FFXIV is perhaps one of many largest and finest MMORPGs going, however it’s solely pretty just lately managed to draw its viewers to the PvP area with the addition of Crystalline Battle. As FFXIV celebrates the ten-year anniversary of its rebirth and prepares to sail in the direction of a brand new journey with the FFXIV Dawntrail launch date subsequent yr, PCGamesN asks Sq. Enix’s FFXIV battle system designer Hikaru Tamaki what makes the mode so particular, and what he loves most about it.
Closing Fantasy 14 has risen to heights past something anticipated after its preliminary, failed launch again in 2010, with its reworked A Realm Reborn and the award-winning expansions that adopted propelling it to the very peak of the style, however Sq. Enix has lengthy struggled to discover a footing within the PvP aspect of issues – till the arrival of Crystalline Battle, that’s, which launched with the Endwalker enlargement’s patch 6.1 in April 2022.
I ask Tamaki why he thinks the mode is nice for gamers to leap into, even those that may not be acquainted with FFXIV PvP. He notes that the convenience of leaping right into a sport with out excessive dedication makes it simpler to check out than different modes. “The time per match is brief in Crystalline Battle, permitting for fast-paced play whether or not you win or lose, and rewards for participation embody EXP on your job and Sequence EXP for unique rewards.” There’s additionally the choice to play informal matches, the place there’s no threat of dropping right down to a decrease tier in the event you lose. “So I’d love for gamers to take it simple and benefit from the content material,” Tamaki provides.
One other key function in Crystalline Battle’s favor is its visible readability. Over time, FFXIV has gotten more and more higher about hanging a stability between handsome results and ensuring gamers can clearly inform what’s happening. This turns into particularly vital for greater mechanics, such because the eruptions within the Volcanic Coronary heart map – one thing Takami says he’s reasonably keen on.
“I feel we succeeded in making it visually interesting and flashy, whereas incorporating the bomb monster, which is well-liked all through the mainline Closing Fantasy franchise,” he explains. “As with different mechanics, we’re acutely aware of creating certain that even learners and those that get pleasure from spectating can inform that one thing nice is enjoying out in entrance of them.”
Map-specific tips and mechanics are a giant a part of the attraction of the varied Crystalline Battle maps, making every stand out from the others. I ask Tamaki which is his favourite, and he tells me, “As a mechanic, it’s easy, however the dash lanes are my favourite. Merely transferring quicker could be exhilarating, and it will also be used strategically, reminiscent of chasing after or working away from enemies.”
“From a extra developer’s perspective,” he provides, “the dash lane can be a helpful mechanic in that it may be included as a conduit of types between factors which might be barely separated from one another, whatever the map’s traits, and it permits battles to happen at numerous factors over a big space of the map.”
As for what we will anticipate for the way forward for the mode, Tamaki says, “Personally, I’m searching for a bit extra expandability for jobs managed by the participant.” Whereas he notes that new maps and enhancements to the techniques and UI will proceed to roll out, the newest of that are resulting from arrive with FFXIV patch 6.5, he thinks that “if we will make some enhancements to the precise characters and actions gamers can function, they may have the ability to respect a sensation of ‘change’ as they play the content material.”
So which jobs does Tamaki favor to play within the mode? “Partially as a result of I’m initially a fan of healers anyway however my favourite can be Astrologian with its significantly excessive therapeutic efficiency,” he responds. “Relying on how the actions are used, it could possibly make a major contribution on the offensive aspect, and I like the truth that there are various choices accessible. My reply is darkish knight for tanks, and for DPS, I usually play ninja and dancer!”
As for which jobs he’d suggest to new Crystalline Battle gamers, he notes that “it’s finest to play what you really really feel snug with,” however suggests gamers contemplate beginning out on tanks or utilizing ranged jobs that is perhaps a bit extra survivable, as newcomers to the mode received’t be used to PvP-specific actions.
“I feel the primary barrier for newcomers can be PvP-specific actions reminiscent of Guard and Recuperate,” Tamaki says. “Dash and restrict breaks work on a distinct system from PvE as effectively.” He recommends enjoying the larger-scale Frontline mode as a technique to become familiar with these, however notes that the staff is contemplating methods to introduce “a system for gamers to be taught concerning the capabilities of such actions and the particular strategies for utilizing them.”
Additionally really useful are the roles “that aren’t so troublesome to play, however with highly effective restrict breaks that make it simple for gamers to benefit from the sensation of creating an energetic contribution to the staff.” Tamaki factors to the Warrior as a very good tank choose, but additionally means that “Dragoon from melee DPS, Machinist from bodily ranged DPS, Summoner from magical ranged DPS, and White Mage from healers are particularly really useful!”
When you’ve dominated on the battlefields of Crystalline Battle, why not calm down and work in your FFXIV Island Sanctuary with the assistance of our complete information? We’ve additionally picked out the very best single-player MMOs in the event you fancy extra video games as well-suited as FFXIV to enjoying by your self.