FF14 Heavensward expansion set to be as big as a standalone RPG

After quite the rocky start Final Fantasy 14's first proper expansion is less than a month away and it’s going to be huge. As well as bringing three new classes, flying mounts and raising the level cap to 60, players have also been promised a main storyline that’ll be 50-60 hours long, and if the tale we’ve followed so far in A Realm Reborn is anything to go by then it’s set to be one hell of a ride.

Picking up where the final ARR patch left off, Heavensward takes players north and will follow the Dragonsong War. You will have to have already played through all of the story so far to reach the new areas, but worry not as systems are being put in place to help newcomers to the world of Eorzea catch up. When Heavensward launches, the ARR storyline will be adjusted and experience points doubled to make it faster to reach those sweet, sweet flying mounts.

If, like me, you’ve already ploughed hundreds of hours into the game there are a lot of updates to look forward to. With eight new dungeons, a brand new raid (with both normal and savage modes to challenge) and a new Frontline PvP area, there’s loads of fighting to sink your fists into. Crafty types will also be kept busy with the introduction of a new ‘scrips’ system that lets you specialise in up to three crafts, and a Free Company workshop where you can customise the appearance of your house or build an airship to explore the skies of Eorzea.

All that and we’ve yet to mention the new hunts, Triple Triad cards, expanded sightseeing log, FATEs, Leves, Ventures and Job Quests. Prepare to lose yourself once more come 23 June.