Final Fantasy XIV Evercold Delayed, New Release Date Announced at FFXIV Fan Fest - IGN

The MMORPG's next expansion was set to launch in January 2027, but Warriors of Light will have to wait a bit longer.

Final Fantasy XIV Evercold was set to launch sometime in January 2027, which was announced as part of its initial reveal back in April this year during the North American FFXIV Fan Fest. However, this next expansion for the critically acclaimed MMORPG has been delayed – FFXIV Evercold's release date is now February 23, 2027 (and February 19, 2027 for early access). This was announced alongside the new, full trailer / intro cinematic for Evercold at FFXIV Fan Fest in Japan, and was said to only be a four-week delay.

In typical FFXIV fashion, the third and final teaser trailer is the full opening cinematic for an expansion, and it kicked off the Japan Fan Fest keynote where director and producer Naoki Yoshida presented more details on new features, where the ongoing story is headed, and fundemental gameplay changes as FFXIV goes into version 8.0 alongside Evercold's launch.

Pre-orders for Evercold open on November 4, 2026 and will come with a Wind-up Kottr minion to summon and follow you around in the world and Halone's Earring which will boost the EXP you gain for Jobs under level 100 when equipped. The collector's edition comes with the Valhallar Odin mount, the Entreat Crystal emote, and the Crystal Skyltborg which looks like glam for the new Bastion Job's weapons. The physical collector's bundle has the Evercold art book, the Tapestry of the Fourth decoration, a Kottr plush, a keychain of the Ethos Metal, and the Warrior of Light Reaper figure.

Additionally, we got a glimpse of the second new Job coming to his new expansion. It's a ranged DPS called Zephyr, which rocks a crossbow as their primary weapon and commands an avian companion to provide support.

There's a lot coming to FFXIV Evercold in addition to a new world and main story including a Neon Genesis Evangelion crossover raid series (which got a new teaser trailer), a Final Fantasy VII crossover raid series, a new Tank Job with Bastion, and much more. Be sure to check out my Dawntrail review as well to look back at the last expansion before heading into this new era for FFXIV.

Michael is reviews editor at IGN and regularly contributes with previews, interviews, live events coverage, and news all in written and video form. He's usually entrusted with covering long RPGs and tech products, but he's got range when it comes to games. You'll also catch him at conventions and hosting video content, including IGN's weekly podcast Unlocked.