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.