Popular MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV is in for a massive few months, with a range of new features, a crossover, and a major expansion on the way.
In the wake of the last major expansion, 2024’s Dawntrail, there was a slowing down that suggested developer Square Enix was turning focus away from the game. Following announcements at Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival 2026 in California, United States, it’s now clear the studio has been working on major developments behind-the-scenes.
The first big reveal of the Fan Festival was that Final Fantasy XIV will be getting a new major expansion, Evercold, in January 2027. But that wasn’t all.
Final Fantasy XIV major updates – quick links
Final Fantasy XIV is coming to Nintendo Switch 2
As Square Enix shared with audiences, Final Fantasy XIV is set to launch for Nintendo Switch 2 on August 2026, allowing more players to jump in. While the game is technically available in portable form via Steam Deck already, the Nintendo Switch 2 version will be specifically optimised for a handheld experience.
It means players will be able to take the game wherever they want, without having to worry about a lack of optimisation for text size, buttons, or overall performance.
A free early access period for Nintendo Switch 2 owners will begin a month before the game launches, likely as a soft introduction for new players, and so returning ones can determine whether the console performance holds up to its PC counterpart.
Final Fantasy XIV is getting an Evangelion crossover
Another wild bit of news shared during the Fan Festival is that Final Fantasy XIV will be crossing over with iconic anime franchise Evangelion. The game will soon get a new Alliance Raid series inspired by the anime, subtitled Ghosts of Desire.
This is set to launch alongside Evercold, although exact details haven’t been revealed. All we know is it will conform to the usual structure of Alliance Raids, which invite 24 players to encounter a series of bosses.
What to know about the Evercold expansion
Finally, we get to the Evercold expansion, which was the headlining announcement for Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival 2026. This is the next major story for the long-running game, and it will kick off the new ‘Godless Realms’ saga.
For now, the overarching plot has not been detailed, but a first trailer and description has teased: ‘Harrowing trials and adventures await as the Warrior of Light embarks on a bold new journey in the Godless Realms saga.’
In addition, Square Enix has confirmed a variety of features to expect, including two new jobs (tank and physical ranged DPS), a level cap increase to 110, new cities, new areas, new ‘gigantic constructs and other monstrous threats to overcome’, new allies, new dungeons, new trials, PvP updates, and more.
With the arrival of Evercold, there will also be new patches that overhaul the way players earn rewards, a new Armoury Update to ensure playing with multiple jobs is easier, and improvements to character customisation.
