Final Fantasy 14 fans are expressing dissatisfaction over a new set of dungeon gear inspired by Spanish conquistadors, which is set to be released with Patch 7.3 in August. While the armor is well-designed, the thematic connections have sparked outrage among some players. Many have taken to the game’s forums to voice their frustrations about the gear, calling it “a disappointment” and “offensive.” This wave of dissent has grown, with some fans even considering unsubscribing if the gear is added to the game.
Patch 7.3, titled The Promise of Tomorrow, is anticipated to wrap up the ongoing Dawntrail storyline and lay the groundwork for future developments in the acclaimed MMORPG. In addition to narrative enhancements, there are plans to increase housing availability on select servers, which could enhance player engagement. However, the dungeon gear’s controversial theme has overshadowed these upcoming features.
Players are particularly irked by the timing of the armor’s design. The setting for Dawntrail is heavily influenced by the Americas, with environments reminiscent of Central and South America. Since the Spanish conquistadors are historically linked to the colonization of these regions, many see the introduction of such gear at this juncture as “tone-deaf.”
This situation is not unprecedented for the game, as previous outfits have drawn criticism for cultural insensitivity. In 2023, the Saami Council protested against the Far Northern Attire, while another outfit drawn from Korean history faced less backlash because it was limited in distribution. With several controversies surrounding gear and aesthetics in Final Fantasy 14, the developers face growing pressure to respond effectively to the discontent within their community.
The hope is that they can address these issues while maintaining the creative vision that has endeared so many to the franchise.