Excitement is brewing in the Final Fantasy 14 community as the first of two new classes debuting in the upcoming Dawntrail expansion was unveiled at the Final Fantasy 14 London Fan Festival 2023.
During the fan festival, game director Naoki Yoshida introduced the Viper, a fresh addition to the MMORPG’s diverse class roster. This reveal was accompanied by an extended preview trailer, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the forthcoming chapter of the game’s rich storyline. Unsurprisingly, the introduction of these new classes aligns with Dawntrail’s central theme of venturing into uncharted territories.
The Viper class is a melee DPS specialist, excelling in swift and close-quarters combat. Setting it apart from existing classes like the Samurai and Monk, the Viper relies on Dexterity as its primary stat, marking the first of its kind since the Ninja class was introduced to the game in 2014.
Distinct from the majority of classes in the MMO, the Viper is a unique addition to the Final Fantasy universe, presenting a fresh perspective on the classic monster-hunter archetype. During his keynote address at the Fan Festival, Yoshida described the Viper as harnessing the “memories of ancient hunters” to execute special techniques in combat. He further characterized the class as “technically demanding yet highly stylish.”
The preview video showcases the Viper as a fast-paced and frenetic class, emphasizing rapid and agile strikes. Additionally, the Viper appears to wield a form of mystical magic intricately tied to the new continent of Tural, which players will have the opportunity to explore in the Dawntrail expansion.
The second of the two new classes is set to be revealed at the Tokyo Fan Festival on January 7, 2024. While it’s already known that this second class will be a magical ranged DPS, fans will have to eagerly await further details until next year.
Final Fantasy 14 Dawntrail is slated for a “Summer 2024” release window, although an official release date has yet to be confirmed. Anticipation is building as players eagerly await the arrival of the Viper and other exciting content in this highly anticipated expansion.
