Mike Salbato
A Visual Guide to Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood Patch 4.2
Lava lions, fiends, foxes, and more.
01.03.18 - 1:06 PM

Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood launched in June, and has seen several updates and one major patch since then. The next one is Patch 4.2, titled Rise of a New Sun, and it's coming later this month.

Thanks to a pre-Christmas Letter from the Producer Live, we know part of what's coming, but a second broadcast will highlight more additions. But before we discuss that, let's look at newly-released images for some new content.


The Fractal Continuum (Hard)

Patch 4.2 will feature two new dungeons. The first is a hard mode of one of Heavensward's initial endgame dungeons, and still a personal favorite of mine. As the location is a museum of ancient Allagan artifacts and weapons, the decor is pure Tron-like Allagan-styled goodness. The Hard version has the same look, but new lighting lends a different vibe to the place, and the bosses we're seeing are all-new. The trio of Warring Triad holograms below are certainly curious indeed.

Final Fantasy XIV Stormblood

Final Fantasy XIV Stormblood Final Fantasy XIV Stormblood


Hells' Lid

Hells' Lid is a completely new dungeon for FFXIV, set deep within the volcano of the same name on the Ruby Sea. Apparently the Scions of the Seventh Dawn aren't in the best place financially, and a mysterious request offers aid if the Warrior of Light pays a visit to this volcano to prove themselves worthy. Yes, I too am getting vibes of Jurassic Park III's plot, so let's hope the anonymous individual behind the request is not, in fact, William H. Macy playing a vacuum salesman.

Final Fantasy XIV Stormblood

Final Fantasy XIV Stormblood Final Fantasy XIV Stormblood


A new set of dungeons means a new set of gear. Below is several different jobs and their various gear, though the clean lines and modest stylings might make it hard to know exactly which job is which. All I know is that I want that winged headpiece on the Lalafell in the front.

Final Fantasy XIV Stormblood


The Jade Stoa

Patch 4.2 will kick off a new series of side quests called The Jade Stoa, which seems to be a narrative setup for pitting us against The Four Lords, but we'll see how it goes down. For now, we have an intimidating white tiger-y creature and this swirling congregation of adorable:

Final Fantasy XIV Stormblood Final Fantasy XIV Stormblood


Main Scenario

Finally, like any major update, Rise of a New Sun will continue to extend the main story. With reconstruction underway in Ala Mhigo and most of the people willing to work together towards a common goal, our heroes will return to Doma in the Far East to make sure things are going well there, after being liberated from the Empire. (I'm guessing we will encounter a problem)

Final Fantasy XIV Stormblood

Final Fantasy XIV Stormblood Final Fantasy XIV Stormblood


Still To Come

All of this is merely part of the new stuff in Patch 4.2. We still await details on the rest: Omega: Sigmascape, the long-awaited Forbidden Land, Eureka, a new Glamour system, Ananta Beast Tribe quests, subaquatic voyages, the new Crystal Tower Training Grounds for The Feast (PVP), more Hildibrand adventures, and "additional updates." We'll be back with more details when the next Letter from the Producer Live is scheduled, and look for Patch 4.2: Rise of a New Sun towards the end of January.


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