Exciting news for Final Fantasy 14 players: Patch 7.16, set to launch on January 21, 2025, will introduce a much-anticipated change to the reward system of the Cloud of Darkness (Chaotic) Alliance Raid. Based on valuable player feedback, Square Enix has decided to allow players to exchange Clouddark Demimateria 1 for Clouddark Demimateria 2. This adjustment comes after the raid's introduction on December 24, following the release of Patch 7.15, which saw players tackling a revamped version of The Cloud of Darkness from A Realm Reborn's World of Darkness, enriched with mechanics from Shadowbringers' Eden raid series.
The Cloud of Darkness (Chaotic) Alliance Raid offers players Clouddark Demimateria 1 and 2 as rewards, with additional amounts of the latter available for first-time clears. However, the new exchange system in Patch 7.16 will enable players to convert their excess Clouddark Demimateria 1 into the more valuable Clouddark Demimateria 2. Although the exact exchange rate remains undisclosed, this update will facilitate the acquisition of coveted items like the "A Half Times Two" hairstyle, requiring 49 Clouddark Demimateria 2, and the "Dais of Darkness" mount, which needs 75 Clouddark Demimateria 2. Both items can also be traded on the market board, meaning their prices may fluctuate post-patch.
Square Enix has emphasized that these changes stem directly from player feedback, hinting at the possibility of further adjustments in future updates. Patch 7.16 marks the first content update of 2025 for Final Fantasy 14, spotlighting the finale of the Dawntrail Role Quest series. While major job balance updates are not expected in this patch, players can look forward to Patch 7.2 for such changes. As more raid content is planned throughout the year, the community's ongoing feedback will undoubtedly shape these upcoming experiences.
