This isn't just a minor content drop; it is a fundamental shift in the game's entry barrier. By including Shadowbringers, Square Enix is effectively handing over hundreds of hours of narrative that redefined what an MMO story could achieve. For those who haven't crossed the rift to the First, you're looking at a level cap increase to 80 and access to the Dancer and Gunbreaker jobs, provided you meet the requirements.
The timing with Patch 7.5 is strategic. While the community is eyeing the future, opening the gates to the First ensures a fresh wave of players will be catching up through the post-Shadowbringers patches. If you previously purchased A Realm Reborn but never picked up the later expansions, this update applies to your service account as well, letting you continue your journey through the Norvrandt wastes for free.
For the uninitiated, Shadowbringers flipped the script on the Warrior of Light's journey, forcing players to embrace the darkness to restore balance to a world drowned in light. It introduced some of the most iconic characters in the franchise, including the fan-favorite Emet-Selch. If you've been sitting on the fence or stalled out at the end of Stormblood, there has never been a better time to see why this game consistently sits at the top of the genre. Check the Mog Station or your platform store to ensure your client is ready for the Patch 7.5 deployment.
Soren