In the cinematic for each expansion pack in Final Fantasy 14, players have watched the iconic Warrior of Light go through many challenges, and his appearance has changed to grow more rugged and intense. In Endwalker, players will finally be able to give their characters the stubble he has grown over the last seven years.
Back in 2019, during the release of the final patch before Final Fantasy 14's critically-acclaimed Shadowbringers expansion, players noticed the hero in the trailer seemed to have stubble that was currently unavailable in game. Gamer Escape asked Naoki Yoshida, director and producer of Final Fantasy 14, in an interview if he had any plans to add it or other new character customization options in the future.
I see… honestly I wasn’t even aware of this! (laughs)
In our trailers, we depict the Warrior of Light as a sort of symbol to represent the Warriors of Light around the world. If he has stubble, it’s only natural that everyone else could grow some too… I will definitely keep this in mind!
Content creators who participated in the Media Tour discovered many exciting details of what's coming in Endwalker, not the least among them being the new face option for male hyur midlanders, and with it, the ability to have the five o’clock shadow that was promised to them. Beyond the inclusion of new playable races and hairstyles, this is the first instance of Final Fantasy 14 adding a new character customization option to existing races in the game’s history.
As anyone who pays attention to MMORPGs can attest, character customization options are incredibly important to players. Last year, World of Warcraft included many new customization options that allowed them to provide more inclusive options for characters, and though incomplete in its execution, the additions were universally considered to be positive. Fans of Final Fantasy 14 have mixed opinions on the character customizations available in the game as of right now, so an expanded and improved system could only benefit the game.
Final Fantasy 14 fans are excited for what this new customization could mean for the future of character customization in the game. If the addition of this new face and stubble is indicative of Final Fantasy 14’s intention to add more options for characters in the game, players could eventually see new faces or even more drastic customizations, like separate horn and face options for the scaled au ra or new subrace options that would allow for half-elezen or garlean characters. Many players hope this could eventually lead to more inclusive options for Final Fantasy 14 characters.
Still, many players are disappointed in how limited the option Final Fantasy 14 has included so far is. Right now, it is only available to a single face for male midlander hyurs–not even the burly highlander hyurs can access it. Players hope to see the option expanded to the other playable races in the game, and possibly even to female characters as well. While Final Fantasy 14 has a great reputation of listening to players, like with the surprise inclusion of male viera in Endwalker and the promise of female hrothgar in the future, fans of the game will have to wait and see when and if other options will be added to the game.
Final Fantasy 14 is available now on PC, PS4, and PS5. Endwalker launches on November 23.
Source: Gamer Escape