Become what you must, Warriors of Light. With Final Fantasy XIV‘s Patch 7.5 release a few weeks ago, the free trial now includes the Shadowbringers expansion! While free trial players are restricted in what they can do, a majority of the content is still available. From new playable races and jobs to new raids and glamours grinds, there is no shortage of activities to jump into.
More Character Creation Races & New Jobs Available
The shackles restricting playable races in character creation have finally been lifted! You may now create Vieras and Hrothgars. Unlike on release, these two races are able to wear plenty of hats now. That’s not all! You can create a Male Viera (released in Endwalker) or a Female Hrothgar (released in Dawntrail) without needing access to those later expansions. Unless Evercold comes out with a new playable race, the free trial now includes all character creation options.
We’ve also got new jobs available! Looking to overwhelm your opponents with the power of dance? No matter how clumsy we may be, our Warrior of Light can bust a deadly move without breaking a sweat. To get started on your groovy career as a Dancer, speak with the Eager Lominsan in Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks (X:9.8 Y:12.0) and accept the quest Shall we Dance on a level 60 or higher Disciple of War or Magic.
Alternatively, perhaps you want to follow in the footsteps of Gunnhildr’s Blades. Strike that balance between flashy swordplay and explosive magical effects all while protecting your allies. The path of the Gunbreaker begins by speaking with Gods’ Quiver Bow in New Gridania (X:11.5 Y:11.9) and accepting the quest The Makings of a Gunbreaker. Just like the Dancer unlock quest, you’ll need to be a level 60 or higher Disciple of War or Magic.
Main Scenario Quest Dungeons with Duty Support
All of the Main Scenario Quest and dungeons in Shadowbringers from Holminster Switch (Patch 5.0) to Paglth’an (Patch 5.5) are available for Duty Support. Take your time exploring the dungeons and fight alongside your favourite NPC companions. Unfortunately, the trials in Shadowbringers don’t have Duty Support. I suppose you’ll just have to sleep when you’re dead, or witness the passion of their ascension with other players.
Also, there are two level 80 side quest dungeons that aren’t included in the Duty Support system. The first starts by speaking with Bethana in The Crystarium (X:8.5 Y:10.9) for the side quest By the Time You Hear This. The second requires speaking with Overwrought Ondo in Eulmore (X:12.9 Y:12.4) for the side quest Akadaemia Anyder.
Nier Alliance Raids & Eden Normal Raid Series
So, you’ve completed the base expansion’s final Main Scenario Quest (aptly named Shadowbringers) and now you’re wondering what to do before diving into Patch 5.1+ MSQ.
If you’re a big Nier fan, you may be interested in the YoRHa: Dark Apocalypse Alliance raid series. First, you’ll need to complete the side quest Word about Komra from the Gossipy Dwarf in Kholusia (X:12.9 Y:8.7). Afterwards, you may start the Alliance raid unlock quest A Scandal in Komra from the same Gossipy Dwarf on a level 80 Disciple of War or Magic job.
There are three raids in the series: The Copied Factory, The Puppets’ Bunker, and The Tower at Paradigm’s Breach. Luckily, you won’t have to wait between raids like I did on release. Power through all three if you like, queues willing! Whenever same-region player matching comes around, queue times for these raids should hopefully become shorter. Also, there are no weekly loot restrictions on these raids anymore, so feel free to roll on any pieces of gear that catch your fancy.
Next, free trial players finished with the expansion’s MSQ can experience the Eden normal raid series. Head over to The Crystarium (X:10 Y:12) and speak with the Anxious Crystarium Guard to accept the quest In the Middle of Nowhere. Similar to the Nier alliance raids, there aren’t any weekly loot restrictions anymore. Consider grabbing some intermediary gear upgrades while you grind for more tomestone gear!
Maps (The Dungeons of Lyhe Ghiah) & Custom Deliveries
The inability to use the market board is one of the biggest restrictions with the free trial. Even without that, free trial players are only able to hold up to 300k gil and can’t trade. Needless to say, it can be quite difficult getting your hands on new glamour options. Not all is lost! Determined players can still gather the materials and craft their own glamour.
As per usual with a new expansion, there are new Treasure Maps available with new glamours and minions to collect. Swap to a level 80 gatherer, head to a level 80 gathering node, and grab yourself a Timeworn Zonureskin Map. The hard part now will be finding a party without access to the Party Finder nor the ability to start your own party. Unfortunately, your best option may be to join a Treasure Hunt Discord and to gather a group together out-of-game. Not interested in all the glamour options? A Timeworn Gliderskin Map from the same nodes should be solo-able and has a different pool of available items.
Need some help leveling your crafters and gatherers? The Restoration of the Holy See of Ishgard (or simply Ishgardian Restoration) is still a great option for grinding levels. However, you now have access to more custom deliveries for that weekly boost in EXP and scrips!
Two of the three delivery recipients released in Shadowbringers have unlock requirements achievable as early as Heavensward since their stories pertain to the Ishgardian Restoration. The third, however, will require the completion of Post-Shadowbringers Main Scenario Quest Moving Forward and the side quest The Boutique Always Wins, started by speaking with Mowen in Eulmore (X:11.4 Y:10.7). Afterwards, speak with Kai-Shirr in Eulmore (X:11.7 Y:11.7) to begin the quest Oh, Beehive Yourself.
Save the Queen: Blades of Gunnhildr & Resistance Weapons (Relic Weapons)
Similar to Stormblood’s Eureka, Shadowbringers introduced the Save the Queen field operations. Travel to Bozja and help the Hrothgar fight to break free of Imperial occupation. To get started, you’ll need to have completed the Main Scenario Quest Shadowbringers and Stormblood’s Return to Ivalice alliance raid series. Once you’re ready, head to Kugane (X:12.2 Y:12.3) and speak with Keiten for the quest Hail to the Queen as a level 80 Disciple of War or Magic. There’s quite a lot of information surrounding these instances so make sure to check out our Bozja guides.
As pictured above, there are some shiny new weapons that you can earn called the Resistance Weapons. While you can progress through most of the upgrade steps while fighting in Bozja, you also have the option of participating in other content for progress too. As such, don’t feel forced to stay in Bozja for too long. Mix up the content you do without halting your Relic Weapon grind! Howver, don’t neglect Bozja either! Later upgrade steps will require reaching a certain Resistance Rank or completing certain Critical Engagements.
I personally quite enjoyed Shadowbringers, so I recommend taking your time going through it! Plus, the free trial may not include Endwalker until 3+ years later with Patch 8.5. Pace yourself and enjoy the plethora of content before then. Speaking of the future, make sure to keep an eye out for more FFXIV news as we approach Evercold!