Final Fantasy 14: new announcements and updates during Fan Fest 2026

Intelligence Summary
- Discover Final Fantasy 14’s Fan Fest 2026 announcements, including the new Evercold expansion, Patch 7.5, and the Nintendo Switch 2 version.
Final Fantasy 14: new announcements and updates during Fan Fest 2026
During Final Fantasy 14 Fan Fest 2026, held in Anaheim, California, a number of exciting announcements were made about the future of the popular MMORPG. Producer and director Naoki "Yoshi-P" Yoshida and CEO Takashi Kiryu shared major updates on the game’s upcoming expansions and patches.
New expansion: Evercold
One of the event’s biggest highlights was the reveal of the new expansion, Evercold, which is set to launch in January 2027. The expansion introduces a new story set in the "Godless Realms Saga," where players will explore the icy world of the Fourth Reflection. Evercold will add new gameplay elements, including a level cap increase from 100 to 110 and two new jobs: a Tank job and a Ranged Physical DPS job.
The Evercold announcement also included a collaboration with Neon Genesis Evangelion. The crossover will take the form of a 24-player raid called "Ghosts of Desire." The raid will be part of the Evercold expansion, making it one of the most anticipated collaborations in Final Fantasy 14 history.
Patch 7.5: Trail to the Heavens
Another major announcement was Patch 7.5, titled "Trail to the Heavens," which is scheduled for release on April 28, 2026. This patch will bring new story quests, an alliance raid, and significant changes to the game’s glamour and dye systems. The first half of the patch’s story will take players back to the frozen regions of Garlemald.
The second half of Patch 7.5 is expected on September 8, 2026. In addition to the new story quests and raids, players can also look forward to the return of Hildibrand adventures and new custom deliveries.
Final Fantasy 14 on Nintendo Switch 2
The event also revealed that Final Fantasy 14 is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 in August 2026. This version will require a separate subscription, meaning players on other platforms will need to follow a different pricing model. The Switch 2 version will be free to download, and existing subscribers can get the game at a 50% discount. During a demonstration, Yoshida showed how the game looks on the new handheld.
Timeline
April 2, 2026: Final Fantasy 14 announces major online store changes.
April 20, 2026: Major update announced in Trail to the Heavens, with new story quests, raids and jobs.
April 24, 2026: Final Fantasy 14 reveals the preliminary notes for Patch 7.5.
April 24, 2026: Final Fantasy 14 reveals the Evercold expansion.
April 25, 2026: It’s official: Final Fantasy 14 is coming to Nintendo Switch 2.
April 25, 2026: Final Fantasy 14 crosses over with Neon Genesis Evangelion.
April 25, 2026: Final Fantasy 14 is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 in August, but terms apply.
With the upcoming Evercold expansion and the major Patch 7.5, players can expect plenty of new content and features that will further enrich the adventure in the world of Final Fantasy 14. With new jobs, raids, and the game’s expansion to Nintendo Switch 2, the future looks bright for the MMORPG.



