Final Fantasy 14 has exciting news for its community: Patch 7.16, set to launch on January 21, will introduce a new system for exchanging Clouddark Demimateria based on valuable player feedback. This update will allow players with an excess of Clouddark Demimateria 1 to convert them into the more coveted Clouddark Demimateria 2. Although the exact exchange rate hasn't been disclosed yet, this change is poised to make high-demand items like the A Half Times Two hairstyle and the Dais of Darkness mount more accessible. These items require 49 and 75 Clouddark Demimateria 2, respectively, and can also be traded on the market board, which may affect their prices post-patch.
The Cloud of Darkness (Chaotic) Alliance Raid, introduced shortly after Patch 7.15 on December 24, challenges up to 24 players to defeat the iconic final boss from A Realm Reborn's World of Darkness. This raid integrates mechanics from the Shadowbringers' Eden series, offering a fresh take on the battle. Successful completions reward players with both types of Clouddark Demimateria, with bonus drops of Clouddark Demimateria 2 for first-time clears.
Square Enix has emphasized that this adjustment to the reward structure is in direct response to player feedback, and they remain open to further modifications based on community input. This could potentially influence the upcoming raid content planned for 2025. While Patch 7.16 will not feature major job balance updates, fans can look forward to the conclusion of the Dawntrail Role Quest series. For significant job balance changes, players will need to wait for Patch 7.2.
As the first content update of 2025, Patch 7.16 marks a significant step in enhancing player experience and engagement within Final Fantasy 14, ensuring that the game continues to evolve with its community's needs at the forefront.