In response to player feedback, Final Fantasy 14 is set to introduce a significant update with Patch 7.16, slated for release on January 21, 2025. One of the key changes involves the reward system for the Cloud of Darkness (Chaotic) Alliance Raid, where players can now exchange Clouddark Demimateria 1 for Clouddark Demimateria 2. This new feature will enable players to more easily acquire high-demand items such as the Dais of Darkness mount and the A Half Times Two hairstyle, which require 75 and 49 Clouddark Demimateria 2, respectively.
The Cloud of Darkness (Chaotic) Alliance Raid was launched on December 24, following the release of Patch 7.15. This challenging raid brings together up to 24 players to battle the final boss from A Realm Reborn's World of Darkness, incorporating mechanics from Shadowbringers' Eden raid series. Successful raiders are rewarded with Clouddark Demimateria 1 and 2, with additional amounts of the latter based on first-time clears.
With the introduction of the Clouddark Demimateria exchange in Patch 7.16, players with an excess of Clouddark Demimateria 1 will have the opportunity to convert them into the more valuable Clouddark Demimateria 2. Although the exact exchange rate remains undisclosed, this adjustment is expected to impact the market board prices of both the mount and hairstyle, as these items can be traded there.
Square Enix has acknowledged that these changes stem from player feedback and hinted that further modifications could be on the horizon, potentially influencing future raid content throughout 2025. Patch 7.16 will be the first content update of the year, featuring the conclusion of the Dawntrail Role Quest series. However, major job balance updates are not anticipated until Patch 7.2.
As Final Fantasy 14 continues to evolve, the community's input remains crucial in shaping the game's direction. Players can look forward to more raid content in 2025, and how their feedback will continue to influence these updates.
