Celebrating a Milestone: Final Fantasy XIV Reveals The Rising 12th Anniversary Event

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is celebrating its 12th anniversary, and Square Enix is commemorating the occasion with the return of its annual in-game event, “The Rising.” This year’s festivities are set to kick off on August 27 and will run until September 11, bringing a new quest, unique rewards, and a chance for players to once again reflect on the game’s remarkable journey. The event is a cherished tradition for the community, serving as both a celebration of the game’s “rebirth” and a moment for director Naoki Yoshida to deliver a heartfelt message to the loyal Warriors of Light.

The Rising is more than just a seasonal event; it’s a cornerstone of FFXIV’s lore. It’s a remembrance of the devastation of the Seventh Umbral Calamity that marked the end of the original Final Fantasy XIV and the beginning of A Realm Reborn. This annual celebration, filled with fireworks and festive decorations, serves as an in-universe commemoration of a new beginning, paralleling the game’s own miraculous turnaround from a critical failure to a global phenomenon.

New Quest and a Familiar Face: What to Expect from This Year’s Event

The 12th anniversary event will be accessible to all players who have reached level 15. The quest, titled “An Adventurous Ambition,” will begin in Limsa Lominsa with the Wandering Minstrel, a beloved NPC who serves as a stand-in for director and producer Naoki Yoshida. In previous years, the quest has seen players help with the preparations for the celebration, and this year is expected to be no different. The quest is typically a lighthearted, short affair, designed to be easily completed by players of all levels.

The main reward for this year’s event is a new character minion: the Wind-up Gulool Ja Ja. This adorable miniature of a key character from the recent Dawntrail expansion is a great keepsake for players and a clear sign that the event will touch upon the latest story content. In addition to the minion, the event vendor will also offer items from previous Rising events, giving newer players a chance to snag some unique gear, mounts, and housing items they may have missed in past years.

As is tradition, many players will be paying close attention to the Wandering Minstrel’s dialogue after completing the quest. In past events, this character has often broken the fourth wall to give cryptic hints about the game’s future and to thank the community for their unwavering support. With the Dawntrail storyline now complete, fans are eager to see if this year’s Rising offers any hints about the game’s next major storyline or the upcoming Patch 7.3 and beyond. The developers have a history of subtly weaving these messages into the event, and the community will be on high alert for any clues or teases that could point to the future of Eorzea.

The announcement of The Rising event comes as Square Enix continues to show a strong commitment to its flagship MMORPG. The game’s consistent content updates, seasonal events, and engaging narrative have kept it at the forefront of the genre. With the Moonfire Faire event concluding and a major Monster Hunter Wilds crossover event slated for October, the world of Eorzea remains as vibrant and active as ever. The Rising is not just a celebration of the past; it’s a testament to the game’s enduring legacy and a look ahead at the adventures yet to come.