Final Fantasy XIV Evercold Reveals New Job, FF7 Raid, and Switch 2 Launch
Square Enix has unveiled major new details for Final Fantasy XIV Evercold, the game’s upcoming Patch 8.0 expansion launching in January 2027. During Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival 2026 in Berlin, the developer showcased a new extended teaser trailer, revealed the first new job, announced a Final Fantasy VII Remake crossover raid, and confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 2 version launches on August 4, 2026. Alongside the expansion news, Square Enix also shared updates on gameplay improvements, character customization, and future crossover content.
Final Fantasy XIV Evercold Introduces Bastion and New Areas
Final Fantasy XIV Evercold begins the new Godless Realms Saga and takes players to the frozen world of the Fourth. The expansion introduces Bastion, a brand-new main tank job that fights with dual greatshields called skyltborg. In addition, players will explore several new locations, including Naglfar, Hringhorni, and the city of Fargarth. Square Enix also confirmed a redesigned main story structure that lets players complete major story areas in any order. Meanwhile, the new Auto Content Balancing system adjusts dungeon difficulty and enemy levels based on each player’s chosen path.
FF7 Remake Raid and Evangelion Crossover Revealed
Square Enix also announced Beyond the Lifestream, an eight-player raid series inspired by the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy. Final Fantasy VII Remake director Naoki Hamaguchi is working closely with the Final Fantasy XIV team to deliver the crossover. Furthermore, the developer revealed a fresh teaser for the Ghosts of Desire Evangelion alliance raid. Acclaimed animator Mahiro Maeda joins the project as a special guest artist, bringing his experience from the Evangelion series and other major productions to the collaboration.
Switch 2 Launch and New Features Arrive Soon
The Nintendo Switch 2 version of Final Fantasy XIV launches on August 4, with pre-orders now available through the Nintendo eShop. Unlike other versions, the Switch 2 edition requires its own monthly subscription but does not require Nintendo Switch Online. Existing subscribers on other platforms can also receive a 50% subscription discount. Additionally, players will enjoy a one-month free subscription period after launch. Beyond the Switch 2 release, Evercold expands character customization with new colour options, improved facial editing, and Character Action Skins that allow players to personalise animations such as Teleport. Future updates will also overhaul the Chocobo Companion system, introduce same-region matchmaking, and add a Final Fantasy VII-themed Gold Saucer mini-game. With new jobs, crossover raids, gameplay improvements, and a major platform launch, Final Fantasy XIV Evercold continues shaping up as one of the franchise’s biggest expansions yet.
