The world of Eorzea is set to expand again this June, when the Stormblood expansion comes to Final Fantasy XIV. Set in the far eastern lands of Gyr Abania and Othard, this new expansion bumps the level cap up to 70, introduces two new classes and adds a new eight-man raid, alongside a whole host of quality of life changes for Square Enix’s MMO.
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Finally adding the last original class from the first Final Fantasy, Stormblood allows players to take up the feathered cap and rapier with the Red Mage class. A typical ‘jack of all trades’, the Red Mage is adept in both swordplay and magic, being able to use both white and black magic spells in battle.
Fitting the Far Eastern setting, Stormblood also adds the new Samurai class to Final Fantasy XIV. Wielding deadly katanas, these honour-bound warriors should be a decent melee DPS class, using their knowledge of swordplay to carve up the enemy.
This expansion finally allows players to swim in the waters of Eorzea, giving them the ability to explore the various lakes and rivers dotted around the world. With the completion of a specific quest, you will be able to reach the bottom of the ocean to search for treasure and whatever else lurks in its depths. If deep-sea diving isn’t your thing, Stormblood adds increased options for digital interior designers, by doubling the furnishing limit for all player owned housing. With this expansion introducing a new residential area on the island of Shirogane, players have some more houses to decorate.
For those looking for a new raid to conquer, Stormblood has players battling against the robotic Omega in the new Interdimensional Rift area. Originally employed by the Allagan Empire to fight against the primal Bahamut, Omega has recently escaped its stasis to hunt down another primal. In its quest, it seems to have disappeared into the mountains of Gyr Abania, where players must venture to in order to recapture this deadly autonomous weapon.
If you are looking to try out Final Fantasy XIV for yourselves ahead of Stormblood’s June release, Square Enix recently changed FFXIV’s free trial period so that new adventurers can play for free up until level 35. For those who have fallen off the wagon over the past few months, Square Enix are also running a special ‘Free Login’ campaign until May 7, where those who have registered their account as inactive can briefly jump back into Eorzea free of charge.