Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail review

Our VerdictA rich world and amazing dungeon design more than make up for dips in the story.

Our Verdict

A rich world and amazing dungeon design more than make up for dips in the story.

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Need to KnowWhat is it?The fifth expansion for Square’s MMO, and the first following the end of the Hydaelyn and Zodiark saga.Release dateJuly 2, 2024Expect to pay$40/£30DeveloperSquare EnixPublisherSquare EnixReviewed onIntel Core i7-7700, 16GB RamSteam DeckPlayableLinkOfficial siteCheck Amazon

Need to Know

What is it?The fifth expansion for Square’s MMO, and the first following the end of the Hydaelyn and Zodiark saga.Release dateJuly 2, 2024Expect to pay$40/£30DeveloperSquare EnixPublisherSquare EnixReviewed onIntel Core i7-7700, 16GB RamSteam DeckPlayableLinkOfficial siteCheck Amazon

Check Amazon

Endwalker was the conclusion of ten years worth of world building and story that culminated in a universe-ending threat. It was a moment for the MMO ages that saw the Warrior of Light pushed to their limits and brought a close to the Hydaelyn and Zodiark saga. Now the next expansion for Final Fantasy 14 is here. Can it live up to fan’s expectations?

No. No it can’t. But frankly, what could have? There’s no following up saving the world and fighting the physical embodiment of universal despair. Instead, Dawntrail bravely walks its own path of fresh beginnings and new adventures. There’s the occasional stumble along the way through the new continents of Tural, but it (mostly) sticks the landing.

(Image credit: Square Enix)

FF14 Dawntrail

The first thing you’ll notice in Dawntrail, before you’ve even made it onto the boat to Tural. is just how good everything looks. This expansion brings a major graphical update to the game that has vastly improved character looks, materials and lighting. It’s such a big leap forward that I spent my first hour of playtime just marvelling at the tiniest of details, like the fact my character now has slight dark circles around her eyes that adds actual depth to her face. The bottle and cupboards in my house have defined texture to them, and the foliage feels so full now. Everyone has had a real glow up.

Things start pretty slowly as you explore the forests and wetlands of Kozama’uka, and the mountains of Urqopacha, and learn about the peoples who live there. There’s no real major threat to contend with, just sibling rivalry and the inevitability of comparing yourself to your family. As the Warrior of Light you’re pretty much there in a mentor role to guide Wuk Lamat as she comes up against her own inadequacies and finds her own strengths. She’s a very earnest and relatable character who clearly isn’t ready for leadership until she starts finding her footing. Unlike her rivals who she’s not as smart or strong as, she takes the time to get distracted and learn about all of the cultures and delicacies she comes across.

(Image credit: Square Enix)

FF14 Dawntrail

The landscape of Shaaloani is great—it’s dusty and full of weirdly-shaped cactuar waiting to attack you—but it’s also full of tropes and unconvincing performances.

Eventually the rite of succession comes to a conclusion and things take a turn for the weird with a surprise Wild West chapter. On the surface, now that things are dealt with, you’re just off on a little jaunt with your old friend Erenville to visit his hometown, but instead find yourself in an odd pocket of cowboys, gunfights and saloons. It’s the one major dip in Dawntrail. The landscape of Shaaloani is great—it’s dusty and full of weirdly-shaped cactuar waiting to attack you—but it’s also full of tropes and unconvincing performances. The tone shift feels so out of place and one Scion appearance felt so bewildering I couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of it.

(Image credit: Square Enix)

FF14 Dawntrail

Ultimately the game is about exploring family ties—be that the way siblings compare themselves, trying to connect to one’s parents, or the conflict of still having love for someone who has done something unforgivable. It also explores different approaches to finding birth parents, dealing with grief, and creating your own found families with friends. It may not do it perfectly, but there are many profound, touching moments that will resonate no matter what your family looks like.

Despite the odd story hiccups, exploring Tural is wonderful. Each town you come across feels so distinct with its own history and customs, from the feathery Hanuhanu’s reliance on reeds and ceremony, to the giant Yok Huy’s beliefs of life after death. You explore each in a surprising amount of detail that helps ground this vast fantasy world so that it feels tangible and real. The forests of Yak’Tel are a particular highlight as you navigate the bubbling tensions between those living in the bright, upper forest, and those living in almost complete darkness in the lower half. The descent from sunshine and swaying leaves to gnarled roots and the soft blue glow of luminescent plants is as dramatic as they come.

The whole adventure feels reminiscent of Final Fantasy 10. It’s one long tour as you support Wuk Lamat on her journey, much like Tidus does for Yuna, but without the doomed, secret smooches in the glowy woods. Fans of Final Fantasy 9 also get treated to a feast of Easter eggs and musical touches in the final quarter.

(Image credit: Square Enix)

FF14 Dawntrail

Unfortunately, Endwalker’s abominable stealth sections make a return (one comes right after another, ugh), but thankfully with a facelift that makes them easier to follow. There are also a few missed opportunities—a lot of the story quests are just going somewhere to talk to someone who then sends you straight back. There are a few excellent solo duties, but they feel few and far between. Some new quest types would go a long way to break things up. Luckily, the fighting is the best it’s ever been.

Some new quest types would go a long way to break things up. Luckily, the fighting is the best it’s ever been.

The two new jobs, Pictomancer and Viper, fit into the roster well with Viper carving its own super speedy niche and Pictomancer making for a great alternative to Black Mage. Viper is easy to get to grips with at a surface level so you’ll safely be making dents in enemies from the outset, but takes more skill to master. Pictomancer, on the other hand, seems complicated at first as you build up for larger attacks, but soon clicks into place. While most of the other jobs make the leap to the new levelcap seamlessly, Black Mage players are struggling with the greater emphasis on movement during dungeons when trying to perform some spells.

(Image credit: Square Enix)

FF14 Dawntrail

Elsewhere crafters and gatherers have plenty to tuck into with all the new materials and recipes. There are no major changes to how things work, but there didn’t need to be. The deliveries quests are great for rounding out the culture of Tulliyolal and are worth it for more lore tidbits.

Like the family ties the game explores, Dawntrail feels messy. But while there are disappointments and low points, it’s also full of heart. It’s at its best in the small moments of joy and discovery you share with those around you. Wuk Lamat’s journey might not be to everyone’s tastes, but the game’s world and combat come together to make up for the dips in the story to round things out into one hell of a package.

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The Verdict80Read our review policyFinal Fantasy 14A rich world and amazing dungeon design more than make up for dips in the story.

The Verdict

80Read our review policyFinal Fantasy 14A rich world and amazing dungeon design more than make up for dips in the story.

80Read our review policy

Final Fantasy 14A rich world and amazing dungeon design more than make up for dips in the story.

Final Fantasy 14

A rich world and amazing dungeon design more than make up for dips in the story.

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Our Verdict#

Our Verdict