FFXIV Patch 7.45 is now live, expanding Dawntrail with a new Variant and Criterion dungeon series titled The Merchant’s Tale, alongside the continuation of the Inconceivably Further Hildibrand Adventures. The update also delivers targeted PvE adjustments, substantial PvP job balance changes, and the start of Crystalline Conflict Season 19.
In addition to battle system revisions, Patch 7.45 introduces new housing items, cosmetics, Triple Triad content, Game Plus chapters, and several stability and bug fixes across high end duties and side content.
New Variant and Criterion Dungeons – The Merchant’s Tale
Three new dungeon tiers have been added under The Merchant’s Tale banner. All reward Corvosi currency, which can be exchanged with Trisassant in Old Sharlayan.
The Merchant’s Tale (Variant)
- Solo or up to four players
- Branching routes with different bosses depending on path
- Level 90 required
- Item level sync: 765
- Unlock via the sidequest A Spellbinding Read in Old Sharlayan after completing the Endwalker main scenario
The Merchant’s Tale (Advanced)
- Two to four players
- Stronger bosses, selectable order
- Level 100 and item level 760 required
- Item level sync: 785
- Unlock by completing A Spellbinding Read and defeating three unique route bosses in the base Variant
Another Merchant’s Tale (Criterion)
- Fixed four player party: one Tank, one Healer, one Melee DPS, one Ranged DPS
- Linear progression structure
- Level 100 and item level 770 required
- Item level sync: 795
- Variant actions restricted, except Variant Raise II with one charge per player
- Unlock by clearing all bosses in Advanced mode
Each difficulty tier awards a different Corvosi currency type: Potsherds, Brass, and Manuscripts.
Hildibrand Adventures Continue
The Inconceivably Further Hildibrand Adventures storyline advances with the quest A Need for Speed, beginning in Solution Nine at level 100.
Battle System Changes
PvE Adjustments
Reaper has received potency increases:
- Void Reaping and Cross Reaping increased from 540 to 560 potency, and from 600 to 620 with traits
- Grim Reaping increased from 200 to 220 potency
- Sacrificium increased from 600 to 700 potency
The Echo effect has been added to AAC Cruiserweight Tier Savage, granting a 15 percent increase to maximum HP, damage dealt, and healing potency. This does not stack if the party fully wipes.
PvP Job Changes
Patch 7.45 includes wide ranging PvP balance updates. Key highlights include:
- Monk potency increases and reduced recast timers for Thunderclap and Rising Phoenix
- Dragoon Chaotic Spring potency increased to 9,000
- Ninja Huton movement speed increased to 50 percent, and Bunshin adjustments to Raiju
- Samurai Meikyo Shisui duration increased and Tendo Setsugekka and Kaeshi now restore HP
- Reaper Void and Cross Reaping increased to 12,000 potency and now absorb 50 percent of damage as HP
- Machinist Drill increased to 10,000 potency
- Dancer Curing Waltz increased to 12,000 potency
- Black Mage and Astrologian max HP reduced slightly, with compensatory potency increases
- White Mage Miracle of Nature now increases target damage taken by 20 percent
Frontline adjustments include reduced Paladin mitigation, improved Samurai damage, slower Dancer limit gauge gain, and increased Red Mage survivability.
Crystalline Conflict Season 19
Season 18 has concluded, and Season 19 has begun. Players begin five risers below their previous finishing rank.
Ranking rewards include vouchers for the top 300 players in North America, Europe, and Japan, and the top 100 in Oceania. Season 19 is active on the Elemental, Dynamis, Light, and Materia data centers.
Additional Content
Patch 7.45 also introduces:
- New housing furnishings and orchestrion rolls
- New hairstyles, emotes, mounts, minions, and accessories
- New Triple Triad cards and NPC opponents
- Game Plus chapters for The Merchant’s Tale
- Additional field instances in Yak T’el and the new 7.45 area to reduce congestion
Bug Fixes
Notable fixes include:
- Transport mechanic issues in AAC Heavyweight M4 Savage
- Duty Support problems in Tower of Babil and Lapis Manalis
- Loading issues tied to Oizys mech operations
- Female Highlander voice bug
- Dye display correction for the Comfy Valentione Skirt
- Lord of Verminion minion ability adjustments
Final Fantasy XIV originally relaunched as A Realm Reborn on August 27, 2013, and is currently in the Dawntrail expansion cycle. Patch 7.45 is now live as of March 2, 2026, across all supported platforms.
