With Final Fantasy 14pp Dawnrail expansion continues to engage players with its new locations and standalone stories, attention quickly shifts to the next major update – Patch 7.1. The excitement surrounding this patch is palpable, as Square Enix has confirmed that Patch 7.1 will arrive in mid-November. But while the time frame is known, fans are eager to pin down the exact release date.
Historically large patches for Final Fantasy 14 follow predictable patterns, so society can make educated guesses about when they will drop. The latest expansion's release schedule, combined with data from previous patches, makes November 12, 2024 a strong contender for the 7.1 patch date.
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Expected release and content of Final Fantasy 14's patch 7.1
Square Enix has a well-established history of releasing majors Final Fantasy 14 patches approximately 18 to 19 weeks after a major expansion launch. With Dawnrail after being released on July 2nd, mid-November fits perfectly within this window. More specifically, patches for the game are traditionally released on Tuesdays, and previous major patches have typically arrived in the second or third week of November.
For example, Patch 6.1 launched on April 12, 2022, and Patch 6.2 followed on August 23, 2022 – both Tuesdays. With this in mind, it's reasonable to expect Patch 7.1 to be released on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. The consistency of Square Enix's release strategy makes this date the most likely candidate, with November 19 as a secondary option if any delays occur.
Also, Square Enix usually makes official announcements about upcoming patches two to three weeks before release, so players can probably expect confirmation in early November. Historically, these announcements are in line with Live Letters or special broadcasts, which provide the community with additional information about upcoming content.
Minor Final Fantasy 14 updates leading up to the big drop
Prior to the release of Patch 7.1, Final Fantasy 14 has seen minor updates, such as Patch 7.05, which was rolled out in early October. These incremental patches serve to bridge the gap between major updates and provide players with bug fixes, balance changes, and minor content additions to keep the game fresh. Smaller patches can also provide insight into the timing of larger patches. For example, Patch 7.05 arrived about six weeks before Patch 7.1 is now expected, in line with the traditional schedule that Square Enix follows.
Another important piece of the puzzle in predicting Patch 7.1's release is the timing of Final Fantasy 14next live letter from the producer. These live broadcasts provide important updates on upcoming patches, often dropping release dates and revealing new content. Historically, Live Letters occur within weeks of a major patch being released, making early November the prime window for Square Enix to make the announcement.
The live letter covering Patch 7.1 Part Two has already been confirmed for early November, adding further weight to the theory that the patch will be released on November 12th. These broadcasts often happen a week or two before a major patch is released, and with the broadcast set for 4:00 AM PT on November 3rd, the patch could very well launch just a few days later.
What to expect in Final Fantasy 14 Patch 7.1
While predicting Patch 7.1's release date is the main focus for some players, it's worth noting the content it will bring. The highlight of the patch is the new Alliance Raid, Echoes of Vana'diel, a 24-player raid that goes over with Final Fantasy 11. Players will explore familiar locations from Vana'diel and battle iconic NPCs and monsters.
Final Fantasy 14 players, especially those who enjoy a solo experience, will also see exciting updates. Other important additions include two new Trials: Byakko the Jade Stoa, a remixed fight from Stormbloodand The Minstrel's Ballad: Sphene's Burden, an extreme version of Dawnrails final Main Scenario Quest encounter.
On top of that, players can expect class buffs, housing updates, and new roleplays that appeal to new and veteran players alike. Based on historical trends and Square Enix's consistent patch cycle, November 12th appears to be the most likely release date, with official confirmation expected soon.