Final Fantasy 14 Updates Chaotic Raid Rewards System

Final Fantasy 14 is set to enhance the gaming experience with the upcoming Patch 7.16, scheduled for release on January 21, 2025. This update introduces a significant change to the reward structure of the Cloud of Darkness (Chaotic) Alliance Raid, directly responding to player feedback. Players will now have the opportunity to exchange their Clouddark Demimateria 1 for Clouddark Demimateria 2, making it easier to acquire sought-after items like the A Half Times Two hairstyle and the Dais of Darkness mount, which require 49 and 75 Clouddark Demimateria 2 respectively.

The Cloud of Darkness (Chaotic) Alliance Raid, introduced on December 24 following the release of Patch 7.15, challenges up to 24 players to battle against the iconic boss from A Realm Reborn's World of Darkness. This raid incorporates mechanics from the Shadowbringers' Eden raid series, adding depth and excitement to the encounter. Successful parties are rewarded with both Clouddark Demimateria 1 and 2, with additional bonuses for first-time clears.

With the new exchange system in Patch 7.16, players can convert their excess Clouddark Demimateria 1 into the more valuable Clouddark Demimateria 2. Although the exact exchange rate remains undisclosed, this feature is expected to impact the market board prices for both the hairstyle and the mount, as these items can also be traded among players. Square Enix has emphasized that these adjustments are a direct result of player feedback, and they remain open to further modifications based on continued community input.

While Patch 7.16 marks the first content update of 2025 for Final Fantasy 14, featuring the conclusion of the Dawntrail Role Quest series, it will not include major job balance updates. Players eager for such changes will need to wait until Patch 7.2. As Final Fantasy 14 plans to roll out more raid content throughout the year, the influence of player feedback on future updates remains a key focus for Square Enix.