Final Fantasy XIV Patch 6.5 key art puts Zero front and center for next update

It’s almost that time again; in October, FFXIV Patch 6.5 launches with a batch of new story beats, dungeons, glamour, and sidequests. As is tradition, Square Enix revealed its Patch 6.5, Growing Light, key art ahead of time as a teaser.

The FFXIV Patch 6.5 art accompanies its special site launch, detailing features headed to the game in early October 2023. Most of the patch features we already learned about during the Live Letter in July, but the key art is new and gives us a little of the tone heading into Growing Light.

It’s not like there’s a ton of official Zero art out there since she made her debut not long ago, so I’ll take it. There’s also the precious angel Varshahn, the love-of-my-life Estinien, and Alisaie looking the happiest she’s ever been around these people.

Presenting the key art for #FFXIV Patch 6.5: Growing Light! 🖼️

Also, get a sneak peek of the content coming your way on the Patch 6.5 special site! ✨ https://t.co/BgdnP66S6r pic.twitter.com/AXXNhJ4BiR

— FINAL FANTASY XIV (@FF_XIV_EN) September 7, 2023

Anyway, I dig it. It’s a little more hopeful than what I expected, but knowing the game, FFXIV Patch 6.5 could just as easily take a turn for the grim. As for new features, here’s the lengthy list organized by version:

FFXIV 6.5 and 6.5x

• Main Scenario Quests – Growing Light
• Alliance Raid – Myths of the Realm, Part 3: Thaleia
• Dungeon – The Lunar Subterrane
• Trial – The Abyssal Fracture and Extreme version
• Unreal Trial – The Singularity Reactor (Thordan Unreal)
• Margrat’s Custom Deliveries
• Island Sanctuary updates
• Duty Support updates
• Xbox Open Beta
• Expanded Free Trial
• Mounts, Minions, Emotes, PvP Gear, and Fashion Accessories
• Fall Guys Collaboration (Patch 6.5x)

FFXIV Patch 6.51

• Variant Dungeon – Aloalo Island
• Criterion Dungeon – Another Aloalo Island/Another Aloalo Island (Savage)
• Crystalline Conflict – New Arena
• Tool Enhancement Quests – Splendorous Tools

FFXIV Patch 6.55

• Somehow Further Hildibrand Adventures
• Weapon Enhancement Quests – Manderville Weapons
• Tataru’s Grand Endeavor
•  Tribal Alliance Quests

In FFXIV Patch 6.5, we’ll (likely) see the Void’s solemn tale come to a close. As is tradition, the final patches typically lead into the next major arc for the game. Things with Endwalker are a bit of a wild card since this last expansion positioned itself as a capstone to the overarching, major story beats. Regardless, we’re winding in preparation for something major next year — that’s when the Dawntrail expansion launches.

As a reminder, don’t forget to finish up your Moogle Tomestone grind before the FFXIV Patch 6.5 update. It’s a great time to farm the MMO’s massive Rival Wings PvP mode and a chance to get the Kamuy of the Nine Tails mount. There’s also the 2023 edition of The Rising, with this year’s version offering a sentimental tribute to an old hero with the limited Rising Phoenix mount.

FFXIV Patch 6.5 goes live sometime in early October, Square Enix should share an update later this month. Until then, I’ll be getting steamrolled in PvP.