The FFXIV Evercold release date is February 23, 2027, with pre-order early access scheduled for February 19. Square Enix announced the dates on October 31, moving the expansion beyond its earlier January 2027 window. Pre-orders open November 4, 2026.
The dates are confirmed in Square Enix’s announcement; Gematsu’s launch report also records the change from January.
FFXIV Evercold release and early-access dates
- Pre-orders: November 4, 2026.
- Early access: February 19, 2027, scheduled for 9:00 a.m. GMT.
- Full release: February 23, 2027.
For players planning a return, early access and the full launch are separate milestones. The early-access time is a planned start, so check official service notices before arranging a group session.
What you need for early access
The official product page says early access requires an Evercold pre-order at a participating retailer, registered Dawntrail access and completion of specified quests. Buying the expansion alone does not remove story or account requirements.
Square Enix also states that Evercold is not a standalone game and that a subscription is required. Players choosing a physical Collector’s Box should check its contents carefully: the standalone box does not include the expansion itself. Match any game purchase to the platform and edition you use.
Watch the official Evercold trailer
The verified FINAL FANTASY XIV YouTube channel published the full trailer alongside the release update. It provides a direct source for the announcement rather than an unsourced repost.
Following player activity before launch
For context, our Final Fantasy XIV Steam player-count tracker follows simultaneous Steam activity. Steam concurrency covers one part of the audience; it is not the game’s total worldwide subscriber count.
Readers following the series more broadly can also browse our Final Fantasy XIV coverage. The announcement establishes launch planning dates; it does not establish how many players will return or how the expansion will be received.
