Square Enix has delayed the release of the Final Fantasy XIV: Evercold expansion from January 2027 to 23 February 2027. The announcement came during Final Fantasy XIV FanFest Japan, which also showcased new trailers and gameplay details. The expansion will be available on PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Pre-orders for Evercold will open on 4 November 2026, with early access granted from 19 February 2027 for those who pre-order.
One of the headline reveals at the event was a new player Job titled Zephyr. This ranged DPS role wields a crossbow and commands a falcon companion in combat, expanding the variety of options for players seeking remote combat styles. Alongside Zephyr, Square Enix unveiled additional content, including a teaser for a 24-player Alliance Raid crossover with the Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise.
New Content and Features for Final Fantasy XIV Players
Final Fantasy XIV: Evercold introduces a new difficulty tier for eight-player raids called “Fierce,” designed to sit between the existing Normal and Savage modes. This aims to provide a middle ground challenge for raid teams. Another addition is “Gauntlet of Power,” a four-player boss-rush dungeon that offers fresh cooperative encounters.
The expansion also offers a restructured approach to its narrative progression. Players can now complete Main Scenario Quests in varied orders after a certain story point, supported by auto-scaling dungeons that ensure balanced gameplay regardless of quest sequence.
Further refinements include enhancements to Seasonal Gear and Raiding gear systems along with quality-of-life improvements. Square Enix will conduct tests for same-region player matching in North America and Europe starting 10 November 2026, followed by tests in China from 1 December 2026.
Platform Availability and Collector’s Edition Details
Final Fantasy XIV: Evercold supports multiple platforms, confirming its presence on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2. This broad platform support reflects Square Enix’s ongoing commitment to delivering the MMORPG across current-gen and next-gen hardware.
A Collector’s Bundle Edition for Evercold was also revealed. It includes physical collectibles such as an art box, a Reaper figure, an Ethos metal keychain, a Kö ttr mini plush, and a tapestry of the Fourth. Digital bonuses comprise an in-game Valhallar Odin Mount, an Entreat Crystal emote, and the Bastion Weapon Crystal Skyltborg.
Despite the new details, the event did not showcase gameplay footage of the anticipated “Evolved” combat mode, which is expected to substantially alter job abilities and rotations. This feature has drawn attention for potentially revitalising combat dynamics, but Square Enix has yet to provide an in-depth preview ahead of the expansion’s release.
