The highly anticipated FF14 Patch 7.35 has been fully unveiled during a special presentation at Tokyo Game Show, featuring game director Naoki Yoshida and community producer Toshio Murouchi. This event, streamed live by Square Enix, functioned much like a standard Final Fantasy 14 Live Letter, offering a comprehensive preview of what players can expect from this crucial update. Patch 7.35 isn’t just the final narrative step before the next expansion; it’s also a proving ground for new mechanics and innovative ideas designed to shape the future of the critically acclaimed MMORPG.
The hosts kicked off the showcase by confirming the FF14 Patch 7.35 release date: Tuesday, October 7. Yoshida confirmed that this update will feature the much-awaited Monster Hunter Wilds crossover, challenging players to face Guardian Arkveld within Final Fantasy 14. Additionally, the patch introduces the new Pilgrim’s Traverse deep dungeon, the Yok Huy allied society quests, and further chapters in the beloved Inconceivably Further Hildibrand Adventures, bringing back everyone’s favorite inspector.
Pilgrim’s Traverse is set to be a significant feature. Yoshida reiterated his eagerness for players to experience its variable difficulty settings, a concept he previously detailed during the initial reveal of the deep dungeon and further discussed during Gamescom. He emphasized that for those interested in the future direction of Final Fantasy 14, Pilgrim’s Traverse offers an excellent opportunity to explore upcoming changes. (This statement comes via an unofficial translation from ‘Iluna Minori’ of the FF14 Discord Live Letter community).
Next, the spotlight shifted to the Monster Hunter collaboration, with Capcom’s Ryozo Tsujimoto joining the stage. As a refresher, players will need to be at level 100 and have completed the 7.0 Dawntrail Main Scenario Quests to access this content. Practically speaking, you’ll want to be geared close to the current endgame, as the average item level requirement for The Windward Wilds is 725—matching the 7.3 story trial. For the extreme version, an item level of 740 will be necessary. Both encounters are designed for eight players, though custom groups of any size can participate.
Yoshida explained that the FF14 development team has been working closely with developers from the Monster Hunter studio, many of whom are avid FF14 players themselves, to meticulously blend the mechanics of both games. He noted that despite their best efforts, there were instances where elements from both games didn’t naturally synchronize. However, both teams were committed to making the fight an exceptional experience, prioritizing player enjoyment above all else.
Yoshida hinted that the Arkveld battle might feature fewer group-oriented mechanics and place a greater emphasis on individual player responsibility. This approach aligns with the design of the Stormblood fight against Rathalos and realistically reflects how many players approach Monster Hunter, where specialized support builds are less common.
In addition to the rewards previewed previously, even more exciting items were showcased. While Stormblood’s Monster Hunter World crossover reimagined armor in a more FF14 aesthetic, Yoshida mentioned that this time, the design team aimed for a faithful recreation of the Wilds designs. He also confirmed that both armor styles can be equipped and are not gender-locked. All weapons will be available in both base and augmented versions, suggesting players can acquire glamor items from the normal-difficulty encounter.
This reveal also clarified weapon allocations for specific jobs. Notably, the Black Mage receives the Hammer, and the Warrior appears to wield a transformed Charge Blade instead of a Switch Axe. The Dark Knight is granted the Greatsword, while Samurai will brandish the Longsword. Both Ninja and Dancer get variations of the Wilds Dual Blades, but the Viper class receives an entirely original design. Perhaps the biggest winner is the Red Mage, which adapts the Arkveld Lance to its unique combat style.
Players have already seen the Seikret mount, but a delightful new option has been added: the medical cart, famously used when you faint in Wilds battles. Your Warrior of Light will slump dramatically across this cart as two eager Palicos cheerfully transport them around. Other rewards include baby Seikret and Vigorwasp minions, Felyne housekeepers, and a variety of indoor and outdoor housing furnishings. Finally, players can earn framer’s kits, fashion accessories, and five unique orchestrion rolls featuring new songs.
Yoshida then dove into a live demonstration of the actual fight, noting that while he and the art director were familiar with the mechanics, the other six players joining them were completely new to it. He playfully asked viewers not to criticize their mistakes. This preview offered a significantly more detailed look than typical Live Letters, providing an extensive glimpse into the upcoming encounter. However, players who prefer a completely fresh experience without spoilers might want to avoid watching the showcase.
A frequently used mechanic in the fight involves ‘rolling wave’ AoEs, a pattern seen in recent battles such as the Dawntrail alliance raids. Players will often need to contend with these overlapping waves as they spread across the arena. Close attention to Arkveld’s movements will also be crucial, especially when it raises the chain-whips on its arms.
Despite Yoshida’s initial concerns, the group impressively managed to bring Arkveld down to 34% on their first attempt before a shared-damage mechanic overwhelmed the remaining three players. They successfully cleared the fight on their second run. The encounter appears somewhat chaotic at times, but it seems quite manageable on normal difficulty for players accustomed to regular raids, so most should overcome it without too much trouble.
Just like the Rathalos encounter, players will be able to carve Arkveld for additional rewards after the battle. Following this, a brief glamor showcase demonstrated that the new armor pieces feature two dye channels, offering a glimpse at the customization possibilities. Seeing them up close, it’s quite charming how the Sage Nouliths bear a striking resemblance to four tiny Arkveld Hunting Horns, which certainly adds to their appeal.
While an Arkveld mount would have been fantastic, the medical cart is arguably one of the most creatively designed mounts ever, making up for its absence. Yoshida commented that its design pushed the boundaries of mount capabilities, showcasing both Palicos diligently ferrying your incapacitated Warrior of Light across various terrains. This encounter is eagerly anticipated, though the extreme version will need to truly impress to surpass the challenge of Monster Hunter Wilds’ Omega fight.
That concludes the announcements for today, though Yoshida did end with one final exciting reveal: three new outfits, inspired by Final Fantasy Tactics characters Ramza, Ovelia, and Gaffgarion, will be added to the online store on Tuesday, September 30, to commemorate the release of The Ivalice Chronicles. Accompanying these outfits will be a selection of new orchestrion rolls for collectors.
Special thanks go to Iluna Minori from the Final Fantasy 14 Discord for providing translations. Final Fantasy 14 patch 7.35 officially launches on Tuesday, October 7. Players can check the special site for a complete list of rewards.
Looking for more gaming adventures in the meantime? Explore some of the best new MMOs of 2025, or dive into our top picks for co-op games if you love playing with friends.
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