TheFinal Fantasy XIVPatch 7.3 details and trailer were released earlier today, and most fans seem to agree that the update’s offerings are disappointing. Patch 7.3, titledThe Promise of Tomorrow, will bring anend to theDawntrailexpansionstoryline. Along with the narrative closure, the patch brings the routine content additions, like a new dungeon, a new trial, and new gear sets. That familiarity is turning into fatigue, as fans harshly criticize the state of the MMO.
In a Reddit thread byWeirdIndividualGuy,fans are blasting the quality of the contentbeing added in 7.3, with most saying there is little to no excitement to be found in this update. Others are going even further and are suggesting the game has passed its prime, likeBardicPaladin, who wrote,“I think it’s just time for a new MMO.”
FFXIV Fans Are Heavily Criticizing Patch 7.3
More Of The Same
FFXIVhas seemingly hit aperiod of stagnation, with the structure ofeach patch update being almost identicalto previous expansions. The new update will add several main story quests and cutscenes, one new dungeon, one new trial, and a new deep dungeon. For a free update, that sounds great on paper. The problem for a lot of fans lies in the lack of attention paid to major issues, like housing and meaningful endgame content, with the game instead doubling down on its tired routine.
mr_showboat’s analysis of the situation is that the predictable content updates have, over time, hindered the game, writing,“It’s pretty clear that what was once FFXIVs biggest strength (consistent, predictable content releases) has become one of its weaknesses after 12 years.“Several fans are in agreement, with a consensus thatFFXIVshould shake up the formula moving forward. Others are simply not excited for anythingDawntrail-related, due to theexpansion’s lackluster story.
Our Take: The Criticism Is Mostly Justified
Maybe 8.0 Will Bring New Energy To FXIV
Overall,it isn’t too surprisingto see the mostly negative reactions to Patch 7.3.Dawntrailis generally considered one of the weakest expansions in terms of narrative, content, and characters, so the story-focused players aren’t happy, and the expansion also lacks any meaningful, long-term content, so hardcore MMO fans aren’t happy either.
Whether fans will come around to the new patch when it releases remains to be seen, but early impressions are important, and 7.3 isn’t starting off strong. Patch 7.3 is the end ofDawntrail, and the next expansion release might be the perfect time for Square Enix to change the offerings ofFinal Fantasy XIV. Either way, fans still have to deal with what’s being offered for the time being or simply move on.
