Hi, there!

To coincide with the January version update, Producer Akihiko Matsui hosted another Freshly Picked Vana'diel to go over some of the new content and discuss other topics pertinent to adventuring. The following is a digest of what was discussed.

Quote Originally Posted by Akihiko_Matsui View Post
Hello, Matsui here.

Thank you for tuning into Freshly Picked Vana'diel 43.
Once again, we had our broadcast before the version update. We focused on the January version update details, as well as other information.

We've put together a digest and an archived video for those of you who were unable to join us for the broadcast, or simply want to recap on all the information.




Table of Contents
  • Freshly Picked Version Update
    00:04:15
    This segment of the show focused on the major aspects of the January version update.
    • Battle Content: Ambuscade
      00:04:25
      As some of you may know, 2019 is the year of the boar, so we kicked off our January Ambuscade with the Raaz as a new foe, and the Quadavs have made its return. Raaz will get stronger over time if one character maintains hate, so managing hate is going to be the key this time. As this is the beginning of a new year, we didn't want to make it too difficult from the get-go, so from a difficulty perspective, we didn't make it too difficult. We invite all players who haven't touched the Ambuscade in a while to give it a try. As for the returning Quadavs, we have made adjustments to their original resistances, and also have addressed an issue we had previously, so we believe it should be easier to fight against them.

      00:08:00
      While this only applies to the Ambuscade Primer Volume Two, we increased the overall amount of hallmarks and gallantry that can be obtained.
      Difficulty≪Hallmarks Obtained≫≪Gallantry Obtained≫
      (With a six member party)
      Difficult200 → 250100 → 125
      Normal100 → 20050 → 100
      Easy75 → 15025 → 75
      Very Easy50 → 1005 → 50
      * Tough enemies will yeild the same amount as before
      Ambuscade was originally added to motivate players to challenge in high-end difficulty content, and for this reason we had the rewards set based on the difficulty; however, as we introduced more ways to use the points, it required you to earn more, which resulted in a situation where you lost the desire to engage in the content. For this reason, we've decided to increase the amount earned through volume two.

      00:10:18
      Aside from these changes, we introduced the Za'Dha Chopper, a new great axe that is available for exchange with hallmarks.
    • Job Adjustments
      00:12:31
      We felt it was necessary to an adjustment to the general framework in order to make individual job adjustments. Therefore in December, we added a new job trait, Damage Limit+ as part of the adjustment to the general framework, and this was done to try and close the overall gap between physical and magical DPS job’s damage. Physical DPS jobs tend to require full buffs during a battle, while the magical DPS jobs do not, therefore we decided that we’ll need to increase the damage cap and added this trait.
      By adding this trait, we've heard that dark knights became too strong. However, but the adjustments were based on a warrior job. With warriors they have the Double Attack trait and when considering that, the damage output from dark knight isn’t that much.
      That being said, we’ll continue to observe and make individual job adjustments, and we’re also planning to make further adjustments to the general framework like we did this time.
      * In the video, we mentioned warriors gains three physical damage cap increase, but the correct amount is two.

      00:20:29
      In the January version update, we have de-linked the recast times of dragoon's Jump, Spirit Jump, High Jump, and Soul Jump. By having their own recast times, it's now possible to use all four at the same time.

      00:21:38
      The recast timer for the dancer's Waltz ability, such as the Curing Waltz and Divine Waltz has been de-linked so they're not sharing the same cooldown. While it still consumes TP, we believe you'll be able to fight better by making a slight adjustment to your fighting style. We have also greatly increased the effect of Presto.
    • Record of Eminence
      00:24:43
      We've added new conditions related to Besieged in the Record of Eminence. There was an issue where the Record of Eminence objective could not be completed due to enemies being defeated while the besieged status was on Advancing. This update was to address this issue.

  • Over Picked Version Update
    00:28:36
    We've revealed some information regarding the upcoming February version update. Please note that the information is based on the current state and may be subject to change.
    • Ambuscade Weapons
      00:29:50
      In addition to adding a third and fourth phase of the Ambuscade weapon upgrade, we're also planning to change the design of the weapon as well. The weapon upgrade phase doesn't end on the fourth phase but will go on just a bit longer. As for the final stats on these weapons, we're thinking of setting them so that these weapons are adequate enough before obtaining the “best” weapon.
    • Job Adjustments
      00:31:32
      We're planning to make adjustments to red mages; however, there's a possibility where we may make an adjustment to another job depending on the development status. We are thinking of making adjustments to all the jobs, and it also doesn't mean that we won't make any further adjustments after we make the adjustments. It'll take a while for the job adjustments, so we ask you for your patience and understanding.
    • New Mount
      00:46:03
      During the show, we've showcased images of a new mount. Since this mount is very important in the story, we've prepared a specific quest to obtain it. Please look forward to it!

  • Fujito's /shout
    00:50:43

    →New Year's Wishes
    00:50:57
    The New Year's event was available until Tuesday, January 15th.

    →January 2019 Login Campaign
    00:51:24
    Our featured item of the month is the ♪Raaz mount! Don't worry, you won't fall off!

    →New Year's Geas Fete Campaign
    00:53:00
    Various campaigns will be held, so keep an eye out for them!

    →I Dream of Mog Bonanza 2019
    00:53:30
    The winning numbers have been announced! We apologize for temporarily suspending the exchange when the winning numbers were announced. Reward exchange has resumed on Tuesday, January 15th. For details please refer to this news.

    →Aphmau Arrives in DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY OPERA OMNIA! (Japanese Version)
    00:54:26
    Aphmau arrives in DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY OPERA OMNIA. While her outfit is the white Nashmeira outfit, we kept the name as Aphmau to avoid spoilers. The Japanese version of this character is voiced by Haruka Tomatsu.
    * In the video, we've mentioned Lion and Prishe will be buffed. The "buff" here is referring that this character gives a status buff during the event.

We hope to share the future of Vana'diel once again with everyone this year and thank you all for your continued support.

Until next time, see you!