A Letter Forest for 2025

A good bit late for the Rising, but in honor of the very sweet Letter Forest introduced in the 2023 Rising event, I'd like to take a moment to express my appreciation for the dev team and all they do.

Spoilers for Dawntrail (for those that are concerned about it).

Dawntrail was such a fun adventure to share with my siblings. I still gaze in awe at the beautiful vistas of each zone. The misty mountains of Urqopacha; the vibrant pink, orange, and purple flowers of Kozama'uka; the Wild West cacti-speckled Shaaloani; the golden nostalgic haze of Living Memory. When I saw the blue forest of Yak T'el, so clearly inspired by my beloved Macalania Woods, I gasped aloud. I wandered the trees and golden lights in wonder.

It's been so much fun exploring the sights and sounds of Tural. I still find myself humming the catchy day/night theme of Tuliyollal. Gazing at incredible sunrises and sunsets over the water. Cheering every time I see the unnamed cart-toting Hyurian (my merchant siblings and I have affectionately dubbed him "Cartbert") bringing wares to the Gobbie in the marketplace.

I loved playing "tourist" with my siblings throughout the MSQ, taking more screenshots than any expansion before (even moreso than my beloved Heavensward when I first arrived in Ishgard seven years ago)! We even played a game among ourselves to find and take pictures sitting in every different type of cart in the expansion (and debating whether the small cars on the hover train in Horizon counted as "carts").

I've appreciated the continued changes to make Frontline a more fun and fair experience, even completely overhauling maps (and still keeping what I found most fun about Carteneau).

I'm so thrilled we're getting a new Variant Dungeon, as I adore puzzling through how to unlock each new path with my siblings without the help of any guides, all while savoring the excellent music.

I love how Occult Crescent feels wholly unique from Bozja, which feels completely different from Eureka.

I love crafting and gathering and drilling ores and riding mechs and heavy machinery in Cosmic Exploration.

Each expansion brings me so much joy and sense of wonder, all with such meaningful themes. I have my favorites, but every one has been such a fun ride.

I can't wait to see what else awaits.

To the devs, I'll always be here, and I hope you know there are people like me who see what you do and love and appreciate every detail we notice (and know there are plenty we still miss)!