Wield the Darkness in Final Fantasy XIV’s Alternate World
After Heavensward and Stormblood, Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers is the third expansion pack and the next saga to Square Enix’s MMORPG, Final Fantasy XIV. It’s a high fantasy online role-playing game that puts you on the role of the Warrior of Light, who has been chosen by the goddess Hydaelyn as her world’s hero. This time, Shadowbringers continues the story of the previous expansion by transporting the player into an alternate dimension of the world known as The First to become the Warrior of Darkness.
Be the Shadow
Shadowbringers is the direct sequel of Stormblood. The biggest highlight in this expansion is that FFXIV finally has a new game world—wherein the player is called forth to The First, a reflection of the original world choked by corrupted light. You, the Warrior, now have to use the power of darkness to correct the imbalance in this new land.
Job Openings
There are two new jobs in this expansion: the Gunbreaker and the Dancer. The Gunbreaker is FFXIV’s fourth tank class, wielding the famous gunblade from FFVIII. The Dancer, on the other hand, is a ranged damage-dealer and not the traditional healer.
The More, the Merrier
There are also two new races added: the Viera and the Hrothgar. The Viera are bunny humanoids that can only be played as female, while the Hrothgar are hulking beastly humanoids with horns and such, and can only be played as males.
Tribal Worship
Shadowbringers also added new tribes: the mischievous Pixies, the relaxed Nu Mou, and the crafty Dwarves. The first and last, in particular, will be giving you two new difficult trials to overcome: the awakening of the primal Titania, Ruler of the Pixies, and the coming of Innocence, a powerful sin-eater.
Friendship is Magic
A new feature called the Trust System allows you to take befriended NPCs such as the Scions of the Seventh Dawn to dungeons and raids. It helps with the long waiting of players joining your team or matching up with you.
You’ll Be Needing Help
Shadowbringers has two new raids, as well: a new 8-player raid called Eden and an alliance raid called YoRHa: Dark Apocalypse, a collaboration between Square Enix and NieR creators. This new raid will see a team of 24 players dive into the world of NieR: Automata to defeat bosses.
More Improvements
There are various changes to other features, as well. A New Game + mode has been included in the game now, enabling you to replay story and class quests from the base game but scaled up to your current level. The level cap has been increased to 80, alongside the improvements to the battle system. There are new gear and crafting recipes. You can even contribute to the restoration of the damaged Holy See of Ishgard by donating items and be able to witness it slowly being repaired over time.
The Next Great Saga
Overall, Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers promises to be an amazing addition to the expanding story of FFXIV. Your growth as Hydaelyn’s Warrior takes a darker—but nobler—turn here, and the new world of The First and its unique situation is going to offer you even grander adventures in the main quest. If you’ve played FFXIV, you need to try this and the other expansion packs. If you’re a new player, though, you won’t regret diving into this realm.
