Heartwarming / Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker

• After your victory in the Tower of Zot, those who stayed put in Sharlayan decided to dine in at your room, carrying bags of take-out from the Last Stand and engage in light-hearted conversation over dinner. It's rare that the Scions have a time of respite, and having the chance to just hang out in good company goes to show how close-knit they are. G'raha Tia even gets to eat a humongous burger!
• When being introduced to the Ilsebard Contingent, Alphinaud makes clear to reiterate that their goal is as much a humanitarian mission to help the Garlean victims of the Telophoroi as it is a mission to stop the Telophoroi themselves. He is given reassurance that the members of the contingent volunteered to join with that awareness in mind. Every single one of them is able to acknowledge that the Garleans are simply people in need of help, or at the very least are able to put aside what animosity they harbor, for the sake of the greater good.
• On "In from the Cold", Jullus, having just lost his leader on top of his family, is offered some soup from an Ala Mhigan resistance member. It could have been anyone else, but specifically someone from Ala Mhigo, a nation once under Garlemald's rule, is offering this hospitality shows that bridges between warring nations can be built. The gesture moves Jullus to tears, having lost so much but is still deserving of kindness from formerly enemy nations.
• There are two notable questlines in Garlemald: one with Appius, a Garlean engineer trying to help the contingent with the heating tech in the camp; and one with Galla, an ex-Ist soldier seeking out a young boy who'd been separated from his parents. The questlines end with the ceruleum platform being brought back online, and young Volusus being reunited with his mother. Both converge from there, with both Eorzeans and Garleans working together to rescue Volusus' father, Platform Chief Frontinus. By finishing these quests, you not only take steps to help Garlemald back on its feet, but you reunite a family of three in the process.
  • The two missions that lead to the final one are equally heartwarming. With Appius, he had came to realize that he wasn't a good supervisor as he came to realize he most likely ignored the conscripted, and wants to make right. He's also Innocently Insensitive, but his heart is in the right place; and he doesn't begrudge the contingent for using Laterum, his old home, for their base camp. By the end of the quest chain, he and the Ishgardian machinist who came to you at the very start are well on their way to be coming close friends. With Galla, she seems content on just protecting the boy, but you're able to convince her to seek out the boy's parents. Your efforts prove fruitful, saving her and a royal bodyguard from magitek weapons and allowing them to be reunited with the boy.
  • Based on what you learn of Frontinus by the final quest, he comes across as a proud Garlean patriot and as a kind man. When you and the others rescue him, you find that he is also a Reasonable Authority Figure: while surprised by outsiders risking their lives to save his, he is nonetheless grateful for the help; and when Appius apologizes for bypassing the ceruleum platform's controls without the authorization key, Frontinus isn't angry with him, understanding why he did so.
• Before the night that the Final Days truly begins, one of the Scion's approach the Warrior of Light before sleep and confide in them. Each one has a different conversation:
  • Estinen admits how much he values your actions in the Dragonsong War, calling you a friend. He makes it clear he has Undying Loyalty to you, and would fight for you no matter what. Then it turns a little funny when he makes his exit...by jumping out of your window to avoid getting spotted by Alphinaud.
  • Alphinaud and Alisaie separately approach you and talk about how much you mean to them. Considering how much of a recurring theme it is that you are like family to them, they trust you and know to believe in you.
  • Y'shtola admits to being scared that fighting Zodiark changed you in some way, telling you that after what happened in the First, she feels she needs to. She says this with a motherly tone, clearly trying to make sure you are safe. She also says that if you ever feel unwell to be sure to come to her so she can help you.
  • G'raha worries that your recent battles have drained you, and urges that you know he, and the others can help you endure the pain and trouble ahead.
  • When the news that following the lunar colony escape plan will result in all other reflections being consumed by the Final Days, Thancred is noticeably affected by it, but doesn't speak up. If you later choose him to be the one who arrives at your room that night he reveals that he wants you to make sure you never let him accept the idea of following through with the escape plan, as he refuses to allow Ryne to die helplessly when they could try anything to save her. Thancred trusts you with his life to keep him on the right track and cares so deeply, he'd go to the ends of existence to fight to protect what is effectively his adopted daughter figure, and he did.
• A sidequest in Old Sharlayan has you helping an old lalafell with what appears to be a normal Fetch Quest to deliver him a sandwich. Then he starts talking about how his son went on to become Louisoix's pupil and it becomes clear that this is Papalymo's father. He mentions Papalymo's Heroic Sacrifice and how seeing the Scions fighting so hard to protect the star has finally allowed him to understand where his son's conviction came from, thanking the Warrior of Light for standing with Papalymo to the last.
• After helping Radz-at-Han face the first of the Final Days, Vrtra the dragon chooses to reveal himself to the people he ruled over for centuries, fearing their hate and that his revelation would plunge Radz-at-Han into war. The people instead welcome him wholeheartedly and prove his fears entirely wrong.
  • Actually, Vrtra first shows himself to an infant who has lost both parents and almost drowned before being rescued, leaving them susceptible to becoming a blasphemy themself. When they see Vrtra gazing at them, the blackened dynamis around them disperses. This child saw this large, menacing dragon, and was reassured by his presence that they calmed down. What's more, this helps Vrtra find the courage to face the child's devastated village, then his subjects in the city proper.
• The Warrior of Light gets sent back in time to the days of Amaurot by the shade of Elidibus so they can find a means to counter the End Days. What follows is a chance to run with some very familiar names: Hythlodaeus, Emet-Selch and Venat.
  • Hythlodaeus is (as ever) unceasingly polite to the WoL, even though at first he is under the impression that the WoL is just a summoned familiar sent by Azem. He creates robes for the WoL to fit in better, answers any questions, gives advice, and gently pokes at Emet-Selch when the latter is being overly acerbic.
  • Emet-Selch is his usual snarky, sarcastic, dramatically-put-upon self, but we see more of his good side here. While he may need to be prodded at first, he never outright refuses to assist others, helping not only with the WoL, but with various experiments taking place in Elpis that would have otherwise resulted in the creatures being "recalled" (a fancy way of saying "put down")).
  • We find out Venat was the former holder of the seat of Azem, and is never anything less than a warm and friendly woman. In conversation, she professes a deep and abiding love for the world and its people, and she greatly enjoys hearing about the WoL's adventures - not the great and mighty tales, but of the smaller achievements, the interesting places they'd travelled and the people they'd met along the way.
• The part where you're sent back to Garlemald after you finish up in Elpis has several small heartwarming moments.
  • The healed garleans arrive to back up the Contigent to protect civilians.
  • You see Estinien and Alphinuad working together, and Estinien is so proud of Alphinuad and how much he's grown.
• The aetherburner of the Ark calls for Allagan Adamantite, which is extremely rare and only located in Allagan wrecks like the ruins of Dalamud. With no time to spare for a Fetch Quest, the call goes out to the Alliance nations to gather as much as they can & bring it to Old Sharlayan. The response is so overwhelming it overflows the Sharlayan docks as practically every single storyline from A Realm Reborn to the present is represented in the crowd of people coming to aid the Scions. At the end of all things, the peoples of the Source refuse to forsake their fellows, and stand behind the people they know have been fighting and sacrificing for their sake. The Scions/Warrior of Light were there for them? It's time to return the favor.
  • Here's where we also find out that Alphinaud and Allisaie's mother has long been one of the Scions' chief financial backers. Disowned by their father or not, her children are never not her concern.
  • When the Gridanians are preparing to go raid the nearest internment hulk, A-Ruhn-Senna gloomily notes that Gridania's abundance of healers and lack of much else means the fights are going to be a long, brutal slog, still prepared to go through with it for the sake of the Scions. Then Lyse arrives with a contingent of Ala Mhigans to help out, providing the offensive might that the Gridanians lack. While animosity between the two nations is still very much a thing due to the legacy of the Autumn War, so much so that the Stormblood Bard questline is all about it, there's nothing but friendship on display as they march out to help those who did so much for their countries.^note It helps that Lyse is one of the original Scions & was stationed in Gridania along with Papalymo prior to Stormblood - she's a known, liked-and/or-respected quantity for the Gridanian leaders.
  • After realizing how much the Adamantine gathered has improved everything, the twin's father approaches the two, asking if they're still willing to do what they're going to do. When they proclaim they are, he admits that he's underestimated how much his kids have grown and that all he wanted to do was just protect them. He takes back his children and begs the Scions for forgiveness over his rash misunderstandings.
• During preperations for the Ragnarok are taking place, Urianger arranges for staff who are in disarray to be given support from the Loporitts with your help. Once this is done he is faced with 2 unexpected arrivals, Wilfsujnn and Bloewyda...Moenbryda's parents. Urianger never had the nerve to properly tell them of their daughter's fate way back in the rising stones where she gave her life to take down Nabriales, something that he had deeply regreted. Not only do they reveal they had known, but they reveal they are grateful that he is alive, Bloewyda even hugging him close. They spill details that they remember how Urianger used to be socially awkward and a major book nerd that was picked on his youth, only to have Moenbryda come and chase off the bullies, later attempted to help him socialise a bit more, now coming to modern times where he is helping bring minds together. Urianger is moved to tears by the reception from them, despite his heart dreading and finally able to find resolve over the events that took his childhood friend's life.
• With the final launch of the Ragnarok, the Beast Tribes help deliver one final boost of aether to its main engine by summoning their primals to coalesce the energy into a package that knows exactly where to go even at such a long distance. What's unique, is that for the first time we're seeing the Primals in an environment where they aren't summoned through the usage of intentionally-flawed Ascian methods, meaning they are the truest incarnations of the Beast Tribes' beliefs as protectors and avengers of their kind, as opposed to the warped, constantly-hungering images they took on in their Trials. The Tribes are literally putting all of their hopes and prayers into the Ragnarok and the Warrior of Light's efforts.
  • A smaller moment in the midst of it shows Garuda undergoing a personal Break the Haughty moment as she's finds her current lot in the ordeal to be nothing but shameful. Susano proceeds to pull in beside her and give her an earnest pep talk to lift her spirits, and realize that her power is far from being trivialized.
  Lord of the Revel: Do not sulk so! For thy wings exist not only to buffet and batter. Nay, they may serve also to thrust forth with vigor! Such is thy glory, and thus it is an occasion to rejoice! So come! Let! Us! Revel!
  [Bismark flies overhead as if agreeing with Susano]
  Garuda: [Sighs in resignation] So long as the wind blows free, I suppose all is as it should be in creation. [She smiles] I will render unto them a storm, so that they may pierce the firmament, and fly free!
• With the earlier revelation of meeting Venat in Elpis, it's all but stated that all of her actions as Hydaelyn were to shape the future so that the Warrior of Light she personally knew would become her chosen to save Etheriys. While never said, it's also likely she found out they were the reincarnation of Azem, her own student and successor, during that large span of time. Referring to her as Venat rather than Hydaelyn before her battle has her genuinely greet the Warrior with a warm fondness, and making your promise to save everything to Venat rather than Hydaelyn afterwards straight up makes her break down in tears with their undying state of True Companions held so deeply in her heart.
  • Listening to "Flow" and looking at Venat/Hydaelyn's actions and words also highlights what she ultimately is to the Warrior of Light / Azem: their mother figure of sorts, their mentor and pillar to growth. Without her blessing, they would never get as far as they did; without her training in a past life, they would never have become the Azem that manages to stand tall to this day even after who knows how many cycles of reincarnations; without her sacrifices for their sake, their future would not even exist to begin with. Even after the initial distrust over learning she's a Primal, once the truth comes out, the Warrior has nothing but respect for her, bordering on familial. To the world of Etheriys, she was the Mothercrystal and benevolent goddess, but to the Warrior, she was the gentle and nurturing hand that helped them grow on a more personal level than anything or anyone else to save everything they cared for.
• Fourchenault's reconciliation with his children. After having disowned them in Shadowbringers and keeping them in the dark about the great exodus, he comes to realize how wrong he was about Alphinaud and Alisaie, and their adventures made them incredible influences on the world of Eorzea. He tells them how proud he is of them, and takes them back in, offering his apologies to them, and to the Warrior of Light for assuming they're a bad influence.
• The second-to-last Story Dungeon is loaded to bear with moments like these, owing to it taking place in the Ethereal Sea. Before you fight the First Boss, you end up facing down with Ilberd, who starts charging up a Total Party Kill attack, both Ilberd and the adds supporting him have way too much hp and defense to burn them down before the attack goes off... until Papalymo's spirit shows up and one-shots the enemies and saves you. Later on, you encounter Moenbryda's spirit who casts an AOE attack that takes a significant chunk of HP out of the enemies you're fighting, and Haurchefant's spirit who gives the party a brief but significant boost to both your damage and defense, allowing you to shred through the next groups of mobs. Shortly after that, Minfilia's spirit arrives and creates pathways that allow you to progress further. Finally, during the dungeon's End Boss, Ysayle Iceheart appears and creates a massive block of ice for the party to take shelter behind in order to survive another Total Party Kill.
  • It's even better if you're running the Dungeon with Trusts, as various members of the Scions will chime in when encountering certain spirits. Estinien, for example, reacts to Haurchefant's spirit by vowing to make sure that Ishgard never forgets him.
• While waiting for Ragnarok to be ready, the player character has the chance to share a meal with Thancred, Urianger and Y'shtola. While discusing what is ahead of them Thancred says they have to win, for Minfillia if no one else. Sensing the same fatalistic determination that has almost gotten him killed multiple times, the player has the option of telling Thancred You have nothing left to prove, not to Ryne. Nor Minfillia, leaving him speechless for once.
• After all of the Scions have performed their Heroic Sacrifices to be able to help the Warrior of Light make it to Meteion, for a moment it looks like they may yet be crushed by the despair of the dead worlds that make up Ultima Thule... only to keep walking as Close in the Distance starts up and specters of past allies both alive and dead appear to give them the furthur push they need to forge ahead by recalling memories of them at their strongest moments of will or in words of encouragment to the Warrior themselves. While just apparitions created by Dynamis, it proves beyond a doubt that no matter how far away or in death, they all believe in the Warrior of Light and know they (as in, you the player) can achieve the impossible and will stop the Final Days.
  Ardbert: If you need a push, I’ll be right there behind you.
  Haurchefant: Do not despair! You are not without allies.
  Merlwyb: What we have sown in blood, we have reaped in suffering, and it cannot go on.
  Aymeric: Upon the souls of they who have sacrificed themselves to pave the way for peace, we will never abandon our cause.
  Nanamo: While it is true that man succumbs all too often to anger and avarice, he may yet overcome his baser instincts through the forming of bonds with others.
  Raubahn: Such victories are rarely won without sacrifice. But the prize is worth the price.
  Kan-E-Senna: And we for our part are glad indeed to be able to welcome friends both old and new…
  Hien: Save your tears for the morrow. You may be sure we will have ample cause to shed them, be they for joy or despair.
  Papalymo: From tragedy and sacrifice we rise to greet a new dawn.
  Edmont: A future shaped by the choices we made, in ways we could never have foreseen.
  Beq Lugg: Yet miracles do happen. So let us pray, and will our friends home.
  Ryne: I won’t stop praying until I know they’re safe.
  Midgardsormr: Strong art thou, mortal.
  Minfilia: Look to the light within, that you may continue to serve as a beacon to others.
  Ardbert: Let’s finish this.
• Emet-Selch and Hythlodaeus being summoned by the Warrior of Light, using Azem's crystal. It is ultimately their actions that allows the return of the Scions, and the access to the Endsinger's domain. When the time comes for them to depart to their next life, the Warrior is visibly saddened. Emet-Selch, in his own way, tries to cheer them up and encourage them to continue their journey, to honor their crystal, and indirectly their own former life as Azem. This succeeds, and Hythlodaeus expresses that he will pray so that he, Emet-Selch, and the Warrior of Light will meet again and finally be reunited in their next lives. This is especially heartwarming as Hythlodaeus had expressed, back in Elpis, that the trio had apparently planned to go back to the star together, to start their next lives. As it was denied by the Final days, Hythlodaeus sacrificing himself, Emet-Selch surviving, and Azem being reincarnated ahead of them, the three friends finally get a chance to start over together next time. Emet-Selch, of course, denies wanting to be involved, just like the old days where he was grumbling at Azem's antics. Before departing, he looks at the Warrior, and gives them a heartwarming smile, one not unlike the one he gave at the end of Shadowbringers that shows the hope that the three of them will reunite. It is ultimately a passing that allows a triumvarate of three best friends of an era long departed to part ways one last time with their friendship restored.
  • Given the new context to his actions shown by Endwalker, this smile has an even deeper meaning "A Smile Better Suits A Hero."
  • How does Emet inform you that you can summon your friends back to life? By making a heartwarming reprisal of one of his previously meanspirited signature lines: "Your comrades need no longer fight their fight. So go on, call them to your side."
• In The Aitiascope, an attempt to find Hydealyn amidst the Aetherial sea brings the Scions and the Warrior of Light against Fandaniel's lingering memories, coalesced into Amon the Undying as his final attempt to gain revenge upon them. As Amon prepares his signature Curtain Call to end the fight, it becomes clear that unlike his clone in the Crystal Tower, he won't do you the courtesy of freezing some of the party in ice to act as a barrier. As the attack is half-ready and it appears he's going to reduce everyone to ashes, Ysale rushes forth from the Aether in the form of Shiva to create a barrier of ice to ensure the one who helped her find a peaceful end to the Dragonsong War can further prosper.
• During the trial to reach the end of Ultima Thule at the end of the universe, each of the Scions are eventually forced to give themselves over to challenge an overwhelming emotion that's physically blocking the way forward. While this is a tearjerker in every instance, a piece of heartwarming comes when Y'shtola confronts the sense of knowledge to be feared. When she declares that she will never stop her pursuit of learning despite what it may be and is engulfed by the forces who should step in to join her but Urianger. Declaring he would not leave her alone in this pursuit despite the fact it wasn't necessary for him to do so he stands with her, receiving a heartfelt smile from her. Considering that the pair are the most knowledgable ones among the Scions and they have previously broken up for a year over a similar emotion in the first, this gesture shows how close they have become again.
• Right before the Very Definitely Final Dungeon of the game, Emet-Selch and Hythlodaeus use their creation magic to allow The Warrior of Light to create a passage to the Dying Sun at the heart of Ultima Thule that serves as the Endsinger's nest. However, the form that this will take depends on the Warrior themselves. So what does the player character decide to create? A field of Elpis flowers, reminding Meteion of her bond with Hermes and the promise he made to her to celebrate her return with a beautiful flower. Even here, staring down the being responsible for the Final Days, the Warrior of Light realizes that Meteion is ultimately a scared little girl, sent on a journey she was in no way emotionally prepared for and violently lashing out at a cold and terrifying universe so that she never again has to feel the pain and loneliness ever again. And it works. Meteion breaks and falls to her knees to tearfully beg the Warrior of Light to destroy her sisters and put a stop to their song. Even better? This action permanently alters the Dynamis Energy of the Ultima Thule, breaking the grip of Despair and allowing the Warrior of Light to safely bring their friends back without undoing the good wrought by their Heroic Sacrifices. Hope Bringer doesn't even begin to describe it.
  Meteion: "Greetings, you who are my final encounter. I wish to hear your words... Share your feelings... Know your thoughts. May we please... be friends?"
• During the final phase of the battle with Endsinger, each of the 7 other Scions will empower you with a prayer for your defeat of Endsinger to save your home and your safe return both. During the fight with Zenos afterwards you have a buff that will revive you if Zenos manages to burn through all of your HP. The buff starts with 6 stacks and you lose one each time your HP refills itself, so you effectively have 7 lives for the fight. One for each of your companions prayers. Adding to this, Zenos himself encourages you to get back up and keep fighting.
  • This entire fight is heartwarming in it's own way, especially if the WOL picks the option to agree with Zenos, that seeking greater challenges is what they live for, resulting in the WOL having a grin before starting the fight, setting the mood for the fight. After the fight, Zenos dies satisfied. Given the nature of dynamis and the location the two are in, it is possible that his last act was to conjure the WoL's teleporter to bring them back to the Scions.
• After defeating the Endsinger, it's possible to go back to Ultima Thule and speak with an NPC in each of the three areas of the map. All of them continue to express their certainty that everything is doomed and there is no other release but death... yet, all the same, something has changed. Now, be it ever so faint, there's a spark of hope.
  • This theme even continues in the aftermath of completing the Stigma Dreamscape dungeon at lv90; after defeating a version of one of the Omicron's leaders that was planning to go to war, in contrast to the Omicrons of the area being given a new order to "live", one of the Lopporits that helped with unlocking the dungeon even goes so far as to help give the Omicrons a new purpose to achieve that mission. And this leads to them trying to start a café in the empty remains of Necropolis, calling it the Last Dregs. At the very least the former warmongering robots are actively trying to find a new purpose in life.
  • 6.2 brings the Omicron Tribal Quests, which revolve arround helping build up the Last Dregs. The first patrons the Omicrons create for the establishment are the Karellians, the inhabitants of the Global Community from the Dead Ends. Naturally, the two patrons are a Freedom Fighter and Global Citizen who immediately start trying to kill each other. After being convinced to stand down and have a bite to eat (and after finding something they can stomach), the two Karelians sit down and each enjoy a bowl of salad, allowing them to talk out their differences. Eventually, they're convinced that, rather than start another war that would annihilate them both, it would be better to find a new way of life and decide to help cultivate the cafe's new field, Elysium. Thanks to the power of dynamis, this not only creates a beautiful garden to cultivate, but also pulls in other Karellians from the despair who want to find a new life outside pointless war. Later on, the Grebuloff, Ea, Dragons, the Omicrons themselves, and even the Nibirun are given a second chance at life in Elysium. With each new race settling in, the landscape changes, bringing forth new life such as the Miw Miisv, to newly hatched and healthy dragonets.
• When she sees the Ragnarok returning to Eorzea, the worry on Tataru's face turns to pure joy and she takes off running at top speed to the docks, across half of Old Sharlayan and down several sets of staircases, just to keep her promise to be the first to welcome you home.
  • Krile runs after her, (the relieved smile the two Lalafell exchange mid-run is a Crowning Moment all by itself) but is careful to stand one step back so Tataru is the closest to the dock.
• The final credits of Endwalker lists all the people responsible for the game and its success. The final credit is your character.
  The Warrior of Light
  [Character Name]
• The scene at the very end of the credits where the Scions are walking together and they pass by Emet-Selch, Hythlodaeus, Venat, and Hermes walking in the opposite direction. Venat looks back at the Warrior of Light as she passes them and smiles. The artwork that appears afterward shows the Scions and the Ancients together, and Hermes can be seen reuniting with Meteion in her bird form.
• After two expansions of your character grimacing after finishing a dungeon or Trial, it’s nice to see the player character smile again after finishing the first post-MSQ dungeons.
• A sidequest in Raz-at-Han has an Arkasodara man ask you to help him pick out some festive silks to swaddle his soon-to-be-born child in. After you help him choose, he reveals that he knows that you are the hero who saved a red-haired Miqo'te during the chaos following the blasphemies' second rampage in Radz-at-Han. That same Miqo'te would later be inspired to rush to the side of the Arkasodara man's wife. The Miqo'te's story of a hero who'd woven strands of hope into a brighter future pulled her from the Despair Event Horizon after she was separated from her husband, saving both her and her unborn child from becoming Terminus Beasts. The Arkasodara man then swears to keep the silks you chose as a family heirloom and thanks you for everything you've done.
• After you complete the MSQ, various characters update with new dialogue reflecting your achievements, the class and job mentors among them. A common thread is how they are So Proud of You, many of the mentors considering you to have long since Surpassed the Teacher with all that you've done for the star. Even the gruff Sidurgu leaves you with a rather touching note that subtly affirms Endwalker's central theme:
  Sidurgu: There's no path to walk or guide to follow. What strength and meaning you derive from the struggle is yours alone to find. No one else was ever the writer - it's always been your story. So go and live it.
  • A particular touching one comes from Matoya, who comes to compare you to her old rival and friend, Louisoix, along with her sincere respect. A LOT coming from her to say the least. The only thing missing is Alphinaud to hear it from her too.
  Matoya: Like old Louisoix, you lot set out to save the world. Like him, you believed in your cause with all your heart. And like him, you succeeded. The spineless wretches of the Forum could stand to take a cue from your example. Now, as Shtola would tell you I tend to be sparing with my praise. But for what you've accomplished, you have my respect and admiration.
• Remember that Ala Mhigan delegate in 4.1 who thanked Fordola for helping defeat Lahksmi even if he didn't forgive her for her crimes? Well, the Healer role questline reveals that that same delegate, inspired by Fordola's actions that day, has founded a support group focused on helping Ala Mhigans like Fordola who sided with the Empire find their place in the freed nation.
  • The Healer role quest, through Fordola's constantly-triggering unstable Resonant (her artificial Echo), reveals that the terminus transformation turning people into Blasphemies does not infact cause a cessation of the soul's existance, as we see her friendss soul join the rest of her dead friends in the hereafter. This leaves players to speculate that the Endsinger was either hiding, blocking vision of departed souls, or some other using some other method so as to invoke and spread even deeper despair in her victims.
• The banner for patch 6.1 shows the Warrior of Light stand-in in casual clothing with a backpack as he walks down a city street with a smile on his face, with all of his past trailer-focus jobs in the background. It really drives home that this is the end of a long and sometimes painful journey, and the beginning of a new, bright future full of hope for everyone.
• In 6.1 proper, we get a glimpse of the true, kind Fourchenault that's able to be much more relaxed now that he doesn't have the weight of the Forum and the Final Days pressing down on him: he (alongside the council of Aymeric, Merlwyb, Artoriel, Lucia, and Maxima) decides to rally the remaining Garleans into forming an interim government and rebuilding, with the full support of the Eorzean Alliance behind them. And for those who can't bear to live in Garlemald? He offers them full citizenship in Sharlayan. Why does he do this? Because, as he states, "To ignore the plight of those one might conceivably save is not wisdom - it is indolence."
• In 6.1, we find out that Vrtra's sister Azdaja had sacrificed herself to close a Void portal that the Allagans had created during their war with Tiamat and Bahamut. Today, we have the potential to open a new portal and potentially find out what happened to Azdaja, but Vrtra is torn between his country and his sister. His citizens tell him in no uncertain terms that they support him in his desire to find out what happened to her, because he is their little brother^note A result of Vrtra having used a homunculus in the shape of a young Au Ra boy to interact with his subjects before revealing himself and that makes Azdaja their sister too.
• Following the reveal of Alzadaal's Legacy's purpose, the question of what to do with the money comes up. Two ideas immediately come out. The first is to build an orphanage for all the children who lost their parents during the Final Days. The second is to use the money to kick back the economy, since many merchants and artisans are suffering from the lack of trade. But what to call it? The unanimous answer? The Khalzahl Foundation. Because, even though Khalzahl started the second Final Days by transforming into Svarbhanu, everyone acknowledges any of them could have succumbed to despair and taken his place, and he was still a Benevolent Boss to those who worked for him. Naming the Foundation after him is thus Thavnair's way of redeeming his name.
• Estinien, in contrast to earlier events, knows he's being scammed with the treasure map, but he goes along with it anyway, because some of his money will go to a pair of orphans in legitimate need.
• The Omega questline has the Warrior of Light agreeing to assist the Omega toy accompanying Alpha - now speech-capable and confirmed to have the original's mind in it - continue to attempt to understand "heart", in exchange for translating a message that the Ragnarok intercepted mid-flight. Despite all its questioning, of others and of the WoL, it still cannot come to a conclusion that satisfies it before upholding its end of the bargain. The message, according to Omega, is pointless and of so little value that hearing it is a waste of time. It's a transmission from an unknown sender, to anyone who can hear it, simply saying that it hopes that your days be filled with joy. Omega is nonplussed when those present pause to look up at the night sky... and then admits to itself that once again its calculations were wrong. It still doesn't understand why, but confirms that its purpose is to evolve, and that continued study indicates a greater than zero chance it will someday understand. Whether or not Omega knows it, it already understands "hope".
  Message: “To whomever receives this message out there in the vast reaches of the cosmos... To someone, I hope, who looks up at the stars with the same wistful gaze as mine... To you I say...forge ahead. May all our tomorrows be blessed with joy.”
  • To those that enjoy finding Alpha and Omega around the world, clearing this questline expands the possible locations they can be found. Alpha will even wave hello if you approach him!
• According to Yoshida, part of the writing focus for the 6.1 questline was to show the Scions as more open and laid back now that the weight of the world is not on their shoulders anymore, and Y'shtola is a prime example. The scenes of her falling asleep at the library and summoning the Nixies are comedic but also show that she's relaxed enough to lose herself in her passion and unreserved enough to show an embarrassing side of herself to her allies. Of particular note is when Vrtra states the trip into the Void is too dangerous and Y'shtola replies the Warrior of Light will protect her. Instead of conveying this via a snarky remark like you might expect, she warmly says that she's fine putting her life in their hands again.
  • This goes for the Warrior of Light, too, who's suffered immense amounts of pain and emotional baggage throughout their journey. Without needing to save the world for once, they're able to enjoy going on an adventure for the sake of adventure again. Much like their ventures in the post-6.0 dungeons, they're back to joyous celebrations after completing them. On top of that, letting loose allows them to fall back into a goofier persona with the abundance of silly responses available. At the expense of the Scions, in some cases.
  • After everything that the Warrior of Light went through, Tataru decides that their hero needs a much deserved and well earned rest and relaxation and gets them a personal getaway island after pulling some strings. While the Warrior of Light does have to do some work to make the island more cozy for themselves, the island itself comes with absolutely no strings attached. After everything the Warrior of Light went through, they certainly earned some peace and quiet as Tataru states.
• If you've taken on the Reaper class before encountering Zero in 6.2, you have the option of assuring Zero that you are not the same as Zenos, the man who used her as his avatar. Zero notes that your voidsent avatar has happily entered a mutual agreement with you. Considering the morally questionable nature of past contracts between reapers and voidsent, it's reassuring to know that your avatar is quite content with their arrangement with you.
• After completing 6.2's main questline, players can take a trip down to the airship docks in Radz-at-Han to find Zero standing by the railing, looking out at the sky, enjoying the novelty of a sky that actually changes in a living world. It's nice to know that she's enjoying herself in the Source and marvelling at the natural beauty of it all, given how she otherwise (tries) to come off as cold and aloof.
  Zero: The way the sky changes color with the passage of time... It's probably a mundane thing to you, but to me it's a marvel. I daresay I won't soon grow bored in this world.
• Hildibrand-flavored humor aside, the background that sets the stage for the Manderville Weapons is a very noble service from Godbert. When the Final Days struck, Godbert grieved he couldn't save as many people as he liked, but was inspired by your explots to do more. Thus, he dug up some old ancestral blueprints to make the finest weapons, just so his people are well-armed and ready.
• On a similar note to the above with the Hildibrand quests, the newest adventures introduce an Conspiracy Theorist named Delion who begins accusing various groups of wrongdoing in front of the Warrior and Nashu. While they take most of it in stride, it's when Delion starts to badmouth the Scions and the Warrior that Nashu gets angry and stands up for them. She might be a ditz, but she and Hildy are still True Companions who care about you all the same.
• Another part of the quest that’s hopeful and heartwarming is the very presence of the Pupu. During Meteion’s mental breakdown she kept reporting that star after star, civilization after civilization inevitably fell to despair and self destructed one way or another. It painted a very grim picture of the universe at large and that at worst Etherys was indeed alone in the universe. Then the Pupu show up and showing that for all of Meteoin’s sorrow and findings. Life still flourishes out there in the universe and not all of it succumbed to despair.
• When Alphinaud is pulled away for first aid, Jullus keeps Zero company with an offering of Steppe Buuz and a heart-to-heart on altruism. Despite the both of them being quite stand-offish, Jullus tells her that beyond the mask of pride in refusing help from the "savages", he's come to understand that his former enemies are earnestly offering their help because they want to, and no amount of refusal will push them away. Garlemald's seeing signs of improvement because they accepted the assistance, and says Eorzea is the hand that feeds when all seems lost. It shows how much the Levilleur twins have been a positive influence to him and the nation, and has become more personable as a result.
• On your way to collect information from the mark of the Lover, you come across a wayward Lamb of Dalamud, a doomsday cult that hasn't been mentioned since getting hunted down in Amdapor Keep, all the way back in 2.0 at least. He laments how much his life has spiraled down without his fellow cultists, especially having fled the hell that is Ul'dah's cutthroat commerce competition, begging for deliverance from the Warrior of Light. Deryk, despite being a loner at heart, steps forward to tell him that he's still able to take hold of his life, and that Menphina will guide him to the right path as long as he keeps the faith. Menphina follows up with her verbal blessings, giving the man much-needed encouragement to pull himself out of despair and find his way again.
• In a twist from previous Ultimate Trials, The Omega Protocol ends on a feel-good note with Omega understanding emotions and what it means to break limits. Though it still has much to learn, Alpha lends a wing to Omega as an invitation to venture the realms, which it accepts. The two then step through a portal to lands unknown, the Warrior of Light bidding a fond farewell to the duo as they go on their journey together.
  • Another, small moment in the fight shows just how far Omega has come. Starting the battle has the machine declare "You are the Alpha, I am the Omega", highlighting how far above you it sees itself. However, once Alpha has willingly merged with Omega, allowing it to understand "heart" and combining it with its new control of Dynamis? It switches to "I am the Omega, and I walk with the Alpha. Where one ends, another begins", showing that it now views Alpha as an equal and partner despite their overwhelming power disparity... and it shows that same new respect to the players as well.
  • The final phase itself is this as Omega outright bombards the party with Limit Break after Limit Break while they wear it down at the absolute peak of power it could ever possibly reach. Its commentary is encouraging you to survive its blows and come out of this fight victorious, showing that with a new understanding of empathy and emotion, it sees as you a Worthy Opponent that can still overcome it, and it's excited to see the continued limits that you can break.
• Tataru's Grand Endeavor is a side story involving Tataru's networking plans to get her business empire going, reconnecting with past allies to help negotiate in her stead. At the same time, the Warrior of Light is secretly collecting pieces to restore a necklace believed to be a family heirloom of Tataru's.
  • Patch 6.4 revisits the Sorrow of Werlyt storyline, if you completed it. After dealing with the G-Warrior being temporarily stolen, a group of orphans wants to do something nice for Allie. They decide to get her portrait painted with Gaius, which Allie admits is a nice gesture but feels empty. So instead they use the sphere containing the memories of her siblings used to project their image around her and Gaius, so the painter can paint Allie's entire family. Allie and Gaius are both immensely grateful, and you even get a copy of the painting for completing the quest. Fittingly, the title of the quest where you receive the painting is "Forever In Our Hearts."
• Themis/Elidibus gets one last chance to say goodbye after everything is said and done post Pandaemonium. Fully aware of who he is and how he lost fighting against the Warrior of Light, at the end he holds no hard feelings and passes away content that the star survives and the Ancient people live on albeit in different forms. He even departs on good terms with the Warrior sharing one final heartfelt goodbye as he dissipates. We even get a final cutscene of Themis as he apparently goes on to reincarnate instead of the Deader than Dead fate that seemed to befall him when he sent the Warrior to the past.
  • A closer look at Themis's boss arena reveals that it's more than likely the Convocation's meeting chamber, with fourteen thrones and the spires of Amaurot visible outside the windows. But while previous visions of Amaurot have either had it bathed in melancholy twilight or consumed in the carnage of the Final Days, this one is basked in warm golden sunlight. Themis is evidently at home, sincerely happy in the place where he and his friends worked to better the star to the point that even Athena forcing Fighting Your Friend upon him doesn't drown it out.
• Bittersweet as it is since we know how history will unfold, Lahabrea's last words to the Warrior back in Elpis, despite suspecting that he and the Warrior will one day end up as enemies, are actually words of advice and encouragement, as he wishes for them to walk their own path and embrace their own convictions fully. The Warrior gives him a firm nod, respecting his decision.
  • Erichthonios’s final fate is also a happy ending, even if somewhat bittersweet. Even though he was killed during the Sundering, he didn’t have any regret, having made peace and stayed with Lahabrea until the end as well as fulfilling his duty as a Warden. In the present, a piece of him yet lives on as Claudien, who managed to obtain Erich’s memory and a legacy of the Ancients.
• 6.5 brings the conclusion to the Myths of the Realm storyline, and while the ending of it is bittersweet, in the leadup to Thaleia opening, the Warrior of Light is given the opportunity to speak to the members of The Twelve defeated in Aglaia and Euphrosyne. The one that the player chose as the Warrior's Patron God will acknowledge this choice when spoken to, and in the case of the player having chosen one of the remaining three, they will acknowledge the Warrior in the moments before the raid begins. Byregot also has extra dialogue should their character have a Disciple of the Hand class at level 90, recognizing their mastery over creation.
  • When the time comes for the Twelve to pass on to the Lifestream, Oschon falters at the last, especially after hearing the cries of his opo-opo companion. The rest of the Twelve immediately encourage him to follow his heart's desire and wander the land for a mortal lifetime more before joining them, leading him to return as Deryk and do just that with the opo-opo in tow.
• The finale of the post 6.0 saga, after some touch and go and concerns about Azdaja's ultimate fate, is ultimately a complete and total happy ending for everyone. Zeromus is sealed away in a Memoria, Azdaja has been saved and with Vrtra using one of his eyes has reincarnated her as a dragonet, letting her return to the Source to live happily with her brother and the people of Thavnair, Zero has developed into a true heroine, Golbez has seen the error of his ways and reformed and set upon his path towards being The Atoner, and with the power of Light now within her, Zero has a genuine hope that they truly can fix the Void. Even better, with the Warrior of Light gifting Ryne Zeromus' darkness-laden Memoria, there's growing hope that a symbiotic link can be formed between the two shards, feeding the Void the First's excess Light, and vice-versa for the Void's Darkness to the First, potentially restoring both shards in their entirety.
• Margrat, one of the scientists responsible for engineering the Ragnarok, was carefully pulling the strings in trying to hide the Warrior of Light's identity so that her co-workers can get to know the Warrior as a person, and not a hero. Thus, once your contributions are sufficient enough to let you go, she had you dress in a conspicuously turquoise-blue gleaner uniform, just so the scientists can find and properly thank you for your contributions on the Ragnarok's research. The Warrior rarely ever gets paid their due, so seeing the scientists suddenly flash mob you to give their thanks is a touching gesture. Likewise, Margrat hearing the first flight of the Ragnarok went well is more than enough praise for a researcher, and it nearly moves her to tears. You even get to keep the gleaner uniform for your time. And in the scenario something did go wrong, she made rescuing you the utmost top priority, even if it means burning out the research team in the process.
• "Days Gone By, Days Yet to Come" regales what happened after the Warrior of Light's time in Elpis and the Final Days from Hythlodaeus' POV, and in spite of the tragedy that happened, Emet-Selch and he both fulfill their roles in the encore they've been given, and fade into the aetherial sea without regrets. Even more than that, they're actually genuinely excited and looking forward being reincarnated and living new lives (which gets more Heartwarming in hindsight, when you remember their Reunion Vow with the Warrior of light, as they wish for the three of them to reunite through reincarnation). At the very end of the tale is a special key art of the two, with Emet having a tranquil smile on his face, finally at peace.
• For the 2023 Starlight Festival, a young girl is asking to help a melancholy boy who recently moved in from Ul'dah. When you talk to him, he says that he's missing his friends from back home, whom he had promised to celebrate Starlight with them the year before, but his father moving to Gridania ended those plans. With a little help from Godbe- er, the Saint of Nymeia, you hit upon the idea of personally delivering handmade gifts to his friends back in Ul'dah. His mates are suitably touched, and even had the same idea! So you have one more delivery to make. Equally touched that they all remembered each other, the boy comes out of his shell, and even asks the girl who started this if she would be his friend. With a smile, she tells him that she already is.
• Throughout the entirety of Tataru's Grand Endeavor, you've been working with Tataru's business to restore a lost family heirloom that once belonged to her mother. Your efforts in connecting with business partners finally pays off in the form of a necklace embedded with the heirloom sapphire that Tataru believed to have lost when her family business went under. She got not just a thank-you from her employees, but also reclaimed a part of her family.