I MADE IT! Shadowbringers Patch MSQ Was BEAUTIFUL.

I'm ready for Endwalker. 5.3 and on was fantastic.
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[@bellulargaming9515]

We'll see you in Old Sharlayan after one last sleep. Man, this game is an experience. While you wait, wishlist The Pale Beyond! bit.ly/TPB_Steam

[@terrancenightingale1749]

Nothing like the whole world collectively taking off their belts before the end of the world to really set the mood, eh?

[@Solsbeary]

We're glad to have you with us for this final leg of the journey. To the moon!

[@KaiObelisk]

@@Solsbeary For the final battle with Zodiark. After all these years it hardly seems real. Hype is at maximum levels.

[@ozzycommander]

Dont forget if you want some more lore talk to Elidibus's kid in the rising stones after you killed him. He has more dialogue

[@somederp8915]

Nah, won't see me! :D

[@Deathlypanda]

"The rains have ceased, and we have been graced with another beautiful day. But you are not here to see it." My favorite line in the whole damn game.

[@KLGChaos]

The fact that it's a call back to something his friends said earlier makes it even more heartbreaking. What's funny is the Japanese line is completely different, but I really prefer the English translation.

[@vickigroesbeck1104]

I think everyone who has ever lost someone to death can relate to that feeling. The bizarre, cheerful world, refusing to stop in its tracks, cruel in its relentless forward motion. How can it be another beautiful day, when you aren't here?

[@Kanamon22]

@@KLGChaos It's also really good. But I seriously think that is more easy to feel a line in your native language (or at least one you know), than from a language you don't understand

[@BubblyBoar]

That line ruins me every time QQ

[@Kairamek]

I don't really feel anything from "A smile better suits a hero" anymore. Barely did, now it's nothing. But that one. That one gets me every time. Probably due to the times we live in. The rain will cease, the pandemic will end. But how many people won't be here to see it?

[@Experiment3265]

lyna never fails at breaking me, such a good VA, i hope she returns.

[@1LuvMLPFiM]

If they'll show the homes of the Viera in the Source, I bet they'll have her voice one of them.

[@TheJohnnylupine]

If a portal highway between the source and first was ever set up lyna would absolutely be one of the people able and willing to visit

[@maslanyrak]

so Lyna × G'raha content may still be possible

[@Sheat101]

@@maslanyrak Hol' up.

[@Experiment3265]

@@TheJohnnylupine she is main character material, her back story may be simple. but the performance was enough to flip the script. grah x lyna in the source please.

[@kuronaialtani]

The madman actually made it on the last day of Shadowbringers

[@lodsup]

"calculated" *wipes sweat off brow*

[@Kanamon22]

Gigachad

[@Requiem237]

Mr friend pulled this off too. Granted she was simply going slowly for the last month but she finished 5.0 over the weekend and hammered out the patches and finished last night.

[@blugill2273]

yea I see cohh gone clear ShB in this last 1 week too

[@JaceRS3]

The Bards of Limsa will sing songs of this lad's journey.

[@kuron8876]

Seto Extreme, the trial that destroys almost everyone and makes them hug their chocobo

[@cnkclark]

My favorite description of that scene: Urianger: "Pray take this to Seto." WoL: "You're going to make me cry, aren't you?" Urianger: "Unrelentingly." It's Seto's roar that does me in, when he nuzzles Ardbert/us - such a primal, bestial sound, but from such a gentle and intelligent creature who is overcome with emotion. The juxtaposition of powerful beast and loving friend just hits me.

[@davecarlson505]

I think I will probably remember experiencing that moment for the rest of my life.

[@shinkicker404]

Made me hug my dog and the pet the urn the other one rests in.

[@JackgarPrime]

That was seriously the most impactful moment in the game for me. Anyone who has ever had a pet will feel that one.

[@igcometa]

I didn't regret ugly crying to it. Our pets hold special places in our hearts.

[@RainerFenixhart]

Seto and Ardbert is a scene that takes no Prisoners

[@Cranefluff]

It didn't take me. I loved Shadowbringers and got emotional a few times, but the Seto scene didn't affect me that much. Not sure why

[@purplereign84]

It definitely got me

[@gateauxq4604]

@Cody Brown have you ever had pets that you’ve lost? Ive seen several people reference that feeling as a reason for the scene striking a chord in so many people. I know that not everyone has experienced that before so it’s a thought. 🤷 What was your favorite emotional devastation?

[@tibowmew]

I also didn't really get effected much by the Seto scenes, but boy did both goodbyes with Lyna tear my heart out.

[@Cranefluff]

@@gateauxq4604 I have had pets die before in my life, so that's not why. Guess pets just don't emotionally get to me the same way as other people. And my favorite emotional bit was after 5.0 when you are walking back to the Crystarium with the scions and it transitions into Ardbert returning to his friends.

[@MattBrain9336]

I'm surprised you didn't talk about who appears in the middle of the Seat of Sacrifice fight The fact that they can make a character recognizable based on a finger snap and a sassy handwave speaks volumes

[@ReaverPrime]

Being a former soldier that has lost someone close to an ambush downrange, Lyna's scene after that big battle hit me different than it did most other folk. That shit was so powerful. And Salome Gunnarsdottir did a phenomenal job delivering her lines. I could practically taste the survivor's guilt exuding off her in waves. I felt the same when my best friend died in my arms and other soldiers under me didnt make it back home from Iraq.

[@jeffreysmith1314]

“The rains have ceased, and we have been graced with another beautiful day. But you are not here to see it.” That's the one that did me in. Instantly brought up my best friend.

[@rosieweaselby]

I am sorry you had to experience that, and want to express my deepest gratitude for your service. 🙏

[@Kanamon22]

I'm sorry to read that man, but I seriously think that's the magic of final fantasy xiv. Regardless of being on a fantasy world, characters feel real, with real emotions, real struggles, shit you can relate,and when u can relate to one moment, it hits different and it make you appreciate how well done they did it

[@a_tired_dad]

Thank you for your service and thanks to your brothers in arms for their sacrifice.

[@antonytomas1]

I loved Elidibus's send-off and leading up to it throughout the patches. Emet gets lots of love (deserved) but people forget that of the unsundered, Elidibus has been the one in the narrative since the beginning. He was present in every part of FFXIV whereas Lahabrea was just ARR and Heavensward briefly, and Emet was only introduced as a character in post-Stormblood. Elidibus has been around and played a hand through it all.

[@jilliablight5554]

and also he was a child

[@clearcat7296]

@@jilliablight5554 Yeah from that scene on we always inferred he was some youngster, probably some prodigy ancient, while in the convocation and just wanted to save his people and his friends, and the whole zodiark thing just made him forget original goal.

[@diamondsofsix]

Yeah I was going through ARR again in preparation for Endwalker and I had forgotten the raport we have with Elidibus there. He approaches both WoL and Urianger in a completely different way (also love his shading of Lahabrea) and continious to show that even if our end goals are different, the road we walk is often the same. Which obviously makes sense, considering.

[@selpharessecret3899]

@@jilliablight5554 not really more like a young adult that actually was a big fan of Azem.

[@jilliablight5554]

@@selpharessecret3899 a "young adult" would def still have the mindset of a child. At the very least, he was extremely young and inexperienced comparatively speaking and his obsession/idolizing azem deffo shows a more young/childlike mentality.

[@Rangar1997]

Ishikawa, who wrote the MSQ for ShB and EW, commented that Fandaniel was her favorite character; everything we know is just setup to have us in the mindset for her to take us for a ride. She is a master storyteller, and we're just dancing to her tune at this point.

[@maxmagnus377]

I really hope she writes some awesome twists for him. So far both him and Zenos have felt very flat to me (apart from Zenos' badonkin' behind ofc). Zenos is just bored and overpowered, Fandaniel just seems like a lunatic without a clear agenda. I do have faith that she'll pull some amazing stuff out of the hat though ^^

[@Pikachu-qr4yb]

I think he will be a bit opposite of Emet. Where he seems nihilistic about everything but probably will break and come clean to his true feelings

[@neloverg3774]

Well I hope she can write him good. I hate Zenos and fandaniel personally. They're just not interesting

[@Mortal_Indeed]

I believe her whole heartedly, but seeing this kind of words give me GoT TV show's "Euron Greyjoy will be the craziest of all, even more so than Ramsay Boltan" PTSD.

[@MooseCastle]

@@neloverg3774 Midwit opinion.

[@debrahockenberry5440]

I followed you when I played WoW and I never, ever saw you smile as much as you did in this video!! I stopped playing WoW in June 2021 and have never regretted it. I love FF14. The story, the gameplay....everything.

[@Windupchronic]

I spent six hours last night helping random people get through Matoya's Relict and Paglth'an to get caught up. I'd finished my to-do list, and was all, "Okay, who needs an insta-queue? Climb on!"

[@aesunone1053]

Thats community right there.

[@ChuckieT266]

Not all heroes wear capes

[@aesunone1053]

Or armor

[@thethrilla80]

@ShadowCat Positivity. Possibility. Community. PPC.

[@Chaoxfan]

true warrior of light indeed

[@Justaguywithglassesok]

what really got to me was that Elidibus was a kid when he became the heart, which makes sense since kids have more hope/wishes than adults, making him pretty powerful as a vessel

[@Disconnected66]

He was a young adult rather than a kid but still, him being younger was definitely part of it

[@icefox94]

you could tell before we saw his true form that he was pretty small too, he was always looking up at the other amaurotines during the flashbacks. and i think he was a child TeamAlibi. judging by his size, he was around the same size of the average player and the specters of amaorot all thought we were children.

[@Disconnected66]

@@icefox94 Size isn't what it's based on, it's in the writing that it comes from. We can argue whether or not the devs write with intent on stuff like this, but this is where it comes from. "The Tales from the Shadows calls Elidibus a "Youth" in english, as well as "Young man", and later simply "Man" when he separates himself from Zodiark. French and German refers to him as "Young man", while in japanese Elidibus is called "Seinen". Seinen as a term refers to a male who is between 18 and 25 years of age. The pure definition concerns a range of 15-25, but only in purely biological or medical fields." In the host language of the story, he's referred to as an 18-25 year old. Obv the Ancients life spans were different so the actual age is arbitrary, but the concept is that he is a young man, not a child.

[@SMNtheNight]

@@Disconnected66 Yes. Basically, the point is that he was quite young for his position and very bright-eyed but inexperienced, and in many ways had his whole existence ahead of him, only for his pure willingness (and in some ways naivety) to become a hero for his friends take that away from him. Though we all know in the end it was for nought, and that just makes it even more tragic. At least, that's how I interpret it all ^^

[@DancingSheliva]

He was basically the Alphinaud of their group

[@ZoeyGamesHere]

The Ardbert and Seto scene hits really hard if you've ever had a pet you lost, just thinking about it now makes me cry

[@katomamundara8106]

Except now we hear the pet's POV. Oof.

[@electricmessiah1310]

Been a while since I played this bit watched the beginning gain here and had to stop as I was tearing up. Hope somehow this video makes it to the team especially yoshi p. Don’t think any of them really realize what they’ve created.

[@cnkclark]

"I knew. I always knew."

[@Asari547]

never had a pet....it hit me hard anyway xD

[@jannemakela8107]

Ardbert was Setos pet

[@Kairamek]

Something that I never see mentioned is the shift in personality from Exarch to G'raha. While Scion G'raha has all the memories of being the Exarch he is still a 25 year old kid who doesn't have the confidence of running the Crystarium for 100 years (plus his experiences in the alternate timeline). He is more exuberant, energetic, and a little unsure of himself. Fantastic characterization.

[@Irisfantasies]

what gets you on the last moments in order... Lyna's crying scene... elidibus child form and "The rains have ceased, and we have been graced with another beautiful day. But you are not here to see it"... then seeing fkn graha turning into crystal, then saying goodbye to everyone where we get ANOTHER Lyna crying scene and then fkn Graha coming back with those cat ears (i would kill a man if someone hurt this cat boi) 5.3 is just tears galore and i enjoyed every freaking second of suffering

[@tulnekaya1054]

So regarding Garlean infighting: There was a civil war after Solus "died", in which Varis (his granson) fought Titus (Solus' second son). Based on the Encyclopedia Eorzea and in-game material, Titus was the favored candidate for the throne of the Populares. Currently Titus' son, Nerva, is the head of the IIIrd Legion and was fighting against Zenos' forces in the capitol before the towers rose up. Nerva is Zenos' first cousin, once removed. We also see more infighting throughout Shadowbringers' side content. In Bozja we see the leader of the IVth Legion, Noah van Gabranth son of Basch van Gabranth (the only non-pureblood Legates in Garlemald's history!) trying to establish a new state in Imperial Dalmasca / Landis / Bozja. Likewise there is another faction under Valens van Varro trying to pick up the pieces of Gaius van Baelsar's legacy in the Sorrows of Werlyt.

[@QwertyBoredom122]

Or to rephrase it shortly Garlean "infighting" is both incredibly widespread and brutally violent without a clear line of succession, and they've had 2 civil wars of succession over the course of the game alone, no wonder Garlamald looks like it just came out of the second world war.

[@MrLightlike78]

Hoping like hell we get to legit go to dalmasca one day and they pick up all those plot threads they dropped in Bozja. Ending the story in field notes was a true bruh moment for me, I gotta know what happens next.

[@OseronPhaer]

Honestly, the pure, unadulterated love that pours out of these videos...it's nice to see people discovering the game and experiencing the whole thing for the first time.

[@guitalex2005]

5.3 left me dry from all the crying. Seeing all the people who have died, then the Lyna/Exarch scene, then the post fight scene, and finally I broke down when I talked to Seto. I can't even see that scene without tearing up. Last time I saw that scene, my dog had been diagnosed with cancer and I knew that I would have to say goodbye. It hit me hard. I couldn't stop crying for like half an hour. I had to put her down the next day. Every time Seto says what he said to you about how much he cared, I think about my dogs.

[@Owl90]

Hey, I'm sorry about your friend. But I'm sure he would be glad for all the love and the life you gave him. He is in a better place now ♥

[@SilentaryXIV]

I don't think the twins are going to die (for the reason you said) but my current theory is that Alphinaud is going to leave the Scions to stay in Sharlayan, likely to follow in his father's footsteps to become a member of the Forum. His mission in Eorzea was accomplished. He helped drive it into a better, united future. I can very easily see him wanting to do the same for Sharlayan if they're as stuck in their was as we've been led to believe. Also, fuck Fourchenault Leveilleur.

[@AeonStaite]

I wonder if daddy in the forum actually wants their help but just cant say and has to act like he is doing now. Given the forum supposedly knows how it all ends, maybe he is doing this to get the results to prevent the end?

[@MrLightlike78]

Frfr, I keep hoping he gets back from a particularly trying day at the forum only for us the WoL to kick down his door and proclaim "IM THERE DAD NOW!" ONE PUNCH!!!!! and as Forchenault lies there beaten and broken , a single tear falls from his eye as he boss explodes.

[@steweygrrr]

I think theres a hidden motive for him disowning them. He knows what is going on but is in a position that forces him to act a certain way so either he is trying to distance them from him to protect them from "something" OR he wants them to hate him so it makes it easier on them because they are going to have to take him and the forum down for some reason or another. The way he delivered that was a bit too theatrical to me which is what makes me think theres something more to it.

[@DiscoFinalBoss]

@@steweygrrr agreed, Graha picked up on it. I’m really interested to see what he has in mind.

[@clumsyturtle8544]

I will forever love the direction they went with the Ascians, they went from the mustache twirling evil guys in ARR and HW to these tragic broken eternal beings doing everything they can to bring back their people.

[@lens_hunter]

The unsundered did horrible, unforgivable things. But they did just want to go home. I would wonder how I would feel having lost everyone I knew for 1000+ years.

[@katomamundara8106]

"Don't you dare speak of *my* FUTURE!"

[@XxRazienxX]

That's the most amazing part about them in my opinion, I understand why they did what they did, and we probably would have done the same thing.

[@Gunplabro]

10,000*

[@Anluain]

The timeline is pretty nuts. Emet lived a thousand, thousand of our lifetimes, so the timeline is unclear but suggests many hundreds of thousands of years. Allag was 5000+ years ago and we know about Emet's influence in its founding. I hope to meet the rest of the unsundered.... starting tomorrow :D

[@jjc101]

I've seen it written before that the biggest difference between the Ancients and "Mankind" (or in reality Humanity) is our resilience. We may not have lost as much as the Ascians did all at once in a single event but we endure just as much pain and heartache on a day-to-day basis and still we continue on. The Ascians just can't learn the lessons of the past while we learned to look to the future and become better for our struggles. Imagine if the Ascians didn't use Zodiark to try to ressurect their old world and instead put its power into a new one? Or if they could accept defeat by Hydaelan and instead put all their efforts into nuturing the new world and all its life like they had done before? I absolutely empathise with the Ascians plight but when grief pushes you to sacrifice your friends and family, and then new life that came from them, it goes to show they really didn't have the emotional maturity as a people to deal with the repurcussions of tragedy.

[@ChesterZirawin]

You do have reason to go to First. Listening to you talk and taking by how long it took you to get from 5.0 to 5.56, you probably skipped the Raid quests. The story in those is fantastic as well, you won't be disappointed for sure.

[@TheTriforceDragon]

And there is a bit more than that. I am almost certain this is not the last we have seen of the first. If one does all the role quests you unlock a new questline that sets up future development for the first as well as the other shards. And while I doubt they will follow up on it in Endwalker, the door is open for a return to the first and beyond.

[@iBearful]

The most amazing part of Bellular’s journey is how he went from casual FFXIV gamer to sounding just like the rest of us. And it’s not like he’s had time to steep in the community or Reddit to influence him-he sped through all the content and walked away with the same thoughts as the rest of us! Don’t hurt the twins. Their father is a dick. G’raha is adorable. It really shows you how convincing the story and the characters are in this game.

[@dematar]

G'raha's speech after you return to the source and you're running up to the Crystal Tower may be some of the best writing I've ever seen. And for it to be in a video game, but really be something you can apply to real life, just made be appreciate how much the developers love their game and respect their players.

[@shinkicker404]

Hythlodaeus wasn’t just Emett’s friend, he was yours too. The three of us were best buds back in the day. Fourchenalt might be playing a game, and deliberately alienating the Twins for some reason. So his douchbag behaviour could be part of some plot. If it isn’t well… we can tell Dulia Chai, bring her to the Source, and unleash her upon the genetic donor of the Twins.

[@AngryTheChipmonk]

The Ardbert and Seto part I cry. Every. Single. Time. I love stories of a hero with their mount that pay off like that. So good. Everything is just so good. So excited for Endwalker. Congrats on getting through the patch content though! I didn't know if you were gonna do it, but you sure did you fuckin MAD LAD! But hell yeah.

[@CrispBaker]

Seto is a no-joke sociopath test. If you feel NOTHING...

[@accurseddestiny]

Not even just watching it, but hearing someone talking about it and thinking about that scene. I think the only game that ever came close to getting me like ShB has is the ending of FFX.

[@humanaesthetic]

That scene with Elidibus talking about the rains; it always tears me up when I think about how he was just a child. He was sacrificed with the hopes of an entire star on his shoulders, and Elidibus did so willingly.

[@GorehowlBeardhead]

'And you're not here to see it' choked me up HARD

[@Irisfantasies]

"The rains have ceased, and we have been graced with another beautiful day. But you are not here to see it"... I cry every freaking time man... even now i still cant contain my tears

[@HealingBlight]

@@Irisfantasies "At duty's end, we will meet again. We will. We will." Those who gave themselves up to Zodiark did so with the hope that they would one day be brought back, and it sounds like this is what one of his friends reassuring Elidibus. It really is tragic, they had one last desperate plan to save everything, and he was the last to see it fail, alone.

[@Carsu12]

Yeah. "Rain's have ceased" nah, it's raining all right 😭

[@Reldan]

@@HealingBlight And ultimately it was us that took it all away. We have our reasons of course, but that's no real comfort. We are the villain of his tale. We even get to give villain dialogue.

[@vickigroesbeck1104]

Graha's hero worship, not just of the WoL, but the Scions as well, broke my heart. Its just so damn relatable. I've also stood on the sidelines, adoringly watching my heros, longing to be one of them, feeling like a mouse among giants. Graha *was* the protagonist of ShB, as much as he wanted to give us all the credit. The feats he accomplished, the entire *century* he carried the plan alone on his shoulders, the sacrifices he made (and tried to make), and his brilliant last-minute saves. In spite of all of that, he's still surprised and delighted beyond measure just to rub shoulders with us. It's beautiful.

[@towdyfehrias5835]

I remember reading somewhere that in order to write a good villain, write a hero that did everything with such fervor and ended up failing. It was something like that and with the ascians I had that feeling as ShB started to pick up and Emet showing the true nature of the ascians.

[@toddvergith9485]

The Ardbert and Seto scene was my favorite. It was so good.

[@gateauxq4604]

The goodest of bois One of my favorite accomplishments was getting a Seto of my own. ❤️

[@toddvergith9485]

@@gateauxq4604 I'm working on it. Only been playing FF14 8-10 months

[@toddvergith9485]

@@gateauxq4604 I have 80 RMD, BRD, DRK DNC, and DRG.

[@intermsofreality]

Negotiating with the beast tribes is extra satisfying if you've done the rep grinds with them and understand their backstories.

[@oriain81]

Shadowbringers(expansion) is the best RPG I've ever played. It's a masterpiece in storytelling and video game action. The fact that's it's wrapped up in an mmo is amazing too.

[@somederp8915]

Then it seems like you haven't played good RPGs.

[@somederp8915]

@@restfulori212 Well then, continue to defend the linear dictated story, where you are just forced along and all of those 'feels' moments are just them manipulating you into thinking the story is good while in general, it's still flat and partially plain bad. Sure, let's add the worst form of time travel, this will SURELY not bite us in the but in 2 expansions. Oh, we accidentally killed all our bad guys, quick let's reuse the villain of 2 expansions ago and conjure up a second rate asician. And before you ask, no I am not on WoW copium, as I said I prefer playing better games thank you very much.

[@DG-LG]

@@somederp8915 whatre you playing then?

[@NekoBatyx]

@@somederp8915 What's wrong with a linear dictated storyline? We're enjoying the game as intended by the developers, instead of games where the devs want you to craft your own story and the experience can vary greatly from player to player.

[@astrojeet]

@@somederp8915 Shadowbringers is probably one of the best rpg stories I've ever played. I think that's what he means. Not that it is the best rpg. It's a JRPG and we know jRPGs are very linear and not like other western RPGs. That's a different matter all together. Shadowbringers is one of the best stories in video games in the last decade. I play a lot of games and most of them are RPGs. Have been playing for 20 years. It's also known that Zenos and Fandaniel are not the main antagonists of Endwalker. On top of that those 2 characters don't even have trials as confirmed by YoshiP.

[@Cassapphic]

I love how all we see of the ancients is from the recreations from emet-selchs memory and the telling of a child who is literally incapable of thinking for himself, we have no idea exactly what amaurot was like, if the ancients really were that huge or its a manifestation of emet seeing himself as literally above us, and the almost utopian society made from heavily rose tinted glasses, when the amaurtine may just have been isolationist assholes like the holy see were, the vagueness is so cool, so well done I love it.

[@KLGChaos]

Wait until Endwalker. Not sure if you saw the launch trailer, but I have a feeling we'll be getting a lot more Amaurot history.

[@Skyblade12]

I mean, from what we see we know that Amaurot are non-interventionist twats. Most of them were content to let the world burn because they thought they were better than those who were dying to the End Days.

[@cynthiajenkins3478]

@@Skyblade12 non-interventionist twats, sounds Sharlayan? Will be interesting to see if there's a link.

[@Selvalis]

When you get a chance go back for the Eden content and the weapons storyline from shadowbringers, even side content has amazing story telling

[@pnktrky]

the weapons storyline for me was considered absolute gold... one of the main villains does actually become a hero of his story... we just witnessed a hero of his own story fail and became a villain... now you see a hero fail and become a villian and then become able to correct his path... becoming the hero he was always meant to be... just poetic and real justice all at once and at no small price... deafeting Livia Sas Junius since finishing that questline has never felt the same. a quest from shadowbringers brings light to things in A Realm Reborn so much so that it flips my feelings on a character... thats how much lore weaving they do.

[@Skyblade12]

@@pnktrky And yet, Gaius also gets to learn how much misery for his own family is his fault.

[@cosmosofinfinity]

Shame that he skipped through all that and now it's gonna be even more out of place if he is just going straight into Endwalker MSQ. It's already out of order with Eden after 5.3, when the Scions return to the Source. Is Thancred even gonna be on that skyslipper? Cause if he is, it's gonna break continuity and immersion.

[@ionutalexandru3645]

@@cosmosofinfinity that's why I did the raid series and the aliance raids in paralel with the story, it was so good, especially in Stb when Cid comes to the ship from the alliance raid and he is like " I am kinda busy with other stuff" and it all makes sense cause you are doing omega as well. Had to skip yorha to catch up tho, but I heard the story isn't that good

[@jorm222]

I still can't even think about the Seto scene without having to hold back tears. Re-watching it is just like bring on the water works. It hit's you from both ends the person who wanted to say something to somebody they loved and the loved one who might have wished to say something too. It's such a simple scene but it's just done so well. They don't try to suprise you with it. There's plenty of time for the player to think about the fact that we might speak for Ardbert which helps to build the moment. When it hits it's not a surprise but a release of the emotional tension you have begun to build as you release what is going to happen. I hope there is more of Ardbert in endwalker or rather Ardbert through the MC.

[@GhostMan407]

I love fandaniel and zenos, I think having them start as essentially a blank state for Endwalker gives the writing team a lot of freedom with those characters, and I'm sure there's villain's behind the scenes or something similar who will truly be the "big bad".

[@BMX482]

Woo! I feel the excitement! I literally finished as well 30 minutes before server shutdown last night and I'm so stoked for Endwalker. The ride has been amazing and I'm looking forward to being part of this huge finale with the rest of the community! I love your guys' videos and have enjoyed keeping up every step of the way and seeing the newfound excitement after all of this unfortunate blizz drama that's been going on. Keep up the great work!

[@Ticothesquirrel1]

congrats!!!! I'm glad you made it!

[@UltaFlame]

Really riding to another end, eh? Let's gooooo

[@PrometheusAllHail]

the seto bit just straight up ended me. anyone with a pet would be hurt by that i think. ShB MSQ and post content was just beautiful.

[@OldManInternet]

I think there's more to Zenos than meets the eye. Yeah, he's clearly just interested in fighting us because it was the only challenge he ever had and it made him feel something. But at the same time, he killed his father because he hated his cowardly weapons (black rose) that would ruin his sport. And black rose ultimately killed the WoL in the original timeline before G'raha went back in time to the First. So he's already done half of the leg work in stopping the 8th Umbral Calamity (the rest being done on the First.) I think the information he's gained from Elidibus and Fandaniel has given him an interesting perspective, and I think there's already a deeper base character here than people give him credit for. He just seems a bit shallow on the surface. Endwalker should be interesting!

[@zecendia]

Theres also the fact that one kinda important bit of information about Zenos is lost in a story that is not readily available on the internet (although the final fantasy wikipedia at least has the info) His mother died not too long after he was born,and Varis really did fuckall as far as actually caring for his son goes to the point that Zenos didnt see him for months on end and instead had Zenos be cared for by servants and instructors. His blade fighting teacher tried to kill him but Zenos instead killed him which seems to have sparked his need to really find someone that gives him a challenge.

[@Sanjuro333]

I really hope part of the story in Endwalker forces you to go back to the first to uncover something about the Ascians. Maybe having to go back to the illusion Aumarot.

[@MoonTiger88]

Might be just me, but out of all the emotional and beautiful scenes.. my favorite is still Emet saving our asses against Elidibus and properly just waving him off. That was.. a special moment.

[@Hayseus712]

"For in times of hardship, when you fear you cannot go on... the joy you have known, the pain you have felt, the prayers you have whispered and answered -- they shall ever be your strength and your comfort."

[@jakoby256]

Not every villain needs a tragic backstory to be good. I actually love Zenos the way he is.

[@DNoll-dx4ju]

^This. Emet Selch was great sure. Elidibus was great, Sure. But holy its so refreshing to just have the Blonde guy chilling there just beeing addicted to Fight you for no real reason. If everyone gets a super Tragic backstory it will just feel empty at some point.

[@BLoud1394]

5.3 brought tears to my eyes once we beat Elidibus. I truly felt awful ending him, watching him hold the last memories of his cherished friends. Just hurts man

[@katrinaedgar816]

I love the fact of setting free Tiamat is so good in post game msq also the seto scene and the estinen meeting in ishguard so funny.

[@holo_val]

The fact that he had to mention G'raha's ears twice was so cute, love and protecc our kittyboi!

[@Crowald]

Hope's Confluence still makes me tear up a little bit every time I think of "Herein I commit the Chronicle of the Traveler." What makes it more special is that I really don't know why. It's a true spectacle of a scene watching the constellation gem come to life as To The Edge plays in the background, the ticking clock running in the background as Elidibus simply looks at you and completely sells the bewilderment of "...What are you?" as the summoning circle appears again. I love that the constellation gems sort of mirror Job Stones in a way. It makes them feel all the more convincing that you inherit Azem's will. There is something in the line "For yours is the Fourteenth Seat- the Seat of Azem" that completely bricks my mind. I have no idea why I react to it in such an emotionally visceral way. It feels like destiny has finally come calling and that the circle is complete. To The Edge made that scene for me. Soken is a genius and can invoke any emotion in me.

[@conchbubbies9767]

Yup Seto was the one that did it for me as well. Congrats on making it in time and it's great to hear you've enjoyed the journey. Now on to the end!

[@yetanotheraleks]

Glad you enjoyed! I would honestly recommend instead of jumping straight into Endwalker MSQ, take a day or two and do the main raids of Stormblood and Shadowbringers, not the alliance ones. There's a lot of juicy plot there.

[@grandlancer]

No one should worry about the twins. We've already seen their rock-solid character development in ShB. And, Elezen are known for having statuesque grace and elegance which the twins are surely growing into. I would be shocked, nay, petrified, to discovery anything actually harming them. But, should the worst happen, those with a Soft heart should always hold onto hope. For the FF14 team clearly cares about their story as much as we do and you can trust it like a compass with a gold needle to guide you back from the dark.

[@mikechua4893]

Time doesn't exist when you're having fun. I'm glad you're enjoying being a kid again. I'm also happy you've been able to report something you're clearly happy about and wanting to burst out sharing that experience with all of us. xD

[@noxelohim]

One thing I'm surprised you didn't catch, that as ascian wasn't emets friend. You find out when they show up to help you fight elidibus. Watch their hand gestures really closely before they walk away and disappear. (You can go to an inn, rwad the journal on the table and re watch it. You'll have a mind blown moment. It's also why elidibus is so shocked) But seriously, I'm so glad you finished the msq up and it was great seeing how much you enjoyed it. So many moments in shadowbringers... right in the feels. Seto and Ardbert, Feo Ul, Icelandic bunny girl, etc.. man.. the feels. I miss the 1st already.

[@mico2xs]

LOL I just looked for this video less than a half hour ago and there wasn't one. Suddenly, hubby texts me with this video. :D Congratulations!

[@aesunone1053]

Yup

[@Zelisius]

"Seto my old friend. You've grown." And that last duty was what peaked my curiosity for red mage. That job is fucking incredible!

[@Grimbonez]

Bro. Congrats on making it in time! So happy to have you join us on our walk toward the end!

[@NezeruGaming]

Fun thing to note about the entirety of Shadowbringers and why the pacing is so good, is because it's a direct beat for beat structural retelling of the Monomyth (The Hero's Journey). You can plot the whole story referencing it from **The Call to Adventure** to another world, **Refusal of the Call** dealing with the current Garlean threat, **Crossing the Threshold** to the First, **The Road of Trials** with the Light Wardens, **Meeting the Goddess** with OG Minfillia, **Temptation from the True Path** with Emet, **The Deep of Darkness** being overburdened with Light, **Atonement with the Father** facing Hades, **The Apotheosis** in realizing the WoL's true heritage, **The Ultimate Boon** of saving the First and discovering a way to bring the Scions home, **The Magic Flight** of facing Elidibus as the last obstacle, **The Rescue from Without** with Emet's assistance, to finally the **Return** home becoming a **Master of Two Worlds** with the **Freedom to Live** for the moment, as poignantly attested by G'raha's whole character arc.

[@the1ben]

Congratulations on finishing Shadowbringers! I find it really pleasing to watch you (and others) gush over 5.0 and 5.3. I was explaining to my friends that the end of Shadowbringers fills you up with joy, but as a result I'm very, very worried about Endwalker.

[@Dracounguis]

Playing as the other Scions... It kind of helps you see that they're more than just people who walk up to you after a battle to talk. They are actually skilled combatants. Assuming you don't screw it up and get them killed. 😆

[@mat5669]

From what I've understood, Hythlodeus wasn't just Emet's friend. It was a trio of best friends with "Azem". On another note, I'm really afraid our young diplomat will sacrifice himself like the "ancient young" diplomat to feed the big dark savior.

[@jeffreysmith1314]

Emmet and Hythlodeus were best friends, and Azem (us) was a close friend to both. You are correct on the trio of friends as Emmet went behind the Convocation's back to make Azem's stone.

[@mat5669]

@@jeffreysmith1314 Already knew about who is Azem and the stone bit. I wanted to stay a bit vague for spoiler reasons. I hope he has the time to read the small story on the website.

[@PwndahbearMC]

Just hearing you talk about Seto and Ardbert scene had tears swelling up in my eyes. What a powerful moment

[@Dracounguis]

Yes halfway through pagal'thon dungeon you get to ride the dragons over the fields. It's just a beautiful place.

[@kubi0461]

Both the Lyna farewell scene and the Seto scene hit me pretty hard. In particular Lyna... the amount of emotional expression detail they managed to pull out of that in game character model was incredible. I so badly wanted to reach through the screen and give her a big hug. Most of Shadowbringers' story was full of emotional ups and downs. I'm looking for whatever Endwalker has in store. FFXIV expansion launch day preparation isn't complete without a fresh box of tissues put on the desk.

[@GreenTeaLover12]

You made it! I was worried, but glad i was able to follow you along on this.

[@OhNoTheFace]

Rewatching Ardbert through you the last while and then rewatching Seto a few days ago is what had me decide to Warrior the Endwalker expansion. As Seto says, his journey is not over yet. Even gug out the old armour he wears and got the old weapon upgraded to the point where he had it

[@alisonette]

Congrats on finishing MSQ. That is a huge effort to do it so quickly. I also love that Bellular loves the twins. They are my favs too and I worry for them in Endwalker. Totally agree that there's been so many death flags that they're probably safe... unless YoshiP is doing it on purpose and is luring is into a false sense of security. This game is so deep and they mess with you so much I don't know what to think anymore!

[@JMulls]

Watching your recaps of your journey through the msq has been a great ride. Has made me more excited (and reminded me of some things so thanks for that!) for Endwalker! Can't wait to stream it

[@cmerk100]

Great video! I love all your thoughts on the story and what hit you. For me the Elidibus scene got me pretty hard along with crystal exarch. Ironically the seto scene did not do much to me... relatively speaking anyways compared to the others. But we all have our own heart strings for the pulling!

[@Igarcia86]

GODDAMNIT. Even just MENTIONING Seto made me tear the fuck up!! Good GOD that scene just hit me so hard and it was an amazing, emotional experience!!

[@griggins]

I'm glad you appreciated the Seto and Ardbert bit. By far the most emotional moment for me in the game.

[@legreeniris]

On your comment about wanting to go back to the first and not having a reason.... I went back after finishing the MSQ and just spoke to the characters I had dealt with. Went back to Eulmore and spoke to the Chai's, then went back to the forest and spoke with Rhunar, and just thing slike that. :D

[@Kalysta]

In conjunction with that red moon - Endwalker was originally supposed to launch during a lunar eclipse. Which would have turned our own moon red. They're even using the real world to pull us deeper into this story and I love these devs for it!

[@BlazeIgnitus]

Fun little thing: Seto's English voice actor, Brian Protheroe, was also Archbishop Thordan VII in Heavensward. And Elidibus' English VA, Matt Stokoe, was Meffrid in Stormblood.

[@RosylaStreamingNetwork]

I cannot wait to see your videos on Endwalker!! I am so hyped and I am really happy you are too!!

[@Khemrikhara]

One thing I only see some people mentioning about Shadowbringers - the actual Cinematography of the cutscenes is absolutely incredible. Looking back at ARR you have 99% shot-reverse-shot cutscenes, and to see them really lean into and rely upon their cinematography here in Shadowbringers is so fucking good.

[@_ViIe_]

Ah... Lyna. My heart breaks under the weight of each tear drop, and my soul sings with her happiness. Such a flawless fit for a voice actor, and damned that performance was divine.

[@Rianoria]

Lyna's farewell speech... I just can't, just thinking about it.... right now, i'm breaking down into tears

[@rosieweaselby]

Yeah, 1 am here and I have work! Planning to log in by the end of day 1 at least. So happy to have been able to watch your reactions till this point and glad you’ll be coming with us into Endwalker!

[@XemnasTM]

Watching your updates via Twitter has literally been the highlight of my week lol. Shadowbringers really is something special

[@russelleldridge4211]

TY for this video to keep me busy during my login queue!

[@Phobos1083]

Im doing the exact same thing :D Place 1620 in the Queue -.-

[@Karn0010]

Glad you made it. You'll get through Endwalker, then you've got to go back and do all the side content from everything!

[@rikiba851]

I love Zenos as a villain. Even if we've not had much characterization done for him yet, he's set up as the perfect anti-thesis of the player character. Where we emerged into the game penniless and worked for all our progress, he is the spoiled child with inherited wealth. We are spurred in to action in defense of the realm and other causes, he is apathetic towards almost everything. Almost. He represents decay and the player represents progress. The only thing he cares about is the player who is his own anti-thesis, he seems to see our battle and eventual vanquishing of one of us as the synthesis that produces something greater than the sum of it's parts. Hell, with his resurrection it's almost like he's got proof.

[@mattkuhn6634]

OMG yeah, the bit with Seto was so wonderful! I went with "close your eyes," it felt more natural. And yeah, G'raha's ears are pretty epic. The whole "goodbye tour" was super emotional, after having invested so much in the First. And then the 5.4 and 5.5 content just so perfectly steers you into Endwalker. I can't wait to get to Sharlayan and find out what's going on there! And I agree, Zenos feels pretty shallow right now, and I'm hoping we'll see him develop some. But Fanny Danny definitely has something more up his sleeves than destruction. Perhaps with Zodiark being heartless, the position is open? Oh and I 100% agree about that final duty - as long as they are used very sparingly, I love being able to get a brief bit of a power fantasy of a different class. Playing as Alisaie got me to pick up Red Mage, and I found I really like the cadence of it! As for that vision, I think that may have been Venat, the ancient who became Hydaelyn's heart. They're definitely teasing that there's some reason Hydaelyn hasn't contacted us, and I'll can't wait to find out why!

[@justsomeguy4422]

I'll be forever waiting for G'raha's 5.3 outfit on the mogstation.

[@dracotias]

The final scene with Thancred and Ryne, like man I wish they had animated a hug. I love ma girl

[@jessicajones641]

I cried a lot during 5.3, but the whole Seto part had me almost ugly cry lol!

[@KatyWhitekavkj]

*hugs Alisaie and Alphi protectively* I TOTALLY hear you on the signposting of harm in the launch trailer. If they DARE harm either one of them ... I've surprised myself by how Mama Bear they've made me feel about both of them. I love them both to pieces and will be so upset if anything happens to them. Also: yes, screw their dad, what a complete effing arsehole.

[@cynthiajenkins3478]

I'm coping by telling myself he has protective reasons we don't know about for cutting them off like that. Because yeah, complete jerkface otherwise.

[@Yourigath]

"... we shall be smiling with him." And I start crying... every time.

[@ieyasumei4339]

So for the Hero's Gauntlet, it either is just a shade of those Heroes or, and much worse, it is those Heroes manifested in the same way the Scions were summoned, but even more incomplete. My thoughts on it were that those shades were summoned to the First, but received final deaths in their world in order to come "save" the First only to be cut down by us, the "Warrior of Darkness" not knowing we are the ones saving it

[@Lanadra]

Elidibus did say that he did not need them whole, all he needed was their desire to destroy the darkness.

[@ieyasumei4339]

@@Lanadra That's true, but with the way that version of summoning had been shown to us, I'd been lead to believe it is those Heroes. A big reason being is that, when you defeat the Necromancer, she says that was her second time being defeated. More accurately she says she was defeated again

[@Lin117]

Re: Zenos character development -- I've been speculating since around 5.3 that Zenos as a main antagonist for Endwalker is a red herring. We've already had an entire expansion revolve around facing him and, as you pointed out, doing that again is just more of the same. My theory is that what Zenos actually wants for his 'ultimate showdown' is a tag team match against Zodiark (and/or Hydaelyn) with the WoL at his side, and we'll see the growth of Zenos as a character in the form of our ally (begrudging though we may be to accept it). One way or another, we find out in 8 hours, and with that I'm off to bed -- see you at the finish line heroes.

[@shinkicker404]

Yeah, I agree he is probably a red herring. I’m expecting Fandaniel to stab him in the back, and considering the surname of Brutus of the body he is living in atm, that might be a bit more literal than figurative.

[@UnknownNinja_]

I love seeing how amazed you are about this game. It is like im looking in to a mirror of my own feelings. The points you mention with that feeling in your chest i also felt. Must be the Irish in us! Hello from...Longford!

[@punishedbung4902]

Seto and Ardbert. The entirety of the FF franchise had been leading up to that moment. And the farewell with the Chais.

[@fartimusmaximus8710]

Dulia is my new mum

[@geekfreak2771]

I'm hyped that you were able to finish before endwalker! grats!

[@ojisankusai]

Yeah, I'm watching this while sitting in the queue for EQ early access, what of it? What a great way to spend the time, man. Truly.

[@thalesn]

It's really great to see you reached this point in the game. Congrats! About Zenos and Fandaniel, I got the opposite impression than you. I believe that the biggest development from Zenos in Endwalker will come to this realization that he has been a puppet to Fandaniel -- and Fandaniel is the one who will receive the most development. I didn't have much hope for that when I played 5.4 and 5.5, but Fandaniel has a line in the launch trailer for Endwalker that was really surprising and that made me have really high hopes for his character. But it's also possible that he indeed won't the be main drive. And one of the reasons I say that is because I'm pretty sure that, when Fandaniel talks about "his lord"... He is not talking about Zenos. His sigil also hints at some deeper motivations, as noted by the previous video on this very channel. About the Garleans... I don't believe they will be just thralls. Not at all. Again, in the launch trailer, we see some hints about that. In the launch trailer, we see at least one garlean actually suffering from the whole "world burning" thing. Overall, when I played 5.4 MSQ and 5.5 MSQ, I was not impressed. The dungeons and solo duties were cool, but I was gettting many ARR vibes from the story and specifically from the villains. We are fighting primals, the good side and the bad side seemed very set in stone, beast tribes stuff, political meetings, etc. It initially felt to me like a huge step backwards, but that was also what got me thinking about it. The lead writer wasn't changed and she did amazing stuff in Shadowbrigers, specially when it comes to the villains and the cosmic lore. There's no way she would suddenly get much worse (we are talking about one patch to the next). So, the more I thought about it, the more it seemed like this was all intentional. I really believe that she and Banri Oda (the lead story designer) were trying to fool us. And the launch trailer was another evidence for that. So yeah... The hype is real. I can almost taste it.

[@ru3487]

Good to know you gonna be with us all in EW, I didn’t play yet & maintenance just finished up, I just wanted to pop in & see who’s online but that quickly changed when my cue count was 4.8k, so needless to say I left the cue, logged out & switched off, must 1st go help a client IRL, but 1s I’m done there- I’ll be back asap & cue up & then have the patience of 10 men, or should I say have the patience of 10 sloths… I’m super excited!!

[@andrewshandle]

The Pirate mini quest line in 5.4 ended up way more interesting than it started out. The real captain showing up delivering a great speech about growth and being more than your what you have been allotted in life was great and very unexpected. Same with Arenvald and Fordola's little quest line, Arenvald especially. In so many other games he'd be a throw away character, but because of Stormblood, we know that his mother scarred his forehead to prevent a Garlian 3rd eye from growing.

[@pbpb1287]

Talk about a speedrun. Glad you're having a good time, and happy you get to enjoy EW with everyone!

[@crowskyler]

I've watched a fair number of 5.3 reactions and even if tears are unshed by the ending of SoS itself, usually Seto and Ardbert make folks bawl. I cried, too. ;_; I had to go hug my cat. So glad you enjoyed the expansion and its patches, and well done getting here so fast, woof!

[@ChocoPepero]

Oh, you did make it LOL I just commented on your 5.0 video and all of it still applies. Cheers