Summary

  • Patch 7.2 in Final Fantasy 14 brings visual updates to NPCs, with Emet-Selch getting a major glow-up.
  • The new patch enhances shadow quality, textures, lighting, and character models.
  • Fans of Emet-Selch admire the improved visual textures, lighting, and shadows, making the character more defined.

Final Fantasy 14 has continued the process of visually updating the critically acclaimed MMORPG, and among the affected NPCs, Emet-Selch in particular had a major glow-up. Now that Patch 7.2 is live, one of the most popular characters in all of Final Fantasy 14 has a new and improved look.

One of the biggest features of the Dawntrail expansion in Final Fantasy 14 was a visual update, significantly increasing the visual fidelity of the game world, characters, and particle effects. This journey continued in Patch 7.1 and 7.2, where shadow quality, textures, lighting, and fine details of certain items, locations, and character models all received upgrades.

final-fantasy-14-patch-7-2-targeted-by-ddos-attacks
Final Fantasy 14 7.2 Update Targeted By DDoS Attacks

The launch of Final Fantasy 14's Seekers of Eternity content update hits a snag, as the game's servers are the target of ongoing DDoS attacks.

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Now that the update is out, it seems like one of the most beloved characters in the game was affected by these changes in a big way. Emet-Selch, the main antagonist of the Shadowbringers expansion who also plays a major role in Endwalke r, got a massive glow-up. The visual textures on his face, hair, and clothing make the character’s expressions more defined and noticeable, further enhanced by the improved lighting and shadows. Fans of Emet-Selch shared their admiration of the Ascian’s facelift, with Twitter user Northgalis and Bluesky user Teedlebug both sharing several side-by-side comparisons to highlight just how significant the changes are.

Emet-Selch Looks Amazing in Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail

Since the character’s major role in Shadowbringers, Emet-Selch has consistently been one of the most popular characters in Final Fantasy 14. He is even found in the top 10 of many ranking lists for characters in Final Fantasy as a whole, usually only beaten by popular heroes like Cloud, Tifa, and Aerith. His reputation as a compelling, complex villain, combined with stellar voice acting and a unique appearance, led to his fame – and this visual update can only improve his notoriety.

Unfortunately, while most NPCs who have been affected by the Dawntrail visual rework have benefited, some have not been so lucky. Thancred Waters, one of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, who players meet early in Final Fantasy 14, had his model updated when Dawntrail first launched, though the new textures and lighting make the Rogue-turned-Gunbreaker look much younger and less grizzled, much to the chagrin of his fans. As of Patch 7.2, Thancred’s appearance has seemingly been fixed a little bit, but fans like Bluesky user Izzy are still not completely satisfied yet.

Like it's definitely not good by any means but it Is an improvement I'd say? — izzy @ 7.1 (@thanc.red) 2025-03-25T16:13:03.750Z

Player character models in Final Fantasy 14 have been updated again in this patch as well, which means another free Fantasia is available for everyone. Final Fantasy 14 players can get this Fantasia from a Moogle located at Apkallu Falls in Gridania until the release of Patch 7.3, so players should be sure to pick it up before then.

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Final Fantasy XIV Tag Page Cover Art

Final Fantasy 14
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MMORPG
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Systems
PC-1
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Released
August 27, 2013
ESRB
T for Teen - Language, Mild Blood, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence
Developer(s)
Square Enix
Publisher(s)
Square Enix
Engine
Originally the Crystal Tools engine, but currently it's a custom engine using parts of the Luminous Engine.
Multiplayer
Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer
Franchise
Final Fantasy
Steam Deck Compatibility
Playable
PC Release Date
August 27, 2013
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
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For newcomers to FINAL FANTASY XIV Online, this edition includes three award-winning titles - FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn the base game, and the first and second expansions: FINAL FANTASY XIV: Heavensward and FINAL FANTASY XIV: Stormblood. This edition also includes a 30-day free play period. Other expansions for the game include Dawntrail, Endwalker, and Shadowbringers.

Join over 30 million adventurers worldwide and take part in an epic and ever-changing FINAL FANTASY. Experience all the hallmarks of the best-selling franchise - an unforgettable story, exhilarating battles, and a myriad of diverse and captivating environments to explore. Party up with friends or play solo! Experience all the main story dungeons on your own by calling upon NPC allies to fight by your side.

Will you play as a healing mage or an offensive black mage? Perhaps you want to be a warrior and smash enemies in the face. The famed Final Fantasy job system lets you experiment!

Xbox Series X|S Release Date
March 21, 2024
PS5 Release Date
May 25, 2021
Genre(s)
MMORPG
How Long To Beat
99½ Hours