Final Fantasy XIV Patch 5.1 is finally out, bringing with it the addition of a New Game Plus system alongside the much-anticipated NieR crossover that will span multiple updates and feature the input of series creator Yoko Taro. FFXIV is currently experiencing the best run of the game's long life, capitalizing on a transcendent expansion in Shadowbringers that was widely regarded as one of the best MMORPG expansions of all-time and complementing it with updates that expanded on that good will throughout the summer.
FFXIV Patch 5.1: Vows of Virtue, Deeds of Cruelty is one of the biggest updates for the game in recent memory, excepting actual expansions, and will bring a slew of content to it. Players already knew that the Shadowbringers storyline would be continued within the update, and that it will also mark the first instance of a NieR: Automata crossover that will reward players with items lifted from the series. The YoRHa: Dark Apocalypse alliance raid will debut in the patch, tasking players with teaming up alongside the androids from NieR: Automata to defeat machine menaces. It's another example of how successfully FFXIV has navigated between its own living storyline and crossover potential with other popular games - the update will blend the two together, and, historically, will likely create buzz for both franchises as a result.
FFXIV Patch 5.1 launched today and is available now, and the updates it's bringing with it are numerous. One of the biggest additions, however, is that of the New Game+ mechanic, which will finally allow players to revisit previously completed quests, cutscenes, dialogues, and battles without having to reroll a new character. For a game in FFXIV that is frequently praised for how compelling its story is, having it locked behind repeating progression was a point of contention that will no longer exist. Alongside that update, adjustments to Ninja, Samurai, and Summoner jobs will allow players who were previously stuck occupying the role of some of the most ineffectual end-game classes to meaningfully contribute once more.
FFXIV Patch 5.1 will also add a new dungeon, trial, and Beast Tribe Quests to cap off a sizeable update that seems tailor-made for every inhabitant of Eorzea. It's no secret that FFXIV has quietly established itself as the MMORPG to beat over the years, surpassing World of Warcraft in its quality and playerbase. FFXIV Patch 5.1 will look to continue that trend by blending requested updates for the main game with a long-awaited crossover event with one of this generation's most talked-about and highly-rated properties in NieR: Automata.
FFXIV Patch 5.1 is just the first major update coming to the Shadowbringers expansion, however. Square already has several other updates in the planning stages, and more Main Scenario Quests and raids are likely to come. With NieR: Automata coming to the world of FFXIV, it's also fair to wonder if Square has any other major crossover events planned in the future - and just what properties might be interested in that sort of publicity.
FFXIV Patch 5.1 released today, and the game is available on PC, PlayStation 4, and Mac.