Final Fantasy XIV will expand the range of character color customization in version 8.0, allowing players to adjust skin tone, hair color, and eye color in new ways. Development members also revealed that progress has been made on the long-requested hip slider feature from the community, but this function has not yet been officially confirmed.
Localization Director Michael-Christopher Koji Fox and Global Community Producer Toshio Murouchi introduced character customization and job rework plans for the "Dawntrail" expansion during an interview at PAX Australia. Starting with version 8.1, players will be able to remove facial war paint for Miqo'te, hide nose shadows for Lalafell and Viera, and separately choose horns and face types for Au Ra.
When discussing the hip slider, Koji noted that Naoki Yoshida's stance seems to have softened, with the issue seemingly shifting from "whether to add it" to "when to add it." However, this is merely a description of the progress by the interviewed development members and does not mean that the feature has been officially confirmed or that a release date has been announced.
The "Dawntrail" expansion will also introduce an Evolution mode, coexisting with the current Rebirth mode, and redesign the controls and features of each job. The team has already showcased Paladin, White Mage, Bard, and Dragoon. The remaining jobs will not be demonstrated one by one at the Fan Festival in Japan; instead, they will be explained through dedicated Producer Letter Live broadcasts before the expansion's launch.
Regarding the damage difference between the two modes, Koji emphasized that he is not part of the combat team. He had only heard that the difference would be minimal, and specific details still await further official explanation.