ffxiv FFXIV: Live Letter LXXX - Deep Dive!

[Neviriah 383]

During the Letter from the Producer Live LXXX and 14-hour broadcast, Yoshi-P shared several details about the upcoming expansion, Dawntrail. Here is everything you need to know. 

Firstly, we want to give a shoutout to Toshio Murouchi, also known as Foxclon, FFXIV's Global Community Producer, for his extraordinary cosplay of Zodiark and Hydaelyn! He is likely the first to cosplay both characters simultaneously, and the result is truly remarkable, as you can see:

Now, let's go over all the important details shared during the Live Letter:

• The Dawntrail Benchmark software releases on April 14th! You will be able to test how your PC handles the new graphics.
• Graphics Update: Yoshi-P presented an hour-long showcase of the new graphic updates. He covered multiple settings, areas, NPCs, and more to demonstrate the extensive details of the graphical update and its implications. 

• For example, the way the wind moves will now vary depending on the weather or when a character interacts with it.

• Material Reflection: Gear material reflection in light will differ based on whether it is fabric or metal.
• Enhanced Settings: New options have been added for lighting, shadows, and more.
• Zone Density: Expect richer environments with no more low-poly objects; even small items have been updated.
• Performance Settings: AMD FSR 1.0 and NVIDIA DLSS 2.0 performance settings are now available.
• 3D Graphics Resolution Scaling: On Windows and Mac platforms, when AMD FSR is selected, resolution scaling can be adjusted between 50-100%.
• Dynamic Resolution: This feature will automatically adjust screen resolution when the frame rate drops below the desired threshold, maintaining both resolution quality and frame rate at higher levels than before.
• Console Updates: Both PS4 and Xbox Series S will receive the graphical update, though some features may be limited to reduce stress on the consoles.

• New Climbing Spot: A new climbing area has been introduced in Tural.

• 7.0 Blacklist Improvements: Enhanced Blacklist Functionality, Mute list added, term filter added, estate expulsion feature, Enhanced Lodestone Privacy Settings.

Blacklisted characters will be visible in certain situations, like dungeons or raids.

Following the previous updates and improvements, the Yo-Kai Watch event is making a comeback on April 24th!

More details will be released on a later date.

Lastly, Yoshi-P shared the detailed schedule leading up to the Dawntrail Release:

• The FFXVI event ends on May 8th.
• Yo-kai Event from April 24 until June 25/26
• Moogle Treasuretrove from May 14th to June 24
• Make it Rain Campaign from May 15th to May 31
• FFXIV Media Tour on May 15
• Next PLL 81 on May 16
• Dragon Quest X Collaboration Event returns on June 5th until June 20.
• PLL 82 on June 14
• 48-hour maintenance on June 26–27 
• Dawntrail Early Access from June 28 to July 1st
• Dawntrail Release: July 2nd

That covers the most important information from this live letter. However, stay tuned for additional information about Dawntrail in the future Live Letters in May and June, prior to its release! And don't forget to participate in the Benchmark to ensure you are ready for launch!

[BigLoveRocket 3]

Visually the new graphics updates are nice.