Final Fantasy XIV Patch 7.4, Into the Mist, arrives on December 16th and marks the first major step into the post-Dawntrail era. With a fresh arc for the Main Scenario, a dramatic new raid tier, and sweeping quality-of-life changes, players have much to prepare for ahead of launch.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know before and after patch day, including:
- A breakdown of the Into the Mist Main Scenario and new Treno-inspired zone
- The Arcadion (Heavyweight Division) raid details, including Savage release timing
- Mistwake dungeon preview and expected loot themes
- Hell on Rails and Tsukuyomi’s Pain: trial mechanics and unlock tips
- New Phantom jobs and gear from the Occult Crescent update
- Cosmic Exploration on Oizys and new mission types
- PvP updates: new Frontline map, balance changes, and Series 10
- Gold Saucer additions, Hildibrand questline updates, and lifestyle content
- Major system improvements: Glamour freedom, Command Panel, Strategy Board
- Crafters and gatherers: new raid recipes, tools, and scrip gear
- Economic insights and how to prepare for Market Board volatility
- Pre-patch checklist: currency caps, materia, inventory, retainers, and more
- Content unlock requirements and timeline for Patch 7.4 through 7.45
Let’s dive into the full breakdown.
Patch 7.4 Main Scenario & Battle Content Overview
Main Scenario: Into the Mist
With the main story of Dawntrail now concluded, Patch 7.4 serves as the first major step in building the narrative bridge to the eventual 8.0 storyline. The central narrative will be Krile-centric, confirming earlier theories about the direction of the post-Dawntrail story. After the machinations in Alexandria were thwarted, the focus shifts to Krile as she confronts a lingering question from her past. Preview screenshots confirm that familiar Scions including Y’shtola and G’raha Tia will play a key role alongside Krile; the presence of other companions like Thancred is speculated but not yet officially confirmed.
The patch’s title is evocative, as “mist” is a recurring element in the Final Fantasy series. Screenshots reveal a mysterious new location that bears a striking resemblance to the city of Treno from Final Fantasy IX. Visual cues, including a specific statue emblem, strongly suggest the new zone is heavily inspired by the “dark city.”
New Raid: The Arcadion (Heavyweight Division)
The finale of the Dawntrail raid series arrives with its heavyweight division. The wrestling theme has been a particular highlight of the expansion, and this final tier offers the chance to fully embrace the spectacle. The story’s culmination against the backdrop of the threat of psychonecrosis promises high stakes. The theatrical nature of the raid could allow for dramatic moments, such as a “Wrestlemania-style” entrance for the Warrior of Light. The Normal difficulty will be available with the patch release, while the Savage version is delayed until January 6th.
New Dungeon: Mistwake
The new dungeon, Mistwake, appears to be the journey into the aforementioned Treno-inspired location. Screenshots showcase a variety of environments, from what looks like an abandoned station to areas filled with vibrant colors and beautiful cityscapes. The gear sets from Mistwake continue a trend of less role-defined aesthetics, a fitting choice given the sweeping changes being made to the glamour system.
New Trial: Hell on Rails
The new trial pits players against a terrifying, unholy locomotive—a clear homage to the Doomtrain from Final Fantasy VIII. The fight appears to take place on a platform where players will resolve mechanics while the train looms large. This encounter will be available in both Normal and Extreme difficulties.
New Unreal Trial: Tsukuyomi’s Pain
The Unreal trial for this patch cycle is Tsukuyomi’s Pain, a return to one of the more challenging encounters from the Stormblood expansion. Players will once again face the Lady of the Moon in a high-stakes, level-synced battle that demands coordination and mastery of its mechanics.
PvE Job Adjustments & Patch 7.4 Balance Preview
As with every major patch, players can expect a round of job adjustments to fine-tune balance for the new Savage raid tier. The development team has not released a detailed changelog yet. This section will be updated with a full breakdown of all PvE job buffs and nerfs once the official 7.4 patch notes are live.
PvP Updates: New Frontline and Job Adjustments
Patch 7.4 kicks off a new season of player-versus-player combat, introducing a new map and a fresh wave of balance changes.
- New Seasons: PvP Series 10 begins with the launch of Patch 7.4, alongside the start of Ranked Crystalline Conflict Season 18.
- New Frontline Map: Worqor Chirteh: Set in the vibrant region of Urqopacha, this new map (accessible from level 30) will be added to the daily Frontline roulette. A key feature is its dynamic weather system, which will introduce gameplay-altering effects, similar to the environmental shifts seen in some Crystalline Conflict arenas.
- Action Adjustments: General PvP action adjustments are confirmed for both Frontline and Crystalline Conflict to tune job balance. The exact PvP action changes will be added once the official 7.4 patch notes are live. Additionally, there are indications that replica versions of old rewards from The Feast may become available at some point during the 7.4x patch series.
Side Content: Hildibrand, Occult Crescent, Variant Dungeon
Occult Crescent Update (7.4x)
The 7.4 patch cycle delivers a significant content update for the Occult Crescent, focusing on new jobs and gear progression. It’s important to note that this is not the major new zone expansion, which is planned for Patch 7.5.
- Three New Phantom Jobs: Players can unlock and master the Mystic Knight, Dancer, and Gladiator.
- New Phantom Accessories: New accessory pieces will drop from various Occult Crescent activities, including critical engagements and treasure chests. These accessories will feature set bonuses, adding a new layer to gearing.
- Phantom Weapon Upgrade: The next step in the Phantom Weapon relic questline will become available, allowing weapons to be upgraded to item level 775.
- New Rewards: Expect new minions, mounts, and other cosmetic items tied to mission milestones and Phantom Weapon progression.
Cosmic Exploration: Oizys Missions, Tools & Rewards
A new star system is open for exploration, offering new missions, tools, and rewards.
- New Destination: Oizys: This twin-ringed planet, home to floating rocks and the remnants of a gravity-defying civilization, is the next stop for explorers.
- Cosmic Tool Enhancements: Tools can be upgraded to item level 765 through a new series of enhancement quests.
- New Mission Type: “Ruin Exploration” missions will offer a lore-focused experience with unique rewards. Expect new minions and mounts, including a prominent spacesuit-style glamour set.
Further Hildibrand Adventures
The comedic adventures of Inspector Hildibrand are set to continue in the 7.4 patch series. Players can look forward to the next chapter in the ‘Inconceivably Further Hildibrand Adventures’ questline, which will carry on the Manderville family saga and likely introduce new cosmetic rewards.
Variant & Criterion Dungeon: The Merchant’s Tale (7.4x)
Arriving later in the 7.4x patch cycle (traditionally in the x.45 patch), The Merchant’s Tale is the next installment in the Variant and Criterion Dungeon series. This installment features a unique aesthetic, taking place within a living painting that brings a concept-art or watercolor style to life. The content is structured into three distinct modes:
- Variant: The story-focused, casual difficulty mode.
- Advanced: A new mid-to-high difficulty mode for 2-4 players, featuring a boss-rush format where the dungeon’s three bosses can be challenged in any order.
- Criterion: The highest difficulty setting, which will also be streamlined to focus exclusively on challenging boss fights without trash mobs.
Lifestyle, Housing, and System Improvements
Gold Saucer: Air Force One – The Cieldalaes
The popular Air Force One GATE receives a brand new course set in The Cieldalaes. This new version involves shooting down targets over the open sea and features encounters with enemy airships and a massive kraken-like boss near Hullbreaker Isle, providing a fresh way to farm MGP.
Housing
Patch 7.4 is expected to add the usual wave of new furniture and décor items. However, major system overhauls, such as new wards or interior size increases, have not been announced for this patch and are anticipated closer to the 7.5 cycle.
Major System & Quality of Life Updates
Patch 7.4 introduces a suite of significant improvements aimed at refining the player experience.
- The Glamour Revolution: The patch will finally implement the highly anticipated removal of role and level restrictions for glamouring armor. This will unlock unprecedented levels of character customization. The main exceptions are weapons, which cannot be glamoured across disparate types.
- The Command Panel: This new UI element is designed to alleviate hotbar clutter. It provides four separate panels, each with 25 slots, to house frequently used but non-urgent actions like emotes, gear sets, and macros.
- The Strategy Board: An in-game tool for creating and sharing visual strategies for duties. This “whiteboard” can be displayed during combat and aims to bring the functionality of popular third-party websites directly into the game.
- Duty Support: The system will be expanded to include the Level 44 dungeon Dzemael Darkhold and the Level 47 dungeon The Aurum Vale. Additionally, a quality-of-life improvement for Duty Support will grant players ‘revival stacks’ after dying to a boss, allowing them to endure multiple knockouts on subsequent attempts without a full reset.
- New UI Themes: Two new color schemes, ‘Clear Green’ and ‘Clear White,’ will be added to the theme settings. These options offer greater visibility and may appeal to players using light-mode accessibility preferences.
Patch 7.4 Release Schedule
| Patch | Release Date | Content Highlights |
| 7.4 | December 16, 2025 | – Main Scenario: Into the Mist- Dungeon: Mistwake – Trial: Hell on Rails (Normal/Extreme) – Raid: The Arcadion (Normal) – Unreal Trial: Tsukuyomi’s Pain – PvP: Frontline map & Series 10 – Cosmic Exploration: Oizys – Major QoL updates (Glamour, Strategy Board, etc.) |
| 7.41 | January 6, 2026 | – Savage: The Arcadion (Heavyweight Division) – Phantom Weapon Relic upgrade (i775) |
| 7.45 | ~February–March 2026 | – Variant & Criterion Dungeon: The Merchant’s Tale – Occult Crescent: Phantom Jobs & Accessories – Hildibrand Adventures continue – Additional side quests and rewards |
Content Not Arriving in 7.4
As of the current previews, no new Island Sanctuary, Deep Dungeon, or Blue Mage content is scheduled for the 7.4/7.4x window. Those updates are expected closer to Patch 7.5.
Patch 7.4 (December 16, 2025):
- Main Scenario: Into the Mist
- Dungeon: Mistwake
- Trial: Hell on Rails (Normal/Extreme)
- Raid:The Arcadion – Heavyweight Division (Normal)
- Unreal Trial: Tsukuyomi’s Pain
- Frontline: Worqor Chirteh
- Cosmic Exploration: Oizys & Cosmic Tool quests
- Gold Saucer GATE: Air Force One – The Cieldalaes
- All major QoL updates (Glamour, Command Panel, Strategy Board)
Patch 7.41 (January 6, 2026):
- Raid: The Arcadion – Heavyweight Division (Savage)
- Phantom Weapon upgrade step (i775)
Patch 7.45 and Later:
- Variant/Criterion Dungeon: The Merchant’s Tale
- Occult Crescent: New Phantom Jobs & accessories
- Further Hildibrand Adventures
- Continued side quests
Crafting, Gathering & Market Prep for Patch 7.4
New for Crafters and Gatherers
- New Crafted Raid Set: The final crafted battle set for the Arcadion raid tier will be introduced.
- New Recipes and Nodes: New Master recipes and legendary gathering nodes will be available. These nodes will be the primary source for materials used in the new raid gear, making early access and efficient routing a priority for gatherers aiming for high profits.
- New Consumables: New raid food and tinctures will be essential for Savage progression.
- New Scrip Gear: The final scrip gear set for Disciples of the Hand and Land will be added. This set serves as a more accessible, budget-friendly alternative to fully pentamelded crafted gear, allowing more players to meet the statistical requirements for new Master recipes without a massive Gil investment.
Market Board Predictions
- Early-Patch Spikes: Expect high prices for new raid food/tinctures, Levinchrome Aethersand, intermediate crafting materials, and Grade 11-12 materia as players rush to prepare for the new raid.
- Sustained Demand: The full crafted battle set will remain in high demand for at least three weeks, as tomestones alone will not be enough to fully gear a character by the time Savage launches on January 6th.
- New Market Influences: Materials from the new Cosmic Exploration star, Oizys, will compete with existing scrip-based materials, potentially creating new arbitrage opportunities.
Patch 7.4 Pre-Patch Checklist: Tomestones, Materia, Inventory
Currency and Tomestone Management:
- New Tomestone: The new weekly-capped currency will be Allagan Tomestones of Mnemonics.
- Old Tomestones: Allagan Tomestones of Heliometry will be deprecated and can be exchanged for Allagan Tomestones of Mathematics. Cap your Mathematics (the uncapped tomestone) to purchase new crafting materials on day one. Allagan Tomestones of Aesthetics will be completely removed, so trade them in before maintenance.
- Hunt Currencies: Participate in Hunt Trains to cap tomestones and acquire Sacks of Nuts, which are vital for Grade 11 and 12 materia.
| Currency Type | Status in Patch 7.4 | Player Actions |
| Allagan Tomestones of Mnemonics | ✅ New weekly-capped tomestone | Earn through dungeons, raids, trials |
| Allagan Tomestones of Mathematics | ✅ Remains as uncapped tomestone | Cap before patch to prep for crafting mats |
| Allagan Tomestones of Heliometry | ❌ Deprecated | Trade for Mathematics before maintenance |
| Allagan Tomestones of Aesthetics | ❌ Removed entirely | Spend before patch day or lose them |
| Sacks of Nuts (Hunt currency) | ✅ Still active | Use for materia and rare crafting mats |
Stockpiling Materia:
- The release of a new raid tier will cause a surge in materia demand. Use Roulettes, high-level duties, and Materia Transmutation to build a healthy supply.
Wondrous Tails and Its Strategic Value:
- A Gold Certificate (three lines) from Wondrous Tails offers exceptional rewards. Exchanging it for materia can yield upwards of 500,000 Gil in value during the first week of the patch, while choosing an “Ornate” piece of the new crafted gear provides a best-in-slot item with five guaranteed materia slots.
Inventory and Glamour Prep:
- Inventory and Armoury Chest: Clear out at least 20-30 slots in your inventory and check your Armoury Chest capacity to make room for new items, materials, and gear. Pay special attention to accessory and off-hand slots.
- Glamour Plates: While the glamour system is becoming more flexible, it’s wise to ensure your favorite job-locked glamour plates are saved correctly, as the update may change how some items are categorized.
- Retainers: Organize retainer inventories and clear out market sale slots to be ready to sell new crafted items and materials on patch day.
How to Unlock New Content
| Content | Unlock Quest | NPC & Location | Prerequisites |
| Dungeon: Mistwake | TBA (in patch notes) | TBA | Completion of Main Scenario up to Patch 7.3 |
| Trial: Hell on Rails | TBA (in patch notes) | TBA | Main Scenario progression |
| Unreal Trial: Tsukuyomi’s Pain | Fantastic Unrealities (expected) | Painfully Familiar NPC – Idyllshire (X:7.0, Y:5.9) | Unlock Unreal via Faux Hollows |
| Occult Crescent | One Last Hurrah | Expedition Messenger – Tuliyollal (X:17.1, Y:11.8) | Must have completed 7.3 Main Scenario |
| Cosmic Exploration: Oizys | TBA | Likely from Celestial Surveyor – Ultima Thule | Completion of previous cosmic tool quests |
Unlock information for the Mistwake dungeon, Hell on Rails trial, and Tsukuyomi’s Pain (Unreal) will be updated with exact quest names and NPC locations once they are revealed in the official patch notes. As a reference for players who have not started it, the base unlock for the Occult Crescent is:
- Quest: “One Last Hurrah”
- NPC: Expedition Messenger – Tuliyollal (X:17.1, Y:11.8)
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Final Fantasy XIV Patch 7.4 release?
Final Fantasy XIV Patch 7.4, titled Into the Mist, is scheduled for release on December 16, 2025. This major update begins the post-Dawntrail narrative arc and includes new Main Scenario quests, a dungeon, trials, raid content, and quality-of-life enhancements that will impact all aspects of gameplay.
What is the main story focus of FFXIV Patch 7.4?
Patch 7.4 shifts the spotlight to Krile, exploring mysteries from her past while setting the foundation for the next expansion. The new story unfolds in a Treno-inspired city shrouded in mist, featuring returning Scions like Y’shtola and G’raha Tia. It serves as the narrative bridge between Dawntrail and Patch 8.0.
Is Patch 7.4 the start of the post-Dawntrail arc?
Yes. Into the Mist is the first major post-Dawntrail patch, introducing new characters, settings, and mysteries that carry the story forward. While Dawntrail concluded a major chapter, Patch 7.4 lays the groundwork for the next saga in Eorzea.
What is the new raid in Patch 7.4?
Patch 7.4 debuts the final tier of the Dawntrail raid series: The Arcadion (Heavyweight Division). This wrestling-themed raid features over-the-top theatrics, a storyline tied to psychonecrosis, and epic encounters. It offers Normal mode at launch and a Savage version in Patch 7.41.
When does the Savage raid tier release in 7.4?
The Savage version of The Arcadion unlocks on January 6, 2026 with Patch 7.41. This staggered release gives players time to gear up and master mechanics before the high-end content launches.
What is the Patch 7.4 dungeon called?
The new dungeon is Mistwake, a story-driven instance that transports players through a mysterious city heavily inspired by Treno from Final Fantasy IX. The dungeon includes distinct biomes, vibrant visuals, and gear sets with more flexible aesthetics that reflect upcoming glamour system changes.
What is Hell on Rails in FFXIV 7.4?
Hell on Rails is an 8-player trial where players battle a haunted locomotive, evoking Doomtrain from FFVIII. The fight appears on a speeding platform with dramatic mechanics and will be available in both Normal and Extreme modes, providing both story-driven and challenging versions.
What Unreal Trial is featured in Patch 7.4?
The Unreal Trial for this cycle is Tsukuyomi’s Pain, a scaled-up version of the Stormblood-era fight. It features synchronized levels, intense mechanics, and requires tight coordination—making it one of the most challenging activities for veterans seeking weekly rewards.
What PvP updates are in FFXIV Patch 7.4?
Patch 7.4 introduces PvP Series 10 and the launch of Crystalline Conflict Season 18. Players can expect a new Frontline map, Worqor Chirteh, with dynamic weather effects, alongside sweeping PvP job balance adjustments for both Frontline and Crystalline Conflict.
What is the new Frontline map in Patch 7.4?
Worqor Chirteh, set in the colorful region of Urqopacha, is the new Frontline map added to roulette. It features a dynamic weather system that actively alters battlefield conditions—adding fresh strategic layers to Frontline PvP.
What’s new in the Hildibrand questline in 7.4?
Patch 7.4 continues the ‘Inconceivably Further Hildibrand Adventures’, bringing more comedy and chaos with the Manderville family. This sidequest series is expected to reward players with unique glamour pieces, minions, and emotes tied to the latest storyline antics.
Is there a new Variant or Criterion Dungeon in 7.4?
Yes. The Merchant’s Tale launches later in Patch 7.45 as a Variant and Criterion dungeon with three difficulty tiers: story-focused (Variant), mid-core (Advanced), and extreme (Criterion). It features watercolor visuals and streamlined boss-focused design.
What’s new for crafters and gatherers in 7.4?
Patch 7.4 introduces new crafted raid gear, Master recipes, legendary gathering nodes, and consumables essential for progression. Crafters can also access the final scrip gear set, providing more affordable gearing options to participate in high-level crafting without pentamelds.
What is the best way to prepare for crafting in Patch 7.4?
To get ahead, gather Levinchrome Aethersand, stockpile crafting crystals/clusters, and cap Allagan Tomestones of Mathematics. Having key intermediate materials ready will let you sell crafted raid gear early for a massive gil profit.
Will materia prices spike after Patch 7.4?
Absolutely. The release of new raid gear and pentamelding demand will spike prices for Grade 11 and 12 materia, particularly Critical Hit, Determination, and Skill Speed. Smart players are already investing or farming to capitalize on this surge.
What is the Glamour system update in Patch 7.4?
Patch 7.4 overhauls the glamour system by removing job, role, and level restrictions for most armor glamours. This allows players to fully customize their look, regardless of gear stats—making it the most transformative glamour update to date.
What are the Command Panel and Strategy Board in 7.4?
The Command Panel is a new HUD feature with four customizable panels for emotes, gearsets, and macros—reducing hotbar clutter. The Strategy Board lets players create, save, and share visual plans for fights directly within the game UI during duties.
Are there new UI customization options in Patch 7.4?
Yes. Two new UI themes—Clear Green and Clear White—join the settings menu, enhancing visibility and offering new light-mode styles for improved accessibility and personal preference.
What is the Air Force One GATE in 7.4?
The popular Air Force One GATE gets a major upgrade in The Cieldalaes zone. Players shoot targets over the ocean while dodging airships and battling a massive Kraken boss, offering new MGP-farming opportunities and a fun visual experience.
How should I prepare for FFXIV Patch 7.4?
To prepare efficiently:
- Cap Allagan Tomestones of Mathematics
- Exchange deprecated currencies before maintenance
- Clear 20–30 inventory slots
- Restock Grade 12 materia
- Organize retainers for selling new items
- Check Wondrous Tails for a potential Gold Certificate
These steps will ensure a strong economic and progression start when Patch 7.4 goes live.
