'Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn €” Heavensward' release, expansion details; What to expect

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn - Heavensward Square-Enix

"Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn" has quickly become one of the best MMO-RPG titles in recent years, going toe to toe with the likes of "The Elder Scrolls Online" and the aging behemoth that is "The World of Warcraft." The game's first expansion pack, "Heavensward," promises to add more to the game and it goes beyond just aesthetics. 

According to a report from PCGamesN, the level cap has been raised by 10, allowing players to reach a maximum level of 60. Accompanying the new level cap are additional skills for existing jobs while the expansion also adds one additional race and three new jobs for players to take on. 

The new race is known as the Au Ra. The Au Ra seem to have a mix of humanoid and reptilian features and are the game's first original race since everything else, from the Elezen to the Roegadyn, are variations of races that have been seen in past games in the "Final Fantasy" franchise. 

"Heavensward" introduces three new jobs: the Dark Knight, Astrologian, and the Machinist. None of these will require a player to be of a certain class but reaching the new area Ishgard will be a requirement to unlock these jobs. They also start at a boosted job level of 30. 

Also introduced are flying mounts and airships. All it takes is to reach a certain point in the "Heavensward" story to unlock the ability for Chocobos and other flying beasts to be used as flying mounts. Airships are a little bit more complicated but are several times more rewarding. 

Players that are part of a Free Company will be able to craft their own housing and airship, with the capability to customize each as they please. These large airships are split into four areas and it is up to the Company's members to decide which segment they will strengthen first. 

For those who are not a part of a Free Company, they will be able to have their own airship but it will be smaller and with fewer perks since it will be for personal use. 

"Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn — Heavensward" will be released on June 23.

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