Brace for the cold!
Iconic MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV is getting a new expansion titled “Evercold”, arriving in January 2027, Square Enix announced during its FFXIV Fan Fest keynote. This will be the game’s sixth expansion, following its original release in 2012 and building on the 2024 “Dawntrail” expansion.
Aside from the major update, Final Fantasy fans can also look forward to an exciting crossover. The game is partnering with the anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion to introduce “Ghosts of Desire”–a new 24-player Alliance Raid series set to arrive in follow-up patches.
Watch the Final Fantasy XIV: Evercold trailer below:
What has been revealed about the Evercold expansion?
The expansion introduces “The Godless Realms Saga”, setting the stage for the next chapter of Final Fantasy XIV. The reveal trailer showcased the Warrior of Light venturing into a mysterious new realm that has begun freezing over, hinting at a colder and more perilous journey ahead.
On its official site, Square Enix also teased “a game design for modern gamers”, which includes a refreshed user interface and a significant overhaul to progression systems.
One of the main changes aims to reshape how players earn rewards and improve their characters. Alongside this is a new Battle System featuring two distinct modes: Reborn Mode, which builds on the current combat system, and Evolved Mode, which places greater emphasis on job identity.
The Armoury system will be improved to better support players who switch between multiple jobs, while character customisation is also set to expand with new options. Additional features teased include two new jobs–a tank and a physical ranged DPS–a level cap increase to 110, and a new campaign titled The Icebound Realm of the Fourth, alongside new cities and regions to explore.
Beyond that, Evercold will introduce new allies, dungeons, gear recipes, trials, treasure hunts, and PvP updates, with even more content set to be revealed at a later date.
Evangelion crossover takes centre stage
Perhaps the biggest highlight of the Evercold expansion is its collaboration with Neon Genesis Evangelion, which will be the main theme of the game’s new Alliance Raid series and Ultimate raid. This crossover will appear in-game in post-launch updates for the Evercold expansion.
What’s included in the FF14 x Neon Genesis Evangelion collaboration?
Studio Khara, the studio behind Evangelion, is working closely with Square Enix to provide creative direction for the crossover in its new Alliance Raid, the official site describes.
Alliance Raids–large-scale 24-player raids–see players working together to defeat multiple bosses across a three-part storyline. Players can likely expect encounters and environments inspired by the Evangelion universe such as the various antagonist creatures called Angels.
Interestingly, Neon Genesis Evangelion has indirect ties to the Final Fantasy franchise. The new anime installment’s composition and screenplay are handled by Yoko Taro, best known for his work in NieR and NieR: Automata, who had also helped brought the series into FF14 in its previous “Shadowbringers” expansion.
Final Fantasy XIV Evercold will be available on PC (Windows/Steam), Mac, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
