Dawntrail Graphics Update - Eye Strain

[KihyiFelhede]

In regards to the high color contrasts I am especially frustrated by this issue in the EW alliance series as it seems to be a result of poor lighting. Models have a shadow cast over them that jarringly does not match the sunny background and lighting on other models. I understand that there are some points where an artistic decision was made to have heavy contrast and I don't expect that to be pulled, but because of this rendering issue using accessibility overlays also does not work well as a client-side solution. Further I really do not wish to come off as a whiner but this is also something that should be fixed from a graphical perspective. I have no point of reference for if this is an issue caused by the graphics update (any community input would be appreciated) but given that we have a full thread on eyestrain as a result of it, it seems like a possible cause.

[Vesplume]

In regards to the high color contrasts I am especially frustrated by this issue in the EW alliance series as it seems to be a result of poor lighting. Models have a shadow cast over them that jarringly does not match the sunny background and lighting on other models. I understand that there are some points where an artistic decision was made to have heavy contrast and I don't expect that to be pulled, but because of this rendering issue using accessibility overlays also does not work well as a client-side solution. Further I really do not wish to come off as a whiner but this is also something that should be fixed from a graphical perspective. I have no point of reference for if this is an issue caused by the graphics update (any community input would be appreciated) but given that we have a full thread on eyestrain as a result of it, it seems like a possible cause.

For some context, this had been a minor thing that only affected a few things like the Nier raids mentioned above or lightning effects in certain areas like the Shroud. That changed with the 7.0 graphics update, where the lighting was significantly overhauled along with everything else. How lighting was applied also changed, becoming a much larger factor in the visual design of fights and zones. This thread started during early access as players started having eye strain and other issues as they progressed through the new expac. It was also discovered in the early days of the thread that certain graphics settings had been adjusted or removed, giving players limited means within the game to mitigate any of this. Bug reports and support tickets were sent, but there hasn't been an official response to this issue except for the 7.2 trial since everybody got a taste of it then.

[Shistar]

If anyone in this thread is on PC and willing to do a little DIY, I'd highly recommend checking out ReShade. It doesn't affect the game in any way at all, it's like a "filter" on top of your game that allows you to tweak how your game shows up on your screen.
This is often used by colorblind people to make their own adjustments for visibility, but it can also be used to control the gamma, bloom effects, highlights/midtones, tweak specific colors, etc. It's not the perfect solution, but considering it does not affect the game in any way and it can be turned off and on by the push of a button I don't see a reason why talking about it would be forbidden.


The program comes with a variety of filters with sliders for you to customize your own thing, or you can use one from the community. Once installed and set up, it'll automatically turn itself on when you start the game and not bother you at all after that. It's seamless and very simple to use after the initial setup.


If it's not allowed I'll remove the message, but at this point it should count as an accesibility exception.

[Albariel]

Hello,

I am also suffering from motionsickeness and I have to say that it got worst after the graphics update. For me, I feel it only in some dungeons (the ones with moving sceneries like the Lapis Manalis one for example - that one is defenitly one of the worst), trials (like the last one that came out today during the 7.4 patch) and the Dawntrail's treasure maps (The gargantuaskin maps).

The motiosickness is so bad in some of those that I have to zoom in as much as possible on my character and look at it's feet.

I would also like to say that I have experienced motionsickness in different games but it usually get better after changing some graphics options that are unavailable in FF14.

[Vesplume]

Some accessibility features were added onto the console versions with 7.4. They've added the option for visual alerts to replace audio ones as well as some options for colorblind players. I know the lack of colorblindness options were something asked for in the past, but I'm not sure how long ago or if this was something that existed on PC already. So... rare accessibility win?

That being said, the patch doubles down on some of the problems called out in this thread prior. I can't wait to be done with lightning-aspected zones and all the migraine-inducing flashbangs that come along with everything in them. As stated above, we're still lacking in-game options to mitigate graphics that cause illness in players. The two settings I mentioned are the only new ones I was able to find, which is unfortunately not enough.

[KihyiFelhede]

Bumping again in light of The Arcadion Incident (grabbed from u/SebastianScaini on reddit)

[Vesplume]

Bumping again in light of The Arcadion Incident (grabbed from u/SebastianScaini on reddit)

The Arcadion Incident? Is there more information on this beyond the screenshot? I looked through a few of the reddits for more info but couldn't find anything. I've been collecting examples of people having these kind of issues, so if there's more to this I'd love a link.

[KihyiFelhede]

Probably not the place to be making jokes, sorry. Just generally referring to people talking about the super bright lighting in 7.4 Arcadion. I'm still a ways off unfortunately so I can't collect screenshots for the thread.

[Vesplume]

Probably not the place to be making jokes, sorry. Just generally referring to people talking about the super bright lighting in 7.4 Arcadion. I'm still a ways off unfortunately so I can't collect screenshots for the thread.

Nah, you're fine. That's how the Arcadion experience has been for the eye strain squad!

[Rueby]

Going to bump this.

After playing the new FL mode, the ground feels really bad because it flickers alot when moving/stopping. Please tell me someone else experiences this? I see it mildly in armor details, but it's way worse on leaves/foilage. I wish things would stay either sharp or blurry. Other FL modes don't have this issue...

In the end this has been something that has caused me headache since the graphical update, at this point I wish it was optional.

I tried everything, reshade, FSR/DLSS, etc..