Once we're not getting any new races, wouldn't it be nice if Elezen's got an update?

[SturmChurro]

I think I get what you mean. Basically the Hyur-like ones are generic and don't offer much in terms of variance. Even traits that are "weird" can be good if properly executed. I personally think that, while the "weird" ones are accurate to some folklore, the real issue with them is how they got rendered in 3D rather than their design itself. Soo... somewhat like what Square Enix did for Astos in Stranger of Paradise?



He has the usual "Square Enix pretty boy" style, but he's got some pronounced features that make him stand out. He still looks rather humanoid, but is bone-y, his eyes are wide and pronounced, ears are rather long and pointy, his hair is all over the place, has ash skintone like a Duskwight would...

Plus, he's modelled from this sort of sprite, so he isn't usually a looker.

Sure, something like that for a dark elf could work in a way. He's a bit light skinned, but different tones can allow a player choice. Generally, elves aren't as bulky as humans, usually either shorter, or taller in stature, but can be about the same. Typically, they are considered good looking. A good example would be to look up high elf in DnD, or elves in general. What I like about DnD specifically, is the amount of variations they have with elves. Their different personalities as well. See, aside from the actual look of the race, personality plays a big role in the presentation of them. Much like how players don't like their hrothgar hunch. With Elezen in FFXIV, they generally have bad animations, in my opinion. Rather, I think more could have been done in their presentation. They definitely need more work done.

Trying to find examples in a game.. recently Baldur's Gate 3 has been doing DnD elves:

This one is my own screenshot of my wood elf druid from last year

Also, Warhammer elves I like as well (Fantasy and 40k Eldar)