May Version Update

[Yoji_Fujito]

Good day, adventurers!

The game's 24th Vana'versary is right around the corner, so we're also nearing the release of the May 2026 version update. This update brings with it the second round of updates to the Trust magic system, as well as some changes designed to make Ambuscade even easier to play. In addition, we're also preparing some special anniversary events, another round of Vana'Bout, and various other activities designed to help celebrate the game's anniversary, so I'd like to share some details about each topic.
Please note that the content being described is still under development, so things such as the names, numerical values, and item acquisition methods are all subject to change. We appreciate your understanding.
Now then, let's get into each of the categories that make up this month's update.

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■Additional alter ego point categories
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We will be adding two new items that you can assign alter ego points to: combat skills and magic skills.
Combat skills affect the alter ego's overall physical combat abilities, while magic skills have an effect on their magic usage. (Some of you may recognize these terms from the properties assigned to equipment.)
These skills can also augment the alter ego's other stats, so be sure to add points to the area you wish to develop in order to create a synergistic effect.


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■Records of Eminence: New character development objectives
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The process for strengthening your new characters will be revised, with the following points expanded upon for additional clarity.

・Growth based on experience points
・Growth based on level cap breaks, job points, and exemplar points

These objectives will be automatically accepted under a different method than the existing Records of Eminence objectives. I imagine that many of you are already pursuing multiple different objectives, but you can feel safe knowing that these new objectives will not make accomplishing your existing tasks more difficult.

In addition to these new objectives, an "Intermediate 2" category will also be added to the existing RoE objectives. This category includes methods for acquiring and reforging your equipment, so it's an excellent resource for those of you currently working to strengthen your character.


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■Ambuscade
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In addition to the monster updates this month, we're increasing the number of hallmarks and badges of gallantry that you can earn, and also adding new items to trade for.

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• Earn more hallmarks and badges of gallantry
  For the benefit of both new and returning players, as well as those taking on the content solo, we have made it easier to obtain and reforge Ambuscade equipment by increasing the number of hallmarks and badges of gallantry that can be obtained from certain difficulty levels (primarily in Ambuscade Volume 2). This is your chance to improve your equipment and make it easier to tackle the Ambuscade challenges, so I hope you'll use this opportunity to take on various in-game content.

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• Newly added item (Trust Primer)
  The Trust Primer will be added to the hallmarks overall rewards.
  By using it, you can acquire 20 alter ego points, making it perfect for boosting the previously mentioned combat skill and magic skill parameters!

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• Monster updates
  

  ・Volume 1: Tonberries (Item Level 119 & up)
  ・Volume 2: Pteraketos (Item Level 109 & up)

  In the fight against the Tonberries, the summoner-type enemy that appears at the beginning will repeatedly use the Astral Flow ability, so I recommend bolstering your resistances and defeating the foe as quickly as possible. Additionally, the boss will attack with Area of Effect attacks based on the "Hate" that the Tonberries are known for. It's easier if you dispel their Hate before continuing the fight.
  
  Meanwhile, the Pteraketos changes between different modes during the battle, such as water mode, which causes it to take increased physical damage, and thunder mode, which increases the magic damage it incurs. Therefore, time your party's attacks accordingly and use skillchains and magic bursts to gradually wear down the monster's HP. If you complete the necessary conditions, a bonus monster may also appear, so be sure to take it out and get your rewards!

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■Opening new chests within Limbus
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We are adding a temporary item that enables you to open the treasure chests, thereby reducing the number of times needed to participate in the content in order to open them.
This item can be obtained once per week by examining the "???" that appears somewhere in the battle area.


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■About the campaigns scheduled for May
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We are planning a variety of different events in an effort to help celebrate the game's 24th anniversary.

・Anniversary Event
We're creating an all-new event especially for the upcoming Vana'versary. There will also be new artwork prepared for some of the rewards, so we hope you're looking forward to it!



・Adventurer Gratitude Campaign
We have updated the items that can be obtained upon logging in. The lineup includes a silver mog pell, as well as an experience boost ring that is useful for both new and returning players alike. Be sure not to miss this amazing opportunity.



・Moogle Support Campaign for New & Returning Adventurers
The moogles have prepared some special gifts for you, including a Mog Pell (Red), Mog Pell (Ochre), and Trust Primer. You can get these items simply by logging in during the campaign period, so don't forget to do so!

・24th Vana'versary Nomad Mog Bonanza
As thanks for your dedication to the world of Vana'diel, we are holding a special Nomad Mog Bonanza celebrating the game's 24th anniversary.
This time, the Rank 2 prizes include the addition of Sroda equipment that can be obtained from the A.M.A.N. Trove, while Rank 3 features the Well furnishing that can be used to store multiple items.

・Vana'Bout
We will be changing the conditions for acquiring the Vana'Bout rewards. Like what happened in Round 8, there have been cases where multiple participants earned the maximum score and were awarded a top ranking, but were unable to acquire the accompanying title. In an effort to resolve this issue, the criteria will no longer be based on your place on the ranking board, but how many points you have managed to earn.

・The "Real" Archduke of Jeuno, Back in the Spotlight Yet Again
The Archduke's Sword and Archduke's Shield that can be obtained as rewards for this event are highly recommended items for both new and veteran adventurers alike. Don't miss this chance to add them to your collection!

・Strange Happenings in Vana'diel - Phase 2
In honor of the third update to Echoes of Vana'diel, we will be bringing back the "Strange Happenings in Vana'diel" event.
The content from the first appearance of the event will remain as-is, while we will also be adding new rewards. So even if you played through the event the first time, you'll definitely want to play through it again.

Furthermore, in an effort to get as many people as possible to participate, we plan to run the event for a bit longer than usual, until the end of June 2026. We hope everyone is looking forward to participating in this event!





We are also planning a "Return Home to Vana'diel and Discount Campaign" for both new and returning adventurers alike. If you have any friends that have been away from the game for a while, or who are thinking about playing it for the first time, be sure to let them know about this opportunity to join you on your adventures throughout Vana'diel!

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■Announcing Episode 72 of Freshly Picked Vana'diel!
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The long-running series Freshly Picked Vana'diel returns with another new installment.
Episode 72 will air on Friday, May 15, 2026!


This time, our featured guest is veteran adventurer Emiri Kato. She'll share her thoughts on the game and we'll discuss what the future holds for FFXI.
We've also prepared a delightful video to help celebrate this festive occasion, so be sure to tune in and see it for yourself.


That covers the May version update.
Safe journeys!


Mission and Quest-related

Implementation Timing	Update Task and Details	In-progress Task	Details
May	Records of Eminence	・Update monthly objectives ・Add new objectives to tutorial ・Add new objectives to content ・Add a Current Quests list and an auto-accept feature	-

Content and System-related

Implementation Timing	Update Task and Details	In-progress Task	Details
May	Alter Egos	・Add alter ego point categories for combat/magic skills	-
May	Limbus	・Add new item for unlocking treasure chests in Temenos/Apollyon	-
May	Ambuscade	・Increase amount of Hallmarks/Gallantry gained from certain difficulty levels ・Add Trust Primer to Hallmarks exchange rewards ・Replace notorious monsters	-

Item-related

Implementation Timing	Update Task and Details	In-progress Task	Details
May	Items	・Add new items ・Adjust the randomized algorithm for items which offer random items when used	-
May	Porter Moogle	・Add to list of supported items	-