FINAL FANTASY XIV update 7.55 has been available since July 28, 2026. It opens North Horn, a new area of the Occult Crescent, and continues several Dawntrail storylines through Phantom Weapons, Hildibrand quests and new community challenges. You can also find our latest video game news to follow this summer’s releases.
Update 7.55 is available from July 28
- July 28, 2026: update 7.55 launches.
- Since launch: North Horn, the new phantom jobs and Forked Tower: Magic are available, subject to their listed requirements.
North Horn requires a level 100 combat or magic job and an average item level of 690. The content is aimed at adventurers already engaged in the post-campaign, with zone progression, skirmishes and objectives suited to repeat sessions.
North Horn extends the Occult Crescent
The update adds Occult Crescent: North Horn, continues Phantom Weapons and introduces new Hildibrand adventures. The knowledge cap rises from 20 to 40, while Phantom Black Mage and Phantom Blue Mage join the progression.
Initial access begins with the “Occult Reunion” quest in Tuliyollal, after completing “Mysteries Abide.” Defeating Forked Tower: Blood is not required to enter this new segment. That makes North Horn more accessible to players returning to FINAL FANTASY XIV without having followed the entire previous path.
The zone also introduces Forked Tower: Magic and its extreme version. These challenges require knowledge level 40 and can bring together up to 48 players. Critical encounters can gather up to 72 participants. Balanced teams also benefit from better phantom job experience gains.
Two phantom jobs change how players progress
North Horn adds elemental weaknesses to enemies. Experience chains reward quickly defeating stronger targets, while balanced groups improve the experience gained for phantom jobs. Progression is consequently more structured for players who want to organise sessions around optimisation.
Phantom Blue Mage stands out through its learning system. Gaining levels alone is not enough: players must observe an enemy ability before defeating the enemy that uses it. The mechanic reprises the principle associated with the classic Blue Mage and gives exploration a practical purpose. It is more distinctive than a simple talent tree, although the job’s real effectiveness will depend on how its actions fit into North Horn’s activities.
Version 7.55 also continues the Phantom Weapons, adds Hildibrand quests and concludes Dawntrail’s allied society quests. Collectors can obtain furnishing from the design contest, a new hairstyle, emotes and Orchestrion rolls. The Wings of Mist and Wings of Nihility mounts also receive easier access in the relevant extreme content.
Why North Horn gives players a reason to return
The comparison with South Horn remains limited to officially detailed elements. North Horn is not a direct copy: it adds elemental weaknesses, experience chains, two phantom jobs and a new knowledge tier. Phantom Blue Mage nevertheless revives an older FINAL FANTASY XIV idea by learning through observation. That continuity gives the content a clearer identity than a simple zone expansion.
For players, the choice is concrete. A level 100 character with an average item level of 690 can enter North Horn and pursue knowledge progression, collecting, story quests or preparation for Forked Tower: Magic. The patch looks convincing as a way to restart an end-of-expansion routine, particularly because of the phantom jobs. Its limitation is the repetition it demands: knowledge, experience and zone rewards favour regular sessions over a single visit.
North Horn is available on all service platforms
FINAL FANTASY XIV remains playable on PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Update 7.55 applies to the service as a whole. Quests and initial exploration remain accessible without organising a full alliance, while Forked Tower: Magic requires more preparation, communication and knowledge.
The Lodestone update notice confirms the July 28 launch. Requirements and activity details appear in the official 7.55 patch notes. To keep following the news, visit the news section and our gaming articles.
What remains to be seen in North Horn
Which groups will find the most reliable method for Forked Tower: Magic? The 48-player challenges will require organised preparation around knowledge level 40.
Will Phantom Blue Mage become a central choice in North Horn? Its observation-based learning may change how teams and experience chains are prepared, but its practical role will depend on how players use it in the patch’s activities.
Frequently asked questions
When did update 7.55 release?
Update 7.55 has been available since July 28, 2026.
What are the requirements for North Horn?
You must have completed “Mysteries Abide,” have a level 100 combat or magic job, and reach an average item level of 690.
Which new phantom jobs are added?
The update adds Phantom Black Mage and Phantom Blue Mage.
Does Forked Tower: Magic require a specific knowledge level?
Yes. Forked Tower: Magic and its extreme version require knowledge level 40 and can bring together up to 48 players.
To keep following the subject, also read our article on Final Fantasy 14 trailer: Fantasy XIV and our article on Final Fantasy XIV: Evercold confirms its release in.
Official sources
- The Lodestone: official notice of the update 7.55 launch.
- Official update 7.55 patch notes: North Horn, requirements, knowledge progression, phantom jobs and Forked Tower: Magic.
