Summary
- Final Fantasy 14 players criticized Square Enix's new hairstyle, prompting an apology and explanation.
- Crossroads update, including Echoes of Vana'diel raid and Pelupelu quests, goes live on November 12.
- Square Enix struggled with Natural Curls hairstyle, leading to implementation of "Doing the Wave."
Final Fantasy 14 players took to the game's forums to express their feedback on a hairstyle that will arrive with Patch 7.1 on November 12. While the hairstyle in question was inspired by a winning entry from a 2023 design contest, Final Fantasy 14 players stated that it looked nothing like the entry, prompting Square Enix's apology and clarification on the matter.
Final Fantasy 14's Crossroads update will go live on November 12 following a seven-hour maintenance window that begins on November 11 at 10:00 PM Eastern. Along with a plethora of story and group content, such as the Echoes of Vana'diel alliance raid and the Pelupelu allied society quests, Patch 7.1 will offer some quality-of-life features to Final Fantasy 14. From the updated Hall of the Novice to updated group poses and continued work on updating various textures within the game, Crossroads is shaping up to be one of the most feature-packed updates for Final Fantasy 14 in quite some time.
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As players combed through the preliminary 7.1 patch notes, some took to the forums to raise concerns about a hairstyle that would arrive in the Crossroads update. In a Final Fantasy 14 forum thread, players stated that a hairstyle that was inspired by a winning entry from the 2023 hairstyle design contest looks nothing like the intended design. The "Natural Curls" hairstyle was intended to feature more curls across the top and sides, while the new hairstyle was given more waves and longer strands of hair on the right side.
Square Enix Responds to Final Fantasy 14 Hairstyle Controversy
In response to the negative feedback, Square Enix apologized for the confusion and stated that, while the Natural Curls hairstyle was the original inspiration, the Final Fantasy 14 design team had trouble working with the curls. So, the team chose to implement a supplemental hairstyle called "Doing the Wave" for Patch 7.1. Square Enix added that the Natural Curls hairstyle would continue to be worked on, which prompted a reply from the hairstyle's original artist on Bluesky.
The hairstyle controversy is not the first time Final Fantasy 14 players have brought attention to a problem. During the first iteration of the Fall Guys collaboration, Final Fantasy 14 players shared evidence of how the game's hit detection and animations did not always line up, which cost some of them a chance at victory.
Though it is not known how the Doing the Wave hairstyle will be obtained in Final Fantasy 14, the response by Square Enix remained a point of contention with players. Only time will tell when the Natural Curls hairstyle will be implemented in a satisfactory state.
- Released
- August 27, 2013
- ESRB
- T for Teen - Language, Mild Blood, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Engine
- Originally the Crystal Tools engine, but currently it's a custom engine using parts of the Luminous Engine.
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer
- Franchise
- Final Fantasy
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Playable
- PC Release Date
- August 27, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
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Join over 30 million adventurers worldwide and take part in an epic and ever-changing FINAL FANTASY. Experience all the hallmarks of the best-selling franchise - an unforgettable story, exhilarating battles, and a myriad of diverse and captivating environments to explore. Party up with friends or play solo! Experience all the main story dungeons on your own by calling upon NPC allies to fight by your side.
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- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- March 21, 2024
- PS5 Release Date
- May 25, 2021
- Platform(s)
- PC, macOS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
- Genre(s)
- MMORPG
- How Long To Beat
- 99½ Hours
- How Long To Beat (Completionist Runs)
- 3347 Hours
