In response to player feedback, Final Fantasy 14 is set to enhance the reward system of the Cloud of Darkness (Chaotic) Alliance Raid with the upcoming Patch 7.16. Scheduled for release on January 21, this patch will introduce a pivotal feature allowing players to exchange excess Clouddark Demimateria 1 for Clouddark Demimateria 2. This change is particularly exciting as it will facilitate the acquisition of sought-after items like the A Half Times Two hairstyle and the Dais of Darkness mount, which require 49 and 75 Clouddark Demimateria 2 respectively.
The Cloud of Darkness (Chaotic) Alliance Raid, launched on December 24 following Patch 7.15, has captivated players with its challenging mechanics borrowed from both A Realm Reborn's World of Darkness and Shadowbringers' Eden raid series. The raid rewards players with Clouddark Demimateria 1 and 2, with additional bonuses for first-time clears.
While the exact exchange rate between Clouddark Demimateria 1 and 2 remains undisclosed, the introduction of this exchange system is poised to significantly impact the market board dynamics for the hairstyle and mount. Both items can be traded on the market board, and their prices are expected to fluctuate post-Patch 7.16.
Square Enix has emphasized that these adjustments stem directly from player feedback, hinting at potential further modifications in future updates. Patch 7.16 marks the first content update of 2025 for Final Fantasy 14, highlighted by the conclusion of the Dawntrail Role Quest series. However, major job balance updates are not anticipated in this patch, leaving players to look forward to Patch 7.2 for such changes.
As Final Fantasy 14 continues to evolve with more raid content throughout 2025, the ongoing dialogue with the player community will undoubtedly shape the future of the game’s content and mechanics.
