The long-running MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV is getting an overhaul via a new update that makes some often-requested changes to the early progression of the story, as well as adding a new raid based on fellow Square Enix release, NieR: Automata. After a rough launch in 2010, Final Fantasy XIV went back to the drawing board and returned with a vengeance for 2013's A Realm Reborn re-launch, immediately establishing itself as a dominant force in the crowded MMO scene. Further updates have only bolstered the game further, and Final Fantasy XIV continues to be a premier destination for fans of massively multiplayer online role playing.

Over the years, FFXIV has evolved to the point where its endgame content is vastly superior to much of the early launch quests. Though quite narrative-driven for an MMORPG, Final Fantasy XIV's early goings are littered with repetitive quests and busy work. It's worth it to get to the good stuff down the line, but starting a new character or booting up the game for the first time can be something of a chore.

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As reported by Siliconerathe new 5.3 patch for Final Fantasy XIV sees multiple areas in the game being revamped, including the original questline from the launch iteration of the game. The early content of A Realm Reborn has been streamlined, with over 10% of the quests being removed, and new rewards have been added to the remaining missions. In addition, fans of the previously-released raid themed around NieR: Automata can expect a sequel event with a new chapter in that particular crossover story line. Among the numerous other additions to the core XIV experience is the long-awaited ability to use flying mounts in areas from the original 2.0 game. Check out the announcement below:

Some fans will always decry the removal of content from a video game, but for an MMORPG, it's just a fact of life. Besides, the game's fandom has long maintained that XIV has an unusually slow start, and that the story doesn't really kick into high gear until the events of Heavensward, the first major expansion for the game. With this in mind, this streamlining of the original story line should go a long way towards improving the pace of Final Fantasy XIV.

Final Fantasy XIV is a game into which players can easily sink hundreds of hours, so it's not like removing a handful of the more tedious quests from the early game is going to tarnish the experience. Plus, as one of the most popular subscription-based MMOs in existence right now, the game is constantly being updated with new quests, dungeons, and extra content for players to devour; the NieR: Automata raid is only the latest in a long line of side content released for Final Fantasy XIV over the years. There's no shortage of things to do in Final Fantasy XIV, and the streamlining of the original questlines can only help players enjoy the bigger and better content that's been added to the game over the course of its life.

Next: Why FFXIV Is So Important For The Next Decade of Gaming

Source: Siliconera, Final Fantasy XIV/Twitter