Final Fantasy 14's PVP Changes Explained

Final Fantasy 14 has seen numerous updates over the years, and its Player vs. Player (PVP) system is no exception. After years of experimentation, the developers seem more committed than ever to refining and expanding PVP. With Patch 7.1 on the horizon, Square Enix has announced significant changes to PVP, making it more dynamic, balanced, and accessible to a wider range of players.

These updates will come in waves, starting with Patch 7.1 in mid-November and continuing in future updates, such as Patch 7.2. From Crystalline Conflict arena tweaks to job adjustments and large-scale balance changes, Final Fantasy 14’s PVP is about to get a much-needed proverbial facelift.

Crystalline Conflict Improvements in Final Fantasy 14

One of the standout features of Patch 7.1 is the focus on improving Final Fantasy 14’s Crystalline Conflict mode. First introduced in Final Fantasy 14 Patch 6.1, this mode quickly became a favorite among PVP fans. Its fast-paced, objective-based gameplay brought new life to Final Fantasy 14’s PVP scene.

Two of the most popular arenas, Red Sands and Cloud Nine, are set to receive updates that will improve their overall flow and balance. These improvements aim to make matches more engaging, with better pacing and fewer situations where one team can easily snowball to victory. Additionally, action execution and hit detection across all Final Fantasy 14 PVP modes are getting a significant overhaul, ensuring that skills like heals, shields, and damage-dealing abilities feel more responsive and consistent.

Initially, when these changes were announced, some players speculated that Final Fantasy 14 might be implementing a system akin to rollback netcode, meant to minimize lag. However, the update focuses more on improving how skills, such as Warrior’s Primal Rend and Machinist’s Limit Break, function in real time. For example, effects like stuns will now be tied to the moment when the animation concludes, allowing players a window to react.

Final Fantasy 14 Job Adjustments to Keep PVP Fresh

In Final Fantasy 14 Patch 7.1, nearly every job in the game will see adjustments to their PVP abilities. Except for the newly introduced Pictomancer and Viper classes, all jobs will receive new actions and tweaks to existing ones.

These adjustments are designed to address player feedback, and criticisms that both new classes Viper and Pictomancer are overpowered compared to older classes. Some jobs may see improvements to mobility or crowd control abilities, while others might get increased damage output or enhanced defensive capabilities.

Final Fantasy 14 Frontline and Rival Wings Get Major Updates

While Crystalline Conflict remains a fan favorite, Final Fantasy 14’s large-scale PVP modes, Frontline and Rival Wings, are also getting significant attention in Patch 7.1 and beyond. Frontline, the game’s massive, multi-team PVP mode, is receiving several balance adjustments to improve the flow of battles and ensure that no single team has an overwhelming advantage.

In addition, Rival Wings will also see some tweaks, with the goal of making matches more competitive and strategic. The large-scale Final Fantasy 14 PVP improvements don’t stop at Patch 7.1, either. Patch 7.2, expected sometime next year, will bring a substantial overhaul to Frontline, addressing deeper balance issues and enhancing the overall experience.

Final Fantasy 14 Has A PVP System Designed for All Players

While Final Fantasy 14’s PVP has traditionally catered to the more competitive side of the player base, these changes show a clear intent to make the system more accessible and rewarding for everyone. By refining gameplay mechanics, improving job balance, and updating arenas, Square Enix is creating a PVP environment that appeals to a broader range of players.

For those who may not usually dive into PVP, Final Fantasy 14 offers daily roulettes that encourage casual participation. Players can quickly queue for PVP matches, earn experience, and receive valuable tomestones, which can be traded for upgraded armor and other rewards. These daily roulettes make it easier for even the most PVP-averse players to dip their toes into the content, while still progressing in the game.

Released

August 27, 2013

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Multiplayer

Online Multiplayer

Engine

Crystal Tools

ESRB

T for Teen: Alcohol Reference, Animated Blood, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence

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Steam Deck Compatibility

yes

PS Plus Availability

N/A

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OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Cross Save

no

Cross-Platform Play

PC, PS4, PS5 & Xbox Series X|S

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