Final Fantasy XI weapon adjustments coming to version update.

'Grips' will bring enhancements to two-handed weapons

August 17, 2007

Square Enix has announced new details about the next update to its online RPG, Final Fantasy XI. The update, which will be out by the end of August, will make significant modifications to the way characters wield two-handed weapons.

A new type of item will be introduced in this update: grips. Grips will be equipped in the off-hand slot of a player carrying a two-handed weapon.

Two-handed weapons include scythes, great swords, great axes, polearms, staves and great katanas.

The update, as explained by the Final Fantasy XI staff, will help two-handed weapons compete with dual-wield. In the case of Warriors, for example, many WARs will choose to sub Ninja and dual-weild axes or swords, rather than using great axes or great swords. This is often done to increase attack frequency. The update hopes to bring more versatility to these jobs by brining modifications to two-handed weapons allowing increased attack frequency or other attributes.

Grips will be equipped in the off-hand slot and will effect the use of two-handed weapons.

The changes will affect other jobs, such as Samurais, which rely solely on two-handed weapons. The Samurai job is sometimes criticized for doing inconsistent damage over time, with damage dealt in spikes with weapon skills. An increased attack rate may remedy this.

Changing grips during battle will result in a loss of TP, making them unsuitable for gear macros.

The changes are not limited to the grips, though. Attributes, such as STR and DEX, will also have a greater impact on two-handed weapons than their single-handed counterparts. Two-handed weapons will also become stronger against high-level, high-defense enemies than they currently are.

Some weapon skills will also see a boost. The FFXI team will be adjusting certain two-handed weapon skills to increase their usability.

The new update, which also promises a new mercenary rank and the completion of the Treasures of Aht Urhgan missions will be pushed out via PlayOnline this month.