Final Fantasy 14 latest patch 6.1 adds NPC support for solo players

Image Credit: Square Enix

The most recent Final Fantasy XIV update allows players to complete the game's first chapter entirely on their own, with support for later chapters to follow.

Patch 6.1 introduces a new system called Duty Support, which allows players to take on the main scenario 'duties' alongside a party of NPCs.

Previously, these portions required players to team up with other human players in order to progress through them, effectively making solo play impossible.

The new update, on the other hand, applies to all of the content that was available when the game first launched (A Realm Reborn), making it playable solo.

For experienced Final Fantasy XIV players who had already reached those stages in the game's story, a feature similar to this was introduced in Shadowbringers and Endwalker, the game's third and fourth expansion packs.

However, for solo players looking to try out the game for the first time, this new update represents the first opportunity they'll have to play through the game's original launch content without the need to recruit other human players.

According to Square Enix, while version 6.1 only includes the multiplayer-only missions from the original A Realm Reborn scenario (version 2.0), subsequent updates will include the feature in the rest of version 2. X updates as well as the first two expansion packs, Heavensward and Stormblood.

The ultimate goal is to allow players to play through the entire game and all expansion packs as a single-player adventure if they so desire.

This would also theoretically reduce strain on the game's servers, which have recently been a source of contention for Square Enix. Due to lengthy server issues caused by the release of the Endwalker expansion pack, the game was temporarily pulled from sale in December 2021 and remained unavailable for purchase for more than a month.

Update 6.1 also adds new scenario quests, as well as new story content following the conclusion of the Endwalker story.

According to Square Enix, the full list of additions is as follows:

Final Fantasy 14 Patch 6.1 update Notes.

• Main Scenario Quests – Patch 6.1 will mark the start of a fresh chapter for the Warrior of Light, beginning a new storyline following the acclaimed Endwalker conclusion.
• New Role Quest – An additional story will become available after completing all Endwalker role quests.
• Duty Support System for A Realm Reborn – Players can now complete main scenario dungeons and trials from A Realm Reborn (2.0) with NPC party members.
• New Dungeon – Players will be able to access an additional dungeon in the Patch 6.1 main scenario quest.
• New Trial: The Minstrel’s Ballad: The Endsinger’s Aria – Players can experience a new Extreme Trial, The Minstrel’s Ballad: Endsinger’s Aria.
• Unreal Trial: Ultima’s Bane (Unreal) – Relive the battle against the mech of myth in this Unreal difficulty battle challenge.
• New Alliance Raid: Myths of the Realm – The first part in a new 24-player alliance raid, Myths of the Realm: Aglaia, will challenge players as they uncover more about the divinities known as the Twelve.
• New PvP Content: Crystalline Conflict – Crystalline Conflict is small-scale PvP available to all players level 30 and above. Patch 6.1 also includes PvP action updates and implements a new PvP rewards system.
• Empyreum Residential Area – Plots in Empyreum, the new Ishgardian residential district, are available for purchase.
• Adventurer Plates (beta version) – Create and customize character profiles and plate designs using Adventurer Plates. Character profiles can now include information like a player’s favorite job and title, player portraits, playstyle preference, active playtimes, and more.
• Portraits (beta version) – Capture the appearance of your Warrior of Light by customizing poses, movements, camera angles, backgrounds, framing, lighting, and more. You may save a variety of different portraits and select one to be applied to your adventurer plate.
• The Unending Codex – An assortment of information on characters and terms up through Patch 6.0 will be added to players’ Collections as they progress through the Patch 6.1 main scenario, with new entries being added as the story unfolds.
• New Game+ Update – Players can now revisit previously completed quests, cutscenes, and battles from Endwalker and a portion of Patch 6.1 while keeping their current character and levels.
• New Gear and Mounts: GARO Collaboration – PvP gear inspired by the hit Japanese TV show GARO returns with Patch 6.1. Players can earn special mounts and gear modeled after the show designed by legendary character designer Keita Amemiya. New jobs introduced in Shadowbringers™ and Endwalker can also equip this collaboration gear.
• Miscellaneous Updates – Additional content and updates have been added with the launch of Patch 6.1, including job adjustments, new Hrothgar hairstyles, more glamour plates, and the ability to try on items from the FINAL FANTASY XIV Online Store and more.

source: vgc