For Final Fantasy XIV fans, the Letter from the Producer is always a wonderful time, giving us a glimpse of what's to come in in our favorite MMO. Without further ado, let's jump right into this news!

Titled "The Legend Returns," Patch 4.1 will cover a lot of aspects that weren't mentioned in the original Stormblood release, such as the future of Doma and Ala Mhigo.

Many players have been requesting to spend more time in the Royal Menagerie area, so as of 4.1, players who complete the Main Scenario of Stormbloood will be able to visit the area freely. A new Hildibrand quest will also be added, functioning as a "preview" episode of sorts, with more quests planned for future 4.x patches. Additionally, the first beast tribe quests for Stormblood are being added, focusing on the Kojin beast tribe. With a promise of new and interesting rewards, these new quests will truly be worthwhile!

As Square Enix has been focusing their developmental capabilities on other tasks, a new mandate has been made, wherein odd numbered patches, i.e. 4.1, 4.3, etc. will only receive one new instanced dungeon. For 4.1, that dungeon is The Drowned City of Skalla.

While details on the new dungeon are scarce, the producers promise us an interesting new mechanic, along with a story surrounding the dungeon that "goes back quite far."

As far as Primal battles go, players will be able to fight Shinryu in a new Extreme version of the Royal Menagerie trial. The trial will feature all new mechanics, and a difficulty described as being "just right" for those who are struggling against other Savage leveled content.

Rival Wings, the newest PvP mode, is unlike anything seen before in Final Fantasy XIV. Rather than trying to kill the highest amount of players, Rival Wings tasks you with the goal of eliminating the opposing team's core. Similar to games like League of Legends and Heroes of the Storm, players will have to deal with towers, minions, and a constantly upgrading opposing team. Unfortunately, this new game mode will not release alongside 4.1, instead releasing at a later date.

If you're like me and joined Final Fantasy XIV recently, odds are you haven't had the chance to run through any of the old raid content. Fortunately for you and me, a new update is coming to the duty roulette, making it easier for new and old players alike to run raid content from A Realm Reborn and beyond!

Another exciting new feature in 4.1 is the ability to bring adventurer squadrons with you into dungeons! Players will be tackling normal dungeons alongside three AI controlled squadron members. With an increased level cap for squadron members, squadron-specific limit breaks, and the ability to glamour your squadron members, this is one new feature I personally can't wait to see! And yes, you can use these dungeon runs to complete challenge log entries.

• Housing plots will be available for purchase in Shirogane.


• Current home owners will be able to relocate to Shirogane for a special price.


• Swimming will be implemented in all housing zones.


• New custom delivery clients will be introduced, along with a new weekly reset of Tuesdays.


• Items such as beast tribe currencies and venture scripts will be moved to the currency list.


• A new system feature called "Perform" will be added for Bards, allowing players to play individual musical notes.


• Formation of cross-server Alliances now possible.


• Custom PvP matches, friend requests, and tells will be cross-server.

I'll be honest, I wanted to save the best for last. First up, a brand new difficulty level will be added in 4.1, entitled "Ultimate." The first in this series will be titled "The Unending Coil of Bahamut (Ultimate)."

Upon completion, players will be rewarded with a token that can be exchanged for a weapon of their choosing, ensuring that every player who completes the trial will be rewarded. Yes, the content is so hard that just finishing it rewards you with end-game gear.

And finally, the content that has everybody talking: the newest alliance raid, "Return To Ivalice." Taking place in Kugane, the Majestic Imperial Theatre Company's famous airship, the Prima Vista, has mysteriously settled above the city. To find out the company's true intentions, players must will unearth the true story behind the legends of Ivalice. Developed in conjunction with Yasumi Matsuno and Keita Amemiya, Return to Ivalice promises to be a top-tier raid, with lore and action aplenty. Only those brave enough to learn the truth will be able to experience this fantastic story!

Patch 4.1 is set to release on October 10th, with subsequent patches set to release at later dates. Stay tuned to RPGFan for more news and info on Final Fantasy XIV!

• The Lodestone

• Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood Screenshots