FFXIV’s Fan Fest revealed Evercold, due January next year, a major overhaul introducing Adventurer Activity progression, two combat modes (Reborn and Evolved), and two new jobs, all aimed at modernizing the game for a new decade—sparking excitement alongside questions about balance, monetization, and housing.
At Square Enix’s NA Fan Festival, Final Fantasy XIV announced Evercold, the sixth expansion set in The Fourth with ice-tinged threats, and teased ongoing development of an Evolved Mode alongside two original Evercold jobs. Naoki Yoshida addressed Switch 2 adaptions (including built‑in mouse controls and options for TV or handheld play), clarified optimization goals, and noted continued PS4 support while encouraging a transition to PS5. The team outlined a gradual, balance-conscious approach to new jobs and raiding, highlighted the Kefka-focused Dancing Mad Ultimate raid, and emphasized long-term plans to keep FFXIV thriving for another decade, with discussions about a possible standalone spinoff in the future. Regional matchmaking across worlds was enabled after substantial infrastructure work, marking a major step in cross‑region play.