Final Fantasy 14’s Endwalkerexpansion got a lot of attention on its release due to its story serving as the conclusion to the long-standingHydaelyn and Zodiark saga, spanning multiple expansions. During the storyline, many secrets were revealed, and some important questions that lingered from past expansions, especiallyShadowbringers, were answered, specifically about the origins of the cataclysm known as the final days. As expected, the expansion took its players to six new zones that saw its storyline play out.
Unlike previous expansions, which had their zones tied closely together across one interconnected map (or two, in the case ofStormblood),Endwalkerhad its zones spread out. Some were located on the previously uncharted continent of Ilsabard, others floating adrift in the sea of stars, and some in places few could hope to ever visit.
The Underground Archive
Standout Features of Labyrinthos:
Many people agree that Labyrinthos is the weakest part ofEndwalker,narrative-wise, as it artificially extends the story while sending the protagonist on menial tasks. The zone itself has some uniqueness due to its structure and location:a large underground place built beneath Sharlayan. It is the storage of an immense amount of knowledge and lore accumulated over many years, and so this is where the Forum’s secrets are located.
The zone is artificially made yet was meticulously designed to reflect the life forms of the Northern Empty. That’s why it has lakes, grass, and natural-looking caves that spread around the few Sharlayan outposts located at the critical places of Labyrinthos. The center of the zone houses a large dome hiding Ragnarok, a ship regarded as the last hope for the people of Etheirys.
Zodiark’s Grave
Standout Features of Mare Lamentorum:
One of the biggest promises of the expansion since its announcement was the opportunity to go to the moon, andEndwalkerdelivered on this front. The expansion presents an entire zone that is out of the bounds of the known world and encompasses the ‘crater of martyrs,’ the resting place of thedark primal Zodiark, a major figure throughout the story. This is where the players are finally able to face him, though not under the expected circumstances.
Besides that, the zone makes an incredible first impression with its unique sights and depressing atmosphere. The player interacts with the wandering souls of the ancients, who reach out to the primal before them and walk the underground tunnels, following a mysterious familiar by the name of Argos. The zone looks barren after the novelty wears off compared to many others, but it doesn’t undo the lasting first impression.
An Exquisite Kingdom
Standout Features ofThavnair:
One of the first zones the players visit inEndwalkeris Thavnair, an island nation known for keeping neutrality and maintaining positive relationships with neighboring areas. Thavnairian alchemy plays an important part in creating a method of breaking through the aura of the newly emerging towers, and the elusive Satrap of the nation becomes a prominent character in the expansion. The zone also serves as a staging ground for Final Days, where players can witness the destruction first-hand.
The zone itself portrays a lush landscape mixing jungle and desert. The architecture is inspired by India, as is the culture seen within the zone. The lush plains of the zone make for an atmosphere of a tropical island that is certain to impress any first visitor. The Tower of Zot that looms in the distance adds an ominous, dark feeling to the zone, which only increases during the final days.It is alho the homeland for the beast tribe of Matanga.
The Edge Of Despair
Standout Features of Ultima Thule:
Ultima Thule is the final zone that players will visit inEndwalker, and in a way, it is the final zone of a series of multiple expansions, which sees the battle between hope and despair happen on its grounds. Ultima Thule is unlike any other zone, as the energy of Dynamis reigns supreme over Aether, creating rules that are entirely different from what both players and characters are used to, as its layout can change through Dynamis.
This zone is the epitome of despair, as it presents many cosmic civilizations that met their unfortunate demise, and their echoes now wander in this cosmic void. Some of them are familiar to the player, like Dragons or Omicron, while those like Ea are new additions to the setting. The player will interact with all of them while witnessing remnants of their civilizations with the huge violet vortex swirling beneath.
A Glimpse Into A Better World
Standout Features ofElpis:
One of the most breathtaking places inEndwalkeris, without a doubt, Elpis. The exact location of this place was kept a secret throughout the marketing campaign, leaving players to theorize on the subject of a mysterious floating island portrayed in the concept art. After the expansion finally released, Elpis was revealed to be a location from the past, a facility governed by the ancients and where the Final Days truly began.
The place contrasts strongly with the ravaged Thavnair, offering a glimpse into the ancients' peaceful and prosperous world. The facility is full of grass and greenery with different creatures wandering around. As it is supposed to be a testing ground for thecreations of the ancients, there is a lot of variety when it comes to wildlife. The peaceful music and shining blue sky also help create an atmosphere of peace and fulfillment that the zone radiates, making the change in tone after Meteion receives her report all the more drastic.
An Empire Destroyed
Standout Features ofGarlemald:
Garlemald is a zone many players wanted to visit ever since A Realm Reborn. A homeland for the antagonist faction of theGarlean Empire, the capital was only ever shown in short cutscenes and glimpses, with the most exposure being inShadowbringerswhen Gaius and Estinien infiltrated the black rose facility. For this reason, venturing to Garlemald was one of Endwalker’s most anticipated elements.
By the time the players arrive in Garlemald, it is completely destroyed, and the atmosphere is a far cry from the militaristic, technologically advanced city and culture that many expected. Most of Garlemald has become a wasteland, with tempered roaming around the place, slaughtering innocents. The depressing and dark atmosphere that reigns supreme across the country of Garlemald creates a uniquely atmospheric and downright depressing place.
