Final Fantasy XIV Evercold is the next major expansion for Square Enix’s hit MMORPG, and thanks to Fan Fest Tokyo 2026, we’ve learned important details, such as the release date. Major gameplay updates, new jobs, a whole new world to explore, and much more await players in 2027, with the start of the next storyline, The Godless Realms Saga.
Unfortunately, Final Fantasy XIV Evercold’s release date was pushed back to February 23, 2027. Originally scheduled for ‘January 2027’, the developers decided they needed more time to give players the experience they deserve. Here’s everything you need to know about Evercold, including the two new jobs, the final trailer, and more.
Final Fantasy XIV Evercold receives February 2027 release date
Final Fantasy XIV Evercold will be released on February 23, 2027, with an early access date of February 19, 2027. Naoki Yoshida (Yoshi-P) revealed the date was pushed back because there are still features and gameplay that need adjusting and polishing, so it will not be coming out in January like originally planned.
This was unveiled during the Final Fantasy XIV Fan Fest Tokyo 2026 Keynote. While this news is likely a disappointment to many fans, myself included, I’d much rather it feel complete, instead of it being rushed out of the proverbial door to meet a specific date.
What are the main gameplay changes and features coming in Final Fantasy XIV Evercold?
In Final Fantasy XIV Evercold, players will gain access to two new jobs. The first is the tank job, Bastion, and the second is the physical ranged DPS job, Zephyr. These will start out at level 90, and will only use the Evolved combat feature. That’s one of the other major gameplay updates to FFXIV, and each job will have a new gameplay option, Evolved Combat style.
This is designed to be more approachable. It will combine combo actions together into a single button to reduce bloat, and will also change when we receive abilities, so that around level 50, we’ll have a more defined gameplay experience.
There will also be major changes to the gameplay loop, shifting from a daily to a weekly experience. Players will have Missions to complete that give them Activity Points that go towards an Activity Level. Yoshi-P assured fans that it will not be a battle pass, and there will be no extra charges or premium nonsense. It just has the look of a battle pass, because that’s what fits the gameplay system.
Another major change will be to the actual leveling process. After completing the on-boarding/introductory Evercold quests, players can go to any zone they like, and experience the story in a way that suits them. The leveling dungeons will also have an auto-balancing system, so players don’t have to stress about doing dungeons in groups either.
A new feature that was revealed during Fan Fest was the Gauntlet of Power, a boss rush mode for up to 4 players, where you can come together, regardless of job level (as long as it’s a minimum of 51), and fight one or more bosses as a party. It will be a great way to level grind jobs, and the party will vote on whether to continue or drop the run.
You can expect changes to how gearing up works, giving players options whether they want to be a casual player, or a hardcore raider. Both types of players will have a way to pick up decent gear, and improve it, rewarding everyone.
Speaking of rewarding everyone, perhaps the biggest gameplay update will be in raids. No longer will players have to roll on items. Each player will receive loot per boss clear, so you don’t have to wait and hope you win something. When you combine these with the Evangelion Alliance Raids and Final Fantasy 7 Remake Series Raids, you’ve got all the makings of an all-timer expansion.
What will the cost be to purchase Final Fantasy XIV Evercold?
Depending on what you’re after, Final Fantasy XIV Evercold has a few price points. It’s worth noting that all editions, even the standard, give you access to the pre-order bonuses: Wind-up Kottr Minion, Halone’s Earring, and of course, early access to the expansion on February 19, 2027. You can learn more about the physical collector’s edition here, and if it’s worth it in our estimation. Below are all the editions, costs, and content.
- Standard Edition ($44.99): Wind-up Kottr Minion, Halone’s Earring, Early Access (if pre-ordered)
- Digital Collector’s Edition ($64.99): Valhallar Odin Mount, Entreat Crystal Emote, Crystal Skyltborg (Weapon Cosmetic)
- Collector’s Bundle (Physical) ($319.99): Evercold Special Art Box, Expertly Crafted Reaper Figure, Ethos Metal Keychain, Kottr Mini Plush, Tapestry of the Fourth, all digital items
Final Fantasy XIV extended trailer released
In Final Fantasy XIV Evercold, players will be heading to the Fourth, a land completely covered in ice. The people that live there had to escape to the clouds to survive, using massive Realmships. During Fan Fest Tokyo, the extended, final trailer was revealed, which you can see below.
Check out our other Final Fantasy XIV guides and features
Edited by Jason Parker
