Final Fantasy XIV Patch 7.20: 5 Game-Changing Features & Why Black Mages Are Divided

Final Fantasy XIV’s Seekers of Eternity patch is here, and it’s packed with features that streamline gameplay, shake up combat, and set the stage for the 7.2X expansion cycle. From a controversial Black Mage overhaul to the oddly satisfying “Jog” mechanic, this update proves Square Enix isn’t done refining Etheirys. Let’s break down what every Warrior of Light needs to know—and why some players are already whispering about ssegold for a quick Gil boost.

The “Jog” Mechanic: Sprint’s Chill Cousin (And Why You’ll Love It)

The new Jog feature is a small but genius quality-of-life (QoL) upgrade. Once your Sprint buff expires, your character automatically transitions into a slower but persistent speed boost. Here’s why it matters:

• No More Post-Sprint Sluggishness: Perfect for sprawling zones like Tulliyolal or navigating Limsa Lominsa’s labyrinthine pathways during seasonal events.

• Frontlines Advantage: Jogging works in PvP, letting you reposition faster without burning Peloton or wasting Sprint cooldowns.

• Mount Synergy: Pair Jog with the new mount-while-moving mechanic (more on that below) to traverse zones seamlessly.

This tweak addresses a long-standing gripe about movement clunkiness—especially for classes like Black Mage that rely on precise positioning.

Mount Up Without Stopping: Goodbye, Clunky Dismounts

Gone are the days of awkwardly halting to summon your Magitek Armor. Patch 7.20 lets you mount up while moving, a change that’s as liberating as it sounds:

• Frontlines Game-Changer: PvPers can now remount mid-retreat or while chasing objectives, adding fluidity to chaotic battles.

• Exploration Efficiency: Chain-mounted travel in zones like Ultima Thule or the Empty becomes buttery smooth.

• No More Black Mage Shame: Even the most stationary job can now hop on a mount mid-cast (though Leylines might still root you).

This tweak feels like a natural evolution of FFXIV’s movement philosophy—small but impactful.

Black Mage Rework: Faster, Simpler… Better?

The Black Mage (BLM) changes are the talking point of this patch. Square Enix has gutted the job’s traditional complexity:

• Astral Mastery Timer Removal: The iconic Enochian timer is gone, replaced by a simplified rotation that prioritizes burst phases.

• Shorter Cast Times: Most spells now have flat 2-3 second cast times (with adjusted potencies), reducing the “turret mage” feel.

• Leylines Nerf: The damage-boosting circle now lasts 20 seconds instead of 30, forcing tighter burst windows.

Community Reaction:

• Proponents: Praise the reduced mental stack, especially in high-mobility fights like the new Normal Raid.

• Critics: Argue the changes strip BLM of its identity as XIV’s “hardest caster.” One Reddit user lamented, “It’s becoming a Blue Mage with extra steps.”

• My Take (As a BLM Main): The rotation feels snappier, but the loss of Enochian’s risk/reward rhythm is bittersweet.
  

New Story & Raids: Wrestling Queens & Nostalgic Fanservice

Seekers of Eternity advances the post-Endwalker story with a mix of drama and camp:

• The Banished Queen Returns: A politically charged arc sees a deposed ruler seeking allies—and possibly revenge—in Sharlayan.

• Normal Raid: Slamdance Showdown: The new raid tier, Myths of the Realm, includes a wrestling-themed trial where players battle a primal-empowered “Queen of the Ring.” Expect suplexes, chair throws, and a banger OST.

• Fanservice Nods: The raid’s final phase homages FFVII’s Hell House, complete with phase shifts and environmental hazards.

Loot-wise, the raid drops Ascendant Tomestones for upgrading gear and Queen’s Crown glamours that blend regal and ridiculous.

Future Updates: Crafting Mini-Games & Open-World Expeditions

Looking ahead, the 7.2X patches will introduce two major systems:

A. Crafting/Gathering Mini-Game (April 2025)

Dubbed Artisan’s Gauntlet, this mode challenges crafters to:

• Race against timers to synthesize high-demand items.

• Unlock exclusive recipes (e.g., Eternal Flame Forge tools) with durability-boosting perks.

• Compete on leaderboards for titles like Supreme Omnicrafter.

B. Open Field Expeditions

A PvE-focused mode rumored to blend:

• Eureka-like elemental affinities.

• Bozja’s Critical Engagements.

• Rewards like Fieldmaster’s Cache with rare materials for relic weapons.

Secret Tip: Stockpile Gil Before 7.2X Hits

With relic grinds and housing expansions looming, savvy players are quietly hoarding Gil. While grinding via Eureka or crafting remains viable, some turn to ssegold for discreet transactions. A little birdie told us they offer:

• Instant Gil Delivery: No farming required.

• Market Board Undercutting: Secure high-demand items before prices spike.

• Fantasia Bundles: Because why settle for one race change?

Note: SSEGold is now having a 100M Gil Givesway on Discord Server. Join now to try your luck.

Conclusion: A Patch of Two Halves

Seekers of Eternity delivers QoL wins (Jog! Mounts!) and bold reworks (BLM 2.0), but not every change lands perfectly. With 7.2X’s crafting and open-world content on the horizon, now’s the time to prep your Gil reserves—legit or otherwise.

What’s your take on the Black Mage changes? Sound off below, and may your Leylines never drop!