Summary
Just ahead of the launch of theFinal Fantasy 14Dawntrailexpansion, Square Enix has brought a touch of Eorzea to the real world, in the form of a huge Aetheryte. The structure, one of the most familiar sights to veteranFinal Fantasy 14players, appeared in the City of London, outside a major train station.
A new era is ahead for Square Enix’s premiere MMORPG,10 years afterFinal Fantasy 14relaunched asA Realm Reborn. 2021’sEndwalkerexpansion and its aftermath brought an end to the Saga of Hydaelyn and Zodiark, the overarching storyline that powered most of the game’s narrative turns. Come Jun 29, 2025, theDawntrailexpansion will mark the beginning of something new, and Square Enix is hoping that players new and returning will choose to jump into the game at this point, both to see the completed main story and to get a taste of what’s to come.
Part of Square Enix’s promotional strategy includes a few highly visible stunts, one of which is the appearance of a real-life Aetheryte sculpture in London, just outside of King’s Cross station. This was to promote theFinal Fantasy 14London Fan Gathering, which took place on June 24, one of the last major in-person events forFF14fans before they get a chance to playDawntrailon live servers. Theearly access period for theFinal Fantasy 14expansion opens on June 28for players who pre-ordered it.
Real-Life Final Fantasy 14 Aetheryte Pops Up In London for Fan Meet
Square Enix’s choice to place its real-life Aetheryte at a major point of transit in a huge, central city perfectly fits the role of the huge crystalline structure inFinal Fantasy 14. In the game, Aetherytes serve as massive fast travel points that allow players to teleport far more quickly than anyFinal Fantasy 14mount. Virtually every major location and quest hub contains an Aetheryte for players to attune to. Once attuned, a simple payment of Gil allows instantaneous teleportation.
Sadly for some fans, the Aetheryte didn’t grace King’s Cross station with its presence for long. While many fans got photos of the sculpture, including an amusing group shot showing dozens of people attempting to attune to it at once, others expressed regret that they couldn’t make it to King’s Cross station before Square Enix removed the structure.
Though momentary, the popularity of Square Enix’s Aetheryte stunt shows that manyFinal Fantasy 14players are eagerly awaiting a chance to dive intoDawntrailsoon. With luck, Square Enix’splans to mitigate congestion during theDawntraillaunch rushwill help the game’s servers withstand that surge of interest.
Final Fantasy 14 (2010)
WHERE TO PLAY
Begin your adventure in FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm RebornCreate your very own Warrior of Light and embark upon a quest to deliver the land from an eternity of Darkness.Take to the skies in FINAL FANTASY XIV: HeavenswardTake your first steps in the reclusive nation of Ishgard, locked in a seemingly never-ending struggle with dragons.Rekindle the fires of hope in FINAL FANTASY XIV: StormbloodJourney to the East and rise up against the might of the Garlean Empire.Become the darkness in FINAL FANTASY XIV: ShadowbringersTravel to a world where light ushers all unto oblivion. But hope is not yet lost, for where there is light there is shadow.Journey to the very stars above in FINAL FANTASY XIV: EndwalkerA great calamity has been building - a second advent of the Final Days. The Warrior of Light must journey ever higher and stand firm as hope’s last bastion.Set forth for new horizons in FINAL FANTASY XIV: DawntrailBlue seas, clear skies, and boundless possibilities await! Explore uncharted territories with familiar faces as hope’s light dawns once more.
