Dawntrail isn’t a bad expansion in a conventional sense. It brings new jobs, a lush setting, and a graphical overhaul—but many players and critics feel it falls short of FFXIV's previous high bar. Here's why:

1] Pacing & Narrative Structure.

* The story unfolds in two distinct arcs ("doubled story"), with each feeling loosely connected and causing players to describe it as disjointed.
* The first half drags—filled with travel quests and cultural set pieces—while the second arc shifts abruptly without enough setup.

2] Main Character Focus

* **Wuk Lamat** dominates the plot, leaving the player and familiar Scions feeling sidelined—many say the main character feels like a supporting role in her story.
* Returning favorites like Krile or Erenville receive minimal development post-introduction, which frustrates long-time fans.

3] Predictable & Simplified Themes.

* Critics call the new cast and setting stereotypical and thematic ideas cliché.
* The expansion’s “summer vacation” vibe is intentionally low-stakes—but many found it dull compared to Shadowbringers and Endwalker([kotaku.com][5]).

4] Disconnected World Design.

* Tural’s diverse biomes—from Aztec-inspired cities to pulp-oil towns—lack thematic cohesion, making the world feel like a mishmash.
* Environments, though visually impressive thanks to the graphical update, don’t blend convincingly into a unified narrative tone.

5] Endgame vs. Story Balance

* While dungeons, trials, and new jobs (Viper and Pictomancer) are strong highlights, the main scenario lacks depth and engagement([metacritic.com][8]).
* Players feel there’s too much filler—fetch quests and travel—padding the MSQ unnecessarily rather than focusing on impactful storytelling.

>if you don’t jack it to lalafells you’re a pedo
>if you don’t support bestiality you’re fucked up
>if you don’t like being a vapid gooner you have zero personality
Weird how everyone in FFXIV loves projection.

Dogoonie likes it ruff
https://files.catbox.moe/jghsh8.webm