As is tradition with every expansion, Square Enix has launched the official Final Fantasy XIV Dawntrail website, where all releases and subsequent patch details will be posted along with The Lodestone. However, there are some new details about the content of Field Operations of Dawntrail and the Arcadion that are sure to provoke discussion among players.
FFXIV Dawntrail’s new Field Operations area called Shades’ Triangle
The first major detail that has been quietly added on the Dawntrail website is what appears to be the official name for the expansion’s new Field Operations content. A description on the “Gameplay” page calls it the Triangle of Shadows and provides some very interesting insight into this hidden tropical island.
Even the bravest of sailors would sooner abandon ship than steer into the Triangle of Shadows. Don’t be fooled by the lush and fertile island you spy on the horizon – men and ships alike have been lost in its allure, never to be seen again. Yes, the wisest choice is to dismiss it as mere illusion. But of course there are inevitably those who cannot resist the call of adventure.
So basically, it looks like Dawntrail’s new Field Operations content will take players to an area eerily reminiscent of the Bermuda Triangle, an infamous real-world location where boats and planes have mysteriously disappeared over the decades. As if there wasn’t enough to be excited about the upcoming expansion.
FFXIV Dawntrail’s Arcadion will be a tournament-style raid series
The new official description for The Arcadion on Dawntrail’s website also gave some subtle hints about what players can expect from this eccentrically animated raid series. While we’re still unsure if battles will actually take place inside Solution Nine’s giant GPU tower (seen above), we now have a more concrete idea of the concept behind the raid suite itself.
Here at the Arcadion, you will find a grand spectacle unlike any other. The greatest fighters of the realm clash fist against fist and magic against magic, putting their lives on the line as crowds howl and scream, each clash more visceral than the last. Enter the arena if you dare, and either rise to become a champion, or fall forever in ignominy.
So it looks like the bouts will take the form of a high-stakes, futuristic tournament complete with roaring crowds, where the greatest fighters from around the world of Final Fantasy XIV will go head-to-head for the “championship” title. Considering this is the most dynamic and vibrantly designed raid series to date, with some amazing new jobs to try out, a tournament sounds more than perfect.
Final Fantasy XIV’s Dawntrail is set for release on July 2nd, while Early Access for those who pre-order the expansion will begin on June 28th. A special collaborative event with Mountain Dew is also on the way to celebrate the new expansion.
Be sure to check out all our latest Final Fantasy XIV guides and news, such as the Dawntrail ref update bringing graphical improvements after player feedback.
