FFXIV Alters Chaotic Raid Rewards

Summary

• Responding to player feedback, Final Fantasy XIV Patch 7.16 will introduce a Clouddark Demimateria exchange system.
• Players can trade Clouddark Demimateria I for Clouddark Demimateria II, facilitating acquisition of high-demand items like a mount and hairstyle.
• Further adjustments based on player feedback are anticipated, potentially influencing future raid content updates.

Final Fantasy XIV has announced a significant change to the reward structure of the Cloud of Darkness (Chaotic) Alliance Raid in Patch 7.16, directly addressing player concerns. Starting January 21st, players with excess Clouddark Demimateria I will be able to exchange them for Clouddark Demimateria II.

Introduced on December 24th, following Patch 7.15, the Cloud of Darkness (Chaotic) Alliance Raid challenges up to 24 players against a challenging encounter. This new battle incorporates mechanics from the Shadowbringers' Eden raid series, adding a fresh layer of difficulty. Successful completion rewards players with both Clouddark Demimateria I and II, with bonus Demimateria II awarded based on the number of first-time clears.

However, Square Enix acknowledged the need for adjustment. Patch 7.16, launching January 21st after a brief maintenance period, will implement the Clouddark Demimateria I to II exchange. While the exact exchange rate remains unannounced, this change will make the coveted A Half Times Two hairstyle and Dais of Darkness mount more accessible; these items require 49 and 75 Clouddark Demimateria II, respectively.

Final Fantasy XIV Adding Clouddark Demimateria Exchange In Patch 7.16

• Patch 7.16 introduces a Clouddark Demimateria exchange system in response to player feedback.
• Players can exchange Clouddark Demimateria I for Clouddark Demimateria II at an unspecified rate.
• The exchange will impact the market availability of the hairstyle and mount purchasable with Clouddark Demimateria II.
• Further adjustments based on ongoing player feedback are expected.

Both the mount and hairstyle are also available on the market board, so their prices are expected to fluctuate following the Patch 7.16 update. Square Enix emphasized that these changes are a direct result of player feedback and that further adjustments may be implemented in subsequent updates. Patch 7.16, the first content update of 2025, will also feature the conclusion of the Dawntrail Role Quest series.

Significant job balance updates are not anticipated in Patch 7.16, with players likely needing to wait for Patch 7.2 for those changes. With more raid content planned for 2025, the impact of player feedback on future updates remains to be seen.