Attending the Final Fantasy XIV Fan Fest in Berlin on July 25-26 was a remarkable experience. This event celebrated Square Enix’s popular MMO and attracted 10,000 attendees, despite my initial lack of familiarity with the game.
Naoki Yoshida, the producer and director, opened the event with an extensive keynote that spanned almost three hours. He entertained a packed house at the hub27 in Messe Berlin, donning full fantasy armor. Although I didn’t catch every reference, it was fascinating to see fans react to the announcements.
The Show Floor
The show floor was an immersive spectacle, filled with diverse attractions. Tattoo parlors, dance floors, and various games created a surreal environment. Zones themed as a Wild West, a 70s disco with a giant green rabbit, and ancient Greek columns dotted the venue. Fans relished being in settings they knew from the game while I enjoyed the randomness and creativity.
Final Fantasy XIV Evercold
The announcement of the ‘Evercold’ expansion drew significant buzz. This new adventure will launch in January 2027, introducing a realm where players face new challenges aboard airships. It’s time for me to create a new character and explore these new quests and dangers.
The Piano Concert
Fans enjoyed a live piano concert by Keiko, highlighting game soundtracks that I eagerly Shazamed. The audience waved light-up batons, creating a magical atmosphere. The music, crucial to the game, receives new tracks with each expansion, showcased in a dedicated panel by the game’s sound artists.
Final Fantasy XIV New Jobs
The ‘Evercold’ expansion adds two new ‘Jobs’ or character classes. Fans cheered at the announcement of a ranged DPS and a tank that wields twin shields. These additions promise exciting new gameplay dynamics.
The Primals
The festival concluded with a performance from The Primals, a rock band playing game songs. Their dynamic show featured varied tracks and surprising elements like a frog-themed stage invasion, referencing a game minion.
The Revelation It’s All Free
The Fan Fest enticed me to join the game, revealing that the base game with extensive content is free to download. Options for subscriptions and premium items exist, but trying the game without cost was appealing. Eorzea awaits my adventure.
Every Big Announcement at Fan Fest
- Evercold expansion, set for January 2027
- Introduction of two new Jobs
- 8-player raid based on Final Fantasy VII: Beyond the Lifestream
- Enhanced character customization
- Auto-travel feature
- Keybound browser game
- Updates to Chocobo raising
- Final Fantasy XIV on Nintendo Switch 2
Physical Collector’s Edition:
- Evercold Special Art Box
- Expertly Crafted Reaper Figure
- Ethos Metal Keychain
- Köttr Mini Plush
- Tapestry of the Fourth
Digital Collector’s Edition:
- The Crystal Skyltborg bastion weapon
- Vallhallar Odin mount
- Entreat Crystal emote