Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward will feature a new story which plunges adventurers into the heart of the Dragonsong War, the bloody thousand-year conflict between the knights of Ishgard and the dragons of Dravania. Adventurers can also look forward to an increased level cap from 50 to 60 for all disciplines, a new playable race, new dungeons and raids, new primal battles, and new mounts that allow players to take to the skies—flying black chocobos, single-rider airships, dragons and more!

As part of the producer letter, producer/director, Naoki Yoshida revealed a brand-new trailer for the Heavensward benchmark software which showcases the three new playable jobs, exciting dungeons, new areas, and flying mounts. He also announced the release of the benchmark software that will enable players to test their PC ahead of release. The benchmark also features the ability to try out the impressive new DirectX® 11 graphics, and create characters, including the new playable race, the Au Ra.

Final Fantasy XIV main scenario writer, Kazutoyo Maehiro, also presented a fun video created in his spare time that features the characters of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn in an imaginary fighting game style battle.

The Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward benchmark software is available here.

 

Key Features

• All the hallmarks of the Final Fantasy franchise, including genre-leading graphics and real-time cut scenes, an all-new soundtrack, and an immersive story experience
• Level cap increased from level 50 to level 60
• New player race, the Au Ra – with unique curved horns and scaled skin, the Au Ra hail from the eastern continent of Othard
• New jobs: dark knight, astrologian and machinist – players will be able to master three Final Fantasy jobs such as dark knight (Tank) who wields a two-handed greatsword and the power of darkness, astrologian (Healer) who use a divining deck and star globe to call on the powers of the stars to heal allies and support party members, or machinist (DPS) who deals damage from afar by using a combination of firearms and mechanical turrets that can be deployed on the battlefield
• High-end raids, includes a new raid dungeon series within the mechanical colossus “Alexander,” based off the legendary boss in the Final Fantasy series
• New beast tribes and powerful primals– players will encounter the Vanu Vanu and their primal, Bismarck, and the Gnath, and their primal Ravana, allowing players to form new allegiances
• Flying mounts – Accompanying the vast new areas that feature floating islands are flying mounts for players to pilot such as the flying black chocobo and single-rider airships
• New gear, recipes and more