The world that Final Fantasy XI takes place in is known as "Vana'Diel". Previously this world was blessed by force known as "The Crystals". Those that believed in their power, fought against the monsters aligned with the darkness...
The fast-approaching major version update will usher in auspicious adjustments spanning a wide range of in-game elements. Today, it is our pleasure to introduce the changes that are scheduled for the Chocobo Circuit, the fishing quest "Inside the Belly," and more!
Chocobo Circuit
- Bigger Rewards
The amount of chocobucks rewarded to first, second, and third place winners in chocobo racing will be significantly increased.
- Revised Race Schedule
The Chocobo Circuit schedule has undergone a full review. The C2 Chocobo Race and C1 Crystal Stakes will be held with greater frequency, and races will take place at the same time each Earth day, making it easier for players to participate than ever before.
*The red and blue race attendants above will alternately conduct races.
- New Rewards
The dashing racing silks dutifully worn by jockeys will be added to the list of reward items obtainable in exchange for chocobucks. With each color offering unique beneficial effects for its wearer, there is bound to be something for every chocobo fan!
Quest: Inside the Belly Players will be able to turn in more varieties of fish to the quest-starter NPC. Rumor has it these fishes have a penchant for swallowing up new equipment whole...?
Past Vana'diel
- Xarcabard [s]
Monster distribution will be adjusted to allow adventurers to safely arrive at their destination when using the teleportation service requiring Allied Notes.
- Eldieme Necropolis [s]
A number of gates within the necropolis will be adjusted to remain open at all times to allow players to find their way to union treasure chests at the end of a Campaign Battle.
All this and more is coming to you in the soon-arriving major version update!
Eldieme Necropolis update is fudgin sweet! Stupid Mobs would get stuck in the back, beating on Fort, and if you killed them in that room, the doors closed and you had to roll out of there the hard way. Thank god they did that, as people stopped even campaigning there on valefor.
Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in North America, today announced that FINAL FANTASY XI Ultimate Collection will be released on November 10th in North America, in time for the holidays. A comprehensive compilation of all the content created within the title’s history, this new entry to the FINAL FANTASY XI catalog will be priced at $19.99 and available as a retail product for both Windows PC and Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft, and as a PC download through select digital content distributors.
A one-size-fits-all upgrade for any FINAL FANTASY XI fan, as well as an all-access passport for players eager to begin their adventures in the world of Vana’diel, this new compilation encompasses the four previously released expansion packs – Rise of the ZilarT, Chains of Promathia, TreasureS of Aht Urhgan, and Wings of the Goddess – as well as the three add-on scenarios released in 2009: “A Crystalline Prophecy - Ode of Life Bestowing,” “A Moogle Kupo d’Etat - Evil in Small Doses” and “A Shantotto Ascension - The Legend Torn, Her Empire Born.” The third add-on scenario, “A Shantotto Ascension,” will officially launch later this year.
FINAL FANTASY XI is the first massively multiplayer online role-playing game capable of simultaneous multiplayer cooperation across three different platforms and provides service to players in North America, Europe and Japan. Now in its eighth year of service, FINAL FANTASY XI has a robust community of subscribers from around the world. The game continues to evolve and expand, offering newcomers and fans alike an immersive, engrossing and engaging universe to explore, defend and conquer.
For more information about FINAL FANTASY XI, please visit the official website: FINAL FANTASY XI.
Ladies and gentlemen! Coming to you in a version update scheduled for as early as late November is "Synergy"—the new in-game system that will add a whole new dimension to synthesis!
What Is Synergy?
Synergy is an advanced form of synthesis wherein up to six players, each with unique skills, cooperate to create a single item via an apparatus called the "synergy furnace."
There are numerous differences to be noted between synergy and traditional single-player synthesis, one of them being the maintenance of elemental balance within the abovementioned synergy furnace. Synergists-to-be, take heed! Being a new field of science with numerous theories yet unverified, synergy is not a risk-free undertaking, and practitioners are advised to steel themselves for the occasional mishap.
Communal synergy furnaces will be made available in certain cities, and "synergy engineers"—your guides into the fascinating world of synergy—will be posted beside them to teach beginners the ropes. Furthermore, by completing a new quest, players will gain access to a handy new item that will allow them to summon their very own private furnace for use in field areas, eliminating the need to wait in line to use a public one.
Synergy Skill
Synergy skill determines your ability to safely handle synergy furnaces, and can be raised by applying synergy techniques used to manipulate elemental concentration levels inside the furnace. Proficiency in these techniques, too, can be raised to a degree corresponding to your synergy skill level. We recommend all players prioritize improving their skill, because when it comes to synergy, experience is synonymous with safety.
Certain synergy recipes demand expertise in specific synthesis disciplines, but synergy will be possible so long as a participating party member possesses the requisite skill in question. No single character needs to have all skill sets, and the supplier of ingredients is not required to possess any whatsoever. Each participant in synergy plays an equally significant role in the process.
Synergizing via a Communal Furnace
1) Obtain the "synergy crucible" key item.
The synergy crucible serves as the receptacle for different varieties of elemental "fewell," the source of power for furnaces. Characters need only acquire the crucible once by completing a new quest.
The Latest Evolution in Equipment—Announcing the Evolith System! (11/04/2009)
We're pleased to announce a new system that promises to offer adventurers unprecedented customization options for their equipment! Named the "Evolith" system for the curious stones whose powers must be harnessed to reap the benefits, it will be introduced in a version update coming as early as late November.
Introducing Evolith
Little more than nondescript rocks at first glance, the substance known as evolith has long escaped the notice of the inhabitants of Vana'diel. Closer investigation, however, has revealed that these ancient stones harbor elemental power to rival that of crystals. With advances in the emerging discipline of synergy*, the time has come that their latent potential may at long last be tapped...
*Synergy is a new form of synthesis conducted using a "synergy furnace."
This system will be introduced in detail in a future Topics article.
With each piece of evolith possessing unique properties (*see example screenshots), adventurers may mix and match them in various combinations to bolster compatible equipment with the exact combination of attributes they desire.
*Development screenshot—subject to change.
Evolith 101
Adventurers may enhance their equipment with evolith through the following procedure:
1. Acquire evolith
- Evolith can be obtained by completing new NM hunting regimes accessible from "Hunt Registries" that will be introduced to certain areas alongside the Evolith system.
- Note that each piece of evolith is defined by a unique shape, size and elemental affinity.
2. Choose the base equipment you wish to enhance
- A vast assortment of equipment will support evolith, from several hundred existing items spanning a wide range... [Read More]
To commemorate the release of the third and final add-on scenario, we are proud to introduce the "Nexus Cape," an in-game bonus item for players who have purchased the entire trilogy. All characters under a single player account registered for all three add-ons will be eligible for this gift.
Owners of the FINAL FANTASY XI ULTIMATE COLLECTION, scheduled for release on November 10, can also shout with glee, as the gift will be available to them also.
Read on for the juicy details.
To commemorate the release of the third and final add-on scenario, we are proud to introduce the "Nexus Cape," an in-game bonus item for players who have purchased the entire trilogy. All characters under a single player account registered for all three add-ons will be eligible for this gift.
Owners of the FINAL FANTASY XI ULTIMATE COLLECTION, scheduled for release on November 10, can also shout with glee, as the gift will be available to them also.
Following the release of the next version update, eligible characters may collect their Nexus Cape from the treasure coffer located within the Tenshodo Headquarters in Lower Jeuno.
The Nexus Cape is an enchanted item that allows characters in a party to teleport to their party leader's location. Please note, however, that the enchantment's effectiveness is limited to certain destinations only. Provided that all requisite conditions are fulfilled, characters may teleport to the areas listed below:
Uleguerand Range / Attohwa Chasm / West Ronfaure / East Ronfaure / La Theine Plateau / Valkurm Dunes / Jugner Forest / Batallia Downs / North Gustaberg / South Gustaberg / Konschtat Highlands / Pashhow Marshlands / Rolanberry Fields / Beaucedine Glacier / Xarcabard / Cape Teriggan / Eastern Altepa Desert / West Sarutabaruta / East Sarutabaruta / Tahrongi Canyon / Buburimu Peninsula / Meriphataud Mountains / Sauromugue Champaign / Yuhtunga Jungle / Yhoator Jungle / Western Altepa Desert / Qufim Island / Behemoth's Dominion / Valley of Sorrows / Southern San d'Oria / Northern San d'Oria / Port San d'Oria / Bastok Mines / Bastok Markets / Port Bastok / Windurst Waters / Windurst Walls / Port Windurst /... [Read More]
It is our pleasure to announce that registration codes for "A Shantotto Ascension—The Legend Torn, Her Empire Born" are now available for purchase. The official site has been updated to mark this momentous occasion, so head on over and see what's in store!
Follow the "A Shantotto Ascension" banner on the PlayOnline Viewer's main FINAL FANTASY XI page to purchase your registration code.
*Purchasing users will be able to access the new content with the release of the next FINAL FANTASY XI version update, currently scheduled for November 9.
*One registration code will grant all characters within a single PlayOnline account access to "A Shantotto Ascension."
The next version update of FINAL FANTASY XI will be split into the following three parts.
- 1st Part (Oct. 29, 2009)
This will be a version update without maintenance.
* There will be no in-game changes with this version update.
- 2nd Part (Nov. 9, 2009)
This will be a version update with maintenance.
- 3rd Part (During the last part of November) This will be a version update with maintenance.
* We will provide more details on the maintenance and version updates at a later date.
Additionally, the third add-on scenario, available for purchase on Oct. 26, 2009, "A Shantotto Ascension: The Legend Torn, Her Empire Born" will be available for play after the Nov. 9 version update.
Additionally, due to congestion on or around the date of the version update, it may take some time for the contents of "A Shantotto Ascension" to show up in FINAL FANTASY XI after purchase. It is recommended that if you are considering a purchase of "A Shantotto Ascension," you do so before the version update.
Part II of our job adjustments and additions preview invites to center stage beastmasters and summoners, Vana'diel's wielders of animalistic and avatarial might!
Summoner
A new ability will be added for summoners, and with it, a brand new way for these masters of forbidden magic to lend their powers to party battles.
Avatar's Favor (Lv.55 Recast Time: 5 minutes Duration: 2 hours)
Channels the avatar's power towards a beneficial status effect for party members within range. Reduces perpetuation cost while active.
By summoning an avatar while this ability is active, a corresponding beneficial effect from above table will be granted to all party members within range of the avatar. The effect's potency will gradually increase until the avatar is released, and at its peak, can be expected to reach levels equal to those granted by the corsair's lucky number roll.
While multiple favors of the same variety will not be stackable, a single party can benefit from as many types as there are summoners. Furthermore, enhancements received through this ability can be used in conjunction with those received via magic spells, songs, the Phantom Roll ability, and so forth.
Beastmaster
Adjustments and additions have been scheduled that will greatly enhance the effectiveness of pets called forth via the "Call Beast" ability.
- New Pet Command: "Ready"
When in control of a pet called forth via the "Call Beast" ability, the pet command "Sic" will be replaced with "Ready." By fulfilling the following conditions, "Ready" will allow you to select a specific ability for the pet to use from its arsenal.
* The pet's TP is at 100% or more.
* Sufficient charges have accumulated for the ability you wish to use.
- Charges
Regardless of the beastmaster's level, one charge will accumulate for every two minutes after a pet has been called, up to a maximum of three. The amount of charges required will vary depending on ability.
Example: Funguar Familiar
We will continue to observe the beastmaster job following the release of the November version update, and as necessary, make adjustments to special abilities and calling items for each... [Read More]
Job Adjustments and Additions: Part I (10/14/2009) The November version update will feature a host of welcome refinements for three time-honored professions: rangers, beastmasters, and summoners. In Part I of our preview, we shine the spotlight on rangers and unveil the adjustments that will have the hunters and huntresses of Vana'diel sharpshooting like never before!
Rangers throughout the realm, sharpen your arrows and polish your rifles!
A host of ability tweaks scheduled for the new version update promise to render your finely honed hunting skills more potent than ever.
Ranger Job Adjustments Job Ability Adjustments
- Velocity Shot
The duration of this ability will be increased from five minutes to two hours.
- Unlimited Shot
Once activated, this ability will remain in effect until you successfully hit your mark.
- Camouflage
Rangers with this ability in effect will incur less enmity for ranged attacks. There will be a chance that the ability remains in effect even after a ranged attack, depending on your position relative to your target.
Ranged Attack Adjustments
- Ranged attack enmity
Less enmity will be incurred the further away you are from the target of your ranged attacks.
- Detailed damage messages for ranged attacks
Damage messages displayed after a successful ranged attack will indicate the effectiveness of the attack, allowing for players to better gauge their positioning. Critical hit and missed attack messages will remain unchanged.
This concludes our preview of the adjustments scheduled for rangers in the upcoming version update.
Other jobs set to receive fine-tuning will be featured in the coming days, so keep your eyes glued to this space!
The wedding service that has blessed countless couples in the holy bonds of matrimony will soon be reborn as an easier-to-use and even more extravagant service!
All of you out there thinking about a beautiful wedding in Vana'diel, why not ask one of the in-game NPCs about that special moment with your partner that will stay with you forever?
It's been difficult to answer all the wedding requests up until now due to the restrictions on weddings such as applications needing to be submitted by a chaperone and Wedding Masters being overbooked. Taking all of these issues into consideration, we've re-evaluated the entire wedding process and have decided to implement a new wedding system with the following features. We hope that everyone who's ever dreamed of getting married will soon realize that dream.
A new wedding page!
Starting with the knowledge you'll need to get married, you might want to first take a look at the special wedding page we plan to add in the near future. This page will be packed with information on the Wedding Masters' lines and movement as they preside over the ceremonies and the vows exchanged between the bride and groom. No longer will you have to apply for a wedding ceremony and restlessly wait for the results of the lottery. Using the wedding page for reference, just pick whatever date, time, and location you want and you're ready to go! It's that easy!
Wedding Masters will regularly show up around Vana'diel! You can expect to start seeing the Wedding Masters as NPCs in the three nations pretty soon.
If you've used the wedding page as a reference to conduct your own wedding, you can equip the rings that you exchanged during the vows and speak together with one of the Wedding Master NPCs in the three nations. The NPC will present you with a "marriage certificate" as proof of your wedding in Vana'diel. Since this is a furnishing, you can use it to decorate your mog house as a memento of that oh-so-important day in your life.
*If you've gotten married through the regular wedding service, you can also receive a marriage certificate by speaking with the NPC together while your wedding rings are equipped.
A plethora of vibrant wedding items available!
All of the necessary... [Read More]
Top 5 Stats 
- New Rewards
Players will be able to turn in more varieties of fish to the quest-starter NPC. Rumor has it these fishes have a penchant for swallowing up new equipment whole...?
You can expect to start seeing the Wedding Masters as NPCs in the three nations pretty soon.
If you've used the wedding page as a reference to conduct your own wedding, you can equip the rings that you exchanged during the vows and speak together with one of the Wedding Master NPCs in the three nations. The NPC will present you with a "marriage certificate" as proof of your wedding in Vana'diel. Since this is a furnishing, you can use it to decorate your mog house as a memento of that oh-so-important day in your life.
