Final Fantasy XIV shown running on PlayStation 5 for the first time in all its glory
Final Fantasy XIV. (Square Enix)
The first footage of MMO Final Fantasy XIV has been shown on PlayStation 5 (PS5)ahead of its free upgrade.
During the latest ‘Letter from the Producer LIVE’ stream, producer and director Naoki Yoshida showed the game running on a PlayStation 5.
On Sony’s console, the game will have improved visuals as expected, along with frame rate improvements, 4K support, new trophies and haptic feedback using the DualSense controller.
Better still, the loading times are vastly improved with near instantaneous travel from one region to another, as on the below video.
#FFXIV PS5 version loading speed – don't blink or you'll miss it! pic.twitter.com/SAJt6fsswz
— FINAL FANTASY XIV (@FF_XIV_EN) April 2, 2021
The stream is over three hours long, but skip to the 1 hour and 19 minute mark to see 15 minutes of footage.
The PlayStation 5 upgrade of Final Fantasy XIV will be free for existing PS4 users and available as the Upgrade Edition from the start of the open beta on 13 April.
That beta will come alongside the new Patch 5.5, called Death Unto Dawn. The path will arrive in two parts, setting the stage for the forthcoming Endwalker expansion.
The first part is inspired by the NieR series, which has its own game NieR Replicant due out later this month. The patch will add a new chapter to the YoRHa: Dark Apocalypse raid, from NieR creators Yosuke Saito and Yoko Taro.
More details on the new patch are in the trailer below.
Square Enix will be revealing more information on Final Fantasy XIV at an online event on 15 May, including new information on Endwalker.
So far we know there’ll be a new story scenario for the Warriors of Light, along with new healing job the Sage, a higher level cap, new difficulty modes, and new dungeons.
The story will see players travel to new areas, including the imperial city of Garlemad and even the moon (perhaps a nod to Final Fantasy IV).
Final Fantasy XIV is available on PC and PlayStation consoles, with a free trial that includes the base game and the first expansion, Heavensward.
