Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers

Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers is the third expansion for Final Fantasy XIV. It was announced in November 2018, and was released on July 2, 2019. The expansion takes players to the First, one of thirteen reflections of the Source that is being consumed by a Flood of Light.
==Story==
Amidst burgeoning tensions between the Eorzean Alliance and the Garlean Empire, the Scions of the Seventh Dawn lie comatose, their souls whisked away from their bodies. To find their friends, the Warrior of Light must place their trust in the very being that took them, a decision that soon sees them travel across the dimensions to a dying world plagued by Primordial Light: The First.
==Features==
Shadowbringers would see players explore the region of Norvrandt, an area roughly analogous to the Source's Eorzea. Their adventures would carry them from the shores of Lakeland, through the faerie kingdom of Il Mheg, the shadows of the Rak'tika Greatwood, the desert of Amh Araeng, the desolate island of Kholusia, to the depths of the Tempest. Two news cities were introduced in the Crystarium and Eulmore, with opposing viewpoints on how to handle the threat of the sin eaters.
Two new playable races were introduced in the rabbit-like Viera and lion-like Hrothgar, which are female and male exclusive respectively. New jobs were introduced in s and the Final Fantasy VIII-inspired s, which both start at level 60. The level cap for all disciplines bar was increased to 80. TP was removed, being replaced by MP for all combat disciplines.
Eight new dungeons were included at launch, six of which were compatible with the newly introduced Trust System, which allows players to run dungeons with their NPC companions. Three trials were also added, including Extreme trials against the Lightwardens Titania and Innocence. Patch 5.01 was released shortly after launch, introducing the Final Fantasy VIII-themed raid series , with its first wing in , while patch 5.05 added , a new treasure dungeon.
==Major updates==
Note that the below version updates also added features and adjustments to A Realm Reborn (2.x), Heavensward (3.x) content or Stormblood (4.x).
===Vows of Virtue, Deeds of Cruelty (5.1)===
Patch 5.1 was released on October 29, 2019. The main scenario saw the Scions travel to in search of a means to return to the Source.
 was added as a new extreme trials, while the first alliance raid in the YoRHa: Dark Apocalypse storyline was introduced in . 5.11 added a new ultimate raid in .
New daily quests involving the pixies were added, as well as new custom deliveries to Kai-Shirr. New Game+ was introduced, allowing players to re-experience main scenario storylines going back to Heavensward. The GARO x Final Fantasy XIV crossover event ended.
5.11 also introduced the Ishgardian Restoration storyline, allowing gatherers and crafters to contribute to the reconstruction of the Firmament housing district in Ishgard. was once again revamped to accommodate this. 5.15 increased the level cap for s to 60, with new spells and content for , and introduced the new Frontline PvP map .
===Echoes of a Fallen Star (5.2)===
Patch 5.2 released on February 18, 2020. The main scenario saw the Scions plumb the depths of to learn more about the Ascians after one turns up in the body of a fallen friend.
The Eden raid series continued in Eden's Verse, while the Sorrow of Werlyt trial series began in . Resistance Weapons were introduced in the Save the Queen: Blades of Gunnhildr storyline.
New daily quests were added for the Qitari in the Rak'tika Greatwood, being the first daily beastmen quests that were uniquely for Disciples of the Land only. The Ishgardian Restoration continued with further adjustments to the Diadem, and the introduction of Skysteel Tools. Ocean fishing was introduced for s, and side story questlines were added to New Game+.
===Reflections in Crystal (5.3) ===
Patch 5.3 released on August 11, 2020. The main scenario saw the Scions work against time to return to the Source before it is too late, running before arriving at .
The Sorrow of Werlyt storyline continued as Cid Garlond introduced a secret Weapon of his own to use against the Empire's Weapons. The YoRHa storyline introduced , and was introduced as the first Unreal trial, allowing players to challenge old trials at max level. 5.35 saw the Save the Queen storyline continued in along with a new open dungeon, .
New daily quests for Disciples of the Hand were added with the dwarves. The Ishgardian Restoration continued apace, and included new custom deliveries to Ehll Tou. A Trial Synthesis system was introduced, allowing crafters to simulate a craft without losing valuable materials.
The main scenario questline of A Realm Reborn saw significant retooling designed to ease progression into Heavensward for new players, and allowing for the use of flight in A Realm Reborn overworld zones upon completion of the base main story scenario. The Crystal Tower raid series became mandatory to progress into Heavensward, while those already in Heavensward and beyond were required to complete it before attempting the 5.3 main scenario. New Game+ was expanded in 5.3 and 5.35 to include the revamped A Realm Reborn questline as well as class questlines (but not job questlines).
=== Futures Rewritten (5.4) ===
Patch 5.4 released on December 8, 2020. The main scenario saw the Scions face new challenges after making their return to the Source, as Alisaie sought a cure for tempering and strange towers appeared across the realm.
New duties included the dungeon , the continuation of the Sorrow of Werlyt trials series in , and the finale of the Eden raids in Eden's Promise. Players were required to complete the Reflections in Crystal main scenario quests before continuing the finale of the Eden raids. A new treasure dungeon was introduced in , and players once again faced off against Titan in . 
A new Explorer Mode was added, allowing players to explore previously completed Shadowbringers dungeons with no enemies or obstacles, while allowing the use of mounts and unlimited Limit Breaks for screenshots.
Patch 5.41 saw the final phase of the Ishgardian Restoration while bringing adjustments to crafting and gathering. Patch 5.45 continued the Save the Queen storyline with a new open dungeon, . In addition, 5.45 increased the level cap for blue mages to 70 while adding new spells and Masked Carnivale content.
=== Death Unto Dawn (5.5) ===
Patch 5.5 released on April 13, 2021. The main scenario saw the Scions using the newfound cure for tempering, as the Ascian Fandaniel continued his plan to bring about The Final Days.
New duties included the dungeon , the conclusion of the Sorrow of Werlyt trials series in , and the finale of the YoRHa storyline, taking place in . Additional custom deliveries were added, assisting the Count of House Durendaire Charlemend de Durendaire, as well as concluding the Ishgardian Restoration by having patch-long festivities called Fêtes.
Patch 5.55 brought the second half of the main scenario quests, where Zenos Galvus served as an introduction to the new class Reaper. The finale of Save The Queen concluded in , with another open dungeon, . Players who continued the weekly epilogue of the YoHRa: Dark Apocalypse raids were able to read the last of Konogg's letters. 
Official service for the Playstation 5 version of Final Fantasy XIV began on May 25, ending the open beta. The previously released Explorer Mode was expanded to include Level 70 dungeons from Stormblood. 
Patch 6.0 was released on December 3, 2021, and brought with it the fourth expansion, Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker.
==Production credits==
===Voice cast===
Character 	Japanese 	English
Alphinaud Leveilleur 	Shinnosuke Tachibana	Colin Ryan
Alisaie Leveilleur 	Rie Murakawa 	Bethan Walker
Thancred Waters 	Yuichi Nakamura 	Peter Bramhill
Ryne 	Kana Ichinose 	Emma Ballantine
Urianger Augurelt 	KENN 	Timothy Watson
Y'shtola Rhul 	Ai Kayano 	Robyn Addison
Tataru Taru 	Mariya Ise 	Carina Reeves
Oracle of Light 	Yuna Kamakura 	Zoë Tapper
Feo Ul 	Minami Takahashi 	Olivia Morgan
Lyna 	Yoshino Nanjo 	Salóme R. Gunnarsdóttir
Kai-Shirr 	Mutsuki Iwanaka 	Charlie Rix
Tesleen 	Asumi Yoneyama 	Rosie Jones
Runar 	Itaru Yamamoto 	Joe Tandberg
Magnus 	Yasuhiro Mamiya 	David Menkin
Chai-Nuzz 	Riki Kitazawa 	Bruce Mackinnon
Dulia-Chai 	Yuka Keicho 	Rachel Atkins
Vauthry 	Yasuhiro Mamiya 	Edward Dogliani
Ran'jit 	Akio Nojima 	David Rintoul
Gaius van Baelsar 	Akio Otsuka 	Michael McElhatton
Estinien Wyrmblood 	Kenji Hamada 	Robert Vernon
Zenos Galvus 	Kohsuke Toriumi 	Luke Allen-Gale
Varis zos Galvus 	Jouji Nakata 	Michael Maloney
Crystal Exarch 	Yuma Uchida 	Jonathan Bailey
Emet-Selch 	Hiroki Takahashi 	René Zagger
Ardbert 	Junichi Suwabe 	Joe Dempsie
Biggs 	Go Inoue 	Antony Byrne
Wedge 	KENN 	Ryan Gage
Traveling Merchant 	Toshitsugu Takashina	Timothy Watson
Cassard 	Takuya Nakashima 	Antony Byrne
Moren 	Kohei Yoshiwara 	Nigel Pilkington
Glynard 	Itaru Yamamoto 	Edward Dogliani
Bragi 	Mitsuaki Kanuka 	Gunnar Cauthery
Katliss 	Asumi Yoneyama 	Beatriz Romilly
Theva 	Shoko Haraguchi 	Zoë Tapper
Irvithe 	Kohei Yoshiwara 	Ryan Gage
Grithil 	Mutsuki Iwanaka 	Luke Allen-Gale
Blue Jongleur 	Yuka Keicho 	Rosie Jones
Red Jongleur 	Aiko Ninomiya 	Beatriz Romilly
Eulmoran Adjutant 	Tadaaki Doi 	Ryan Gage
Ys Iala 	Shoko Haraguchi 	Rosie Jones
Sul Uin 	Aiko Ninomiya 	Nigel Pilkington
Oul Sigun 	Mizue Tsunashima 	Emma Ballantine
Aenc Thon 	Tadaaki Doi 	Ryan Gage
Seto 	Mitsuaki Kanuka 	Brian Protheroe
Almet 	Asumi Yoneyama 	Alfrun Rose
Uimet 	Mariya Ise 	Nina Yndis
Cymet 	Mizue Tsunashima 	Melkorka Óskarsdóttir
Ghen Gen 	Yasuhiro Mamiya 	Nigel Pilkington
Guthjon 	Yasutaka Tomioka 	Gunnar Cauthery
Thaffe 	Go Inoue 	Adam Howden
Bismarck 	Toshitsugu Takashina	Brian Protheroe
Tolshs Aath 	Kenji Hamada 	Bruce Mackinnon
Titania 	Yuna Kamakura 	Robyn Addison
Krile Maya Baldesion 	Yoshino Nanjo 	Gemma Lawrence
Gaia 	Yuna Kamakura 	Anna Rust
Beq Lugg 	Mariya Ise 	Jaimi Barbakoff
Wrenden 	Takuya Nakashima 	Timothy Watson
Halric 	Yuka Keicho 	Carina Reeves
Elidibus 	Akira Ishida 	Matt Stokoe
Merlwyb Bloefhiswyn 	Atsuko Tanaka 	Tracy-Ann Oberman
Kan-E-Senna 	Rie Tanaka 	Hannah Arterton
Nanamo Ul Namo 	Mariya Ise 	Joanna Ruiz
Aymeric de Borel 	Tatsuhisa Suzuki 	Blake Ritson
Raubahn Aldynn 	Hiroki Yasumoto 	Nick Boulton
Lyse Hext 	Aya Endo 	Laura Aikman
Maxima quo Priscus 	Ryota Takeuchi 	Gunnar Cauthery
Matoya 	Yu Sugimoto 	Sheila Reid
Cid Garlond 	Rikiya Koyama 	Gwilym Lee
Nero tol Scaeva 	Riki Kitazawa 	John Heffernan
Sicard 	Kenji Hamada 	Luke Allen-Gale
Hyllfyr 	Hiroki Takahashi 	Antony Byrne
Ga Bu 	Mizue Tsunashima 	Joanna Ruiz
2nd Order Patriarch Za Da	Tadaaki Doi 	Ryan Gage
Arenvald Lentinus 	Kohei Yoshiwara 	Joe Dempsie
Fordola rem Lupis 	Marika Hayashi 	Annabel Scholey
Fourchenault Leveilleur 	Kenyu Horiuchi 	Anthony Howell
Fandaniel 	Junichi Yanagita 	Matt McCooey
==Gallery==
;Artwork
FFXIV SHBR Artwork.png|Artwork by Yoshitaka Amano.
FFXIV SH Artwork.png|Artwork by Akihiko Yoshida.
FFXIV Dark Knight SBG.png|Artwork featuring Dark Knight.
FFXIV ShB Characters Yoshida Akihiko.png|Artwork for the main characters.
FFXIV Crystarium Yoshida Akihiko.png|Artwork for the Crystarium.
FFXIV SBG Thancred Poster.png|Promotional poster featuring Thancred.
FFXIV SBG Y'shtola Poster.png|Promotional poster featuring Y'shtola.
FFXIV Viera Dancer.png|Artwork for a Viera dancer.
FFXIV Hrothgar Monk.png|Artwork for a Hrothgarean monk.
FFXIV Hyur Dark Knight.png|Artwork for the Warrior of Light as a Dark Knight.
FFXIV YoRHa Dark Apocalypse.png|YoRHa:Dark Apocalypse artwork.
FFXIV Viera Art.png|Viera.
FFXIV Shadowbringers EN.png|Alternate logo for North American and European version.
FFXIV Patch 5.5 Death Unto Dawn artwork.jpg|Artwork for patch 5.5 Death Unto Dawn.
;Screenshots
FFXIV Shadowbringers trailer screenshot 1.png
FFXIV Shadowbringers trailer screenshot 4.png
FFXIV Shadowbringers trailer screenshot 5.png
FFXIV Shadowbringers trailer screenshot 6.png
FFXIV Shadowbringers trailer screenshot 7.png
FFXIV Shadowbringers trailer screenshot 8.png
FFXIV Shadowbringers trailer screenshot 9.png
FFXIV Shadowbringers trailer screenshot 10.png
FFXIV Shadowbringers trailer screenshot 11.png
FFXIV Shadowbringers trailer screenshot 12.png
FFXIV Shadowbringers trailer screenshot 13.png
FFXIV Shadowbringers trailer screenshot 14.png
FFXIV Shadowbringers trailer screenshot 15.png
FFXIV Shadowbringers trailer screenshot 16.png
FFXIV Shadowbringers trailer screenshot 17.png
FFXIV Shadowbringers trailer screenshot 18.png
FFXIV Shadowbringers trailer screenshot 19.png
FFXIV Shadowbringers trailer screenshot 20.png
FFXIV SBG Y'shtola.png|Y'shtola.
FFXIV Shadowbringers trailer screenshot 21.png
FFXIV Thancred 5.0.png
FFXIV Thancred Gunbreaker 02.png|Thancred.
FFXIV Thancred Gunbreaker 01.png|Thancred.
FFXIV SBG Girl.png|Minfilia.
FFXIV Shadowbringers trailer screenshot 22.png
FFXIV Shadowbringers trailer screenshot 23.png
FFXIV Shadowbringers trailer screenshot 24.png
FFXIV Shadowbringers trailer screenshot 2.png
FFXIV Shadowbringers trailer screenshot 25.png
FFXIV Shadowbringers trailer screenshot 26.png
FFXIV Shadowbringers trailer screenshot 27.png
FFXIV Shadowbringers trailer screenshot 28.png
FFXIV Shadowbringers trailer screenshot 3.png
FFXIV Shadowbringers trailer screenshot 29.png
FFXIV Viera SS 01.png|Viera.
;Locations
FFXIV SHBR Location Artwork 01.png|Lakeland Concept Art.
FFXIV SHBR Location Artwork 02.png|Rak'tika Concept Art.
FFXIV SHBR Location Artwork 03.png|Amh Araeng Concept Art.
;Merchandises
FFXIV SH JP CE.png|Japanese Collector's Edition.
FFXIV SH NA CE.png|North American Collector's Edition.
==Trivia==
*The Japanese subtitle translates to "Jet Black Villains". The kanji means "Traitors".
*Just like with the announcements of the previous expansions, director Naoki Yoshida wore a certain shirt to the announcement event to tease a new upcoming content, this time being a shirt. Unlike previous shirts, this one was not related to an upcoming job, but for an upcoming new playable race, revealed to be the Viera.
*Shadowbringer is the name of Final Fantasy IV protagonist Cecil Harvey's ability when he was a dark knight.
*The new Crystarium area is a near identical recreation of the unnamed city that first appeared in the Rapture demo from 2005.
*Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers was the highest rated Final Fantasy title in 13 years.
== External links ==
*Official site (Japanese)
*Official site (English)
==Citations==
es:Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers
pt-br:Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers
ru:Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers
Shadowbringers
5.0