Patch 3.5 has launched for Final Fantasy XIV in preparation for the Stormblood expansion arriving June 20, 2017. Here is a quick look at some of the things which have arrived with the patch!
Cross-Server Party Finder
This new party finder tool will allow players to recruit other players from servers on the same data centre for duty-finder and raid-finder. There is also an option to form a private, password-protected party so that other people cannot join without permission. In addition, there are new filters and a great search tool for picking out the best fit for the party.
New Housing Decorations
If your virtual living space has become a bit stale, there are new paintings for your walls and fish for the aquariums.
Egi Glamours for Summoners
When an archanist completes the requirements to become a summoner, they are often sad to see that their beloved Carbuncles are replaced by different pets. The 3.5 patch allows summoners to have their sparkly companions back after the completion of a level 50 quest.
New Emotes
There is a fun dance called the Moonlift Dance and a cute Spectacles emote for the heroes who wear glasses.
New Hairstyles
Two new hairstyles have arrived which are available for both male and female characters.
New Minions, Mounts, and Triple Triad Cards
A droopy-eyed bullpup minion has arrived and a few friends have come along with it to follow you around. A majestic flying throne mount will have you flying in style, but perhaps the other series of mounts will better suit your needs. If you would rather stay inside and play a game of cards, there are new Triple Triad cards for you to discover.
PvP Updates
Players who enjoy PvP have a lot to look forward to as well. New gear and mounts are available which were inspired by the hit Japanese TV show Garo. There are 
also updates to the duel system and players are no longer hindered by Grand Company allegiances.
Side Story Quests
There are new side quests which expand on the Hildibrand adventures for House Manderville. There is also a new mystery to be solved at Saint Endalim’s Scholasticate and a final batch of Heavensward beast tribe quests.
New Trials, Dungeons, and Raids
The last pillar of the Warring Triad trial is available, there is a new dungeon called Baelsar’s Wall, and the Sohm Al dungeon now has a Hard mode. Meanwhile, Dun Scaith will provide raiders with a new challenge.
There are even more things that patch 3.5 brings to the table. Square Enix has created a great website which lists all of the updates and changes, found right here. If this list is not enough to keep you busy, this patch is only one part of the pre-Stormblood extravaganza!
