Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail

TheSixthAxisReuben Mount

10/10

Although it admittedly doesn’t quite hit the heights of Shadowbringers, Dawntrail’s shift in narrative focus injects a vibrancy into Final Fantasy XIV with this more lighthearted romp, while still keeping track of a greater story. With an increase in challenge of the instances, a couple of excellent new Jobs, an introduction of new characters, and the development of existing ones, Dawntrail clearly shows there’s life after averting the end of the world and I – for one – wouldn't change a damn thing.

COGConnectedStephan Adamus

90/100

Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail is the latest expansion in the long-running Final Fantasy XIV MMO. For those who haven’t played it, Final Fantasy XIV probably should have been titled Final Fantasy Online II. It’s been going since 2010, and after a very rocky first few years, it’s had 5 excellent expansions. Each expansion grew the plot, and it all came to a close with 2021’s phenomenal Endwalker finale.

Game Informeradmingi

8.5/10

In its fifth major expansion, Dawntrail, Final Fantasy XIV is facing its biggest existential crisis yet: where does your story go now that its 10-year A-plot is over? Dawntrail forges ahead with an enjoyable summer adventure to the land of Tural, doubling as a trojan horse for what lies in store for the future of the long-running MMO’s story. Dawntrail doesn’t match the narrative highs of the previous pair of expansions and is flawed in several ways, but its themes of legacy, the importance of culture, and responsible use of technology ring throughout.

RPGSiteJames Galizio

8/10

While it hasn't completely lost its luster, Dawntrail proves that it's about time for Final Fantasy XIV to change.

RPGamerAlex Fuller

Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail faces the tough task of following up its predecessors while starting a brand new story arc. After taking a little while to get going, the expansion shows the game still has plenty of life left in it yet.

SiliconeraCody Perez

8/10

Blue seas, clear skies, and boundless possibilities await in Dawntrail, the newest expansion pack for the critically acclaimed FINAL FANTASY XIV Online! Explore uncharted territories with familiar faces as you discover new tribes, confront formidable threats, and expand your horizons as hope's light dawns once more.

Digital TrendsJesse Vitelli

“Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail delivers an emotional gut punch, even if it takes some time to get there.”

Checkpoint GamingEdie W-K

7.5/10

As the first new expansion after the final chapter of the Ascians, Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail had a tough act to follow. What stakes could Dawntrail possibly have compared to Endwalker, or even Shadowbringers before it? The trailer for the expansion seems to embrace this, billing itself as a well-deserved vacation of sorts from the end-of-day scenarios the warrior of light is used to settling. And despite some frustrations with its overall narrative, I’m enjoying my vacation in sunny Tural.

Hardcore Gamer Adam Beck

Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail is a mixed bag of amazement and sorrow. On one hand, the expansion has some of the best gameplay we’ve seen from the MMORPG, with the two new jobs being perfectly slotted into the hefty roster. It also has some exciting trials and raids to kick things off, making the prospect of its post-release patches beyond exciting. That’s not to mention the soundtrack is as memorable as we’ve come to expect from Soken, and the graphical update does help propel the visual fidelity in the new areas.

EurogamerEmma Withington

Dawntrail ups the ante with exhilarating combat experiences and builds a stunning new world, but meandering storytelling highlights the MMO's flaws.

WayTooManyGamesKyle Nicol

0/10

2024 has been a shockingly good year for expansions. The Final Shape overcame the odds and ended a 10-year-long storyline for Destiny 2 with much more grace than anyone would have expected. Whilst Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is a shockingly good expansion, with a vast new region to explore, dozens of new bosses, and that sweet, sweet lore to delve into. Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail continues this trend of excellent expansions. Whilst mostly, this one isn’t the home run I was expecting...

Gamer EscapeAndrew "Fusionx" Copeland

Unscored

Overall, Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail is a solid addition to the long-running MMO, though its not without its shortcomings. We felt that the Main Scenario has some odd pacing issues, and that the role quests are largely forgettable. That said, the level of gameplay being offered here for battle content is some of the best we’ve ever seen. Quality of the audio was questionable in some spots, but was, overall about what we’ve come to expect from the game. And although it has a few standout...