tbd
Although it's not perfect, Dawntrail is one of the most ambitious expansions Final Fantasy XIV has ever had. Its story is good enough to entertain, but its gameplay is what this new adventure will be remembered by. With some amazing dungeons, trials and raids, Square Enix is, once again, proving that the 11 years old formula of the MMO is far from stale in 2024. [Recommended]
75
With Dawntrail, we take the first steps of the next decade in the story, but we have to honestly admit that it is a bit of a weak start. We will see what kind of story web they will weave over this.
80
Dawntrail is less a sprint ahead to the game's future, and rather a leisurely pit-stop while we all get to figure out where things go from here.
0
The latest FF14 DLCs are almost tied in scores, both with critics and users. This expansion has a discrepancy of (!!!) 27 points (0-100 system). Terrible technical features and a scammy subscription system were offset by a good story and innovative solutions. Not anymore. The game has gone downhill, and eating more crap in the hopes that it will become chocolate is naive and stupid. From here on in, there will only be repeat ideas and maximum cash grabs. I'd bet 2 cents they'll be ripping off Heavensward's plot.
3
I'm sorry... but Dawntrail just doesn't feel like Final Fantasy 14 again. There is just so much questionable stuff and annoying characters in the msq... I just can't... I hope the next expansion will be better again.
4
If you've played Shadowbringers or Endwalker already, than you've already played this expansion, minus the headache. Dawntrail is a copy paste structurally of all previous expansions, but with a lot more text dialogue, side quests that shouldn't be MSQ and a constant build up, let down narrative. You still get a dungeon at X1 X3 X5 X7 X9 and top level. The raids are still on platforms with pretty backgrounds, the trials are the same mechanics we all know, and the dungeons are all 6 trash packs, 3 bosses with no deviation. The musical score and scenery are nice, the RP community keeps the player base up for now; but the game is clearly struggling in many facets atm. Square-Enix needs to really raise the bar with 8.0 if they want to draw back the casual crowd that helped make the game a success. The hardcore players are gonna stay till the servers close, but they aren't enough to sustain the games progress.
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail
Released On:
Jul 2, 2024
Metascore
Generally Favorable
79
User score
Mixed or Average
5.2
My Score
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Metascore
Generally Favorable
79
76% Positive
25 Reviews
25 Reviews
24% Mixed
8 Reviews
8 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Aug 5, 2024
90
Despite a midpoint lull, Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail is a stunning expansion with an evocative soundtrack, challenging dungeons, and emotional story. An exciting kick-off that leaves you hungry for the future of FFXIV.
Jul 9, 2024
90
Dawntrail may not be as much of a reinvention of the wheel as it was made out to be. However, it also proves that this formula is still capable of featuring incredible stories and taking us to places that can surprise and challenge our understanding of the world, both in and out of the game. It represents a huge step forward in the worldbuilding of Final Fantasy XIV and its gameplay, giving the player appropriate challenges for the hundreds of hours they likely poured into it to get to this point. If this is any indication of what’s to come, then FFXIV’s next decade is looking as bright as dawn.
User score
Mixed or Average
5.2
37% Positive
420 Ratings
420 Ratings
18% Mixed
201 Ratings
201 Ratings
46% Negative
521 Ratings
521 Ratings
Jun 26, 2025
10
The game is beautiful, breathtaking art. The community is generally positive. The game thematically is uplifting often. I struggled with the MSQ and bought a skip halfway through ARR. Dawntrail was painful to get through sometimes. But the game is worth playing and has been a blessing to me while I've been off my feet for an extended period of time.
Mar 19, 2025
10
The latest expansion, Dawntrail, brings a refreshing new energy to the franchise after more than 10 years of adventure. The foundations are set for the next chapter in the story, and I'm really excited to see what comes next. The game remains as diverse as ever, offering content suited to every playstyle and pace, whether it's housing, crafting, hunting, fishing (fishing cruiiseessss) .. I love this game so much
Jul 9, 2024
83
Dawntrail is largely about working through flaws of all kinds, which it certainly has. But it has its highs, too, that I’d argue are worth fighting for—much like the lands of Tural, full of joy, full of better things. I enjoyed this new FFXIV journey thoroughly, but I know where it needs to build from, and any good adventurer knows to pick up that experience and forge ahead.
Jul 12, 2024
80
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail delivers an emotional gut punch, even if it takes some time to get there.
Jul 9, 2024
80
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail is very messy, but still greatly enjoyable. Wuk Lamat is a lovable character who I hope sticks around, with a satisfying character arc tying in with the expansion’s themes. Viper is a blast to play, and every dungeon or trial holds something new and unique. While the expansion isn’t the best FFXIV has to offer, it has so much heart you can’t help but smile.
Jul 11, 2024
70
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail is a tale of two halves. On the story front, it might be one of the weaker stories for the MMO. Wuk Lamat is an overbearing main character who is illogical at times. None of the other new characters stand out, and fan favorites from previous expansions don’t significantly impact the story. On the other hand, the dungeons and trials are some of the most fun I’ve had in the game. Both new classes are a blast, and the graphics update adds a nice touch to the game. Fans of the story might be disappointed, especially after Endwalker and Shadowbringers. This expansion delivers on all fronts for players looking to grind new content.
Jul 2, 2024
60
Dawntrail shoves your character so far into the background of its story you may as well not be there. That said, the vibrancy and personality of Tural is a real breath of fresh air, and the dungeon bosses have never been more satisfying to take down.
Jan 12, 2025
10
It's really good, none of the writing inconsistencies people claim exist. Voice acting was actually good.
Oct 6, 2024
7
New job really fun. New maps are stunning. New story is predictable which is boring. but cute. The new protagonist is cute but I did all the work. The new villain's logic is illogical, which is a major flaw in the entire plot and makes it very, very boring. I don't regret buying it because I've been playing from ARR.
Apr 14, 2026
4
If you've played Shadowbringers or Endwalker already, than you've already played this expansion, minus the headache. Dawntrail is a copy paste structurally of all previous expansions, but with a lot more text dialogue, side quests that shouldn't be MSQ and a constant build up, let down narrative. You still get a dungeon at X1 X3 X5 X7 X9 and top level. The raids are still on platforms with pretty backgrounds, the trials are the same mechanics we all know, and the dungeons are all 6 trash packs, 3 bosses with no deviation. The musical score and scenery are nice, the RP community keeps the player base up for now; but the game is clearly struggling in many facets atm. Square-Enix needs to really raise the bar with 8.0 if they want to draw back the casual crowd that helped make the game a success. The hardcore players are gonna stay till the servers close, but they aren't enough to sustain the games progress.
Sep 16, 2025
4
Imagine saying that there's nothing wrong with the writing in this expansion....... DELUSIONAL people giving this crap a 10.
SummaryAs hope's light dawns once more, a hero looks to new horizons... Winds of opportunity bring a visitor from the New World, seeking the Warrior of Light's aid in a rite of succession to determine Tural's next ruler. Alongside Alphinaud, Alisaie, and Erenville, the Warrior of Light embarks upon a journey across the Indigo Deep. Should rum... Read More
Rated Tfor Teen
Platforms:
- PlayStation 5
- PC
- PlayStation 4
- Xbox Series X
Initial Release Date:Jul 2, 2024
Developer:
- Creative Business Unit III
Publisher:
