Before releasing the big 2.1 patch that everyone has been eagerly waiting for, the folks behind Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn decided to release version 2.05 – a patch of mostly bug fixes that also includes some great (and not so great) changes to gameplay.
First off, the not so great changes.
In order to become a Second Lieutenant in your Grand Company you must now clear the Aurum Vale instead of Ampador Keep. If you already accepted the quest previously, you have to abandon the quest and accept the new one. This isn’t so great because even though I have yet to do Ampador Keep, I know it must be better than Aurum Vale – an instance dedicated to morbols/marlboros. Almost anything is better than that.
Also, some changes were made to The Wanderer’s Palace and Castrum Meridianum effectively making them harder to complete. Things you could once skip or sneak past are now required in Castrum Meridianum. As for The Wanderer’s Palace, they have rearranged some mobs and added a quest item, lantern oil, which drops from tonberrys and must be used to open doors in the dungeon, making it take longer to finish.
But, what about the good stuff?
Ah yes, the good changes! While the above things aren’t that great, there are many changes in this patch that are for the better.
Even though The Wanderer’s Palace is now a bit more difficult to get through, one good thing is that there are more servers dedicated to it, as well as Ampador Keep, making it easier to find a party in the duty finder when attempting these instances. Also, The Wanderer’s Palace now gives Allagan Tomestones of Mythology in addition to an increased number of Tomestones of Philosophy you get upon completion (100 Philosophy, 30 Mythology).
Other instances have seen an increase in the amount of tomestones received upon completion as well: Ampador Keep (100 Philosophy, 40 Mythology), Hard Mode Garuda (15 Philosophy, 10 Mythology) and Hard Mode Titan (20 Philosophy, 15 Mythology). (Thanks to FFXIVRebirth.com for the numbers!)
Something Archanists, Summoners, and Scholars will be happy to hear is that they can now use their pet’s actions while using a spell. This makes it easier to manage their summons and respond to situations faster than they could before. Also, any buffs or debuffs you give to a party member or enemy will always show on the left side! No more trying to look for the green numbers in the sea of buffs and debuffs during FATEs!
Wait, this is great and all, but what about gathering classes?
If you were wondering if gathering classes would get any love in this patch, rest assured! It will now be easier to level up botany and mining after level 16! Experience gained by both classes from level 16 onward has been increased. This also includes Fieldcraft Leves, so gather away!
While I’ve covered most of the major changes that occurred in this patch, there are still many, many more that can be found at the official forum post. With the game up to version 2.05 it feels like version 2.1 is just around the corner. Looks like I’ll have to keep my head to the grindstone if I want to afford a house, but least All Saints’ Wake will be coming soon!
What do you think? Do you like the changes? Let me know in the comments below!
