Square Enix has officially announced one of the most highly anticipated in-game celebrations of the year — the Final Fantasy 14 The Rising 12th Anniversary Event.
As the beloved MMORPG reaches its 12th year, fans are set to experience a heartfelt and nostalgic event that honors the game’s rich history, the passionate player gaming community, and the incredible journey that has brought Final Fantasy XIV from a rocky launch to an award-winning online experience.
Every year, The Rising commemorates the relaunch of the game as A Realm Reborn. This year’s edition, however, is extra special.
Not only does it mark over a decade of consistent growth and community engagement, but the Final Fantasy 14 The Rising 12th Anniversary Event also promises exclusive rewards, new quests, emotional storytelling, and meaningful nods to both past and future expansions.
In this TazaJunction.com article, we’ll break down everything we know so far about the anniversary event, what players can expect, and why this particular Rising might be the most memorable yet.
Table of Contents
What is The Rising in Final Fantasy XIV?
For new players or returning adventurers who may not be familiar, The Rising is an annual limited-time event held in-game to celebrate the relaunch of Final Fantasy XIV as A Realm Reborn in August 2013.
The original release of FFXIV in 2010 was widely criticized, but instead of abandoning the project, Square Enix did something unprecedented. They shut the servers down and rebuilt the game from the ground up, creating a powerful in-lore narrative to explain the transition. That rebirth is honored each year with The Rising.
This year, Final Fantasy 14 The Rising 12th Anniversary Event continues the tradition by offering players a new storyline, themed rewards, and reflections on the game’s legacy.
Event Start Date and Duration
Square Enix has confirmed that the Final Fantasy 14 The Rising 12th Anniversary Event will begin on August 27th, 2025, and run until September 12th, 2025. This gives players over two weeks to participate in the festivities, complete the exclusive questline, and claim all event-related items.
As with previous years, players of all levels will be able to participate, making it an inclusive event that welcomes both veterans and sprouts (new players) alike.
Special Questline and NPCs
Each Rising event includes a special limited-time quest that usually involves characters with deeper meaning — sometimes even breaking the fourth wall to deliver a message directly from the developers to the players.
The Final Fantasy 14 The Rising 12th Anniversary Event questline is titled “Echoes of the Realm” and begins in Ul’dah, one of the three main city-states. Players will encounter a mysterious visitor who speaks in riddles and references key events from throughout the game’s history.
The developers have hinted that this year’s quest will be particularly emotional, paying tribute to the community and teasing the next chapter of the game following the Dawntrail expansion.
Exclusive Rewards and Collectibles
One of the biggest draws of any seasonal event in FFXIV is the exclusive items — and the Final Fantasy 14 The Rising 12th Anniversary Event does not disappoint. Square Enix has revealed several new rewards that can only be earned during the event:
✦ Minion: Echo of the Star
A new commemorative minion based on a celestial version of Hydaelyn. This glowing companion is a symbol of the journey the players and developers have taken together.
✦ Emote: “Salute the Realm”
A graceful and respectful emote inspired by the Warrior of Light’s legacy. Expect to see this become a popular animation across cities and duty queues.
✦ Housing Items: Anniversary Memorial Display
Players can decorate their homes with a limited-edition plaque showing scenes from the original End of an Era cinematic and the rebirth into A Realm Reborn.
All of these rewards reinforce the nostalgic tone of the Final Fantasy 14 The Rising 12th Anniversary Event, giving long-time fans something personal and meaningful to display in-game.
Community Celebrations
While the official content is provided by Square Enix, the FFXIV community always finds creative ways to celebrate on their own. From player-run concerts and in-game art galleries to server-wide parades and cosplay gatherings, the Final Fantasy 14 The Rising 12th Anniversary Event will be alive with activity.
Many Free Companies (FFXIV’s version of guilds) are planning their own parties, contests, and giveaways. Content creators are also organizing charity streams and tribute videos to honor the occasion.
This level of community involvement is part of what makes the anniversary events so special. It’s not just about the game’s success — it’s about the friendships, memories, and shared adventures formed over twelve incredible years.
Dev Team Messages and Surprises
In prior Rising events, the developers have included heartfelt messages either as part of the questline or through hidden in-game locations. These messages often include thanks, reflections, and hints about the future of the game.
Players are expecting the Final Fantasy 14 The Rising 12th Anniversary Event to contain a similar tribute. Based on early teasers, the devs will likely use this opportunity to acknowledge major player milestones and perhaps preview what’s to come in post-Dawntrail content.
Speculation is already growing about possible hints related to the next expansion, job adjustments, and updates to the graphical overhaul announced for version 7.0 and beyond.
The Rising Through the Years
The Rising has evolved every year, growing in both scope and impact. The very first Rising event was humble, but with each anniversary, the celebration has become more elaborate and emotional.
Looking back, these events have honored fallen NPCs, revisited forgotten corners of Eorzea, and reminded players of the game’s humble origins. Now, as we enter the Final Fantasy 14 The Rising 12th Anniversary Event, the developers are not just celebrating the past — they’re reaffirming their commitment to the future.
Twelve years is a remarkable milestone for any online game, let alone one that had such a rocky start. That’s what makes this year’s event so meaningful to the community.
How to Participate in the Event
To join the Final Fantasy 14 The Rising 12th Anniversary Event, players simply need to:
- Log into FFXIV during the event period (Aug 27 – Sep 12).
- Head to Ul’dah – Steps of Nald, where the seasonal quest begins.
- Accept the quest “Echoes of the Realm” from the NPC located near the main aetheryte.
- Follow the quest objectives, which will involve visiting key locations, interacting with lore-driven characters, and experiencing an emotional cutscene.
- Collect your rewards upon completion!
All you need is a character that has unlocked Ul’dah — typically achieved within the first hour or so of gameplay.
Final Thoughts
The Final Fantasy 14 The Rising 12th Anniversary Event is shaping up to be one of the most heartfelt and memorable celebrations in the game’s long history.
With a rich new questline, exclusive rewards, and powerful tributes to the community, it’s more than just a seasonal event — it’s a thank-you letter to every Warrior of Light who has made this journey possible.
Whether you’ve been playing since 1.0 or just joined with Dawntrail, this event is for you. It’s a moment to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look ahead to a future full of adventures in Eorzea and beyond.
So mark your calendar, gather your friends, and get ready to salute the realm — because the Final Fantasy 14 The Rising 12th Anniversary Event is not to be missed.