The Switch 2 version includes a free 30-day play period for all new players . However, it requires a separate, paid FFXIV subscription — it does not require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription . Current players on PC, PlayStation, or Xbox can use their existing Service Account on Switch 2, but must purchase the game and an additional subscription for the platform .

Exact storage requirements for the Switch 2 version were not officially confirmed during the keynote. Sources estimate it will match other platforms (roughly 80 GB or more), but no precise file size was given .

Evercold Expansion (Version 8.0): January 2027

The sixth major expansion, Final Fantasy XIV: Evercold, reaffirmed its January 2027 release window — first announced at the Anaheim Fan Fest and restated in Berlin with no delay .

Key details revealed or reiterated:

• Level cap increase: From level 100 to level 110 .
• New story arc: The "Godless Realms Saga," a new narrative chapter following the conclusion of Endwalker, introduced in Patch 7.5 (split into two parts) .
• New areas: Several new zones were shown in a teaser trailer, including the frozen region of Elsrent Island in the northern seas .
• Collector's Edition: A physical Collector's Edition was unveiled, including a figurine, art book, and in-game items .

Bastion — New Tank Job

The first new job for Evercold is the Bastion (バスティオン), a main tank role that uses a pair of greatshields called Skyltborg (魔甲 / "magic armor") . These shields transform between close-quarters clawed melee attacks and giant shield-based ranged attacks .

• Starting level: Level 90 .
• Starting location: Limsa Lominsa .
• Availability: Evolve mode only (the new high-end combat system) .
• Unique mechanic: The Bastion can designate party members in advance, granting them defensive buffs or healing effects when the Bastion performs certain actions .

Yoshida confirmed that the Bastion is the first brand-new job in FFXIV not directly inspired by a previous Final Fantasy job . A second new job for Evercold will be revealed at the Tokyo Fan Festival in November 2026 .

Beyond the Lifestream — 8-Player Raid Series

A surprise highlight of the keynote was the announcement of Beyond the Lifestream, an 8-player raid series (Normal and Savage) developed in partnership with the Final Fantasy VII Remake team . Director Naoki Hamaguchi joined Yoshida on stage for the reveal .

The crossover brings characters, bosses, and environments from the FFVII Remake trilogy into FFXIV . The raid story is written by Motomu Toriyama alongside the FFXIV scenario team, with scenario supervision by Kazushige Nojima and design supervision by Tetsuya Nomura . It will be available starting with Patch 8.01 .

Other Major Announcements

• Evangelion Alliance Raid: New details on the previously announced 24-player Evangelion crossover alliance raid were shown, with guest creator Mahiro Maeda attached .
• Chocobo Companion overhaul: Chocobos can now join players inside dungeons, not just in the overworld .
• Character customization expansion: New options for appearance and gear dye channels were teased .
• Graphical update and minimum specs: System requirements will rise for all platforms with Evercold .
• Free login campaign: Returning players will receive free play days leading up to Evercold's launch .
• Keybound Brawler: A new FFVII-themed typing mini-game coming to the Gold Saucer .

Summary

The Berlin Fan Festival keynote largely confirmed and expanded upon reveals from the Anaheim Fan Fest (April 2026), with the Switch 2 launch date being the headline new detail. No major contradictions exist across sources — the announcements were consistent and well-documented across multiple gaming publications and official Square Enix channels.

The Switch 2 version includes a free 30-day play period for all new players . However, it requires a separate, paid FFXIV subscription — it does not require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription . Current players on PC, PlayStation, or Xbox can use their existing Service Account on Switch 2, but must purchase the game and an additional subscription for the platform .

Exact storage requirements for the Switch 2 version were not officially confirmed during the keynote. Sources estimate it will match other platforms (roughly 80 GB or more), but no precise file size was given .

Evercold Expansion (Version 8.0): January 2027

The sixth major expansion, Final Fantasy XIV: Evercold, reaffirmed its January 2027 release window — first announced at the Anaheim Fan Fest and restated in Berlin with no delay .

Key details revealed or reiterated:

• Level cap increase: From level 100 to level 110 .
• New story arc: The "Godless Realms Saga," a new narrative chapter following the conclusion of Endwalker, introduced in Patch 7.5 (split into two parts) .
• New areas: Several new zones were shown in a teaser trailer, including the frozen region of Elsrent Island in the northern seas .
• Collector's Edition: A physical Collector's Edition was unveiled, including a figurine, art book, and in-game items .

Bastion — New Tank Job

The first new job for Evercold is the Bastion (バスティオン), a main tank role that uses a pair of greatshields called Skyltborg (魔甲 / "magic armor") . These shields transform between close-quarters clawed melee attacks and giant shield-based ranged attacks .

• Starting level: Level 90 .
• Starting location: Limsa Lominsa .
• Availability: Evolve mode only (the new high-end combat system) .
• Unique mechanic: The Bastion can designate party members in advance, granting them defensive buffs or healing effects when the Bastion performs certain actions .

Yoshida confirmed that the Bastion is the first brand-new job in FFXIV not directly inspired by a previous Final Fantasy job . A second new job for Evercold will be revealed at the Tokyo Fan Festival in November 2026 .

Beyond the Lifestream — 8-Player Raid Series

A surprise highlight of the keynote was the announcement of Beyond the Lifestream, an 8-player raid series (Normal and Savage) developed in partnership with the Final Fantasy VII Remake team . Director Naoki Hamaguchi joined Yoshida on stage for the reveal .

The crossover brings characters, bosses, and environments from the FFVII Remake trilogy into FFXIV . The raid story is written by Motomu Toriyama alongside the FFXIV scenario team, with scenario supervision by Kazushige Nojima and design supervision by Tetsuya Nomura . It will be available starting with Patch 8.01 .

Other Major Announcements

• Evangelion Alliance Raid: New details on the previously announced 24-player Evangelion crossover alliance raid were shown, with guest creator Mahiro Maeda attached .
• Chocobo Companion overhaul: Chocobos can now join players inside dungeons, not just in the overworld .
• Character customization expansion: New options for appearance and gear dye channels were teased .
• Graphical update and minimum specs: System requirements will rise for all platforms with Evercold .
• Free login campaign: Returning players will receive free play days leading up to Evercold's launch .
• Keybound Brawler: A new FFVII-themed typing mini-game coming to the Gold Saucer .

Summary

The Berlin Fan Festival keynote largely confirmed and expanded upon reveals from the Anaheim Fan Fest (April 2026), with the Switch 2 launch date being the headline new detail. No major contradictions exist across sources — the announcements were consistent and well-documented across multiple gaming publications and official Square Enix channels.