'Final Fantasy XIV' Will Get DirectX 11 Upgrade With Heavensward Expansion

"Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn" is set to receive its first eye-candy upgrade. The MMORPG will be updated with support for DirectX 11 through its first expansion Heavensward. The expansion doesn't have a specific release date yet, but it is scheduled for deployment in late spring or early summer 2015, according to multiple reports.

The developer Square Enix had mulled a DX11 update for the game for quite some time. The expansion will be the vehicle for improving the game's graphical quality. It must be noted that the improved visuals would only benefit the PC version, as the PS4 doesn't depend on Microsoft's proprietary API for rendering the game. Destructoid reports the game won't affect the graphics quality significantly, but instead fine tune more subtle aspects such as better 3D rendering of water and associated lighting effects.

The upgraded graphics engine will add better reflected lighting and character reflections through reflective surfaces such as polished floors. The expansion will also include a much improved Screen Space Ambient Occlusion, or SSAO, a rendering technique that greatly improves shading and lighting characteristics of the graphics engine. Gamers can expect better contrasts and an overall pleasing lighting effect thanks to this addition. Additionally, the graphics upgrade will incorporate better "rugged surfaces," apart from more improvements.

However, the expansion won't restrict improvements to cosmetic visual upgrades. The inclusion of DX11 support will also boost efficiency. Modern gaming computers equipped with DX11-compatible graphics card will be able to cut down on rendering overheads thanks to the API's efficient utilisation of resources. This is expected to improve frame rates noticeably compared to the relatively more resource-hungry DirectX 9 version of the graphics engine.

The Heavensward expansion is the first major update to the MMORPG, and it is expected to add a new race, two new jobs and a high-end raid to "Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn," according to Digital Spy. The expansion also brings in additional recipes, airships, dungeons, gear and new primals. The expansion plays out in the fictional location dubbed Ishgard, with the plot based around a thousand-year war being waged between the city and Dravinia.

For additional details, check out the video below that features a live recording of the Letter From the Producer Live event, where Square Enix made revelations about the technical upgrades. You may want to skip to the 49:30 minute mark for the important bit.

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(Credit: YouTube/FINAL FANTASY XIV channel)