Summary
Square Enix confirmed thatFinal Fantasy 14would officially end support for users playing the game on 32-bit versions of Windows and via the DirectX 9 client. While it has been possible to play either affected version despite waning support in 2019, aFinal Fantasy 14update arriving in March will officially stop Windows users from playing the game unless they use a 64-bit operating system and DirectX 11.
The announcement arrived following the release of Patch 6.55, which saw several side stories conclude. The patch also sought to bridge the gap in the main story between the outgoingEndwalkerexpansion and the pending release ofDawntrailin the summer. While no release date was given at the time of writing, the new expansion forFinal Fantasy 14will introduce two new Jobs, the sword-wielding Viper andthe magical artist known as the Pictomancer.Plus, theDawntrailexpansion will bring the first major graphical updatetoFinal Fantasy 14since its relaunch asA Realm Reborn, bringing updated textures across the board.
Due to thesenew graphical updates to character modelsand environmental textures coming inDawntrail, someFinal Fantasy 14players will be forced to make some upgrades to play the game.According to Square Enix,Final Fantasy 14’s upcoming Patch 6.58 will require Windows players to use a 64-bit operating system and to use the DirectX 11 version of the game, as the update will remove the ability for players to use the DirectX 9 client altogether. At the time of writing, Windows players can switch between the game’s DirectX 9 and DirectX 11 within the game launcher’s settings. Come Patch 6.58,Final Fantasy 14’s PC version will require players to use 64-bit versions of Windows 10 or 11.
Final Fantasy 14 Patch 6.58 Details
The change does not apply to the macOS or the console versions ofFinal Fantasy 14. While no precise date was given for Patch 6.58, nor any additional context given for what players can expect in the update, Square Enix’s announcement is not the only one of its kind to come from AAA developers in 2024. On February 1,Rockstar Games confirmed it is ending Windows 7 and 8 supportwith a new update to the Rockstar Games Launcher. Though the move was announced in October 2023, Rockstar Games said the change was in line with Microsoft ending support for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 entirely.
Withthe ongoing Moogle Treasure Trove eventending on March 11,Final Fantasy 14Patch 6.58 may arrive before or shortly afterward. Only time will tell when players will be forced to make some system upgrades ahead ofDawntrail.
Final Fantasy 14 (2010)
WHERE TO PLAY
Begin your adventure in FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm RebornCreate your very own Warrior of Light and embark upon a quest to deliver the land from an eternity of Darkness.Take to the skies in FINAL FANTASY XIV: HeavenswardTake your first steps in the reclusive nation of Ishgard, locked in a seemingly never-ending struggle with dragons.Rekindle the fires of hope in FINAL FANTASY XIV: StormbloodJourney to the East and rise up against the might of the Garlean Empire.Become the darkness in FINAL FANTASY XIV: ShadowbringersTravel to a world where light ushers all unto oblivion. But hope is not yet lost, for where there is light there is shadow.Journey to the very stars above in FINAL FANTASY XIV: EndwalkerA great calamity has been building - a second advent of the Final Days. The Warrior of Light must journey ever higher and stand firm as hope’s last bastion.Set forth for new horizons in FINAL FANTASY XIV: DawntrailBlue seas, clear skies, and boundless possibilities await! Explore uncharted territories with familiar faces as hope’s light dawns once more.
