In response to player feedback, Final Fantasy 14 is set to introduce a significant update in Patch 7.16, allowing players to exchange Clouddark Demimateria 1 for Clouddark Demimateria 2. This change, announced via social media, is scheduled to go live on January 21, following a brief server maintenance period. The exchange will enable players to more easily acquire highly sought-after items such as the A Half Times Two hairstyle and the Dais of Darkness mount, which require 49 and 75 Clouddark Demimateria 2, respectively.
The Cloud of Darkness (Chaotic) Alliance Raid, introduced on December 24 following Patch 7.15, challenges up to 24 players to battle the final boss from A Realm Reborn's World of Darkness alliance raid. This new raid also incorporates mechanics from the Eden raid series in Shadowbringers, featuring another version of The Cloud of Darkness. Successful clears of the Chaotic Alliance Raid reward players with Clouddark Demimateria 1 and 2, with bonus amounts of the latter based on first-time clears.
With Patch 7.16, players who have accumulated excess Clouddark Demimateria 1 will have the opportunity to convert them into the more valuable Clouddark Demimateria 2. While the exact exchange rate remains undisclosed, this adjustment aims to cater to player demands and facilitate the acquisition of exclusive items. Both the hairstyle and the mount can be traded on the market board, suggesting that their prices may fluctuate once the patch is implemented.
Square Enix has acknowledged the influence of player feedback on this decision and hinted at the possibility of further adjustments in future updates. Patch 7.16 marks the first content update of 2025 for Final Fantasy 14, featuring the conclusion of the Dawntrail Role Quest series. However, significant job balance updates are not expected until Patch 7.2. As more raid content is planned throughout the year, the ongoing feedback from the Final Fantasy 14 community will likely continue to shape upcoming developments.
