By far the most interesting content coming in FFXIV’s patch 3.3-3.35, Revenge of the Horde, is Palace of the Dead and Aquapolis. It’s a rare addition of genuinely new battle content in Final Fantasy XIV. These aren’t new expert dungeons or additions onto the two main raids. This is just something completely different for people to do at endgame. Color us excited.
First up, Palace of the Dead AKA Deep Dungeon, is a dungeon where players have to start at floor 1, with their gear diminished, and work their way to the very bottom for what we’re assuming is good loot and difficult battles. Here’s the description according to the FFXIV Lodestone:
“In today’s preview, players will catch a glimpse of the Deep Dungeon, a new type of encounter being introduced in patch 3.35. Starting from level 1, new players and veterans alike must band together and fight through a gauntlet of enemies and traps to reach the darkest depths of a subterranean labyrinth.
In the subterranean city of Gelmorra, deep within a forgotten corner of Issom–Har, stout-hearted explorers have uncovered the entrance to a labyrinthine dungeon. Those who set foot inside its maddening halls find their vigor drained by an irresistible fog of innervation, and repeated excursions have failed to map its seemingly inconstant architecture. After hearing chilling accounts of spectral denizens, locals took to whispering of a “Palace of the Dead,” and the Wood Wailers now seek the assistance of adventurers in laying bare its haunted secrets…”
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We’re not sure what’s going on with that inventory screen in the top left (see photo up top) but hey it’s something that looks new and different so cool, hopefully it rocks.
Next up is Aquapolis. This reminds us of Diablo 3’s secret treasure goblin dungeon, The Vault. Where very rarely, you could follow a treasure goblin back to its secret hideout for crazy amounts of treasure and gold. It’s FFXIV, so maybe it won’t be that crazy in terms of rewards, but the premise certainly sounds similar. Here’s the description via the FFXIV Lodestone:
“Those who frequent one of Eorzea’s many crowded pubs may have heard tell of a certain master thief, in whose long and illustrious career were left countless collectors cursing the gods for their misfortune. Amusing as the stories often are, most dismiss them as cautionary tales, mere parables against material greed. But if there is a kernel of truth in them─if indeed there was a thief who filled an ancient aquapolis with unimaginable wealth─then perhaps the map you hold will lead you there…
Entering the Aquapolis
Players will have the chance to transport themselves and any nearby party members to the Aquapolis by opening treasure chests located using dragonskin treasure maps. Upon opening these chests, should players either encounter a server error or be unable to enter within the specified time limit due to instances being fully occupied, they will receive the master thief’s map. Players with the master thief’s map in their possession will be able to summon a teleportation ward by using the general action Dig near the area indicated on the map.”
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OK sounds good, but how will it work? Because Aquapolis is coming out with 3.3, instead of 3.35 like Palace of the Dead, SE seemed more willing to elaborate on it. You can read their full description of the event here, but essentially, players have to work together through a mini-dungeon filled with traps to obtain a Vault Key. You will eventually be faced with two doors. The Vault Key will open one, but only one of those doors. If you pick correctly, you can progress further for better rewards. Choose wrong, and you will be thrown out.
May the odds be ever in your favor I guess? Excited for some new stuff FFXIV fans? Let us know in the comments.
