes to log on, which is a vast improvement from Endwalker’s launch. If you’re curious about playing Final Fantasy XIV, you’ve got hundreds of hours ahead of you, before you make it to Dawntrail’s content. But if you’re at all curious, Final Fantasy XIV is a great introductory MMO, and one that puts its story first. I happily recommend Final Fantast XIV: Dawntrail to all JRPG fans.
One of the best things about Dawntrail is its beautiful and immersive world. The new region of Tural is full of life and color. The cities are bustling, the forests are lush, and the desert is vast and unforgiving. The world is also full of interesting characters and creatures. The inhabitants of Tural are a diverse and fascinating bunch, and the creatures that roam the land are both beautiful and dangerous.
Dawntrail also offers a variety of new dungeons and raids. These dungeons are challenging and rewarding, and they offer a great way to test your skills and earn new loot. The raids are some of the most challenging content in the game, and they offer a great way to experience the game’s story and lore. With the addition of new dungeons and raids, Dawntrail offers a ton of content for players to enjoy. The dungeons are well-designed and challenging, and the raids are some of the most epic and rewarding experiences in the game.
Dawntrail is a great addition to the Final Fantasy XIV experience. It’s a fantastic expansion that offers a ton of new content, including a compelling story, two new Job classes, a beautiful and immersive world, and challenging dungeons and raids. The expansion has something to offer every player, and it’s a must-have for any fan of Final Fantasy XIV.
The Good
- Excellent story focus
- Two new classes
- Breadth of music genres
- Visually stunning world
- Challenging dungeons and raids
The Bad
- No major gameplay updates
- Graphical updates appear minor
- Dawntrail is 300 hours away
Overall, Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail is a great expansion. It’s a must-have for any fan of the game. The new story, Job classes, world, and dungeons are all excellent additions to the game. However, the lack of major gameplay updates and the minor graphical improvements are a bit disappointing. The expansion also takes a long time to reach, which is a bit of a setback for new players. But despite these shortcomings, Dawntrail is a great expansion that adds a lot to the Final Fantasy XIV experience. It’s a great addition to an already great game. If you are a fan of the series or are looking for a new MMORPG to play, Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail is definitely worth checking out.
What is Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail?
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail is the latest expansion in the Final Fantasy XIV MMO series.
Who is the protagonist in Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail?
Wuk Lamat is the protagonist in Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail, with the Warrior of Light serving as a supporter and observer.
What is the main focus of the story in Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail?
The story in Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail revolves around Wuk Lamat’s struggle to unite the tribes of Tural under his leadership.
How does Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail stand out in terms of storytelling?
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail is praised for its compelling and emotionally engaging narrative, making it a standout story-driven experience in the MMO genre.
