Final Fantasy XIV, a sprawling MMORPG with a decade-long history and numerous expansions, boasts a vast cast of characters that accompany the Warrior of Light. While character deaths have occurred, their frequency seems to diminish with each new expansion, replaced by an increasing number of “fake-out” deaths where characters seemingly perish only to return later. This trend makes it difficult for players to become emotionally invested in character deaths, fostering an expectation of resurrection and diminishing the narrative impact.
Warning: This article contains spoilers through FFXIV patch 7.1.
Dawntrail, with its lighter tone compared to previous expansions, might have justified a lower death count. While some deaths, typically of minor characters with limited screen time, remain permanent, a pattern is emerging where FFXIV appears increasingly hesitant to kill off major characters and keep them dead.
Patch 7.1 Exemplifies the Fake-Out Death Trend
Feigning a character’s death only to bring them back is not a novel storytelling device in FFXIV. Used sparingly, this trope can be effective. However, its overuse has diminished its impact. While Dawntrail features some permanent deaths, patch 7.1 notably reverses the tragic fates of characters from 7.0, undermining the emotional weight of their supposed demise.
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This recurring cycle of death and resurrection makes it challenging for players to genuinely mourn a character’s loss, as the expectation of their return becomes ingrained. Consequently, the intended emotional impact is lost, unlike iconic deaths in other Final Fantasy titles, such as Aerith’s demise in FF7, which remains impactful due to its rarity and unexpected nature. This contrast is evident in Final Fantasy 16, where character deaths, even with potential returns, retain their emotional resonance because the return is not anticipated.
FFXIV’s Attachment to its Characters
If characters are viewed as narrative tools, FFXIV seems reluctant to discard them, perhaps recognizing their potential future utility. While this is understandable, resorting to fake-out deaths is not a sustainable solution. This practice desensitizes players to character deaths, diminishing their overall impact. While not irreparable, FFXIV faces a significant challenge in reversing the damage caused by years of fake-out deaths to restore the emotional weight of character mortality within its narrative.
