There’s a lot to do in Remaining Fantasy XIV, Sq. Enix’s critically acclaimed MMORPG. Positive the most recent growth, Dawntrail, simply added a ton of recent places and quests to discover in its continuation of the sport’s sprawling foremost story, however wait till you hear about all the opposite issues you possibly can rise up to! There are optionally available raids, alternate jobs to stage, the mini-game-filled Golden Saucer, taking over cooking or botany, fishing, and don’t even get me began on the true FF14 end-game that’s vogue. Within the midst of all this, one exercise that always goes ignored is the standard Sightseeing Log. However with the latest graphical replace prettying up outdated and new areas alike, now could be the proper time to mud off the log, revisit outdated haunts, and bear in mind why you fell in love with Eorzea within the first place.
The Sightseeing Log is strictly what it appears like—an inventory of places throughout the map for gamers to go to with the intention to see some sights. It guides you to scenic vistas and rewards you with nothing however a pleasant view. As of Dawntrail, the Sightseeing log consists of over 300 vistas within the recreation. With so many extra participating and rewarding actions to rise up to, I’ve discovered that many mates have, understandably, not accomplished it.
Prior to now month, nevertheless, I’ve been on a race by means of the MMO to catch as much as Dawntrail. I began within the midst of Endwalker and am now close by of the brand new growth, however I’ve just lately slowed my progress. That is partly to maintain from burning out, the very factor that stopped me from finishing Endwalker when it launched in 2021. And in shifting gears to concentrate on having fun with facets of the sport outdoors of the Fundamental Situation Quests (MSQ), I’ve grown fairly keen on the Sightseeing Log.. In reality, I’d say there’s an understated brilliance in the best way it encourages you to only cease and revel in the fantastic thing about the world occasionally.
It helps that with Dawntrail, Remaining Fantasy 14 additionally obtained a long-awaited graphical replace. Whereas the brand new areas have benefited essentially the most from the visible touch-up, the remainder of the sport appears to be like noticeably higher, too. Which raises the query, when was the final time you visited your favourite place within the recreation? As a result of each participant has one. Personally, I’m a fan of the Empty in Norvrandt. However so usually we overlook the places of the previous and transfer on to what’s new. The graphical replace provides you an opportunity to actually see issues in a brand new mild. In case you’ve by no means executed the Sightseeing Log earlier than, you’re in luck as a result of the sport’s most lovely places look higher than they ever have and they’re ready for you. It additionally serves as an incredible break from the MSQ grind of a brand new growth.
With a lot to do in Remaining Fantasy 14, everybody round you is at all times plugging away at this or that with an finish objective or reward in thoughts. Perhaps it’s a cool mount or piece of substances, but it surely in all probability requires finishing one of many recreation’s most difficult duties. Take into account, as an illustration, all the hassle it takes to beat the Baldesion Arsenal that many gamers undergo to earn the Demi-Ozma mount. In distinction to that, the Sightseeing Log is low-effort and lacks any tangible reward. However that’s to not say that doing it’s pointless. The reward of doing the Sightseeing Log is connecting with the gorgeous, handcrafted landscapes we so usually ignore within the every day routine of taking part in Remaining Fantasy 14.
Remaining Fantasy 14 is a beautiful, expansive recreation with diversified environments. Nonetheless, the MSQ isn’t at all times nice about displaying off the complexities of its areas. Sure, it makes you trek forwards and backwards throughout maps numerous instances, but it surely’s often alongside the identical paths, and barely encourages you to discover additional. Aspect quests and different actions can nudge you off essentially the most well-traveled paths occasionally, however all the pieces is so tied to fight that you simply usually have little alternative to concentrate on the world round you. Even Aether Currents, places speckled throughout the maps that unlock flying in every area, usually have questionable placements that miss the chance to point out off the world at its finest and most lovely. The Sightseeing Log succeeds on this regard, providing dazzling views of the sport that I didn’t know had been doable, all whereas being a quiet and contemplative reprieve.
I feel lots in regards to the digital worlds we inhabit as gamers. Too usually I discover them designed to be handed over and run by means of with out a lot thought. Even attractive vistas are sometimes fast showcases of graphical energy that hardly ever persuade you that this digital world is in actual fact a world in its personal proper. To me, the Sightseeing Log presents Eorzea as a world of its personal quite than an amusement park due to the way it reframes your relationship with that world. So usually as Warriors of Mild, we push by means of areas with little friction. It’s on to the subsequent quest, the subsequent raid, the subsequent reward. The Sightseeing Log asks us to easily take within the atmosphere round us for no different purpose than to see it. Partaking with this has solely deepened my appreciation for Remaining Fantasy 14 as a complete. It’s about stopping and smelling the roses, or maybe extra aptly, the Elpis flowers.
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