Final Fantasy XI celebrates its 23rd anniversary with its May update bringing in a race change system and more
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Final Fantasy XI celebrates its 23rd anniversary with its May update bringing in a race change system and more

by Mikhail Madnani on 20 May, 2025

Square Enix has released the Final Fantasy XI May update bringing in a new race change system and special campaigns for the month.

This update is a part of Square Enix's 23rd anniversary celebration for Final Fantasy XI whichalso has a Return Home to Vana'diel Campaign ongoing where those who were subsribed to PlayOnline and Final Fantasy XI service before can play the game for free through May 26. Read more about the update here. Square Enix has also revealed Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy cards with "Shantotto’s Coercion," "Vana’diel Adventures," and "The Shadow Lord."

You can find the new update trailer and details from Square Enix below:

Square Enix announced that the May version update, which implements a new race change system in Final Fantasy XI Online for the first time, is now available. The recent update also implemented new challenges in the Ambuscades and various special campaigns for May. Further, in celebration of the 23rd anniversary of Final Fantasy XI, the Return Home to Vana'diel Campaign allows those who have subscribed to PlayOnline and the Final Fantasy XI service in the past to play Final Fantasy XI free of charge through May 26 at 1:00 a.m. Pacific.


Details on the content featured in the May version update can be found below:
 

  • Character Race Change Service - The perfect way to switch things up and go on exciting new adventures throughout Vana'diel. This new paid service allows players to change their character’s race and appearance once, within 14 days from the date of purchase. More information on how to utilize the system is available at: http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/envi/racechange/
  • Return of Vana'Bout – Players can participate solo or with other adventurers from around the world to take on the large-scale “Vana’Bout” Records of Eminence objective and earn fabulous rewards.
  • Updates to Besieged – Level 11 Beastmen are coming to Besieged. A new Morale Gauge based on the actions of the Five Serpent Generals and the overall battle situation is being added. Stand alongside the powered-up Five Serpent Generals to defend Al Zahbi.
  • New Foes in Ambuscade – Orcs and flies return to Ambuscade.
  • Login Campaign – The May 2025 Login Campaign runs through June 2 at 7:00 a.m. Pacific. Receive points and exchange them for in-game items. More information on the campaign items is available at: sqex.to/rTHps


Producer Yoji Fujito also revealed three more collaboration Magic: The Gathering—FINAL FANTASY cards on the recent special 23rd Vana’versary episode of the Freshly Picked Vana’diel broadcast, joining the recent reveal of “Shantotto, Tactician Magician.”  The new cards include, “Shantotto’s Coercion,” “Vana’diel Adventures,” and “The Shadow Lord.” Check out the archived video at: https://www.youtube.com/live/2RUWIClcKWc (Japanese language only).
 

 

Finally, Final Fantasy XI users can check out the active discounts on world transfers and expansions through May 30 at 1:00 a.m. Pacific. Learn more at: https://sqex.to/aa4