Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail Review In Progress (2024)

Coming off two critically acclaimed expansions, Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail has some big shoes to fill. The fifth expansion for FFXIV (sixth, if counting the reboot that was A Realm Reborn), sees familiar faces in strange lands while setting up a new narrative arc after Endwalker resolved the Hydalean and Zodiark storyline. For anyone who's seen the trailer for Dawntrail, it's also noticeable what a 180 this expansion feels like - forgoing the darkness that permeated through the last two expansions for sunshine, beaches, and tacos.

For all its shift in narrative tone, Dawntrail still feels like FFXIV. There are Aether Currents to find, job quests to complete, dailies and hunts to track down, FATEs to join in, and plenty of cutscenes layered throughout the Main Scenario Quests (MSQ). There are also two new jobs - Pictomancer and Viper - to try out and level up. It's still early in Dawntrail's lifespan, but from what I've seen so far, it's an enjoyable affair that may prove divisive, particularly for those who adored the narrative heights of Shadowbringers.

FFXIV: Dawntrail Story Early Impressions

A Light-Hearted Tone That Feels Needed At This Point In The MMO's Lifespan

The story of Dawntrail (and how well players will respond to it) really depends on how much someone can get invested in newcomer Wuk Lamat and her story. The premise here is that Wuk Lamat wants to ascend the throne, but in order to do, she must complete a series of tasks in what essentially boils down to a treasure hunt against her adoptive siblings. The competition isn't entirely friendly, but thus far, it doesn't have a looming threat the way previous expansions have.

In fact, Dawntrail's narrative feels similar to Stormblood's - as the focus is primarily on one NPC coming into her own by getting to know various factions and becoming one with her people. Stormblood had a familiar character leading the pact, though, whereas Wuk Lamat was only introduced in post-MSQ content with patch 6.55. It's a risk, lowering the stakes drastically and asking players to get invested in a brand-new character.

Mostly, it seems to have paid off. Dawntrail feels like a breath of fresh air after the somewhat gloomy and claustrophic nature of Endwalker. And just because Dawntrail's story feels more laidback doesn't mean it's not compelling. The new cast is fun and well-developed, and I'm interested to see where the expansion goes after the first third or so I've played thus far.

FFXIV: Dawntrail's New Content Is Still Great

New Dungeons & New Areas Are Highlights

The New World, or Tural, is full of vistas, mountains, and riverlands in Dawntrail that are clearly inspired by South America, and each of the areas I've seen so far stand out in their own way. From a Machu Picchu-looking area full of alpacas to a land that looks like the Amazon rainforest, FFXIV has rarely been so vibrant with its designs. Sure, Limsa Liminsa has a nice beach resort vibe with pirates, and each expansion has had its own bright moments, but the colors in Dawntrail add to the fun and more relaxing atmosphere.

It's not just the new explorable areas that benefit. The dungeons in Dawntrail mostly feel open and colorful, too. There are times the designs of these new areas can feel too familiar - too much like Radz-at-Han or too much like Brayflox's Longstop, but overall, the new areas feel pretty fresh - no easy feat for an MMO that's been going for over a decade.

FFXIV: Dawntrail - Final Thoughts On First Impressions

An Expansion Worthy Of Final Fantasy XIV

I have a feeling Dawntrail will be a divisive entry in FFXIV's history. People will complain the stakes are too low or that the new characters aren't as interesting as the Scions. There's not a villain on the same level as Emet-Selch. Tural is full of too-familiar races and designs. Those may all be valid arguments, but personally, I've found Dawntrail to be entirely refreshing. After previous expansions seemed to one-up the stakes and darker tone each time, this kind of reset feels needed and is well-welcomed.

I've adored my time in Tural so far, and it's some of the most fun I've had in FFXIV in the 11+ years I've been playing. Wuk Lamat is someone worth rooting for, and the designs found in Dawntrail are just beautiful. More than anything, I'm just eager to get back and see where Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail takes me from here.

Final Fantasy 14

Franchise

Final Fantasy

Platform(s)

PC , PS3 , PS4 , PS5 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S

Released

August 27, 2013

Developer(s)

Square Enix

Publisher(s)

Square Enix

Genre(s)

MMORPG

Multiplayer

Online Multiplayer

Engine

Crystal Tools

ESRB

T for Teen: Alcohol Reference, Animated Blood, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence