Letter from the Producer LIVE Part LXI Digest (12/06/2020)

We are pleased to present the full digest of the Letter from the Producer LIVE Part LXI! If you missed the live 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 a higher resolution!

Patch 5.4 Special Part 2

We covered some of the upcoming content that will be implemented in Patch 5.4, alongside some gameplay footage.

Futures Rewritten Trailer

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We began the show by revealing the trailer for Patch 5.4, Futures Rewritten.
Patch 5.4 will be released on Tuesday, December 8. Since quite a lot of content will be added in this patch, the associated maintenance will last about 24 hours.

Upcoming Content and Features in Patch 5.4

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Eden’s Promise marks the conclusion of the Eden raid series. In addition to the mysteries surrounding Gaia finally being revealed, you might say the story of those who reside on the First is finalized in this final chapter. Please look forward to it!

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During the broadcast, we also showcased new spells and equipment for blue mage, which you can see in the video!

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Beginning with Patch 5.4, level sync can be enabled or disabled separately from the Undersized Party option. This change will allow you to undertake duties alone or with an undersized party while syncing to the level of the content. It may be helpful for blue mages looking to learn new spells as well!

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Fish Eyes will be adjusted in a way that allows more players to participate in higher-difficulty fishing while maintaining the prestige of the most difficult fish. We appreciate the large amount of feedback we received regarding this topic.

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The conditions for spectral currents have been adjusted, making them easier to encounter while ocean fishing.

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Patch 5.45 will be the conclusion of the Skysteel tools updates.

In a recent interview, we were asked whether the upgraded Skysteel tools would display glowing effects while crafting. Although glowing effects are visible while crafting, the effects function differently when the tools are unsheathed, so we answered that it would be difficult to implement. After the interview, however, the Development team worked hard on it and were able to make the glowing effects visible when the tools are unsheathed as well!

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We showed the equipment that can be exchanged for Allagan tomestones of revelation. These new designs have a dark and captivating look, which you can see in the video. We also tried out the new Bulk Advanced Materia Melding feature towards the end of the broadcast, so you can see the results of that as well.

Eden’s Promise

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We showed gameplay footage of the first duty, which is included in the video.

The first boss you’ll be facing is the Cloud of Darkness. Why are we fighting the Cloud of Darkness? Why is the FF VIII track “Don’t be Afraid” playing in the background? You’ll have to experience the story for yourself to find out!

Each duty in Eden’s Promise features new mechanics for you to enjoy. Additionally, the fourth boss was designed by Tetsuya Nomura, who also handled Gaia’s character design. We’ve seen all sorts of predictions as to what enemies you’ll be up against, but the fourth boss is something that no one has ever seen before!

As a note, the Savage duties will be quite difficult. While the first two battles are about the same as usual, the third one will be tougher than that of Eden’s Verse.

Job Adjustments

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Please refer to the 5.4 patch notes for further details regarding job adjustments.

Monk will receive major changes along with a revamp of Greased Lightning. Other jobs will receive value-related adjustments to bring them in line with other jobs within the same role.

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Although monk was originally designed to increase damage output by maintaining Greased Lightning, we have recently been aiming to reduce the number of things which need to be maintained, including buffs. We also wanted to reduce the cumbersomeness of returning to maximum damage output after losing Greased Lightning during a battle cutscene, which led to this revamp. When making these adjustments, we were very careful to refrain from altering the feel of monk as much as possible.

We showcased these changes through gameplay footage.
(Please keep in mind that Yoshida’s main job isn’t monk. He’s just a “white belt” monk, so please be gentle.)

Triple Triad Updates

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We reviewed the basics of Triple Triad for those who have yet to try it out and went over new additions and changes coming in Patch 5.4. If you’re new to Triple Triad, you can either watch the video or see here for more details on how to play.

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Triple Triad will be receiving a major changes, including making it easier to see which cards you haven’t collected yet, the new “Draft” ruleset, and the addition of Triple Triad tournaments.

We’d love to hear your feedback regarding deck restrictions after you’ve given it a try.


The Navel (Unreal)

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The current Unreal trial will be replaced with The Navel (Unreal) in Patch 5.4.

Many recent trials and raids allow you to be revived even if you fall off of the arena; however, this will not be the case in The Navel (Unreal). This was something we debated within the Development team, but in the end, we decided to allow players to enjoy the battle at its original difficulty. You might also feel that action indicators for attacks are displayed very briefly compared to mechanics in more recent content.

The battle will be tough but enjoyable. We’ve also added new rewards that can be exchanged for faux leaves, so we hope you’ll give it a try. Additionally, you will now be able to select “Duty Complete” when recruiting or registering for Unreal trials.


Castrum Marinum

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We showed the beginning of the normal trial through gameplay footage.

The Extreme version will reward weapons that may come in handy when challenging Eden’s Promise (Savage).

As with Ruby Weapon, the battle has been meticulously designed and quite worthy of note.
And of course, the Sorrow of Werlyt storyline continues to move towards its peak.

The Shifting Oubliettes of Lyhe Ghiah

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We showcased this through gameplay footage.

The chances of entering the Shifting Oubliettes when a portal appears is set to be higher than the Dungeons of Lyhe Ghiah. All sorts of incidents await you, so it may be fun to go hunting for riches with friends and free company members!

Collectable and Aetherial Reduction Changes

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Gathering collectables and aetherial reduction have received large fundamental changes, along with an overall rebalancing of items that can be obtained through turn-ins or reduction.

Ishgardian Restoration Update

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The story of this Ishgardian Restoration update could be considered the finale of Heavensward.

The monuments are designed with each crafter class’s primary tool as a motif. We’ve also prepared monuments that aren’t based on any specific class, in case additional Worlds are added in the future.

Explorer Mode

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We showcased this through gameplay footage and took a sneak peek at some new mounts and minions, which you can see in the video.

Explorer Mode originated from an idea that was proposed by a junior member of the Events team. This endeavor had many difficult hurdles and required coordination between various teams, but their passionate efforts succeeded in making this feature a reality. It can be easy to miss some of the finer details of a dungeon in a typical playthrough, so perhaps Explorer Mode will be an opportunity for you to take your time and explore!

Save the Queen: Blades of Gunnhildr

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Save the Queen: Blades of Gunnhildr will be updated in a minor patch following Patch 5.4.

The normal version of Delubrum Reginae will be required to complete story quests, and is similar to alliance raids in terms of difficulty.

On the other hand, the savage version will be very difficult. You’ll need to consider various role compositions and Lost Actions to overcome the mechanics within.

As a note, a new field-type content will be added in Patch 5.5, so one option would be to strengthen your character there before challenging Delubrum Reginae (Savage). Delubrum Reginae (Savage) will be a 48-player duty which will feature not only boss mechanics, but field-based mechanics as well. We’ve prepared special rewards, so we hope you’re up to the challenge!

The story is quite rich and contains a surprising reveal. We hope you’ll enjoy this new story by Matsuno.

Miscellaneous Updates

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We showcased some new furnishing items and emotes, which you can see in the video.