Final Fantasy 14 is gearing up for the launch of Patch 6.5, but when is it set to launch exactly?

First Published September 25, 2023, 12:45

Square Enix's long-running MMORPG, Final Fantasy 14, is set to get another major content update with the launch of Patch 6.5. This patch in particular marks a major moment for FF14 fans, as it will be the fifth and final major content update for the Endwalker expansion.

Recently, Square Enix announced that the next expansion, Dawntrail, will be launching in Summer 2024. This new expansion will bring with it new areas for players to explore, an increased level cap, new Jobs, and more. In the run up to the new expansion, plenty of celebrations and events have been cropping up in game, and will continue to do so in Patch 6.5. The question is: when does Final Fantasy 14 Patch 6.5 release?

Update 25 September: We've updated this article with the latest news surrounding the release of FF14 Patch 6.5 Growing Light.

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When Does Final Fantasy 14 Patch 6.5 Release?

Final Fantasy 14 Patch 6.5: Growing Light will roll out in October 2023. However, the patch will be split into two parts. The first main scenario part will launch on 3 October 2023.

The second main scenario part is expected to release in mid-January 2024, in Patch 6.51, after the Final Fantasy 14 Japanese Fan Festival. By this time, players will have a greater idea of what to expect from Part 2.

So far, only a limited amount of information has been revealed for what's on the way in Patch 6.5. We know that there will be new Main Scenario Quests split between the 6.5 and 6.55 patches, as well as new Side Stories. Additionally, players can expect a new Dungeon called The Lunar Subterrane. 

Alongside the new content, players can also anticipate various improvements and additions, including more Duty Support for select Dungeons. For now, though, there are a few events for players to get stuck into running from now up until the release of Patch 6.5. The Rising is one such event, where players can earn themselves the Rising Phoenix mount and Orchestrion Rolls. The Rising runs from August 27 up until the launch of Patch 6.5.

Final Fantasy 14 Patch 6.5 Growing Light: New Features

According to Square Enix's official page for Final Fantasy 14 Patch 6.5, the following features will be new for Growing Light:

• Main Scenario Quests - Growing Light
• New Alliance Raid Dungeon - Myths of the Realm, Part 3: Thaleia
• New Dungeon - The Lunar Subterrane
• New Trial - The Abyssal Fracture
• New Unreal Trial - The Singularity Reactor (Unreal)
• Additional Duty Support
• New Custom Deliveries - Margrat
• Xbox Version Open Beta Testing
• Expanded Free Trial/Starter Edition
• Island Sanctuary Updates
• New PvP Gear
• New Mounts, Minions, and Emotes
• New Fashion Accessories

The following features are scheduled to arrive in a later patch:

• New Variant Dungeon - Aloalo Island (Patch 6.51)
• New Criterion Dungeon - Another Aloalo Island/Another Aloalo Island (Savage) (Patch 6.51)
• Tool Enhancement Quests - Splendorous Tools (Patch 6.51)
• Crystalline Conflict - New Arena (Patch 6.51)
• Tataru's Grand Endeavor (Patch 6.55)
• Somehow Further Hildibrand Adventures (Patch 6.55)
• Weapon Enhancement Quests - Manderville Weapons (Patch 6.55)
• Endwalker Tribal Alliance Quests (Patch 6.55)
• FFXIV & Fall Guys Collaboration (Patch 6.5x)

Final Fantasy 14 Patch 6.5 Growing Light Key Art Revealed

On September 7, Square Enix revealed the key art for the upcoming Final Fantasy 14 Patch 6.5: Growing Light. Depicted in the art, we can see a number of regular characters, including Alphinaud and Alisaie, Y'shtola and more. 

The key art was revealed via the official Final Fantasy 14 X (Twitter) account, alongside a link to the official page for the Patch 6.5.