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Letter from the Producer LIVE Part XXXV Digest (5/18/2017)
We're pleased to present the full digest of the Letter from the Producer LIVE Part XXXV! If you missed the stream, or if you just want to watch it again (and again), check it out below!
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* Don't forget to select the 720p option to watch the video in HD!
Introduction to Key NPC characters from Stormblood
0:09:04
In Heavensward, the Warrior of Light traveled to Ishgard to end the Dragonsong War. This time however, he will journey to not only one region, but through Ala Mhigo, Doma in Othard, and Kugane in Hingashi. For this reason, a variety of characters will make an appearance in Stormblood.
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Q&A
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0:22:55
Q: I would like to know the details of the house moving system! I would appreciate if you could let us know how the feature works and the steps required.
A: In Stormblood, we will introduce a new housing area called Shirogane. Players will not be able to purchase housing at the launch of 4.0; however, they will be able to visit the housing area. The moving feature will be implemented at the same timing that the housing plots become available for purchase. Additionally, players will be able to purchase an apartment in Shirogane as well.
As for the feature itself, the steps in which the players need to take is pretty simple. When accessing the sign board of the plot to purchase, players will be presented with an option to move, so they will just need to select that option. You will then be required to purchase the land.
When moving, all the existing outdoor and indoor furnishings will be stored into a new storage space of the newly purchased house. It would be possible to retain the original housing layout; however, when moving to a different sized plot would cause the placement to be different. Therefore, we decided to take this approach.
The moving feature will transfer the personal chambers, company chest, company workshop, and airship voyage status, as well as the chocobo stables.
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0:26:21
Q: Is the timing for purchasing plots in Shirogane the same for free companies and individuals?
A: We are currently in the middle of investigating how much of the population owns housing, so this hasn't been decided yet. We will look into this a bit more before making a decision.
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0:26:42
Q: Will the price of the plots in the new housing area be the same as the existing housing areas? Or will it have separate pricing?
A: We're planning to set the price to the starting price currently set for all Words and decrease it over time.
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0:27:31
Q: Gosetsu looks like a Roegadyn, but also looks like a big Highlander. Which race is he?
A: He's a Roegadyn, but one from the lands to the East. Rather than a Sea Wolf, he's closer to the Hellsguard tribe. He has a unique NPC look.
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0:28:18
Q: Heavensward areas were different from ARR areas in how the light and shadow were applied. Will there be a different scheme for Stormblood areas as well? Please let us know if there are any unique weather conditions, or times of day that are especially spectacular!
A: Once again, the biggest focus is in the contrast between light and shadow. Another aspect we took special care was with the filters which represents "air," such as the clouds and dust. Especially for the Eastern areas, we took special care to give the atmosphere a mystical feel, as well as fresh feeling when the skies are clear. We applied this to not only the fields but for dungeons as well.
There will also be weather conditions that are different from the ones you've seen before, so we'd be happy if players would take a step back while progressing through the main scenario and enjoy the scenery occasionally.
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0:30:23
Q: Are the new areas being added in Stormblood larger when compared to Heavensward ones?
A: The amount of areas is same, so the general sizes are same as well. Post Patch 3.0, players have grown accustomed to travelling with flying mounts; therefore, until they can fly in the new areas, they will need travel on foot or with ground mounts. In that sense, you may feel that these areas are very large. That compass you all used in 3.0 might come in handy once again.
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0:31:48
Q: Some items names and portions of the story mention the island of Thavnair (Radz-at-Hahn), but will it make an appearance?
A: It won't be possible to travel to these locations yet in Patch 4.0. However, there will be something that allows you to feel the atmosphere of Thavnair, which you can visit starting in Patch 4.05. Whether you're able to get there or not will depend on your luck.
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0:32:43
Q: The Aldenard region, where the adventures up until now have taken place, and Othard, the region including Doma, are very far apart. Will there be different time zones, similar to real life?
A: From a lore perspective, there are different time zones; however, we have Eorzean time ("ET") as the local time, so it won't affect the gameplay.
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0:33:47
Q: Are there any Hunts in the new areas?
A: Yes. There are many.
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0:34:01
Q: We are excited to explore new areas! Will the sightseeing log and new vistas be implemented for Ala Mhigo and Doma?
A: There will be 45 new vistas added as part of the Stormblood section. Of course, Kugane has a few locations as well. Aside from some, they aren't that difficult, so please enjoy the scenery while going through them. As a side note, when I told the lead of this "this is easy," he replied "I'll make an Extreme version!"
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0:34:46
Q: I believe there are lots of NPCs in the Doman area with Asian-themed hairstyles. Would players be able to use these hairstyles? I want a top knot!
A: In Patch 4.0, we're adding two new hairstyles, but there's no top knot. If there's a lot of request for it, we'll consider it, so if you see any styles in-game which you like, be sure to leave feedback.
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0:35:16
Q: With the additional jobs being implemented, it will likely become increasingly difficult to receive the desired equipment pieces in raids. Will the raids in 4.0 also be divided by a tier system, similar to the Alexander raids?
A: The new raid won't be available upon the release of 4.0. Similar to 3.0, the raids will be introduced a little bit after.
The equipment pieces that drop in Savage are divided by role, and the raid tier system will be continued. As for the weapon, we'll continue the existing system along with a new system. We're planning a system where a weapon for the job participating in the raid will always drop. We'll go over the details in a future Letter from the Producer LIVE.
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0:36:48
Q: Will there be job-specific gear in Patch 4.0? If so, I would like to know how we obtain them.
A: There will be. We have completed the designs for them as well.
*The video showed CG artwork for the dark knight, dragoon, paladin, bard, and scholar job-specific gear.
By completing the level 70 job quest, players will be able to obtain a complete job-specific set. In Patch 3.0, players exchanged Allagan tomestones of esoterics, but since there were weekly restrictions, it was difficult to collect them for different jobs, and it also caused situation where player item levels were not same when they hit level 60. For this reason, we made it so that once players hit level 70, they will receive their job-specific gear. This time, players will receive a box which contains the full set of the gear. Once you use this item, you will open the box to receive the full set of gear. Please note that once you take the gear out of the box, you won't be able to put it back in.
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0:41:32
Q: We'd like to hear any stories about the selection and development of red mage and samurai!
A: Red mage was announced first, but during the development we chose samurai first. In terms of roles, we thought it would be more important to focus on balancing the existing tanks and healers; therefore, we decided to go with melee DPS for the STR slot, and ranged magic DPS for the INT slot.
Because the story was already determined to take place in Doma, samurai was determined relatively quickly.
However, it took a while to decide on the red mage. Many players who played the previous FF games have an impression that a red mage is a hybrid job which uses both the black magic and white magic. For this reason, we worried that players may say "this isn't red mage." There was a time where we considered Mystic or Geomancer. However, we thought that players would continue to ask for red mage in the future, so we felt it would be best to retain the image of the job from the previous FF games, and have created a new red mage in FFXIV.
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0:44:21
Q: For the new jobs, will there be new weapons and gear added from existing content such as primal fights, raids, and Allagan tomestone equipment?
A: Allagan tomestones of esoterics, lore, and scripture gear will also include gear for the new jobs. These previous tomestone exchangeable gear will be available via poetics.
Additionally, equipment will be added to dungeons post level 51, and trials such as Nidhogg, and Alexander. And of course, we have prepared weapons with the added visual effect for the new jobs as well. Coil, Anima and Zodiac weapons will not be added.
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0:47:47
Q: During The Rising event in 2015, there was a mention about red mage in the Eighteenth Floor. Was red mage already confirmed to be implemented at this point?
A: At that point in time, it was just a high probability and wasn't confirmed.
In the Japanese version, if you read the first letter of the each line from Yoshida's dialogue in the Eighteenth Floor, it reads "thank you." If you were able to figure this out, it may have given an impression that it was a fake message just to achieve this hidden meaning; however, lots of players believed that red mage was indeed coming, and I was scolded a lot by Project Manager M.
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0:50:55
Q: In Patch 3.0 we had the Specialist system. Are there any plans to add new features for Disciples of the Land and Hand in Patch 4.0?
A: There won't be any new system, however, we have made various adjustments, which includes Specialist adjustments based on feedback we received.
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0:51:25
Q: With the level cap increase, do you have plans to add new Specialist actions, as well as make adjustments to existing ones?
A: New Specialist actions will be added, and we're also planning to adjust existing actions where players can gain additional effect only when they are a Specialist. So the Specialist system will be improved overall.
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0:51:59
Q: Will the weekly restrictions on blue scrips and red scrips continue to be used in Patch 4.0, or will there be a new token for Disciples of the Land and Hand?
A: Blue scrips will be retired in Patch 4.0. Red scrips will remain; however, the weekly restrictions will be removed. Additionally, we're adding a yellow scrips for level 70, and they won't have any weekly restrictions either. Therefore, the weekly restrictions for both Disciples of the Land and Hand will be no more.
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0:52:50
Q: With the level cap being increased, I believe the maximum amount of GP we can have will increase. Will the speed in which GP recovers increase?
A: The speed won't change; however there is a new trait which will increase the speed for GP recovery. Players will be able to obtain this trait through the class quest series, so make sure to do them!
As an additional note, players will only learn one action for their job/class through quests. These actions are received as a reward for completing the job/class quest series, so until then, the story will be the key element for these quests. For Disciples of War and Magic, I believe you can complete all the job quests at one time when you hit level 70; however, for Disciples of the Land and Hand, the story is directly tied into the gathering/crafting, so please complete them in order.
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0:54:27
Q: I play mainly as a fisher so I'm looking forward to gathering while underwater. Are there any plans to implement this?
A: All gatherers will have a new underwater gathering feature implemented. For fishers, spearfishing will be added.
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0:55:22
Q: I'm curious to know if there will be any other underwater mounts aside from Syldra!
A: We're planning to add a variety of mounts, such as the Falcon or a tiger. Sleipnir may soon fly as well.
*The video showed illustrations of new mounts.
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0:57:46
Q: Are there any current mounts that will be available while underwater?
A: All flying mounts will be able to go underwater. Ground mounts will also receive a major change. I'm sure some players feel that the ground mounts are slow; however, it will soon become possible to increase the speed in two steps. By completing specific main scenario quests in each area, the mounts speed will be increased in those areas. Therefore, if you have completed the main scenario quest from Patch 3.0, then from the timing when Patch 4.0 is released, players will be able to travel one step faster in the existing areas. In addition to this, players can increase their mount's speed by one additional step by meeting a specific condition. Please see what the conditions are in-game.
Furthermore, as an additional note to the changes made to the field, there will be no cool downs on actions (with an exception to some actions) when you change jobs outside of rest areas. Also, players will not consume TP when using Sprint. With this change it'll be easier for tanks and melee DPS jobs to sprint inside raids.
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1:02:28
Q: Do you have plans to introduce any new features to the Adventurer Squadron? I would love to enter dungeons with the squadron I raised!
A: Previously I mentioned how we wanted to implement a feature where players are able to enter dungeons with their squadron, and we're currently developing this with an aim to release it in Patch 4.1. However, there are a lot of things to prepare, such as the system and creating the AI, and the schedule is looking very tight for Patch 4.1. Also, if we do get to implement this, at the beginning there may not be many dungeons that will work with this feature. We will follow up on the status after Patch 4.0 release.
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1:03:37
Q: Do you have plans to introduce new company crafting projects or exploratory voyages?
A: For company crafting, we're going to introduce a new company project to create carbuncle-themed housing exterior.
*The video showed an illustration of the housing exterior.
For exploratory voyages, we don't have any plans soon, but we're thinking of something new, so we'll let you know once we're able to share more.
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1:04:39
Q: We'll finally be able to visit Doma, but will there be any Eastern-styled emotes?
A: To Japanese people, there is a culture of respecting the concept of "gratitude". As such, we will be implementing emotes based around that.
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1:05:38
Q: This year marks the 30th anniversary for the FINAL FANTASY series. Are there any plans for an anniversary event in FFXIV?
A: We're planning to hold a FINAL FANTASY series projection mapping collaboration event with the city of Yokohama in June. The projection mapping for FFXIV will be done on the wall of InterContinental Yokohama Grand Hotel.
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This is a large-scale event, so if you have a chance to visit, please be sure to check it out.
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1:09:35
Q: When can we expect a Stormblood benchmark?
A: For Heavensward, we had shown the benchmark right around now at the Nico Nico Chokaigi event in Japan.
*The video showed the benchmark trailer as a surprise after the above response.
The benchmark will be available after the stream, so please give it a try.
*The benchmark is available to download here.
The benchmark allows players to view their own characters as the protagonist of the trailer. Additionally, characters can be equipped with outfits, such as Veteran Rewards items. New job animations can also be seen in the trailer, so please check it out.
Alongside the benchmark release, here are the system requirements.
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In the DirectX® section of the system requirements, we have listed "DirectX® 9.0c and DirectX® 11," but this is due to certain segments of the game that utilize DirectX® 9.0c runtime, so please download both.
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1:41:24
Q: In Stormblood, will there be additional options to increase graphics quality beyond what is currently available?
A: We are prioritizing stability and high framerate, so there are no outstanding graphics options to be added at this time. However, as we are implementing support for the PlayStation®4 Pro, the PlayStation®4 version will have an option to increase graphics resolutions. UI scaling will also receive options for higher resolutions as well.
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1:42:19
Q. During the Fan Festival, you mentioned that there are plans for PlayStation®4 Pro support, but is this planned for Patch 4.0?
A: It will be supported at the same time as Patch 4.0.
There will be two modes available for the PlayStation®4 Pro. One mode will retain the current resolution while increasing the frame rate. With this mode, you can expect a stable 60FPS even in scenes with many people.
The other mode retains the current existing frame rate but increases the resolution.
Of course, the game is playable on the standard PlayStation®4 as well, so please think of these as features for those who already own or plan to purchase a PlayStation®4 Pro.
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1:43:26
Q: In an interview, I read that the number of data centers for Japan may change. I'm currently gathering members to run the Omega raid, but are there any plans to change portions of the Elemental or Mana data center?
A: In preparation for Patch 4.0, we are looking at various data, such as the number of active players and their progress in the main scenario.
For the Europe region, the Chaos data center population is increasing across all Worlds, so in anticipation of a large increase in traffic, we may open up one or two new Worlds.
For Japanese and North American data centers, we see deviations in the populations from World to World. Instead of increasing the number of data centers or adding more Worlds, we're considering incentives for players that transfer to specific Worlds. These are also in consideration for Patch 4.0, so details will be released at a later date.
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1:45:34
Q: During the Fan Festival in Las Vegas, there was an announcement regarding inventory slot expansion, but we would like to know which inventory (Inventory/Armoury Chest) is being increased and by how much!
A: We often see comments that the Armoury Chest and Inventory could not be expanded due to PlayStation®3 memory limitations, but that is incorrect. The biggest issue that prevents us from simply adding more inventory space is the amount of network usage that would occur from it. All item data is being moved along with a character when they change areas or queue into an instance, so if we were to add additional item slots without careful consideration, the amount of data being transferred could skyrocket network usage, and servers could go down very often.
Recently Inventory/Armoury Chest expansion has become possible, thanks to factors such as server upgrades, relocation of the NA data centers, and various other increases in efficiency. Keeping stability in mind, we will be implementing this expansion in two parts. We will implement the first expansion in Patch 4.0, and will add the second expansion after confirming server stability.
The Armoury Chest will receive 10 extra slots for each category of equipment, while the item inventory will be increased by 40 slots.
*The video showed images of the updated user interfaces.
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1:49:26
Q: In a previous Letter from the Producer LIVE, you mentioned that you are considering increasing the amount of total macros players can have by sharing the macros across the account. Are there any plans to implement this in Patch 4.0?
A: In Patch 4.0, the maximum amount of macro slots will increase by 100. This is in addition to the 100 slots currently available, for a total of 200 macros. The 100 slots being added are to be added per account, meaning they are shared across all characters in a single account.
These slots will be useful if you fill them to save macros you would like to use across multiple characters.
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1:50:23
Q: With the player level cap increase, can we expect to see a retainer level cap increase as well? Also, can we assign the new jobs to our retainer?
A: The retainer level cap will increase to level 70, and they will be able to become the new jobs.
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1:50:52
Q: I assume a lot of items will be introduced in Patch 4.0, but are there plans to increase the amount of retainers we can hire?
A: We currently have no plans to increase the number of hirable retainers. Looking at the data of retainers being used, we believe the situation is fine as is. However, if it becomes heavily requested we will look into it.
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1:51:52
Q: Are there additional Gold Saucer GATEs, rewards, and mini-games planned?
A: Rewards will be added in Patch 4.0. This includes job-specific gear for the new jobs.
We will consider adding new GATEs and mini-games later on in the 4.x series.
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1:52:25
Q: Along with the increase of the level cap, will our companion chocobo's rank increase as well?
A: The companion's level is synced with the player's level, so if the player is level 70, the companion's level will automatically increase. As for max rank, we will not increase it yet.
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1:52:51
Q: In Patch 4.0 we expect equipment item levels to skyrocket all at once, but will there be higher grades of materia introduced?
A: Yes. The name is tentatively known as High Materia V and we plan on making them easily obtainable. As they are quite powerful, we plan on restricting advanced materia melding to one time only.
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1:54:49
Q: Are there any plans to add new character customization options, such as new face types or face paints?
A: We're adding new hairstyles, but there will be no changes to the character customization options. We are planning on adding variations of options that can be changed in-game, such as hairstyles through the aesthetician. If there is any in-depth feedback, please let us know through the forums.
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1:55:29
Q: The amount of new areas will increase, but I would like to have the amount of favored destinations we can set increase as well! Are there any plans for this?
A: At the moment we do not have plans to increase the number of favored destinations.
However, we have set a cap on the fees for teleportation. No matter how far you travel, the maximum gil cost will be 999 gil.
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1:56:35
Q: Will the interior and exterior layout of Shirogane housing match what is currently available in existing houses? Also, we are expecting Doman furnishings, please tell us what you can about the items that are being added!
A: Eastern-themed furnishings will be added at the same timing the Shirogane housing area is released.
*The video introduced the interior/exterior designs of a Shirogane mansion, as well as screenshots of the new Eastern-themed furnishings.
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1:58:25
Q: Could you please let us know the progress on the app where you can chat with your friends and FC members?
A: As we have reported before, the chat function of the app is finished.
However, the app isn't very relevant if it were to only have the chat function, so we are working on implementing other elements that sync with the game, such as access to retainers and market board listings. Functions such as market board listings may end up being a paid service, but we hope this would be an app that would be convenient when you leave the house. We are looking to release this sometime within the year or early 2018.
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2:00:30
Q: Will Allagan tomestones make a return in Patch 4.0? Please let us know if there are any changes, such as the weekly limitations.
A: They will be in Patch 4.0. The weekly limit will not change.
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2:01:01
Q: Will limitations be removed from existing alliance raids and level 60 dungeons in the future?
A: Limitations will be removed from all dungeon and raid content level 60 and below.
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2:01:47
Q: On the forums, there was a comment that hinted at a group pose function where we could use combat action motions. Is this planned for implementation in Patch 4.0?
A: Combat actions will viewable as a loop in group pose starting Patch 4.0.
*The video showed screenshots taken with the new group pose functions.
We plan on showing these more in depth during community streams and the Developers' Blog, so please check those out as well.
As a side note, we are also finalizing the dynamic theme for the PS4 digital pre-order bonus.
*The video showed sample images of the PS4 dynamic theme.
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2:05:14
Q: It was mentioned that the Gear Design Contest for the Tank edition was planned to be implemented in Patch 4.0, but please tell us how we can obtain this gear, as well as the stats!
A: We can't release information about the stats yet, but based on the design of the gear, we decided the gear should be pretty strong. Therefore we plan to make them obtainable with the Allagan tomestones being introduced in Patch 4.0. These tomestones will be similar to Esoterics in 3.0, and will have weekly limitations.
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2:07:55
Q: In Patch 4.0, I'm sure FATEs will be popular for leveling, but are there any plans to implement features to the FATE system where players can earn more experience points?
A: We are implementing FATEs with new features, such as experience bonuses.
Experience will be very easy to earn, so please try it out while leveling.
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2:08:57
Q: Will Omega be released sometime after patch 4.0, similar to Alexander?
A: The normal version will be released two weeks after Patch 4.0. The Savage difficulty will be released another two weeks afterward. Please feel free to play story content and level your jobs at your own pace.
Additionally, similar to 3.0 release, the weekly Allagan tomestone will not be immediately obtainable during 4.0 release.
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2:11:01
Q: Compared to other city-states, Ul'dah's market board is inconvenient to access. I've gotten used to it playing from A Realm Reborn, but would it be possible to add an aetheryte there?
A: It will be added in Patch 4.0!
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2:11:54
Q: I'm curious about what the minion team is up to! How many new minions can we expect to be added?
A: There are at least 20 being released in Patch 4.0. Please look forward to it!
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2:12:35
Q: Are there plans for the appearance of a young Au Ra NPC, similar to how Khloe is a young Miqo'te?
A: They should appear in the Azim Steppe region.
Khloe is a very unique NPC, so in comparison they may seem simpler.
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2:13:21
Q: Will Rowena and Gerolt make an appearance? Personally, I would like to see new NPCs taking over their roles, but not having them would also make me sad... it's a very complex feeling.
A: Gerolt will likely make an appearance when there are weapon-related developments.
As for Rowena, she'll definitely make a reappearance.
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2:14:15
Q: Through art and trailers we see samurai wearing casual clothing, but will there be any armor-styled gear? I would like to see gear such as the Genji series from previous FF games!
A: Putting aside whether or not we'll have Genji gear, we have prepared armor-styled gear for the jobs. They've been worked on quite a bit.
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2:15:04
Q: I really like the feminine bosses and monsters that appear in instanced content. Will Patch 4.0 have beautiful, powerful female bosses similar to Sophia and Scathach? We are really looking forward to Lakshmi!
A: We have finished checking Lakshmi's Extreme version. In terms of balance, there was very little that needed tweaking, but we have decided to fix Lakshmi's model. We are focusing on making her appearance befit that of a goddess of beauty, so please look forward to it.
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2:16:38
Q: In Heavensward, players were able to increase their item level through main scenario quest rewards, but will players be able to increase their item level in the same way in Stormblood?
A: Similar to 3.0, players will be able to obtain gear through main scenario and side story quests. With 3.0 dungeons, there were times where gear for the role you wanted didn't drop, or you may have lost the loot to other adventurers, so your item level may have increased slower because of that. For these reasons, with the 4.0 dungeons, we made it so players can obtain the gear for their role after defeating the last boss in a dungeon.
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2:18:10
Q: Will we continue to have patch note readings in 4.0? I like the duo of Yoshi-P and Morbol, but I think it would also be great if voice actors read the patch notes.
A: During the early access release on June 16th, we will once again be away at E3 in Los Angeles. As with 3.0, we will be locked in to a hotel in Los Angeles handling the early access. For this reason, the patch note reading will be done in Los Angeles as well. Therefore, we won't be able to bring in any voice actors, but it'll be us two once again...Sorry!