Hi, there!

To coincide with the August 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 46.

Once again, we had our broadcast before the version update. We focused on the August 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 a recap of all the information.



Table of Contents
  • Freshly Picked Version Update
    0:02:19
    This segment of the show focused on the major aspects of the August version update.
    • Red Mage Job Adjustment
      0:03:25
      For the adjustment details, please check the version update information. Here we'll go over the reasoning and policy behind the adjustments.

      Converted Merit Point Group 2 Spells into Scrolls
      As mentioned previously, we are gradually converting spells that were learned through merit points into magic scrolls.

      With this change, Merit Point Group 2 has been redesigned to focus on emphasizing red mage's main characteristics. We've made the default values of these spells equivalent to investing 5 merit points. We've also changed augment effects according to the new category.

      We'll be gradually addressing other jobs as well, so please look forward to it.

    • Puppetmaster Job Adjustment
      0:06:27
      Again, please refer to the version update for the adjustment details. Here we'll go over the reasoning behind the adjustments.

      Changed Maneuver-Consuming Attachment into Burden-Reducing Type
      We received positive feedback regarding Burden-reducing attachments, and so we’ll be changing a number of Maneuver-consuming attachments into Burden-reducing attachments.

      However, Schurzen would be too powerful as a Burden-reducing type, so it will remain a Maneuver-consuming type. Likewise, Condenser has an effect to prevent Overload from Burden, and will also remain a Maneuver-consuming type.

      Additionally, Overload chance is now displayed when using a Maneuver. We understand that players would like to see the actual Burden value rather than a percent chance. However, Overload chance is determined after equations have been applied to the Burden value, so we believe it would actually be more informative to display a percentage.

      Please try it out in-game and let us know your feedback.

    • High-Tier Battlefield
      0:10:25
      A High-Tier Battlefield featuring Alexander has been added.

      This version of Alexander features many mechanics that are completely different from previous iterations, and will change accordingly handle the situation. It may be difficult to decipher its mechanics at first, but you'll be able to come up with a battle plan once you figure them out.

      During the broadcast, we showed off the body equipment and shield which are available as rewards.
      The other equipment pieces are available as well, so we hope you’ll give the battle a try!

      As a side note, the name “Sacro” means “holy”.

    • Ambuscade
      0:15:11
      This month's foes are poroggo and mandragora.

      The new Vengeful Citrullus is a mandragora with a watermelon-like appearance. In the broadcast we showed off the rewards you can obtain, as well as some gameplay footage of Director Fujito trying out the battle.

      The August version update also added more instances for Ambuscade in an effort to lower queue times. Though we were very careful during the testing phase, there are certain factors that can't be confirmed until they are publicly released. We apologize for the inconvenience caused by the issues that arose immediately after release.

  • Fujito's /shout
    0:24:25

    →FINAL FANTASY XI Gifts from Vana'diel: Songs of Rebirth Now Available!
    0:25:00
    We're pleased to announce a new album: FINAL FANTASY XI Gifts from Vana'diel: Songs of Rebirth is now available through iTunes and Amazon!

    iTunes:
    NA: https://sqex.to/tYVdN / EU: https://sqex.to/gv5hY

    Amazon:
    NA: https://sqex.to/bUW5Z / EU: https://sqex.to/xZurd

    This album covers songs released during and after the Rhapsodies of Vana'diel scenario and also includes the ending theme, Rhapsodies of Vana'diel!

    →Mog House Orchestrion Full Speed Ahead! Campaign
    0:40:20
    In celebration of the above album's release, we will be holding a Mog House Orchestrion Full Speed Ahead! Campaign!

    Anyone who logs in at least once during the campaign period from Friday, August 9, and Saturday, August 31, will receive a sheet of tunes key item for their orchestrion that plays the song Full Speed Ahead!

    →The Return Home to Vana'diel and Discount Campaign
    0:41:34
    Both of these campaigns are currently underway!

    Please refer to the Discount Campaign page for more details.
    NA: http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/campaign/discount/
    EU: http://www.playonline.com/ff11eu/campaign/discount/

    →Summer Alter Ego Extravaganza
    0:42:08
    This campaign runs until August 31! If you are missing any of the alter egos available, be sure to get them before they’re gone!

    →Adventurer Appreciation Campaign
    0:42:37
    While the first half of the campaigns are aimed towards returning players, the second half of the campaign will be showing appreciation to existing players as well. Be sure to take advantage of these campaigns!

    →The Green Festival / Sunbreeze Festival / Day of the Shadow Lord
    0:44:40
    Once the Sunbreeze Festival begins, new items will be sold at the Morbol Café in Lower Jeuno as part of the Green Festival, so be sure to take a peek!

    →One in a Melon Screenshot Campaign
    Submit a screenshot of your character with your favorite type of mandragora in Vana’diel!
    Selected winners will receive their item of choice from the available rewards! See here for details.

    →August 2019 Login Campaign
    0:46:41
    The items featured from May to July has been brought back once again, so don’t miss out!

The next Freshly Picked Vana’diel may be sooner than you think! As usual, we’ll announce the broadcast schedule on the official website, so please be on a lookout for it.

Until next time, see you!