Culture

Get a sneak peek at Final Fantasy XIV – including ‘bunny boy’ male Viera – with this new benchmark tool

Jul 12 2021
Written by Ed Nightingale

Male Viera. (Square Enix)

A benchmark tool has been released for PC players of MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV.

The tool offers in-game areas and character models for players to test their computer’s ability to run the game ahead of the new expansion due in November.

More importantly, it includes an updated character creator with male Viera: a new playable race of bunny boys added to the expansion.

THIS OFFICIAL MALE VIERA ART THO 👌👌🐰 pic.twitter.com/Rv2qbFx7va

— ☆オードリーAudrey☆ (@aitaikimochi) July 11, 2021

Though any characters created cannot be used in the game at present, they can be saved for future use.

They’re boyfriends pic.twitter.com/wJxBkauWCJ— Eri✨ (@ver_flare) July 11, 2021

Endwalker, the new expansion to Final Fantasy XIV, will be released on 23 November, so this new tool is a great chance to get ahead of the game.

Developer Square Enix has also detailed a roadmap leading up to the release.

July and August will see the Make it Rain Campaign where players can obtain a new emote; Patch 5.58 on 20 July to mark the beginning of the new season; the summer themed event Moonfire Faire; and The Rising event to mark the 8th anniversary of A Realm Reborn.

Then, from 13 September, the Final Fantasy XV Collaboration Event will return so players can acquire the Regalia mount as well as other rewards. There will also be a Moogle Treasure Trove event from 19 October.

Anyone who pre-orders Endwalker will receive early access from 19 November ahead of the main release.

The dance emote that got me hook~#maleviera | #viera | #ffxiv pic.twitter.com/M9IKORwrcS— Akara Coffeeway (@akaracoffeeway) July 11, 2021

Endwalker is adding a wealth of new content, from a new story campaign, to new sage and reaper jobs, an increased level cap, and the aforementioned male Viera.

It will also bring the ability to travel to different data centres, allowing players to team up with others from around the world.

If you’re taking a break from Final Fantasy XIV, take advantage of the Free Login Campaign until 23 August to play for free for up to 14 days.

And if you’re new, the expanded free trial now includes the base A Realm Reborn game as well as the Heavensward expansion.

The benchmark tool comes with a new Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker trailer, check it out below.