Final Fantasy 14 Patch 7.2 is set to introduce a host of new features, including futuristic mechs that bear a striking resemblance to the Magitek armor from Final Fantasy 6. As players collaborate with the Loporrits to transform barren celestial bodies into thriving colonies, the addition of these high-tech machines may serve as a nostalgic callback to one of the most beloved titles in the series. While some fans see Dawntrail as a step back from Endwalker, Square Enix is working to address community concerns by rolling out ambitious updates designed to reinvigorate engagement.
Players have arguably been primarily funneled into Savage and Ultimate Raids, leaving those who enjoyed large-scale, cooperative activities with fewer options. Patch 7.2 aims to change that by expanding Final Fantasy 14’s endgame experience, potentially capturing the interest of fans who have been looking for something fresh while still paying tribute to Final Fantasy 6’s iconic mechanical designs.
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Futuristic Mechs Offer a Nostalgic Connection to FF6 in Final Fantasy 14
Throughout the Final Fantasy series, magitek has been synonymous with imperial ambition and the fusion of magic with advanced technology. In Final Fantasy 6, the Gestahlian Empire harnessed magitek to create devastating war machines, including the iconic Magitek Armor. While Final Fantasy 14’s version of magitek has largely been tied to the Garlean Empire’s ceruleum-fueled machinery, Patch 7.2’s introduction of new futuristic mechs suggests a shift toward a different kind of high-tech warfare.
These mechs will be featured as part of Final Fantasy 14’s Cosmic Exploration content, where players assist the Loporrits in colonizing new worlds. This interstellar theme is a significant departure from previous expansions, but the inclusion of advanced machinery reminiscent of magitek suggests a deliberate nod to Final Fantasy 6’s technological aesthetic. If Square Enix further leans into this connection—perhaps by incorporating similar designs, abilities, or even a questline referencing magitek’s origins—it could offer longtime fans a satisfying blend of nostalgia and innovation.
Final Fantasy 14’s Sci-Fi Direction Gains Traction
One of Dawntrail’s most praised elements has been its embrace of science fiction, particularly with locations like Solution Nine, a neon-lit metropolis filled with towering skyscrapers and holographic billboards. The Arcadion raid series, another major addition, has also leaned heavily into this futuristic aesthetic, offering a stark contrast to the medieval and high-fantasy settings of previous expansions.
The introduction of the mechs in Final Fantasy 14 Patch 7.2 builds on this momentum, reinforcing FF14’s evolution into a game that blends fantasy with cutting-edge technology. For players who enjoyed the sci-fi elements of Final Fantasy 8 or Final Fantasy 13, this could make Dawntrail’s ongoing updates even more appealing. Moreover, the expansion of high-tech content might serve to distinguish Final Fantasy 14 from other MMORPGs, keeping the game fresh while still maintaining ties to its Final Fantasy roots.
Phantom Jobs and Large-Scale Battles Arrive
Beyond mechs and Cosmic Exploration, Patch 7.2 is set to introduce significant gameplay changes, including Phantom Jobs within the Occult Crescent. These new roles allow players to mix and match abilities in ways that weren’t previously possible, offering a level of customization reminiscent of Final Fantasy 6’s Esper system. Just as characters in Final Fantasy 6 could learn magic from Espers, Phantom Jobs may grant players access to unique skills that deviate from traditional job mechanics.
Additionally, large-scale battles similar to Eureka and Bozja are returning, providing an alternative to high-end raiding for those who prefer open-world cooperative challenges. These additions aim to create a more diverse endgame experience.
Nostalgia Could Be the Key to Engagement in Final Fantasy 14
With Final Fantasy 14 entering a new phase post-Dawntrail, finding ways to keep players engaged is critical. Nostalgic elements like magitek-inspired mechs could help rekindle interest among longtime fans, while the sci-fi “expansion” of Final Fantasy 14’s world offers something fresh for those eager for innovation. By blending classic Final Fantasy themes with new gameplay mechanics, Patch 7.2 has the potential to strike the right balance between honoring the past and embracing the future.
Whether or not this approach will be enough to win over those who felt Dawntrail lacked impact remains to be seen, but with Cosmic Exploration, Phantom Jobs, and large-scale battles on the horizon, Final Fantasy 14 is making a strong case for why fans of Final Fantasy 6 should keep an eye on what’s coming next.
- 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
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- MMORPG
