'Final Fantasy XIV': Patch 3.35 Brings Palace Of The Dead On July 19

Square Enix has announced Patch 3.35 for Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward is coming July 19. Patch 3.35 for Final Fantasy XIV brings with it a new type of encounter known as a Deep Dungeon, “ Palace of the Dead .”

The Palace of the Dead requires a group of friends and, judging by its official description, seems to hint at procedural generation:

“In the subterranean city of Gelmorra, deep within a forgotten corner of Issom-Har, stout-hearted explorers have uncovered the entrance to a labyrinthine dungeon. Those who set foot inside its maddening halls find their vigor drained by an irresistible fog of innervation, and repeated excursions have failed to map its seemingly inconstant architecture. After hearing chilling accounts of spectral denizens, locals took to whispering of a “Palace of the Dead,” and the Wood Wailers now seek the assistance of adventurers in laying bare its haunted secrets…”

Prospective adventurers will start at Level 1 inside the Deep Dungeon and must fight enemies within to level up and become stronger. A post on the developer’s blog provides more details:

• You must be Level 17 to unlock the quest, which is given by Nojiro Marujiro in Gridania's Carline Canopy.

• The Palace of the Dead has its own leveling and equipment system.

• Every time you take on this challenge anew, you will start at Level 1.

• Menus inside the Palace of the Dead have a retro Final Fantasy style.

• Some treasure chests will explode.

• Besides equipment, chests will contain special items that can be used later in the dungeon, like a trap-disarmer, an item that lets you turn into a succubus and defense-type items for protection against bosses.

• When progressing to a new floor, a special effect may be granted, like boosting max HP and MP.

• Special stone towers (as well as Phoenix Downs) enable you to revive members of your party who have been knocked out.

• You can save your progress inside the Deep Dungeon.

• There are at least 30 floors.

Looking forward to trying out new jobs and team comps inside the Palace of the Dead? Save your mettle for July 19, when Patch 3.35 goes live.