Final Fantasy 14’s patch 7.31 goes live today, traditionally known for predictable updates. While players anticipated a new relic weapon step and cosmic exploration content, there’s a refreshing twist this time.

Buried in the patch notes, developers at Creative Studio 3 have significantly revamped the rate at which players obtain Aetherpool Equipment in the Palace of the Dead, a feature introduced back in 2016.

For those unfamiliar, Palace of the Dead is a roguelike environment spanning 100 floors. Instead of traditional gear, players earn Aetherpool Equipment, which levels up and can enhance its appearance outside the dungeon with specific ‘grips.’

Previously perceived as a grind, patch 7.31 substantially reduces the challenge. Each opened coffer will now provide a minimum of five Aetherpool levels compared to one prior, alongside an increased drop rate after defeating bosses. Consequently, clearing 10 floors combined with a boss fight guarantees at least 10 levels, with potential gains ranging from 20 to 30 levels when factoring in additional items.

The excitement surrounding the nice changes reflects Square’s commitment to reassessing content difficulty. Director Yoshi-P shared his vision of creating diverse experiences suitable for all players, emphasizing the removal of rigid casual/hardcore splits in gameplay.

This lessened grind signifies a step towards this vision, signaling that players can again relish the game without excessive time constraints. This revitalization could entice more players to engage with the title and enjoy the stellar armament aesthetics, potentially refreshing old content experiences as well.