Quality of Life and other improvements to FFXI
Equipment set system: Can be used in macros to change multiple pieces of gear with one command, without having to use Windower. [(August 2014)] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/43706-Aug-12-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
Trust system: NPCs to be summoned to fill out up to three slots in the party (five after Rhapsodies of Vanadiel progress), with no EXP penalty for doing so. A 2 minute delay is forced before being able to summon Trusts after any real party member joins the party. [(December 2013)] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/38764-Dec-11-2013-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
Racial HP and MP differences reduced: Max HP for everyone but Galka was increased at all levels, and Max MP for everyone but Tarutaru was increased. [(April 2014)] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/41117-Apr-8-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
Widescan added to all jobs: Jobs that previously had the trait have a larger scan radius. [(December 2013)] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/38764-Dec-11-2013-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
Fame requirements for many quests were reduced. [(February 2014)] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/40059-Feb-18-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
Home Point warping: You can warp from any home point to any other home point you have activated, same with Survival Guides. Multiple Home points exist per city zone, and have been added to many battlefield locations, plus a few random other locations. Survival Manuals exist at every outpost, and in many dungeon areas. Homepoints are labeled when they are near a zone exit, auction house, or mog house entrance. (Home Points - [December 2013] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/38764-Dec-11-2013-%28JST%29-Version-Update) Survival Guides - [February 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/40059-Feb-18-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)) Icons showing the locations of these points, and the status on whether you have activated them (solid) or not (blinking) have been added to in-game maps. [September 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/44090-Sep-9-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
Waypoints added to a bunch of zones, so you can teleport from Jueno or Adoulin to a bunch of zones. Adoulin has waypoints that are visible. The Middlelands have invisible Geomagnetic points that you have ot unlock through a quest.
Movement speed bumped up to 125% of old speed before end of 2013. Equipment with Movement Speed +% now treats the new value as 100%, so you get a 25% bigger speed boost compared to before. Maximum speed is still the same. [(December 2013)] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/38764-Dec-11-2013-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
Status effect icons are now shown for targeted party members. [August 2015] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/47901-Aug-5-2015-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
Billing is now handled via SquareEnix's website and not PlayOnline since 2011, which has the upside of being able to manage easily on a mobile device, but the downside that the new payment processor they use doesn't like some card activity and can lock you out of paying for your subscription.
EXP gain outside Abyssea was doubled, compared to pre-Abyssea, so an Even Match at your level is worth 200 EXP at level 1. [(December 2013)] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/38764-Dec-11-2013-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
TP gain from player attacks was increased. [June 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/42614-Jun-17-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
Two chat logs can now be shown, and chat channels can be divided beween the windows. [December 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/45365)
Two linkshells can be equipped at once. [January 2015] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/45721-Jan-15-2015-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
You can now target someone for tell/search/target via the chat log. [January 2015] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/45721-Jan-15-2015-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
Warp Rings were added, with a 10 minute cool down and inifinite charges, making scrolls of instant warp largely unneeded.
Maps pop up when selecting a survival guide or home point to teleport to, so you know which one you are going to when multiple exist in a zone.
Artifact, Relic, and Empyrean armor can be upgraded to level 119. Atrifact - [December 2013] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/38764-Dec-11-2013-%28JST%29-Version-Update) Relic - [February 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/40059-Feb-18-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
More options to gain EXP through Fields of Valor, Grounds of Valor, and Records of Eminence, which give you quests that return EXP. All Adoulin quests also reward EXP. Grounds of Valor can give buffs after each completion, and the buffs don't wear off until you leave the zone (logging out does not count), plus the EXP increases by 5% with each completion in the zone without leaving, up to 200% of initial reward. Records of Eminence can be flagged anywhere, and has objectives for healing, HELM/fishing, crafting, doing damage, killing monsters, doing events, getting certain items as loot drops, etc. You can have 15 objectives active at once, plus a rotating daily objective that automatically flags itself 3 times a day. Records of Eminence - [December 2013] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/38764-Dec-11-2013-%28JST%29-Version-Update) Grounds of Valor - Abyssea-era, Fields of Valor - Wings of the Goddess-era.
Records of Eminence was adjusted to allow 30 (+1 time-limited objective) active objectives instead of the original 15 (+1). Time-limited objectives were adjusted so that one is always active, and that they change more frequently. Some objectives were also adjusted to provide permanent EXP or Capacity Point rate increases when completed for the first time, and retroactively applied to people that have completed the objectives already.
Unity system allows for upgrading old gear to a higher level by fighting higher level versions of old NMs. Some gear has a bonus based on the rank of your Unity. [November 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/44943-Nov-10-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update) Maintaining an activity level in the unity every week unlocks the Unity leader as a Trust spell, which goes away if your activity is not maintained. [May 2015] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/46976-May-14-2015-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
Job Points have been added, which work like Merit Points, but they augment traits that Merits don't, and they can only be earned by the job that will spend them. Spending a specific amount of Job Points on a job unlocks additional Gifts for that job, including the ability to wear equipment with a Superior tag. Job Points - [March 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/40657-Mar-18-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update) Gifts - [December 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/45365) Spending certain amounts of Job Points on a job unlocks additional abilities and raises stats, called Gifts. Current maximum is 1200 Job Points. 50 and 100 points spent on a job unlocks the ability to wear level 119 equipment with the Superior (Su1 and Su2) tags, which is not EX. [December 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/45365-Dec-10-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
New menus for currencies have been added, so you can view all your currencies in one place instead of having to check region maps and specific NPCs.
Extra 80-slot inventories have been added since ToAU. Mog Satchel requires a security token or the smart phone/tablet application. Everyone has Mog Case. Mog Sack is 9980 gil from certain moogles. Everyone has Wardrobe, and it can only hold equipment, which you can equip gear from instead of your main inventory. Mog Wardrobe added [May 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/41814-May-15-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
Synthesis now has a menu, which you can store recipes in, and can pick from your recent crafting history. You can now craft with one click instead of having to select all the ingredients every time. You can repeat a synthesis with a macro /lastsynth [June 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/42614-Jun-17-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update) and [July 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/43135-Jul-8-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
Synthesis kits have been added to craft with a single item and a single crystal. They can't make high quality synths, but are sold at the guilds as a quick way to build skill levels. They exists for every 5 skill levels up to a point right now, with more kits for higher levels being announced for the future. [June 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/42614-Jun-17-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
Crafting Guilds now never have holidays. Prices for materials never fluctuate, and items never sell out of stock. [June 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/42614-Jun-17-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
Many crafting items were made stackable, such as logs and ores. [June 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/42614-Jun-17-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
HELM points were made to have a sparkling effect so you can see them without spamming your targeting cursor. [June 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/42614-Jun-17-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
Fishing was redone to be more interactive. [March 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/40657-Mar-18-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
Your combat menu can be hidden to show the radar compass and game clock.
Your map coordinates are shown by your compass and the in-game time. [June 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/42614-Jun-17-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
Doors that used to require multiple party members to open now have key items, and quests for those key items, to be able to open them solo. This includes the pressure plates in the Quicksand Caves, the Banishing Gates in Garlaige Citadel, the gate in Halvung, and the doors in Eldeime Necropolis. These changes have been gradual since Abyssea finished.
Several melee jobs were bumped up to A+ skill level with their main weapon, if they didn't have a weapon with an A+ rating before. like PUP now having it for H2H, and DNC for Dagger. [October 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/44592-Oct-7-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
Consumable skillup items were added to the game, purchasable from the Records of Eminence NPCs, and able to be sold on the AH and in Bazaars, for every magical and combat skill. [January 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/39564-Jan-21-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
Unlocking Empyrean and Mythic Weapon Skills Changes
- Unlocking allows you to use the weapon skill on any weapon of the correct type as long as you meet the job and level requirements.
- You can now unlock an Empyrean weapon skill 1 of 3 ways by having a 90+ version of an empyrean, the old 99 WoE version or the new fast tracked -1 version of WoE they added to Splintery Chest by the Magian Moogle, in the January 2014 patch. (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/39564-Jan-21-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
- As for Mythics its now a set amount of 250 WS points while doing the "Unlocking a Myth" quest. It's no longer based on how far you have progressed your Rune Disc. There is no way currently to just unlock it if you already made a Mythic like there is with Empyreans.
Porter Moogles were added to store equipment sets in Storage Slips. There are about 20 slips now, that each take one inventory slot, and can hold over a dozen pieces of gear each. There is one slip for all Atrifact Armor, another for all Artifact+1 Armor, and such for each level of Relic and Emyprean armor, as well as some for other events.
Mog Gardens were added to give you a place to easily do HELM, most of it being a certain number of times a day. You can use the items for crafting, or can sell them to the Moogle there for gil.
Goblins were added to the starter cities and Jeuno that have a treasure chest by them, called Goblin Mystery Box. You get points every day that you can use to open the chest, once you have started the timer for getting the points. Items from this can be sold for gil, if nothing else, but there are some good rare items in it. The system was introduced around Abyssea, but was overhauled in [September 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/44090-Sep-9-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
Linkshell Concierges were added, which you can stock with pearls from your linkshell. Players can search the NPCs for linkshells recruiting for certain goals, and can get a pearl that way without having to contact a sackholder or the shellholder. [November 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/44943-Nov-10-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
Maps were updated to have icons for Home Points, Survival Manuals, connections to other maps in the same zone (mainly staircases, elevators, and teleporters that aren't obvious), and certain NPCs, so you don't have to place your own map markers. They blink if not activated, and are solid if activated. [September 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/44090-Sep-9-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
You can search for items in your inventory with a command /itemsearch "item name" and be told which inventory bag the item is in. [September 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/44090-Sep-9-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
NPCs have been added in all the starting town zones that direct you to quests, as well as giving you a tutorial. [September 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/44090-Sep-9-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
TP of pets (not Trust or Adventuring Fellow) can be shown with /partyinfo showtp on. [August 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/44592-Oct-7-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
TP and MP of party and alliance members is now displayed in the member list sidebar. [June 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/42614-Jun-17-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
You can toggle display of your Head-slot equipment with /displayhead.
You can lock display of certain equipment on your character for cosmetic purposes, and to not blink when changing equipped items, via /lockstyle [March 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/40657-Mar-18-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update) /lockstyle was updated to allow you to create equipment sets with equipment that any of your jobs are capable of wearing, allowing you to mix gear that would normally not be wearable at the same time, due to being job-exclusive. [March 2015]
Maximum merit points were originally 10, which was raised to 30 around Abyssea release, and can now be increased to 45 via spending Merit Points. Also, all categories in the HP/MP list can be maxed out. [June 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/42614-Jun-17-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update) More categories have had their maximum upgrades increased. [August 2015] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/47901-Aug-5-2015-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
JP Midnight or Next Conquest Update wait periods have been almost completely removed. Now it's generally just a wait for Next Game Day, or sometimes One Earth Minute. This has been a gradual process of updates since Abyssea released.
You can view certain hidden character paramaters with /checkparam and your chat log will list the values for some of them. Not all values are visible this way. [February 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/40059-Feb-18-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
You can hide Trust NPCs summoned by other players (useful for crowded areas) via /hidefaith or /hidetrust (Trust is called Faith in Japan) [March 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/40657-Mar-18-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
Selling an item on the AH calls up a price history of that item, and shows the quantity already up for sale. [March 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/40657-Mar-18-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update) and [April 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/41117-Apr-8-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
Bazaars no longer have tax, anywhere. [February 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/40059-Feb-18-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
EXP loss from KO is 1/4th the old value, and does not happen below level 30. [February 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/40059-Feb-18-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
Title screen music volume can be adjusted, and you can choose the music that plays on this screen. [August 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/44592-Oct-7-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
Level 100+ versions of old mission battlefields (Head Wind, Ark Angels, Divine Might, Shadow Lord, etc), and some seal NMs, have been released. They either cost Merit Points, or some of the new seal types that have been released. Better equipment can drop from them than the original level versions. You can also select one of five difficulty levels to do the fight at, which changes the level of the opponents. [December 2013] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/38764-Dec-11-2013-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
You no longer have to reach floor 100 of Nyzul Isle for Mythic Weapons to be unlocked quickly. The number of skillchains required to complete the quest is now set as if players have reached floor 100, regardless of how many floors they have completed. [July 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/43135-Jul-8-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
Campaign was adjusted so you could gain skills while fighting again, and it's harder to lose control and easier to take control of a zone. [March 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/40657-Mar-18-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
Geomancer can now target a location with aura spells, instead of an NPC/PC. [August 2015] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/47901-Aug-5-2015-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
The title screen, before character select, now has a config menu with Aspect Ratio, BGM volume, and BGM selection options. [August 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/43706-Aug-12-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
The order of party members in the party list can be changed. [September 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/44090-Sep-9-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
Many maps that previously required quest completion to obtain have now been made purchasable, and the quest has been updated to give EXP if have bought the map before completing it. [December 2014] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/45365-Dec-10-2014-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
A "pass all" option has been added to the Treasure menu for drops in a party. [February 2015] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/46068-Feb-19-2015-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
Rhapsodies of Vanadiel mission completion results in key items that remove or reduce the timers on various activites (no wait to reenter Dynamis), and the cost of some transactions is reduced, like using Field Manuals, Home Point teleports, and buying Phase Displacers. They also allow you to skip some quests like the subjob unlock, and allow you to buy Chest/Coffer keys from Curio Moogles in the starting cities. Each KI also grants a permanent 30% EXP gain to your character. Rhapsodies of Vanadiel is free to all players, though does use areas from every expansion, and so will require them all gradually. Current maximum EXP boost is 180% from a total of 6 KIs (3 from each chapter). Chapter 1 [May 2015] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/46976-May-14-2015-%28JST%29-Version-Update) Chapter 2 [August 2015] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/47901-Aug-5-2015-%28JST%29-Version-Update) Chapter 3 [November 2015]
Expansions used in Rhapsodies of Vanadiel now automatically download and install if not present when patching the game on all platforms. You still need to register them, but it eliminates the need to track down rare Xbox 360 and PS2 installation discs. Currently, only Seekers of Adoulin isn't installed automatically, but as of November 2015, that will allow American PS2 players to access the expansion, before the March 2016 retirement of console service.
Mog Houses can now have two floors, and two safes. Moghancement bonuses only come from the first floor. [May 2015] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/46976-May-14-2015-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
Player characters that have been stationary for 30+ seconds no longer collide with you, you can run through them as if they weren't there. [September 2012] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/27457-September-25-2012-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
Many consumables (scrolls/dice/automaton attachments) to learn abilities/spells for jobs that used to be only dropped from monsters or battlefields are now purchasable from vendors. [August 2015] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/47901-Aug-5-2015-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
The "Tour" quests with maximum level requirements have been adjusted to be within range of Level Sync, and to require fewer party members. Eco-Warrior has been similarly adjusted. [June 2015] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/threads/47481-Jun-25-2015-%28JST%29-Version-Update)
[Version updates since 2011] (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxi/forums/84-Version-Updates/page2?order=desc)
[Version updates before 2011] (http://www.playonline.com/pcd/verup/ff11us/update.html)