'Final Fantasy XIV' latest news, update: 'Stormblood' expansion to launch on June 20 next year

Square Enix has recently announced the release date of the upcoming expansion of "Final Fantasy XIV" called "Stormblood."

The gaming company made the announcement at the "Final Fantasy XIV" Fan Festival in Tokyo on Dec. 23, and it was further confirmed on the game's official Twitter account.

According to The Inquisitr, the Stromblood expansion of "Final Fantasy XIV" is set to take place in Ala Mhigo, which is one of the major settings that set the stage for the game's story. The upcoming expansion will have Zenos as its main antagonist, although not much is known about the mysterious villain yet.

As reported by IGN, the upcoming expansion will also see the arrival of the Red Mage class for the first time in the game's 14th installment. Red Mage, a class previously included in several "Final Fantasy" installments, uses a combination of physical and magic attacks. In Stormblood, the Red Mage will be wielding rapiers as well as vials that chain attacks.

Aside from this, a swimming and diving feature will also be featured in the anticipated Stormblood expansion. It will also reportedly provide gamers an increase to their inventory and a revamped battle system. The level cap will also increase from 60 to 70.

A collector's edition for "Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood" will also be made available to interested gamers. The collector's edition includes unique collectibles such as a special artwork by Yoshitaka Amano, an exclusive Zenos figure, an original decal, a cloth map of Eorzea, and in-game items.

The Stormblood will also reportedly come with a new raid called "Return to Ivalice." There will also be second additional raid titled "The Bend of Time – Omega" in which eight players will have to contend against a new Omega Weapon.

The Stormblood expansion of "Final Fantasy XIV" has been confirmed to be released on June 20, 2017. Pre-orders commence on Jan. 24, 2017.