Responding to player feedback, Final Fantasy XIV Patch 7.16 will introduce a Clouddark Demimateria exchange system. This update, arriving January 21st, 2025, addresses concerns regarding the reward structure of the Cloud of Darkness (Chaotic) Alliance Raid.
Players will be able to exchange their surplus Clouddark Demimateria 1 for Clouddark Demimateria 2, facilitating the acquisition of high-demand items like the "A Half Times Two" hairstyle and the "Dais of Darkness" mount. While the exact exchange rate remains unannounced, this change directly improves accessibility to these items, which currently require a significant number of Clouddark Demimateria 2. Both the mount and hairstyle are also available on the Market Board, potentially impacting their market values post-patch.
The Cloud of Darkness (Chaotic) Alliance Raid, introduced in Patch 7.15, presents a challenging encounter for up to 24 players. The current reward system, which includes varying amounts of Clouddark Demimateria 1 and 2 based on first-time clears, proved unbalanced. This prompted Square Enix to implement the exchange feature.
Square Enix has indicated that further adjustments to the raid's reward structure may follow, based on ongoing player feedback. This suggests a commitment to refining the system and ensuring a fair and enjoyable experience for all players. While Patch 7.16 primarily focuses on this Demimateria exchange and the conclusion of the Dawntrail Role Quest series, significant job balance updates are anticipated in a later patch (7.2). The impact of player feedback on future raid content remains to be seen.
