Introduction

During Final Fantasy XIV’s annual Fan Festival in Anaheim, California, major announcements were made about the future of this popular MMORPG. Director Naoki Yoshida, known as Yoshi-P within the community, revealed that the next expansion, titled Everwcold, is scheduled for release in January 2027. The announcement comes with a number of important changes and additions to the game.

New expansion: Evercold

The upcoming Evercold expansion marks the start of a new saga officially called the Godless Realms Saga. In this expansion, players will once again take on the role of the Warrior of Light as they try to prevent the Fourth Reflection from freezing over. The expansion promises not only an engaging storyline, but also two new jobs — a tank and a physical ranged DPS — along with several gameplay improvements.

Key facts about Evercold

• Release: January 2027
• New jobs: Two new jobs will be introduced with the expansion.
• Story: The Warrior of Light must stop an emerging ice storm threatening the new reflection.
• Gameplay improvements: In addition to new jobs and story content, there will also be improvements to combat mechanics and the user interface.

Patch 7.5 and what to expect

Before Evercold arrives, Patch 7.5, called Trail to the Heavens, will go live on April 28, 2026. This patch will serve as the first part of a two-part story update leading into the expansion. Players can expect:

• A new dungeon, The Clyteum, which focuses on storylines from previous expansions.
• A new trial boss, Enuo, which will bring a certain level of challenge to the game.
• User interface and system improvements for a better gameplay experience.

Final Fantasy XIV on Nintendo Switch 2

In a surprising reveal during the Fan Festival, it was announced that Final Fantasy XIV will be available on Nintendo Switch 2 starting in August 2026. This is a major step for the series, as it will be the first time the game appears on a Nintendo system.

Subscription structure for Switch 2

There are, however, some important caveats to this announcement:

• Separate subscription options: Players will need to pay for a separate subscription structure for Switch 2. That means they will need to purchase one in addition to their existing subscription on other platforms.
• Discount for existing subscribers: Players with an active subscription on other platforms will get 50% off their Switch 2 subscription.
• No Nintendo Switch Online required: A Nintendo Switch Online subscription will not be required to play the game.

Collaboration with Jollibee

In an unexpected but exciting collaboration, Square Enix has announced a partnership with Philippine fast-food chain Jollibee. The collaboration includes:

• A new in-game emote called Eat Chicken, in which players hold a basket of chicken.
• Jollibee-themed meals and apparel designed specifically for the collaboration, including a shirt featuring the Jollibee mascot on a chocobo.
• The collaboration will be available from April 21 to May 31, 2026, and exclusive merchandise will also be offered.

Conclusion

With the upcoming Everwcold expansion, plenty of promised gameplay improvements, the introduction of a Nintendo Switch 2 version, and the unique collaboration with Jollibee, the future of Final Fantasy XIV looks very promising. Players can look forward to an exciting period of new content and opportunities to explore the world of Eorzea.