July Version Update

[Yoji_Fujito]

Good day, adventurers!

The game's 24th Vana'versary is behind us, but there's no time to rest, as we've been working nonstop since May on the monthly version updates as well as the underlying systems for our mid-to-long-term plans for the game.

As part of the July version update, we are focusing on the areas I've listed below. Through these changes, our goals are to introduce additional battle content, improve the playability of existing content, and make the game even more accessible for those players new to Vana'diel.

・Addition of a high-tier mission battlefield
・Adjustments to the Limbus battle content (Temenos)
・Revisions to the initial in-game configuration settings (mostly aimed at new players)

Okay, let's dive into each topic in more detail.


==============
■Addition of a high-tier mission battlefield
==============


We will be adding a new high-tier mission battlefield based on "A Crystalline Prophecy," which is one of the three add-on scenarios previously released for the game.

These add-on scenarios (as well as the three Abyssean battle area add-ons) were previously released as paid downloadable content for the game. When these scenarios were originally released, expansion packs were typically sold on physical media such as DVDs, as downloadable content was still something of a rarity, despite its ubiquitous nature today. As such, some of you may never have had the chance to enjoy them.

In order to play this newly added battlefield, you will need to purchase "A Crystalline Prophecy" and make your way through the scenario. You can either buy the add-on scenarios individually, or choose the FINAL FANTASY XI: Ultimate Collection Seekers Edition, which includes all of the previously released expansion content. I hope you take advantage of this opportunity to explore the many mysteries of the Crystals.

ーーーーーーーーーーー
A Crystalline Prophecy - Ode of Life Bestowing


Remnants of an enormous crystal suddenly appear in the sky above Jeuno, causing all manner of strange incidents throughout the land. Long known as harbingers of natural phenomena, such crystals are often treated with apprehension, and it falls to adventurers to get to the bottom of things.
ーーーーーーーーーーー

We're also planning to release battlefields based on the other two add-on scenarios, with the first one coming this winter, so keep an eye out for more information to come!


==============
■Adjustments to the Limbus battle content (Temenos)
==============


We have made the following adjustments to the Temenos area within Limbus.

・Removed some floors
・Adjusted the placement of certain monsters
・Eased the appearance conditions for the "???"

Our goal with these changes is to reduce the number of runs necessary to take on the content, and also to make it more accessible. I feel like those of you that have played Limbus multiple times will be more likely to notice these changes. Therefore, it is our hope that the content will be somewhat easier to pick up and play than before.


==============
■Ambuscade updates
==============


・Volume 1: Qiqirn (Item Level 119 & up)
・Volume 2: Lizards & Efts (Item Level 109 & up)

The Qiqirn possess the ability to steal various things from you. You'll especially want to be careful if your abilities or support effects are stolen, as the abilities will be marked as used, or the enemy may absorb your support effects to grow even stronger, both of which can make the battle a lot tougher!

In Volume 2, you'll be facing Lizards and Efts. The group with fewer members at any given moment will be powered up for the battle, so you'll want to analyze the situation and choose a strategy that suits your playing style. You can opt to take down the enemies one at a time, therefore balancing out the power-ups between them, or you can use AoE attacks to take them both down at once. This is an ideal opponent for those of you taking on Volume 2 in Ambuscade for the first time, so go ahead and give it a try, starting with the Very Easy difficulty!


==============
■Initial configuration setting changes
==============


In an effort to better optimize the game for new players, we will be changing the initial settings for the following items.

・Game screen aspect ratio
・Area Display
・Status Icons
・Timer Display
・Third-Person Camera

We're making these changes in order to bring the game in line with the standard settings in more recent titles, thereby ensuring a smoother initial gameplay experience for those playing FFXI for the first time. For example, the game screen's aspect ratio will now automatically match the screen resolution set in the FINAL FANTASY XI Config tool by default rather than using the standard 4:3 setting.

These settings will also be carried over when you install the game on a new computer, so it is our hope that users returning to FFXI after some time will find it easy to get back into the game.


==============
■About the campaigns
==============
・Celestial Nights


The Celestial Nights event, based on the Japanese tale of Tanabata, is currently underway. This event sees two individuals playing the roles of star-crossed lovers Prince Yahiko and Princess Amdina. Make sure to use the /slap emote to help Prince Yahiko focus as you guide both of them to their final destination!

・Login campaign


As part of the July 2026 login campaign, you can receive a brand-new uchiwa fan that is just perfect for summer. I hope you'll take advantage of this opportunity to add a stylish piece of Japanese fashion to your wardrobe!

・New Adventures Await You! Equipment Upgrade & Content Support Campaign


We're planning some campaigns this month that will help you upgrade your equipment and also take on the next level of content. This is your opportunity to level up your adventuring game!


We hope these changes will help everyone, whether you're a veteran player or new to the game, enjoy Vana'diel even more. We've worked hard on the various changes for this month, so I hope everyone is looking forward to the July version update.

Safe journeys!


Mission and Quest-related

Implementation Timing	Update Task and Details	In-progress Task	Details
July	Records of Eminence	・Update monthly objectives	-

Content and System-related

Implementation Timing	Update Task and Details	In-progress Task	Details
July	High-tier Mission Battlefields	・Add new high-tier mission battlefield	-
July	Titles	・Add new title	-
July	Limbus	・Remove certain floors in Temenos ・Change certain monster locations in Temenos ・Ease requirement for ??? to appear in Temenos	-
July	Ambuscade	・Replace notorious monsters	-
July	Config	・Change certain default settings for in-game config	-

Item-related

Implementation Timing	Update Task and Details	In-progress Task	Details
July	Items	・Add new items	-
July	Porter Moogle	・Add to list of supported items	-