Q: What else will be implemented in patch 2.28?
A: In addition to the next part of the Saga of the Zodiac Weapon quest line, there will also be a number of system changes and additions, which we’ve organized into a nice implementation list.
First, we’ll be adding new quests for the Saga of the Zodiacs Weapons that will set you on the path to upgrade to novus weapons.
Next, we'll be making adjustments to pet behavior. One example of this is an adjustment to fix strange behavior when using the jump pads in the Binding Coil of Bahamut Turn 3 and the Second Coil of Bahamut. We’ll also be adding new objectives in the Challenge Log, which we hope players will enjoy trying to complete.
The Sightseeing Log is something I haven’t talked about at all yet, but because it was completed in time for patch 2.28, we’ve decided to implement it ahead of patch 2.3. We realize there are players who enjoy climbing the various heights of Eorzea, and the sightseeing log is focused around searching for beautiful landscapes and stunning vistas throughout the realm. The objectives will be locations that at first glance appear unscalable, and we’ll be introducing 80 or so spots in total. Amongst these spots, there are objectives that involve areas that have been posted as screenshots on the forum. The first 20 or so are practice objectives and we’ve prepared plenty of hints, but the remaining 60 locations only have small bits of flavor text, so discovering these locations should prove quite challenging. Also, it’s not just about reaching the destination; you’ll have to do things such as squat or take a sweeping glance of the area to complete the objective. For those who enjoy taking in the sights of Eorzea, the sightseeing log should prove to be a fun and challenging way to test your knowledge of the land when you're not off saving the realm.
We’ll also be implementing a filter and sort feature for the Expert Delivery window.
As I mentioned during NicoNico Chokaigi 3 regarding changes to the PvP system, players will no longer need to collect points to purchase PvP actions, as all actions will be unlocked from rank 1. From there, players can allocate points to PvP actions and traits as they see fit. We’ll also be making PvP adjustments in patch 2.3, and I’ll discuss this more in the next patch 2.3 special.
In patch 2.28 we'll also be adding Thornmarch (Extreme) and the Whorleater (Extreme) to the Duty Finder. As most players seem to have an understanding of how to beat these trials now, we've decided adding them to the Duty Finder shouldn't be a problem.
Until now the Echo bonus was not applied to pets, but this will be changed in patch 2.28. Also, we'll be adding a filter feature for the objectives displayed in the Crafting Log.
Repairs by Disciples of the Hand will also see several changes. First, we’ll be making it so that as long as you’ve fulfilled the criteria for repairs, you’ll be able to repair gear without changing your class. Second, repairs performed by Disciples of the Hand will allow gear durability to exceed 100%. This won't be possible with gear that's already at 100%, but once it reaches 99% you can make repairs to raise its durability to 199%. Even if you repair when it’s close to the breaking point, you’re guaranteed to recover 100%. This update will not only make repairs by Disciples of the Hand easier, but also offer an advantage over NPC repairs.
Next, we’ll be making it so your party list is automatically organized each time you enter instances.
Starting in patch 2.28, players will also be able to join Duty Roulette: Expert and Duty Roulette: High Level as a party. A full party isn't required, making it easy to invite one or two friends to join you before firing up the Duty Finder.
As for commendations, players who register for a duty as a party will now be able to give commendations to players who registered alone.
We’ve also finalized the gear preview feature. In patch 2.28, when you're purchasing equipment from the market boards, from NPC shops, or even when making equipment from the Crafting Log, you’ll be able to preview it. In the future, we plan to expand this feature to allow the preview of gear that drops from dungeons and other trials and duties via the reward window or the reward selection screen when you complete quests.
Coinciding with the changes to Duty Roulette I mentioned earlier, we're also making adjustments to the Party Finder.
Selecting FATE icons on the map will now show their progress. This should prove helpful for those times you're running toward a FATE, wondering if you’ll make it in time.
One of the more popular requests we’ve received is the ability to use Teleport via aetheryte icons on the map. While this won't be possible using the minimap, you'll be able to bring up the main map and click aetheryte icons to teleport.
We’ll be adding a new text command allowing players to erase “Tell” history.
At long last we'll be implementing a list that shows all available text commands within the game. You'll no longer need to constantly check websites to lookup your favorite commands, and the ability to copy and paste them should make setting up macros much easier.
You'll be able to dismount from your mounts by pressing the L1+R1 or LB+RB buttons at the same time.
The titles you obtain from achievements can be displayed next to your character’s name plate.
We’ve already implemented a feature that allows you to skip cutscenes for various modes of transportation that you’ve ridden before, but in patch 2.28 you'll be able to skip cutscenes for duties and trials as well. Accessed via the Character Configuration menu, toggling on this option will let you skip all cutscenes when entering an instance.
This is just a list of the notable additions and changes ready for implementation, but you can expect plenty more once the patch arrives.