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| Final Fantasy: Evercold will launch in February instead of January. |
Square Enix confirms a slight delay for the next major expansion while unveiling a new ranged DPS job and celebrating a massive player milestone.
Tokyo, Japan – Fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the critically acclaimed MMORPG will need to exercise a bit more patience. During the recent Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival 2026 in Tokyo, Producer and Director Naoki Yoshida confirmed that the release date for Final Fantasy XIV: Evercold has been pushed back. Originally slated for January 2027, the sixth expansion will now officially launch on Tuesday, February 23, 2027.
While the delay comes as a disappointment to some, the keynote address delivered a wealth of new information that more than makes up for the wait.
Enter the Zephyr: A New Ranged DPS Job
Perhaps the biggest revelation from the Tokyo stage is the introduction of Zephyr, the second new job joining the roster in Evercold. Following the previously announced tank job, Bastion, Zephyr offers a fresh take on physical ranged DPS.
According to the official press release, Zephyr utilizes a combination of crossbow shots supplemented by support from an avian familiar known as Nephele. The job promises a dynamic playstyle that blends tactical positioning with pet-assisted combat, giving ranged enthusiasts a compelling new option for tackling the expansion's content.
Pre-Orders and Early Access Details
For those looking to secure their copy, Square Enix has confirmed the timeline for pre-orders and early access:
- Pre-Orders Open: November 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. PDT.
- Early Access Begins: Friday, February 19, 2027, at 1:00 a.m. PDT.
Players who pre-order will receive valuable bonuses, including the Halone’s Earring, which grants a 30% EXP boost up to level 100, and the Wind-Up Köttr Minion. Additionally, the Collector’s Box has been detailed, featuring a Reaper Figure, an art box by Yoshitaka Amano, and more.
New Content and Crossovers
Evercold is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious updates yet. The keynote revealed several new features and systems:
- New Raid Series: A crossover event with the Final Fantasy VII Remake series, titled Beyond the Lifestream, featuring artwork by Tetsuya Nomura.
- Evangelion Crossover: A new trailer for the EVANGELION: Ghosts of Desire Alliance raid was unveiled.
- "Fierce" Difficulty: A new tier of raid difficulty designed to bridge the gap between Normal and Savage, making high-end content more accessible.
- Systems Update: The expansion will introduce "Evolved Combat Mode," a "Seasons" reward system, and expanded character customization options.
A Growing Community
Despite the release date shift, the game's popularity remains undeniable. Square Enix announced that Final Fantasy XIV has now surpassed 35 million registered accounts worldwide. This milestone underscores the game's enduring appeal since its relaunch as A Realm Reborn in 2013.
For more details on the expansion, including the newly revealed icebound realm of the Fourth, players can visit the official Evercold promotional site. For the full breakdown of the Zephyr job and the Tokyo Fan Festival announcements, check out the official Square Enix press release.
Evercold is set to release on February 23, 2027, for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does Final Fantasy XIV: Evercold come out?
The expansion is scheduled to release on February 23, 2027, after a slight delay from its original January window.
What is the new Zephyr job?
Zephyr is a physical ranged DPS job that uses a crossbow and fights alongside an avian companion named Nephele.
When can I pre-order Evercold?
Pre-orders begin on November 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. PDT.
When does Early Access start?
Early Access for pre-order customers begins on February 19, 2027.