February Update Announced!

[Andromeda]

The upcoming version update is scheduled to take place in late February. A new form of Conflict, as well as an additional area in each of the regions of Dynamis, Temenos, and Apollyon will become accessible to the adventuring population. And don't forget the usual plethora of new quests and improvements to all aspects of the game.

The previously announced Treasures of Aht Urhgan expansion disc and the Xbox 360 Beta Test are both progressing on schedule. Keep an eye out for the latest developments!

FINAL FANTASY XI Development Team (01/24/2006)

That is right, the next update has been announced, prepare for four weeks of more waiting and excitement to see what SE will bring us this time. New things to Conflict and Dynamis sounds like fun.

[ZRO]

Indeed, and judging from the pictures on the site (or at least the banner they put up for the update) the new form of Conflict looks like perhaps one-on-one dueling? If it is, that would make for an end of the "My job can kick your job's ass!" arguments. Solution to situation: Take it to conflict, then spout off. ^^

[Andromeda]

Items Available Through VARP

The February version update will introduce a wider variety of items to players who invite their friends to experience Vana'diel with them! The number of storable event items will also increase.

-New items added to VARP

Many new players missed special items earned through last year's events, but now everyone will have the opportunity to earn these commemorative goods using the Vana'diel Adventurer Recruitment Program (VARP)! These items are available to both the inviter and the invitee.
Items available 40 days and 100 days after invitation:

Hume Gilet
Hume Top
Elvaan Gilet
Elvaan Top
Tarutaru Maillot
Mithra Top
Galka Gilet
Hume Trunks
Hume Shorts
Elvaan Trunks
Elvaan Shorts
Tarutaru Trunks
Mithra Shorts
Galka Trunks
Tarutaru Top
Tarutaru Shorts
Dream Robe
Wooden Katana
Pitchfork

Items available 100 days after invitation:

Hume Gilet
Hume Top +1
Elvaan Gilet +1
Elvaan Top +1
Tarutaru Maillot +1
Mithra Top +1
Galka Gilet +1
Tarutaru Top +1
Hume Trunks +1
Hume Shorts +1
Elvaan Trunks +1
Elvaan Shorts +1
Tarutaru Trunks +1
Mithra Shorts +1
Galka Trunks +1
Tarutaru Shorts +1
Dream Robe +1
Hardwood Katana
Pitchfork +1

Certain items can only be obtained by a character of a specific race or gender.

-Storable Equipment Increase

As noted in the Topics section on November 30, 2005, special event items are made storable in the version update following the event. The following items will become storable after the February version update:

Dream Robe
Dream Robe +1

Items earned in the upcoming Valentione's Day event

FINAL FANTASY XI Development Team (02/01/2006)

So SE is going back to working on the recruitment program. Seems like wasted efforts, but oh well. I do not really know how much this will really encourage people other than to think, yay I can get event items to fill up my safe.

[Andromeda]

Originally Posted by Square-Enix Development Team

Synthesis Recipes

The following changes and additions will be made to synthesis recipes and items in the upcoming version update.

-Synthesis
In the previous version update, a special cooking ability was added to the key items available for purchase with guild points. Several new special synthesis skills such as this one are scheduled to make their debut in the February version update, along with all-new synthesis recipes.

Let's take a look at some of the new key items and synthesis goods.

-Key Item
-Concoction
An alchemy skill that allows the creation of solid medicine drops that have the same effects as their liquid equivalents.

Items that can be created through synthesis:

Smithing
- adaman kris

Goldsmithing
- shield plaque

Clothcraft
- Royal Squire's robe +1

-Changes to Synthesis Recipes
Changes will be made to the skills and items required for certain synthesis recipes. Please visit the relevant guild after the version update to find out more.

Affected synthesis recipes:

Clothcraft
- Yasha Sune-Ate
- Field Tunica
- Trader's Saio

Leathercraft
- Raptor Helm
- Wise Gloves
- Seer's Pumps

Cooking
- Dried Marjoram
- Dried Mugwort
- Carbonara
- Bataquiche
- Green Quiche
- Windurst Taco
- Tavnazian Taco

-Changes to Item Stack Numbers
The stack number for items used in the creation of arrows and bolts has been increased from 12 to 99. Several new synthesis recipes will be introduced to allow for greater quantities of these items to be created at one time, however the number created by existing recipes will remain the same.

-Items that will have their stack number increased:
beetle arrowheads/ horn arrowheads/ scorpion arrowheads/ demon arrowheads/ poison arrowheads/ sleep arrowheads/ karimata arrowheads/ fang arrowheads/ armored arrowheads/ gold arrowheads/ platinum arrowheads/ stone arrowheads/ bone arrowheads/ iron arrowheads/ silver arrowheads/ fire arrowheads/ ice arrowheads/ lightning arrowheads/ bronze bolt heads/ mythril bolt heads/ darksteel bolt heads/ blind bolt heads/ acid bolt heads/ holy bolt heads/ venom bolt heads/ bloody bolt heads/ sleep bolt heads/ chocobo fletchings/ Yagudo fletchings

FINAL FANTASY XI Development Team (02/03/2006)

I am not too big into synthing, mainly because I am caught up by leveling so often, but I am a little curious about some of these changes. Especially these new recipes that allow for increase quantities. I am guessing a lot of them will be for this arrowheads and boltheads, which means I may have some new recipes in my Goldsmithing.

[ZRO]

Bah, when are they gonna get around to tweaking PLD back into a reasonable job again? <.< All I freaking hear is PLD can't do this, PLD can't do that, We're better with a NIN tank (which is usually followed immediately by "PLD can't be a DD"). Only time anyone actually ASKS for a PLD anymore is if the Mob strips shadows faster than a streetcorner prostitute strips clothes. ~.~

[KingSephiroth]

PLD can be DD, its called Excalibur =D
But yes, I love new updates. Unfortunately my credit card was declined and now Bytor is angry because he has Promy runs this weekend AND BCNM runs AND needs to level his freaking WHM!
Anyways, I wonder if its worth it to get back into Alchemy? I'm starting to do smithing now...

[Edward Elric]

These new changes are always good to see because it keeps the game from getting monotonous, but, alot of the time, the changes don't do anything for me. I mostly just lvl and mess around on my LS, so I hear about all the new features, but I usually don't get to test them out.

About crafting, right now im a cook, but i'm thinking i should go into smithing. I'd rather make those expensive G. Katanas, rather than buy them, and use the money to buy food, instead of making it.

[Andromeda]

Originally Posted by Square Enix Development Staff

Visual Clarity: Enchanted Items

The number of charges left on an enchanted item will display differently in the item description window after the February version update.

The FINAL FANTASY XI development team is continually examining measures to improve the clarity of the game's visuals, and is aware that some players buy enchanted items from bazaars without realizing how many charges are left on the item. Listening to the concerns of the players, we have decided to improve the way the number of charges left on enchanted items is displayed.

The next version update will introduce the following changes to number displays in the dispensing/enchanted items description window.

The color of the number of charges, the counter, recast time, and equip delay will change in the following manner.

Blue = The item is fully charged.
White = The item has been used (not fully charged, but some charges are left).
Red = No charges are left on the item.

These changes were decided based on comments received from a Japanese Premier Community site. We will continue to make announcements regarding updates and player feedback using the "Topics" section on the FINAL FANTASY XI main page and our Premier sites from around the world.

FINAL FANTASY XI Development Team (02/06/2006)

Well I guess people are blind or something, it is not much of an improvement or change. I mean if people are not looking at the number of charges left, you really think a color change is going to make that much of a difference. The red probably will a little but if they are not paying attention, what is the usefulness of the colors anyway.

[Secret Azn Man]

I'm happy with the changes to woodcrafting. It should make crafting my arrows more convenient.

[Andromeda]

Yeah, I am looking forward to some of the crafting changes. I have a good amount of woodworking on two characters, so I will probably play around with it at sometime when I have a free moment. I am wondering what else that they will be adding since it is February now, and the update will be fast approaching.

[Andromeda]

Originally Posted by Square Enix Development Team

New Quests!

Take a look at the exciting new content scheduled for the upcoming version update.

- The Sequel to "Storms of Fate"

The quest "Storms of Fate," which brought players into direct conflict with the mighty Bahamut, was introduced in the December 2005 version update. This February, prepare for the next chapter in this epic story with a new quest to challenge the most powerful of adventurers.

*The Rise of the Zilart and Chains of Promathia expansion discs must be installed and registered in order to undertake this quest. Certain storyline progression in both expansion discs is also required.

- Prime Avatar Battles

Up until now, there have been other quests that allowed players to test themselves in battle against the prime avatars. In this new quest, however, the protectors of the protocrystals will be stronger than ever before, requiring adventurers to rethink old strategies.

This quest will allow a maximum of 18 people to take the field against these more powerful manifestations of the avatars.

Quests that hint at adventures to come, as well as many other additions, await you in the February version update.

FINAL FANTASY XI Development Team (02/14/2006)

New avatar battles, I wonder they will be like, having to do all sort of new battles. I wonder if Summoners will get new avatars or abilities out of this. But an alliance to fight avatars, should be very interesting, hope that they are not too strong.

[Andromeda]

Originally Posted by Square-Enix Development Team

Dynamis - Tavnazia and More!

The area of Dynamis - Tavnazia, as well as a new route for both Temenos and Apollyon, will be released in the upcoming version update.

Dynamis - Tavnazia

In the December update, players gained access to Dynamis - Valkurm, Dynamis - Buburimu, and Dynamis - Qufim. Now the fourth and final area in this storyline will be opened to adventurers--Dynamis - Tavnazia.

As with the previous 3 areas, Dynamis - Tavnazia will present a level of difficulty that will challenge even the most seasoned adventurer.

Upon entering the area, a time restriction of 15 minutes and a lock on support job abilities will be imposed. Time extensions and the recovery of support job abilities can be earned by fulfilling certain conditions.

Due to an issue with the complicated topography, the maximum number of people that can enter Dynamis - Tavnazia will be restricted to 18 members. While this restriction may present obstacles that cannot be overcome by the current Dynamis strategies, we encourage players to experiment with different party compositions and battle plans.

The entity that must be defeated to bring an end to this nightmare is not the same being that reigns in Dynamis - Xarcabard.
Several incarnations of this NPC exist within Dynamis - Tavnazia. We leave the decision of whether the battle will be against one or more of these incarnations to the judgment and abilities of the players.

Dynamis - Tavnazia will include the following new content:
- The storyline that began in Dynamis - Valkurm, Dynamis - Buburimu, and Dynamis - Qufim will reach its conclusion in Dynamis - Tavnazia.
- Certain relics and damaged relic armor have been added that are exclusive to Dynamis - Tavnazia.
- Ancient currency that players could earn in previously released Dynamis areas will also be available in Dynamis - Tavnazia.
- New equipment has been added that is exclusive to Dynamis - Tavnazia.

Dynamis - Tavnazia can only be entered after completing the areas Dynamis - Valkurm, Dynamis - Buburimu, and Dynamis - Qufim. Once you have entered Dynamis - Tavnazia, you will be unable to enter any area of Dynamis for a period of 3 days (Earth time).

*Players who have not installed the Rise of the Zilart or Chains of Promathia expansion discs, or who have not registered the expansion content, will be unable to enter Dynamis - Tavnazia.

New Temenos and Apollyon Routes

The Temenos and Apollyon areas of the Limbus region (released in the October update) will each be gaining a new route.

In order to access these new routes, an item known as a "metal chip" will be needed in addition to the existing requirements. These metal chips can be obtained in exchange for 75 ancient beastcoins, or found during a foray into one of the Limbus areas.

The main purpose of the Limbus areas is to collect ancient beastcoins, and these new routes have been designed to make it possible for players to increase their hoard of coins. This will be no easy task, however, and we leave it up to the players to decide whether or not they will risk their hard-earned beastcoins for the chance to obtain greater rewards.

Dynamis - Tavnazia and the new Limbus routes await the brave and resourceful adventurer!

FINAL FANTASY XI Development Team (02/16/2006)

It is too bad that I have nothing done in the Dynamis areas, but seeing as you have to beat the Dynamis Lord to even gain access to the new dynamis from December, not many people have been able to do that. Not to mention that I am still stuck on PM2-5, so no Limbus for me either. I know I am not the only that I has not completed the story mode, but still there is still so much of the story that I want to see.