Square Enix has brought a touch of Eorzea to the real world in the form of a huge Aetheryte just ahead of the release of the Final Fantasy 14 Dawntrail expansion.
Outside of a major train station in the City of London, the structure materialised, becoming one of the most recognisable sights for players who have been playing Final Fantasy 14 for a long time.
Ten years after Final Fantasy 14’s relaunch as A Realm Reborn, a new era is ahead for Square Enix’s first massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG).
It was the Saga of Hydaelyn and Zodiark, the overarching storyline that drove the majority of the game’s narrative turns, that came to an end with the Endwalker expansion and its aftermath in 2021.
Square Enix is hoping that players who are new to the game as well as those who are returning will choose to jump into the game at this point, both to see the main story that has been completed and to get a taste of what is to come.
The Dawntrail expansion will mark the beginning of something new for the game on July 2, 2024. There are a few highly visible stunts that are a part of Square Enix’s promotional strategy.
One of these stunts is the appearance of a real-life Aetheryte sculpture in London, which is located just outside of King’s Cross station.
Promotion of the Final Fantasy 14 London Fan Gathering, which took place on June 24 and was one of the last major in-person events for FF14 fans before they get the opportunity to play Dawntrail on live servers, was the purpose of this.
After the 28th of June, players who have pre-ordered the expansion for Final Fantasy 14 will be able to begin their early access period.
Real-Life Final Fantasy 14 Aetheryte Pops Up In London for Fan Meet
The role of the huge crystalline structure in Final Fantasy 14 is perfectly suited by Square Enix’s decision to situate its real-life Aetheryte at a major point of transit in a huge, central city.
During gameplay, Aetherytes function as massive fast travel points that enable players to teleport at a rate that is significantly faster than that of any mounts in Final Fantasy 14.
An Aetheryte is present for players to attune to in almost every major location and quest hub. After being attuned, instantaneous teleportation only requires a simple payment of Gil.
The Aetheryte did not show up at King’s Cross station for a very long time, which is unfortunate for some of the fans who were there.
Others expressed regret that they were unable to make it to King’s Cross station before Square Enix removed the structure.
While many fans were able to get photos of the sculpture, including an amusing group shot that showed dozens of people attempting to attune to it at the same time.
Many Final Fantasy 14 players are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to play Dawntrail soon, despite the popularity of Square Enix’s Aetheryte stunt, which was only temporary.
In the event that Square Enix’s plans to alleviate congestion during the Dawntrail launch rush are successful, the game’s servers will be able to withstand the surge of interest that is expected to occur.
