Final Fantasy XIV: Evercold is scheduled for January 2027, taking the MMORPG to the icebound Fourth reflection and raising the level cap from 100 to 110. Square Enix has now detailed the Bastion tank job, a two-mode combat redesign, seasonal progression and a larger set of raids and group activities.
The expansion is planned for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, Windows, Mac and Steam. Some of its broader system changes will also be available to players who do not purchase Evercold.
Bastion is an Evolved-only main tank
Bastion is the first of Evercold’s two new jobs to receive a full identity. Square Enix lists it as a main tank using a weapon called the Skyltborg. It can only be played through the expansion’s new Evolved Mode.
The second job fills the physical ranged DPS role, but its name, weapon and actions remain unannounced. Both new jobs are Evolved-only, which distinguishes them from existing standard jobs that can switch between the two combat approaches.
Square Enix has not published Bastion’s complete skill list. Its mitigation, party utility and damage rotation therefore remain open questions rather than details that can be inferred from the role label.
Reborn and Evolved modes split the battle-system approach
Reborn Mode is based on Final Fantasy XIV’s current combat system. Evolved Mode is designed to make each job’s individual identity more pronounced. Eligible existing jobs can switch between the two, while limited jobs use neither and the new Evercold jobs remain Evolved-only.
The expansion also introduces Seasons, a redesigned framework for earning rewards and increasing item level. An Armoury update is intended to make playing multiple jobs easier.
Character customization expands with a color picker, finer control over features such as eyes and lips, eye shadow and removable components on selected equipment. General and job actions can receive customizable animations.
The Fourth adds realmships, raids and flexible story progression
The Warrior of Light travels to the Fourth in response to a threat called the Solstice. Confirmed locations include Naglfar, the Realmship of Water; Hringhorni, the Realmship of Fire; and the city of Fargarth.
After a specified point, the main scenario allows players to choose the order in which they tackle certain areas. Auto Content Balancing can adjust enemies, eligible duties, rewards and item levels for parties moving through selected Evercold content at different character levels.
Raid plans include the alliance series EVANGELION — Ghosts of Desire, the Beyond the Lifestream raid series, a new Ultimate and an eight-player difficulty placed between Normal and Savage. New dungeons, trials, FATEs, hunts, treasure hunts, gear and crafting recipes are also listed.
Chocobos and non-expansion systems receive wider updates
Chocobo companions are getting a raising overhaul and the ability to join players in dungeons. PvP and Duty Support updates are planned, while Square Enix says overarching design changes and parts of the new battle system will be available without buying Evercold.
Not every listed feature is guaranteed for the first day. The official site warns that content may arrive through later patches and that all systems remain in development. That caveat is especially relevant to the broad raid and customization roadmap.
January 2027 remains a release window
Square Enix currently gives Evercold a month rather than an exact date. GTR will follow the expansion through its gaming coverage and add the exact launch day once Square Enix confirms it.
The supported-platform list is already unusually broad, including PS4 and the newer Switch 2 version alongside current consoles and desktop platforms. Purchase and subscription requirements remain platform-specific.
Source: Square Enix — Final Fantasy XIV: Evercold official site.