Final Fantasy 14’s Patch 7.16 Introduces Chaotic Raid Reward Exchange

Square Enix has announced a key adjustment to Final Fantasy 14’s Cloud of Darkness (Chaotic) Alliance Raid rewards, arriving with Patch 7.16 on January 21. Responding to community feedback, the update will allow players to exchange Clouddark Demimateria 1 for Clouddark Demimateria 2, addressing concerns over the availability of high-demand items such as the Dais of Darkness mount and the A Half Times Two hairstyle.

The Cloud of Darkness (Chaotic) challenge debuted on December 24 as part of Patch 7.15, providing a reimagined battle against Final Fantasy 14’s iconic final boss from A Realm Reborn’s World of Darkness raid. Blending mechanics from the Shadowbringers Eden raid series, the challenge pits 24 players against a more formidable version of the Cloud of Darkness, with rewards split between Clouddark Demimateria 1 and 2. However, the structure has been criticized for limiting access to coveted items tied to Demimateria 2.

Under the new system, players will be able to trade excess Demimateria 1 for Demimateria 2, though Square Enix has not yet disclosed the specific exchange rate. This change will make it easier for players to acquire the hairstyle and mount, priced at 49 and 75 Clouddark Demimateria 2 respectively. Both items can also be sold on the market board, so the update is expected to affect in-game pricing.

Square Enix has emphasized that this change is part of an ongoing effort to improve the player experience. Further adjustments may follow based on community feedback, which could influence upcoming raid content throughout 2025.

Patch 7.16 marks the first content update of the year for Final Fantasy 14, featuring the finale of the Dawntrail Role Quest series. While no major job balance updates are expected until Patch 7.2, the adjustments to the Chaotic raid system signal Square Enix’s commitment to maintaining player satisfaction in the lead-up to future expansions and challenges.