Responding to player feedback, Final Fantasy XIV Patch 7.16 will introduce a Clouddark Demimateria exchange system. This change, effective January 21st, 2025, addresses concerns regarding the acquisition of high-demand items from the Cloud of Darkness (Chaotic) Alliance Raid.
The update will allow players to exchange Clouddark Demimateria 1 for Clouddark Demimateria 2, facilitating purchases of items like the "A Half Times Two" hairstyle and the "Dais of Darkness" mount, both currently requiring significant amounts of Demimateria 2. While the exact exchange rate remains unannounced, the adjustment aims to improve accessibility.
The Cloud of Darkness (Chaotic) Alliance Raid, introduced in Patch 7.15, presents a challenging encounter for up to 24 players. The current reward structure, featuring both Demimateria 1 and 2 with bonus Demimateria 2 for first-time clears, proved imbalanced based on player feedback.
The ability to trade Demimateria 1 for Demimateria 2 will impact the market board prices of the mount and hairstyle. Square Enix has indicated that further adjustments to the system may follow, based on ongoing player feedback and the release of future raid content throughout 2025. Note that major job balance updates are anticipated in Patch 7.2, not 7.16.
