September Version Update

[Yoji_Fujito]

Good day, adventurers!

It feels like we were only halfway through 2026, yet the various insects I'm hearing outside already signal autumn's arrival. As I review the development team's upcoming schedule, I find multiple tasks that hint at the season to come. It is moments like these that truly capture the fun and excitement of working on a live service game.

I'm glad that all of you were able to enjoy the new notorious monsters that we added to the Seekers of Adoulin areas in August. After reviewing the feedback that you've shared with us on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, as well as your comments on social media, we're currently preparing the second installment of this initiative.

I know that both new and veteran adventurers alike are itching to take on these fresh and exciting challenges, so please give us a bit more time before the next update. We're working hard to deliver additional content that everyone can enjoy.

Also, we received a great deal of feedback from you regarding the issue following the July version update where the game client would occasionally freeze under certain conditions. Thank you for sharing with us how and when this issue occurred, as well as your gameplay environment at the time.

As part of last month's update, we implemented some measures to address what we believe to be one of the bug's underlying causes. And based on the responses we've received so far, it seems that the issue has now been resolved. If you happen to notice a similar issue going forward, please share any additional information regarding the circumstances of the issue and your gameplay environment when it occurred. We will continue monitoring the situation and implement any measures that are needed in order to ensure that everyone can enjoy the game fully. Thank you for your cooperation.

I'd also like to give an update regarding the "story replay feature" that I mentioned in my New Year's greeting. The development and QA teams are currently working on implementing and testing the feature and everything is proceeding smoothly. However, given the sheer number of missions that exist when including those up to Rank 10 and for all three nations, as well as the need to carefully examine the many intertwined branching paths between them, the process is taking a considerable amount of time to make sure that it's done right—which is just as we originally anticipated. Since this process is proceeding alongside our regular work on the monthly version updates, we plan to share interim updates with you at the appropriate intervals.

Furthermore, due to a wide range of tasks for both the near and long term that are currently underway, the September 2026 version update will be relatively compact in scope, focusing primarily on the third phase of updates to the Trust magic system. Now then, let's get into the details of this month's update in order.

* Please note that the content being described is still under development, so details such as the names, numerical values, and other specifications are all subject to change. We appreciate your understanding.


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■ Trust magic updates
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We are increasing the maximum number of alter ego points that can be assigned to each category from 50 to 60.

Although spending alter ego points doesn't provide any dramatic boosts to the performance of your alter egos, the points you earn through various activities can be used to gradually strengthen them across the board. The system has been designed so that there are no particular penalties for experimenting, so feel free to assign the points however you like.

While the September version update was limited to increasing the point allocation cap, we are still working on the Trust Equipment System (tentative name), which is an equally important part of our Trust magic improvements. The team is doing its best to ensure that this feature is ready by winter, so we can't wait for you to try it out for yourselves.


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■ Free Trial adjustments
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As part of the adjustments to the game's Free Trial version that we announced via the May episode of Freshly Picked Vana'diel and other various channels, we are raising the character level cap from 50 to 75.

We are also planning to remove the Free Trial's time limit in late September, allowing players to enjoy it without any time restrictions.

We're working on a variety of initiatives to give even more players the chance to discover everything that Vana'diel has to offer. If you have friends who are thinking of setting out on their first adventure, or are veteran adventurers seeking to return after some time away from the game, now is the perfect opportunity to invite them to join you.


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■ Ambuscade updates
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- Volume 1: Qutrub (Content Level 119 & up)
- Volume 2: Hydra (Content Level 117 & up)

For the Qutrub in Volume 1, the boss wields a dagger that adds an instant death effect to its regular attacks once its HP is low. This effect will trigger more frequently if the boss has any minions present, so be sure to take them out first.

In Volume 2, your strategy should be to focus on cutting down the number of Hydra heads. Strike with all of your might and try to eliminate its heads as quickly as possible!


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■ About the campaigns
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- Special Commemorative Item for the Wizardry Variants Daphne Collaboration



In celebration of the collaboration with Wizardry Variants Daphne, the Abyssal Mask will be available until Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 7:59 a.m. (PDT) / 2:59 p.m. (GMT) / 3:59 p.m. (BST).

You will get the item just by logging in, so remember to grab it before it's gone!


- Take a Vana'Vacation This Summer! Support Campaign



We have prepared a variety of different campaigns to help you upgrade your characters and support your adventures, including the Ambuscade Gallantry Campaign, which doubles the badges of gallantry you can earn each day, and also the Alter Ego Expo Campaign, which boosts the abilities of your alter egos. These campaigns are also available until Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 7:59 a.m. (PDT) / 2:59 p.m. (GMT) / 3:59 p.m. (BST), so please enjoy them at your own pace.


- September login campaign
We've added a new "stylish" weapon for your enjoyment.

This new scythe is specifically designed to garner attention.
Click on the image below to get a sneak peek of this latest addition to your arsenal.

We plan to reveal the full design tomorrow, so stay tuned!


- The Shadow Lord's Dominion



We are holding the special event known as “The Shadow Lord's Dominion” a total of three times from August through October.

Also, a certain character connected to the Shadow Lord has prepared an all-new reward for you.



We plan to make this event available in late September, so between it and the third appearance in October, I hope you’re able to take your time and enjoy the event without having to rush.


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■ Adventurers' Survey
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Based on the results of the Adventurers' Survey conducted in November 2024, we have established a number of development and operational policies and are working to implement various initiatives to that end.

The results from the survey provided many valuable insights for both the development and operations teams and are helping to guide the future of FFXI. With that in mind, we are planning to conduct a second survey in the near future.

Just like last time, we are looking forward to hearing your honest opinions about the current state of the game. Therefore, I hope you will take this opportunity to participate in the survey and help us make the game experience even better.

Our entire team remains committed to ensuring that adventurers everywhere can continue to enjoy their time in Vana'diel. With the seasons changing and cooler weather on the way, please take care as autumn approaches.

I hope that you continue to enjoy the world of FFXI!
Safe journeys!

Mission and Quest-related

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

Content and System-related

Implementation Timing	Update Task and Details	In-progress Task	Details
September	Trusts	・Increase maximum number of alter ego points that can be allocated to each stat	-
September	Free Trial	・Increase character level limit	-
September	Ambuscade	・Replace notorious monsters	-

Item-related

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