Exciting Announcement from Final Fantasy XIV: Evercold Expansion, Bastion Class, and Evangelion Collaboration
Final Fantasy XIV fans are in for a big week! Square Enix has introduced the long-awaited “Evercold” expansion, including a new class called Bastion and expanded map areas. Additionally, guest creator Mahiro Maeda joins the Neon Genesis Evangelion collaboration. The game's Switch 2 version will be released on August 4.
Detailed in videos released on July 25, 2026, the “Evercold” expansion brings a brand-new region to Eorzea and the challenging Bastion class. Bastion will likely assume a tank or support role – exact mechanics have not yet been announced, but the footage shows heavy armor and shield use. The expansion invites players to explore new areas with snowy and icy themes.
On the collaboration front, the Neon Genesis Evangelion-themed “Ghosts of Desire” event will feature renowned guest creator Mahiro Maeda. Maeda is known for his designs in works such as Kill la Kill and Gurren Lagann. The Evangelion collaboration is expected to bring exclusive costumes, weapon skins, and perhaps a boss fight. Final Fantasy XIV has previously had successful collaborations with series like Yo-kai Watch and NieR: Automata.
Another important piece of news is the release date for the Switch 2 version. The game arrives on Nintendo's next-generation console on August 4. This marks the first time FFXIV will be fully featured on a Nintendo platform. Whether current players can transfer their accounts or will need a separate license remains unclear, but cross-platform play is said to be possible.
In summary, Square Enix continues to expand both its story content and pop culture collaborations. The release date for the Evercold expansion has not yet been announced, but details are expected to be shared in a new livestream shortly after the Switch 2 launch. A busy summer awaits the Final Fantasy XIV community!
