Square Enix has confirmed that Final Fantasy XIV: Evercold will launch on February 23, 2027, moving the MMORPG’s sixth expansion beyond its previously announced January 2027 release window. Early access is tentatively scheduled to begin February 19, while preorders open November 4, 2026. The publisher also unveiled Zephyr, a new physical ranged DPS job, during the Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival 2026 in Tokyo.
The announcement came during a keynote presentation by producer and director Naoki Yoshida on October 31, 2026. Alongside the revised release schedule, Square Enix premiered Evercold’s full-length trailer and revealed additional details about the expansion’s combat systems, raids and preorder bonuses.
Evercold was originally announced in April 2026 with a January 2027 launch window. Square Enix has now confirmed February 23 as its official release date, although the publisher has not provided a reason for the change.
The expansion will be available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, Windows, Mac and Steam.
Zephyr is the second new playable job coming with Evercold, joining Bastion, the tank job revealed during July’s Fan Festival in Berlin. Unlike Bastion, which uses two large shields called skyltborg, Zephyr specializes in physical ranged attacks.
According to Square Enix, Zephyr combines crossbow attacks with assistance from Nephele, an avian familiar. A gameplay trailer shown during the Tokyo presentation demonstrated the new job in action.
Evercold also introduces an Evolved Combat Mode designed to emphasize the individual identity of each playable job. Square Enix previously confirmed that both new jobs will be playable exclusively through Evolved mode.
Preorders for Evercold begin November 4, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. GMT. Players who preorder through participating retailers will receive access to the expansion ahead of its official launch, beginning February 19 at 9:00 a.m. GMT, subject to the tentative early access schedule.
Eligible preorders also include Halone’s Earring, an accessory that provides a 30% experience bonus from defeating enemies when leveling jobs through level 100, and a Wind-Up Köttr minion.
Square Enix confirmed that preorder bonuses will be registered automatically for purchases through the Mog Station, PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store and Nintendo eShop. Selected other retailers will distribute redeemable preorder codes.
The Evercold Digital Collector’s Edition includes the Valhallar Odin mount, Entreat Crystal emote and Crystal Skyltborg weapon for Bastion. A separate physical Collector’s Box contains an art box featuring Yoshitaka Amano’s artwork, a Reaper figure, an Ethos metal keychain, a Köttr plush and a tapestry. The physical box does not include the expansion or digital bonuses unless purchased as part of the Collector’s Bundle.
Beyond the new jobs, Evercold introduces additional locations within the Fourth reflection, new raid content and further combat changes.
Square Enix showcased another trailer for Evangelion: Ghosts of Desire, an upcoming crossover alliance raid. The expansion will also introduce high-difficulty eight-player encounters featuring modified versions of alliance raid bosses.
Another addition is Fierce difficulty, a new raid difficulty tier positioned between Normal and Savage. Square Enix says the option is intended to give more players access to challenging raid encounters.
The previously announced Beyond the Lifestream raid series, featuring a crossover with the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy, received new artwork created by Final Fantasy VII Remake series creative director Tetsuya Nomura.
Other planned features include Seasons, a redesigned reward system intended to offer greater flexibility in obtaining items, expanded character creation options and Character Action Skins. Additional housing improvements, PvP updates and changes to the companion chocobo system are planned beginning with Patch 8.1.
Square Enix also announced that Final Fantasy XIV has surpassed 35 million registered accounts worldwide. This represents cumulative registrations rather than the number of currently active subscribers.
Final Fantasy XIV: Evercold begins the Godless Realms Saga, taking the Warrior of Light to the Fourth reflection. The expansion will raise the level cap from 100 to 110 and introduce new story content, dungeons, trials and raids.
With the February 23 launch confirmed, players now have a revised release date, an early access window and preorder details ahead of Evercold’s arrival across PC and console platforms.
