Dawntrail was a solid 8/10

The new expansion had everyone wondering whether or not the main story questline could recover from the Endwalker slump, plagued with contrivances, abruptly discontinued plotlines, and a dismal series of patch quests. Not to mention the fact that we were entering the expansion with the impression that we would not be facing a universal level threat. I kept my expectations in check as I started Dawntrail, and immediately was impressed with the quality of the new city Tuliyollal and the following zones.

The first half of the expansion was focused on the rite to select the new Dawnservant, setting us on a journey to explore the many lands and peoples of Tural and understand their traditions and cultures. This is crucial to understanding the expansion and its themes, and what the story that the writers meant to tell through Wuk’s journey with the rest of the cast that were selected to follow. It was refreshing not to have too much of an urgent mission like trying to prevent the end of the world or fighting on one side of a war. It lets the players thoroughly explore the towns and villages and learn of the rich and established cultures of each society.

The sidequests, when they were simply the NPC tasking you with saving another NPC by slaying some monsters, carried deep and meaningful stories that made you appreciate the people of this new expansion even more, and by doing so understanding the task of truly succeeding in the rite of succession to become Dawnservant. I felt a connection to the various peoples of Tural as I learned more and more about their way of life, and it’s this personal connection that is vital in fostering the attachment and investment in wanting to see only the best for these people, that they can live happily and peacefully.