Final Fantasy 14 director delays Dawntrail to play Elden Ring DLC

Final Fantasy 14 players will have to wait an extra week to dive into the new Dawntrail expansion. During a PAX East presentation, director and producer Naoki Yoshida, better known as Yoshi-P, revealed the official release date for Dawntrail's early access and full launch.

Originally planned for a week earlier, the launch schedule shifted to accommodate another anticipated title: Elden Ring's upcoming Shadow of the Erdtree DLC.

"We figured everyone would be interested in playing the Elden Ring DLC," Yoshi-P said with a laugh, acknowledging the excitement surrounding the expansion. He jokingly offered players "one week" to conquer the Elden Ring content before diving into Dawntrail's summery adventures.

With the slight delay, Dawntrail's early access will now begin on June 28th, 2024, with the full release following a week later on July 2nd. This tropical expansion promises a new story arc, a focus on seafaring exploration inspired by South America, and the introduction of two new classes: the Viper and the Pictomancer.

While Dawntrail promises a relaxing summer vibe, it won't be all sunshine and coconuts. The expansion will also introduce a new challenging endgame activity called Cosmic Exploration, which borrows the grind elements from the Ishgard Restoration project.

Additionally, the character creator will receive an update to improve the depiction of darker skin tones and offer more customization options for players, especially those joining the game on Xbox or creating characters for the new classes.

For those eager to set sail on their summer adventure, pre-orders for Dawntrail will open later this week on Tuesday, March 26th, 2024, at 9 am UK time. Pre-ordering will grant players a set of in-game Azeyma's earrings and a wind-up Zidane minion, a perfect addition for any Final Fantasy fan.

Dawntrail marks a new chapter for Final Fantasy 14, offering players a chance to unwind amidst stunning tropical scenery while challenging themselves with fresh content. With the launch date set for early July, fans can gear up for a summer filled with adventure in the world of Hydaelyn.