Accessibility options urgently in need of update

[VelvetLeveilleur]

I have Tritanopia and with the release of recent content (mainly Ex4/Recollection Extreme and the new Unreal) the game has become very frustrating, and the fights feel unplayable.

Updating the colourblind accessibility settings is crucial for creating an inclusive gaming experience, especially when certain mechanics in this game rely heavily on colour cues that are difficult for colourblind players to distinguish.
Without proper adjustments, these players can find themselves at a severe disadvantage, as critical visual information—such as enemy signals, status effects or telegraphs—becomes almost impossible to interpret. This not only makes the gameplay feel hostile but can also render certain fights unplayable, undermining the enjoyment and fairness of the game.

Implementing robust colourblind options, like customizable colour filters or patterns, ensures that all players can engage with the game and its content on an equal footing, enhancing both accessibility and overall player satisfaction.

I really want to keep playing FFXIV, especially since I am in a static and love my team, they are all very respectful and patient players, but the lack of colourblind options has made it incredibly difficult and frustrating to continue.
Certain mechanics, which rely heavily on colour cues, became almost impossible to follow, and it felt like I was letting my team down every time I couldn’t keep up with the fights. I could feel the frustration building up in myself as I struggled to interpret vital visual information. The constant strain of trying to decipher the colours caused an immense headache as well, and in the end, I had no choice but to step out.

It was disheartening to have to step back from content I love because the accessibility options simply weren't there, and it left me feeling excluded.
Being able to join PF for fights like these is also impossible, as it would force the players from PF to accept my inability of executing certain mechanics, and it would put additional pressure on the team and especially the healers/raisers, which would be an unfair thing of me to do.
It’s tough knowing that something like an updated colourblind mode could make such a huge difference in my —and other colourblind players'— ability to participate and enjoy the game without that constant anxiety of falling behind.


Thank you for reading.

[Zomkei]

the colorblind accessibility options in this game is the worst ive ever had to deal with. i also have tritanopia, and a lot of fights i have to use outside sources because SE loves to make mechanics color coded. sure, some have shapes, but it doesnt help when the arena is the same color (to a colorblind person) as the mechanics happening around you... especially with this new EX fight.

[Luca_]

EX4 visuals are really difficult for me to parse even without any accessibility issues. I've heard it's a nightmare for colorblind players.

No one should have to rely on third party tools like Reshade just to see mechanics. That's just disgraceful in a modern game.

[CryztalRose]

Even as someone who fortunately doesn't have any colourblind issues, the colours used in EX4 are difficult to use at the best of times (especially if you throw player effects into the mix). SE, please start to look into this properly because otherwise it'll start to push players away.

[Kuro_Matsu]

Even as someone who fortunately doesn't have any colourblind issues, the colours used in EX4 are difficult to use at the best of times (especially if you throw player effects into the mix). SE, please start to look into this properly because otherwise it'll start to push players away.

I'm also not colorblind. But they have been layering a lot of blue / purple and orange / red this expansion. It's been hard alongside my photosensitivity to distinguish things. Having to use outside means to correct colors/ saturation is not ideal. I'm thankfully on PC, so I have the means to do so. But those on console have no choice. I feel like almost everything they've done this expansion has been half-baked and no amount of screaming is getting their attention. It's really frustrating.

[NanaWiloh]

I am not colorblind but after my first m5 run where a dragoon dropped their lb at the wrong time. Yes, the colors and effects are issues. M5 and the new trial use a dragoon lb or another that covers the floor. And deaths will without question happen if a floor mechanic is happening at that moment.

[Voidmage]

Even without colorblindness the Ex fight and the first Raid fight give me a migraine after some time.
At this point I have given up on the Ex fight and don’t see myself progging savage for hours either, leaving me with… nothing till end of April.
This is all far worse than even P3S.

I also want to give my voice here.
Not only because of accessibility but also I want to kindly ask the devs to turn it down with the flashing effects a bit.
I have huge trouble seeing at times and the first Raid fight with the moonwalking frogs, the spotlight and the cleaves is just pure overkill in the visual aspect.
Same as the Ex fight and the visual clutter at times.

It has gotten to a point where it’s just not even fun anymore which is a shame because the fights themselves are really good.

[brinn12]

As people pointed out, even without any visual impairments, the color choices for this fight are terrible. I have to focus much more than usual to see AoEs in Bloom 2 and Bloom 5. The flowers use a very dark red, not much different than the ground. On top of that, there are purple AoEs, and people have to see everything through yellow telegraphs while the red zones light up with very high intensity.

[Azurarok]

I don't have color blindness and was having issues seeing which side had the open path in Bloom 1 on EX4. I can't imagine how bad some of it must be for those with impairments like that.
Even JP has a thread on EX4's issues so hopefully they'll adjust that one at least

[Jonnywithoutah]

Adding my voice to this because it's important to my friends and has negatively impacted some of them. I remember when this was an issue in Mt. Gulg and they fixed that pretty quickly so I'm hoping for much the same here.