Final Fantasy XIV:
Shadowbringers
GAMES18 JULY 2019Platforms: PlayStation 4, Windows, Mac
Release Date: July 2 WORDS
ERIK PAOLO ESCUETAThe expansions and patches that have hit Final Fantasy XIV—the franchise’s more successful
massively multiplayer online offering (sorry FFXI!)—have seen the core game increase in scope,
scale, and options with more jobs and classes, additional dungeons and raids, and even new
gameplay mechanics and diversions. All of it justifies the game’s monthly billing on top of its
purchase price.
The third and latest expansion Shadowbringers looks to keep the trend going considerably
with a couple of tricks up its sleeves. The First Star, the new area of Shadowbringers, is a
world of darkness being overrun by overwhelming light. Players must take up the mantle
of the Warrior of Darkness and restore the First Star’s darkness. It’s a pleasant nod to
Final Fantasy IV and a nice twist on the anti-hero archetype, if that’s truly the intent.
Shadowbringers also throws in a couple of new jobs—the tankish Gunbreaker
and ranged Dancer—alongside two new playable races, the Hrothgar from
Final Fantasy X and the Viera from Final Fantasy XII. Veterans looking
for a few new dungeons and raids will also find them in spades, with
one raid in particular themed around NiER:Automata. It might not
seem much at first glance, but as the patches come in post-
release, we should see more enhancements pour in just as
in previous expansions. But if you’re new to Final Fantasy
XIV, you have one heck of a journey to get through
before you settle into the realm of Shadowbringers.