Square Enix has recently announced the arrival of "The Rising Tide", the highly anticipated downloadable content (DLC) for Final Fantasy XVI. Set to release on April 18, this expansion will bring a wealth of new content for players to enjoy.

Priced at $19.99 / 2,420 yen, "The Rising Tide" can also be obtained as part of the Final Fantasy XVI Expansion Pass, which includes both "The Rising Tide" and the previously released "Echoes of the Fallen" for $24.99 / 3,080 yen.

In this new DLC, players will receive an unmarked letter containing a mysterious request to rescue the Dominant of Leviathan, the long-lost Eikon of Water. Clive and his companions must embark on a journey to Mysidia, a hidden land beneath a blue sky, where they will unravel the tragic history of a forgotten people.

Mysidia, a new area, awaits with its secrets to be discovered. Within its emerald boughs, a sanctuary exists for those who can find it—a haven untouched by the encroaching Blight. Players will have the opportunity to harness the mighty power of the Eikon of Water, Leviathan, to vanquish their enemies both near and far with its devastating ability, Serpent's Cry.

"The Rising Tide" also introduces an exciting end-game challenge called Kairos Gate. After completing both the DLC and the main game scenarios, players can unlock this challenging mode consisting of 20 increasingly difficult stages. Battle through these stages, earn points, upgrade Clive, and aim for a spot on the global leaderboard. Valuable materials and weapons await at the end of each stage.

In addition to the DLC, Final Fantasy XVI will receive a free update with version 1.30. This update introduces a "Quick Complete" function, allowing players to return to quest givers instantly. Character quest icons have been updated, and a new Skill Set feature has been implemented, enabling players to save up to five unique Feat and Ability sets for convenience. Abilities and Accessories have also been adjusted to provide a smoother user experience.

Photographers will be pleased to know that the update includes enhancements to the Photo Mode, with tone correction, screen effects, and more added. Furthermore, approximately 40 new orchestrion rolls have been added, enriching the game's musical experience.

Final Fantasy XVI is currently available exclusively on PlayStation 5, with a PC version in development. Players can catch a glimpse of the upcoming DLC in the captivating trailer released by Square Enix.

Fans of the series can mark their calendars for April 18 as they prepare to dive into the captivating world of Final Fantasy XVI with "The Rising Tide" DLC, bringing new adventures, challenges, and an expanded storyline for Clive and his companions to conquer.