Final Fantasy XIV’s Evercold expansion launches in January 2027, with Switch 2 version due this August

Square Enix has announced Evercold, the next Final Fantasy XIV expansion, with a launch window set for January 2027. The reveal came during FFXIV Fan Festival 2026 in Anaheim, where producer and director Naoki Yoshida also confirmed a Nintendo Switch 2 version of the MMO for August 2026 and said the free trial will expand to include Shadowbringers on April 28.

Evercold is being positioned as the start of a new story arc, the Godless Realms Saga, and will send players to the Fourth. According to the official teaser site, the expansion will raise the level cap from 100 to 110 and add two new jobs, a tank and a physical ranged DPS. Square Enix also teased new cities, areas, dungeons, trials, a new raid series, a new Ultimate raid, and PvP updates.

One of the bigger system changes is a combat overhaul tied to two selectable battle styles: Reborn and Evolved. Reborn is based on the current combat system and job design, while Evolved is meant to put more focus on job identity. Square Enix says new jobs added in Evercold will only be playable in Evolved mode. The game is also getting broader progression and customization updates through new Seasons, an Armoury update for multi-job play, and expanded character customization.

The expansion will also include EVANGELION – Ghosts of Desire, a new alliance raid crossover made in collaboration with khara, Inc.

Before all that, FFXIV’s 7.5x patch cycle is already mapped out. Patch 7.5 arrives April 28 with new main scenario quests, a new trial, and Echoes of Vana’diel Part 3. Patch 7.51 follows on June 2 with the new Cosmic Exploration star Auxesia, Custom Deliveries for Tiisol Ja, and the Dancing Mad Ultimate. Patch 7.55 is due July 28, and Patch 7.56 lands September 8 with more main scenario quests and the introduction of beastmaster.

The free trial expansion is a notable change on its own. Starting April 28, new players will be able to play through A Realm Reborn, Heavensward, Stormblood, and Shadowbringers content up to Patch 5.58 with no time limit.

As for the Switch 2 version, Square Enix says it will begin with an early access period to test server stability before full service starts. More platform details are in the announcement.