FORGE AHEAD: A Tribute to Endwalker

FORGE AHEAD
TILL THE END
WE PRAY.
A fanmade tribute to the main story of Final Fantasy 14: Endwalker. This video contains major spoilers for Endwalker and all prior content.
I own none of this content and everything viewed is property of Square Enix.
My Twitter - / hisuitenshi

[@jadey5058]

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the wonderful comments about the video, I'm genuinely so touched ❤ I learned a lot from when I made my Tomorrow & Tomorrow video and poured my heart into this, thank you so much for watching!

[@skerrus]

How did you get your game to be so vibrant?

[@jadey5058]

@@skerrus I'm using Gshade to make the game a little brighter!

[@skerrus]

@@jadey5058 Are you using one of the presets or custom?

[@jadey5058]

@@skerrus I'm using 2 different ones! The main one is a custom one & the other is Yaz Portrait Boost. Yaz's provides more of a bloom, which was great to make lighting such as the inn, where my WoL puts the flower down at the beginning, more volumetric & rustic. My custom one is based off of the Darklight/Shadowbringer's Gameplay presets, if I remember correctly!

[@skerrus]

@@jadey5058 Ah okay, thanks!

[@Ceriva09]

Venats final question feels like it is directed directly at you as a player instead of your character and it hits hard every time

[@inkwell6330]

it brings me to tears. i'm still not sure

[@Bellaspe]

Never thought of it like this before. And now it actually clicks! Gave me goosebumps haha

[@archi4226]

Is Develop team asking you if you liked the game

[@someone02468]

@@archi4226 it's more then just if they liked the game, it's asking if your own life was good, if you yourself harbor love and hope and the light itself. Endwalker is an ode to life and if it's worth living, our own hope for the future and the love we bring into the world

[@psiphre]

god it hits like a fuckin truck

[@dreamer6737]

I remember sitting there playing XIV 1.0 a month after launch back in 2010. The game was a mess, and I wanted it to be good but it wasn’t. Who knew ten years later XIV would be one of the best games I’ve ever played? What a journey! ❤️🤘🏻

[@jadey5058]

I can't imagine what it must be like looking upon the game now after playing 1.0 & for so long! I've only played since near the start of Shadowbringers and it's crazy to me how the journey has unravelled in my time playing!

[@eorzeanECM]

@Dreamer.....you did have a long and tortuous journey....I'm sure listening to Venat's question is more poignant to you. Spent 7+ years (mid ARR )on this game, and the journey along with REAL life has been tortuous....and I must say..."yes Venat the journey has been good".... @Jadey- thank you for this brought ALL of it back.

[@williamklett6660]

Another 1.0 refugee here. I have only regret for taking so damned long to return.

[@setoloki1]

Navigating those mazey paths of 1.0, so unsure of what to do in an mmo. Never did I think I would have changed a world so much, and did all these things I had over the many years. Looking back, it felt like it took such a long time to get to the end. I feel I have had time enough to change as much as the world did in the game, and I look fondly back on that journey. One unlike any ever completed.

[@vyper8984]

I totally agree, 1.0 was a complete mess it really put me off playing XIV ARR as I stopped playing 1.0, I kept my sub going though and I’m glad I did as I was given a Legacy tattoo I didn’t start playing again until Stormblood and boy I wished I had started when ARR released as I love the game now there are parts I miss from 1.0 such as Coerthas was green pastures and not snow/white ash, the old layouts to the cities such as Uldah and Limsa where there was no loading screen into the cities I miss that long tunnel into Uldah and walking across the bridge into Limsa but apart from that I love XIV 2.0 shall we call it? 😊

[@TransientWitch]

I so desperately want to answer Venat. To answer Zenos. I want to tell them it was a gift, the journey was worth it. Up until that moment, when she asked that question, I had been able to hold myself together. It was the first time Endwalker brought me to inconsolable tears. And from that moment on, there were so many more times. This journey has hurt more than almost any other, but it has also been so very good. If only I could tell her that.

[@ExceedProduction]

It hurts me to this day that we couldn't give her the answer she wanted. Even after we defeated her as Hydaelyn, we didnt get the dialogue option. I am SO terrified they will give us the chance later and it will destroy me.

[@carter2electricbogaloo652]

@@ExceedProduction if it’s any consolation prize, Venat considers the fact that you defeated her as your answer

[@TheShadowfan9000]

Idk if anyone realizes it... We do give her the answer. The fight against Hydaelyn, she says to us "And then I shall have your answer I asked you so long ago" I'm paraphrasing but basically just exactly that... the question being how the journey was and was it worth it. Our answer being in the proof we show to her in our conviction defeating her and thus letting her know, yes.... Yes it is, so much worth it that we're willing to risk our lives to fight for all we think worth.

[@yinyang452]

@@TheShadowfan9000 The music for that fight is called "Your Answer".

[@TheShadowfan9000]

@@yinyang452 Even better!!!

[@Qardo]

3:12 was that moment that broke me. Okay, pretty much 80% of Endwalker broke me. Though this one cuts really deep to me. The levels of regret and wishing to have been stronger. To see Urianger truly let his guard down and just be lost for words for once. To basically finally mourn for Moenbryda for the first time in years. To just admit that he felt like he failed her. Even as he carried on for her. As that was what she would want him to do. This deep regret eating away at him and that one scene of him finally just laying it all out and coming to terms with it all. This was that one moment that Urianger's needed. If he never had this moment. He would have likely broken and became a Blasphemier. At least in my opinion. As it is hard to determine what triggers the change. Either sight of pure terror or self-doubt. Really, Urianger likely had a lot of self-doubt and tries so hard to hide it. But one scene, just one, ends up happening to remind him of Moenbryda. That could have ended him. So we never got to see that. All because he got the closure and laid to rest all that self-loathing and doubt. That alone was the end of him growing as a character. Though he still is growing but it is more maturing than growth.

[@paine_inflicta]

On top of that, this is a man who always uses ten words when one would suffice, his apologies up to that moment have been sincere, but flowery, and verbose... but in that moment, reminded of arguably the worst day of his life, all he can say is one little "I'm sorry", he's just completely lost for words.

[@udiar]

Me: oh hey someone made a fan video for endwalker let's see it! Emet: Remember us.... Me breaking the "break in case of ff14 feel glass" to get my tissue box: yup ff14 alright

[@amberdoucette]

I immediately started tearing up. What a start to a tribute video

[@PaladinKorvin]

killed a whole box of tissue during Endwalker and after watching this ill need another. awesome tribute.

[@udiar]

@@PaladinKorvin haha it's even worse now with the new Ultima they have embrace the "let's make them cry" I won't be surprised if SE starts making very absorbent tear technology tissues at this point.

[@xxcrowfeatherxx2540]

I always thought the death of Haurchefant was the worst I've ever felt but Hythlodaeus and Emet really took that personal and got to New levels of heartbreak xD

[@kakkoiborri8511]

When I first started Final Fantasy XIV, it was out of reluctance. My brother would egg me on and on and on to just give it a shot, that I would not regret it, and that I will enjoy the journey. Playing through A Realm Reborn, I began to see what he meant. This world, these characters, this story. I began to grow an attachment to them, and I wanted to see their goals and ambitions fulfilled. Little did I know that in the End, this would be the best story I have ever experience. I loved every single moment, I loved every single villain, every life, every death. It gave this story and this world meaning to me. It gave me joy. It gave me happiness. My answer to Venat...this journey of mine has been good. It has been worth it, and I know, in the depths of my soul, it will continue to be worth it. No matter what, we will continue to Forge Ahead.

[@TheKarishi]

Oh neat I didn't realize the cutscene with Moenbryda's parents and Urianger used local weather conditions. When I played through that it was raining, and I assumed that was always the case.

[@Shiirow]

quite a few cutscenes are like that. its essentially "in engine" so whatever weather is happening when it plays, is the weather in the cutscene.

[@rocker165213]

No words can fully explain what an emotional rollercoast this game brought me (especially endwalker). Never have I been so invested in videogame characters up this point. Thank you Yoshi-P and everyone on the dev team for making this masterpiece. It has been a difficult journey yet we will stand tall for our journey never ends.

[@craigwheeler4760]

This is what happens when a Development team actually gives a shit about their players. Blizzard and sega lost sight of that years ago.

[@amberdoucette]

I no joke ugly cried while going through the final area in Endwalker. I had a gut check moment of "am I the bad guy here" during Shadowbringers when conversing with Emet Selch. I still get teary eyed when anything about Haurchefant comes up because it's still too soon. No other game has brought me such highs and lows as this masterpiece.

[@RinAsami1]

I agree. I've never been this invested in characters and had such a rollercoast of emotions over a game. I've cried ugly tears so many times, especially in Endwalker.

[@leanblasterex5240]

When battling the endsinger and the cutscene of all of them praying played, all i could think was, the long journey that was walked, from the powerless little team that prayed at the time louisoix had to sacrifice himself, to the scions that carry the weight of the future, from a prayer started a long journey and from a prayer it ended.

[@TheGeekShow]

This is a fantastic tribute to not only Endwalker, but to a big portion of the game thus far. Watched it 3 times so far and loved every minute of it!

[@jadey5058]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad yourself and so many others are enjoying it!

[@FenerX]

can't believe you made me cry for 20 mins straight wtf :')

[@nsin121]

Hermes' speech at the end of Ultima Thule opens the floodgates for me. IDK why it's that moment, but it always is.

[@hollowsgrief]

Listen here Jadey, I'm a grown man and I don't appreciate you making me ball my eyes out like a little girl for 20 minutes. ;-;

[@raisylvaine8398]

Now that Endwalker’s final days are here, I can’t help but feel melancholy. We all went through so much during this expansion, and when Dawntrail comes it will all be a far off memory… And yet, the journey will forever be etched upon us. Our answer to the question, the hope that prevails against deepest darkness, a battle amidst the stars to bring salvation…thank you, Endwalker, for being all you truly needed to be. We won’t forget you, even as we move on to our new adventure.

[@ViviChannel69]

To have companions to laugh, live, love and suffer through it all, to be able to go through this expansion with all of my friends means more to me than they can ever know. I've created core memories with them through ARR to the End Thank you for this beautiful tribute.

[@manuelrucker1183]

This is the first game in a long time that made me feel like everything was at stake. And towards the end, on Ultima Thule, I genuinely thought that was the case. From saying goodbye to Venat for the last time, to laying there at the edge of the universe with Zenos, knocking on deaths door, it was an emotional rollercoaster. My journey only began in 2018, but I'm so glad I got to see it come to it's conclusion, along with everyone else.

[@jayroon0126]

Gorgeous. Simply gorgeous. Still can't believe a bloody video game story has gotten me this emotionally vulnerable, but I'm ever so glad it has.

[@ragateguh2825]

with moen parrents broke me to the ground... cuz my wife is passed away.. and every time see her parrents just make me want to cry of forgivness cuz how i cant protect their daughter :(

[@MalandrosNyclo]

This game helped me heal in ways I'd been struggling with for a while. Death is scary. But it also shifted my focus more towards just really loving every happy moment I come across in life and cherishing every second of it. And I want to help others experience moments like that too. Your video beautifully recapped the theme and message of Endwalker. Thank you for this. I'm going to share it with my friends who played the game as well. We're all in this together, so good luck on this adventure we share. =)

[@LILTRACUZ514]

Not even ashamed to admit I was teary eyed for the entire 20 minutes. This game is so incredibly special to me and Endwalker's undertones and themes about; mental health, hopelessness, hopefulness, forging ahead... All of these messages came at a very much needed time in my life. This game will never be dethroned as my all time favorite.

[@rezahydra]

Back when I first finally went back and tried to play all the Final Fantasy’s in 2013, I had heard of ARR, and saw so much disdain thanks to 1.0’s failure. Likewise I had no ability to play an MMO at the time. All these years later, last June, I decided to give it a whirl finally as it was on a massive sale, only $20 for the complete edition. I was banking on Kefka getting me into this game at the time, planning on maining Red Mage primarily, thinking there was no way this story could top 9’s, let alone something like Automata’s. A little over a month later, when I beat Base 5.0 with 5 days of my free 40 left, everything I said above was proven false. Final Steps of Faith was the event which finally hooked me for the long haul, I was maining Scholar of all jobs, and saw this as easily one of the best stories in all gaming. And when I finally fell unto the End? The amount of tears still glossing my eyes after calming down enough to type this and how runny my nose is says enough. Not even factoring how this game has now done something only one other has, something I deemed impossible. Changing my computer background with the image after the credits. And yet I stand tall through it all, as this journey will never end. Thank you for this video.

[@celestialknightsffxiv6566]

Has your journey been good? Those words echo every single time I hear them and I think back to myself and all my friends, overcoming, fighting through when all hope seemed lost and the end certain. Yes, it has been good, it has been worth it, these years, these days, these friendships. Forged within this plane, forged within all our hearts, the laughter, the camaraderie the tender moments we all share in elation at overcoming insurmountable odds. It stirs me, it leads me, it takes me higher. This journey, its been the best I've ever had and formed bonds stronger than steel amongst many who once were strangers. Thank you for this Journey.

[@NoahSouthwick]

I don’t know if you used magic to make this video, but it was like magic to me. It came to me exactly when I needed it to, and the way you put it all together struck every chord in the exact right way. There was just this huge build up of beautiful emotion that coincided with me really coming to terms with the kinds of things said in the video, and when Venat asked her question, she asked ME. I just broke down and cried. I think you’ve put the final touches on curing my depression and misgivings about the world, and I couldn’t thank you enough.

[@TheMattmato]

After years of this video being out I still come back to it and just remeber everything in my own life as well as FFXIV. I still cry everytime. Thank you so much for making this!

[@thePG101]

YT sent me here and I was not disappointed. TY for this masterpiece contribute!

[@christophergood134]

I love how you wove this together showing the most important and impactful moments... recognizing that Endwalker was truly about Meteon's journey and how the WOL guided her just as he/she/they guided the fates of so many they come in contact with. Ultma Thule truly is one of the best sets of character writing I have experienced in my life and this is an amazing tribute to it... well done!

[@KelvinYong77]

There are so much, so so much feels in this tribute video. Thank you for compiling this and I truly cherish these moments in my heart. A true reminder that sometimes, the in-game stories are more than just folklore, but a living soul for someone who is a broken soul IRL - as sombre as the game stories did go about with its journey, it's given me comfort that I will always have my in-game characters, - nay, friends who are a family to me - to ever support me.

[@burnersforhim]

now i can be part of the start at 6.1 when it drops . i joined in stormblood . best game ever .

[@Jldnr77]

Dammit this game really needs to stop making me cry. Beautiful video. Well done. Thank you for this.

[@MegaKaims]

Miss you already Crystal Mom

[@XionAvalonArcadia]

I'm not crying.... you are.

[@fleurdespooks]

The messages of loss, love and hope. The stories of our many friends on the journey. That without joy, there is no loss. It sounds stupid but as I struggle with the cancer diagnosis of my dear little kitty Kalli, I feel less inclined to be sad at his leaving and more intending to celebrate his life. It breaks me, don't get me wrong, but I understand now that I feel this loss because I had so much good and so many good times with him. He deserves to be remembered at his best, not mourned at his worst. I love how you edited this video. Really brought the feels. Good work.

[@firielleek4926]

I need medicine right now, my heart is in pieces 😭

[@vegeta2998]

The moment we begun to lose everyone at the end I knew they come back but damn if it still did not destroy me to see them vanish like that. I actually took screenshots showing the pain through my character cause it hurt so much to travel through so much through this game story then unable to protect them as we promised to. Being powerless to do anything but watch. To be honest I never hated Meteion for what she did...she was lost...hurting. I wanted to help her and save her which I am so glad we saved her from her deepest dark at the end and she lived on

[@jinenjuce]

I thought I was over Haurchefant's death but apparently not

[@AdavoBucio]

Why must you make me cry? This expansion really did a number on me, and damn, this video helps to deepen the wounds. Still, this is a great video, thank you for making this, it's an amazing tribute.

[@v_PEACE_v]

Remember...that we clicked on video, knowing what it would be about and what it would do to us...and yet..

[@piferchu]

stupid ninjas cutting onions while i watched this video...

[@Abysswalker8220]

Absolutely amazing.

[@Barvald]

I never expected to be so emotionally invested in a videogame story. Least of all an MMORPG's story. Words cannot adequately explain the experience. My journey has been good. It has certainly been worthwhile.

[@thristanebben8902]

In total and complete tears

[@johnmeyer5474]

that was 20 minutes of reopened deep cuts... thank you :D

[@Lukonatic]

Not even 2 mins in and already started to get teary, then I look at the length of the video; "20mins!? God imma need a tissue huh..." Nice tribute!

[@harryh6807]

Thank you for such a great tribute video. I am new to FFXIV, I started playing the game a couple of months ago, and like a good book, I couldn't put it down. I never expected to care so much about a fictional world and the people in it, however, the love and passion the game developers put into it made my journey one of both joy and sorrow. Your video captured those feelings perfectly!

[@alektralainheart8541]

The bittersweet feeling of FF14 story never gone from my heart. NEVER!

[@WhatACalamity57]

This was such an incredibly touching tribute to XIV. Thank you for making it

[@Winter_RainDT]

What amazing editing - especially that cut at the end when your WoL answers. I just wanted to stand up, tears and all and just clap for this video.

[@bleachyboii4599]

Playing the game and watching the story did not bring me such emotions, as this video did. Maybe i was not immersed enough, or i just refused to be immersed due to my character. Thank you for this video, for it made me think of all the story so far, and realise what all of this was about, and enjoy the story much more than i did before.

[@luantakahashi8813]

That was beautiful.. no more words can describe this!

[@haseotheterrorofdeath4938]

I'm not crying its just my allergies 😢I love this game so much

[@MissLilianae]

"Was this life a gift?" Me: Yes. One beyond words T.T

[@Avrahffxiv]

amazing video and that thumbnail is art. You're an amazing editor.

[@mermme2988]

This game has given me so much. Having struggled years with severe health problems, I can't do sports nor work. For so long free time, which I have had a lot, seemed meaningless as it has been accompanied with constant struggle with the illness. FFXIV has been an important way for me to escape that sense of absurdity. This is also why Endwalker felt so amazing. It touched topics which I could so deeply relate to; struggle, suffering and finding meaning regardless of the two.

[@BastetMusic]

I just finished Endwalker the other day and this is easily going to be the story that sticks with me for years to come. I'm incredibly glad that I got to experience it, especially since it's so rare for me to have the chance to stick with a game, even the ones I love.

[@nashj001]

Beautiful simply beautiful thank your for the memories though some are sad it was a wonderful journey and look towards the marrow 🥰

[@PokeUFO]

I literally watch this when I need to feel or when I’m in my feels please oh please I can not wait for dawn trail tribute. This game the community the very best. I am not alone I love you all and please forge ahead no matter the cost

[@judopunch2672]

God, its pretty early in the morning for my wife to be chopping up a truckload of onions. Oh, wait... shes at work...

[@ninjagod70]

A smile better suits a hero

[@blackastranyx6532]

Omg this tribute is amazing. I just finished Endwalker and this was an absolute treat to watch!

[@arnsgrim6271]

Final Fantasy has been a game where, no matter what, no matter the breaks and the length of them. I always returned too it, and it always felt like I was coming home. It's been like that since I started playing in heavensward. And Endwalker is the culmination of that journey, and perfectly ruined me into an emotional mess. Flooding me with Nostalgia, memories of my journey's, the friends I've made. And how the story has not only touched me, but helped me in some way, heal my traumas to a degree. I'll never forget what it felt like to play an expansion, that perfectly capsulated my 8 year journey. And honestly, I look forward too it again in 10 years, when the final expansion to this new story, once again, emotionally ruins me.

[@emmajones8708]

This made me cry again...this story. Wonderful tribute. Beautiful.

[@KillerPassifist]

This is a truly wonderful ode to an incredible game. So many moments inspired me with awe, made me laugh and smile, yet so many have also reduced me to tears. FFXIV has been an experience I will never forget, and I look forward to creating more fond memories to look back upon. No matter how much the world tries to shake us, just remember that.. a smile better suits a hero.

[@b-randomzx]

Truly this video deserves much more attention and praise. Really amazing!

[@IchibanCourtesan]

This is such a beautifully done tribute to this game. Our answer is as it ever was: it was worthwhile, Venat. Everyone we meet along the way makes it so.

[@MeSharkk]

Thank you for sharing this gift with us. Forge Ahead, always ❤

[@Reycied]

I was having a good day before I saw this, and now I'm crying. There really is no other narrative quite like FFXIV.

[@markazim4789]

This is one of the best sum-ups of XIV. Thanks so much!

[@gavingriffith6016]

Thanks for making me cry again :DDD seriously

[@ONYP3RF3C710N]

Beautiful. As someone else mentioned, I also cried for the entire runtime. My little heart couldn't bear it. Well done!

[@JynxdTea]

I'm not crying, you're crying!

[@Dastreus]

ope, onion ninjas are back Also how tf does this not have more views?

[@williamklett6660]

Sobbing once again...

[@tracyboyall2631]

What a beautiful video! I cried again for those we have lost but have hope for those we might still save. Thank you so much.

[@timothy2189]

This is a fantastic tribute and video it really warms my heart just watching and remembering these journeys every word chosen for this was perfect and just breathtaking. This truly is a perfect tribute to one of the best games currently

[@Ilikesilver1]

this one hurt... thank you for making this

[@bryonchaney96]

The tears coming around all over again. I remember binging the entire game from Summer of 2021 to Endwalker release. That final scene after Endwalker left me so satisfied, but empty. I spent a lot of time thinking about life, and how much of it we let slip by.

[@Shadow-Wolf-]

This was beautifully well done. I applaud you and your creativity. Just like the game, this video brought me to near tears. This game really plays with your emotions, and through good and bad, we get a story we will not forget anytime soon. Thank you for Capturing the Feelings in this Video!

[@cstaie85]

I watched this when you published it... and... again I cried. And again... it is just beautiful. This is the best tribute that anyone could have made. Spectacular work!

[@hyacinthwilliams6079]

Only just got around to watching. An absolutely excellent tribute. Made me cry a lot. this story will stick with me a long time and your video will almost certainly be my go-to way to reexperience it on occasion.

[@chaosrider2990]

I'm not crying.. you are.

[@sokihin]

Always.... I will always treasure this journey. The good and the bad.

[@jenniferkraemer5041]

thank you for this video. its the best, really the best example of why i do play this game for 8 years. for such powerful characters, friends, storytelling and the feeling of beeing connected with everyone that enjoys this adventure like i did. you did a great job. thank you!

[@JiangXina]

After Endwalker, one thing I knows “ memory is very important”

[@tommygeorge9101]

Absolutely beautiful. The tears came back all over again. Thank you for putting together such an amazing tribute to an amazing story.

[@CaexKetsu]

And immediately as flow starts playing im in tears lol. This song just hits me so deep

[@JayJeopardyPer]

i just cried for 20 minutes straight, thank you for reminding me how much i love this game

[@Azerea97]

Great video! I don't know much about the story, but the editing and everything was done really well.

[@Bonebounder93]

i wonder where ff14 goes from here as someone who started when asmon began i cannot fathom how much the game helped me through dark times

[@Mark-pl4qs]

Amazing video,emotions soo strong ! Best story ever in any game,ty for making this ❤️🌹

[@cstaie85]

Amazing work! You made me feel this sorrow all over again, then the joy of loving others! Thank you.... thank you.

[@dominikzajac9348]

I think this is a story that u cant explain even thousand of words.. amazing

[@captainwodie2753]

My journey has not been good. But it has been worthwhile

[@Marrimero]

Beautiful and painful, cried almost the whole video.

[@AuroriaLunestia]

This was absolutely beautiful! I'm crying all over again, but am happy all the same. Thank you for putting together this wonderful video!

[@Sitoxity]

It took me far too long to watch this even though it's been in my recommended for so long. But it's beautiful. It captured so much of my feelings when I went through that end, by myself and standing by my friends as emotional support. Thank you for making this. It's perfect.

[@lrdeldric]

Nobody’s gangster when breaking the news to Count de Fortemps

[@firstswordcorvus7368]

I started this game the month before hw launched for my free trial, then was able to buy hw the month after its launch. I was able to preorder SB and SHB, but for life reasons I couldn't get EW until months after its launch and I wasn't always subbed for similar reasons. But I can honestly say that nothing else has ever invoked such intense feelings in me as this game. Easily in my top favorites of video games and what a journey it's been

[@caitosaurusrex7363]

This was incredibly beautiful to watch, thank you for this gift.

[@keiyangoshin3650]

From the very start of the video, I could feel my eyes filing with tears... 😭😭😭 it got so bad my chest felt tight. I can’t give you a higher praise then that. Please excuse me, I’m going to grab some tissues now. 😢🥺 Edit: Absolutely fantastic video. Thank you Warrior of Light.