The next FINAL FANTASY XI version update is scheduled to take place near the end of August.
We are currently planning to introduce the Pit, the Chocobo Circuit, new quests and Assault missions, not to mention the final chapters of the Aht Urhgan storyline!

Details on these features, as well as a host of other changes and additions, will be released in the near future.

omgawd I can't wait....this is by far the closest I've been to closing out chapters as they came out.

In a related story, Gessho anyone? :<

FINAL CHAPTERS!!!!

It will pwn, I know it fkn will...

Mission Additions and Various Adjustments (02/08/2007)



The forthcoming version update brings us to the climax of the Aht Urhgan missions, while introducing several groundbreaking adjustments to Einherjar, the Chocobo Hot and Cold game, Besieged, and more!

The following is a sample of what awaits adventurers in the next version update:


Treasures of Aht Urghan Missions

The final battle is about to begin, and the fate of the Empire is in your hands! Join forces with companions new and old to unlock the mysteries hidden in this final chapter of the epic Aht Urhgan missions!



For a recap of previous missions, click here.
It is recommended that players who have not yet completed "Playing the Part" avoid viewing the aforementioned link.


Besieged

To oppose the overwhelming power of the level 8 beastmen forces, Al Zahbi's five Serpent Generals have spent the previous months honing their skills. In addition, the Empire will be putting into effect a decree which allows additional distribution of temporary items after a certain number of invaders have been defeated. Finally, if the beastmen forces are not defeated by the Empire, or capture the Astral Candesence, they will automatically retreat one Earth hour after their arrival in Al Zahbi.


Einherjar

In an effort to lower the difficulty level of Einherjar, the HP of all monsters in the Hazhalm Testing Grounds will be reduced in the upcoming version update.
We will make further adjustments should this challenging area continue to prove excessively difficult.


Assault Mission "Nyzul Isle Investigation"

Currently, the data for the highest floor you have investigated in Nyzul Isle will be deleted after defeating the monsters on Floor 100. Unlike with other floors, this removes the possibility of retrying the floor in an attempt to obtain the treasure you seek.
As of the next version update, the data will still be deleted after clearing Floor 100, but in exchange for the loss of data, the chance for obtaining the armor pieces will be increased to 100%.
While clearing to Floor 100 is no easy task, we are sure there are heroes out there that are up to the challenge!


The Chocobo Hot and Cold Game

Chocobo Abilities
Resting your chocobo for thirty six hours (Earth time) after playing the Chocobo Hot and Cold game will allow you to dig twice more, as well as increase your chances to "hit the jackpot" the next time you play the game.
Furthermore, chocobos of players who succeed at finding treasure in any area three times in a row will temporarily gain the "Treasure Finder" ability. Chocobos that already have "Treasure Finder" will have the effect of the ability temporarily doubled.

Chocobucks
A new reward will soon be available in the form of vouchers that can be exchanged for chocobucks, with the chocobuck reward varying with the difficulty of the area.
The vouchers will always be found inside the treasure chests in addition to the standard rewards.


Limit Break Quests

With the current level of advancement of the majority of the player base, it has become increasingly difficult to find fellow adventurers who have yet to complete the limit break quests. In an effort to alleviate the woes of newer players, the limit break quests from level 50 to level 60 will have their difficulty reduced in the following manner:

Level 50 "In Defiant Challenge"
Drop rates for the quest items will be improved.

Level 55 "Atop the Highest Mountains"
The relative strength of the quest monsters will be reduced so that a party of six level 51 characters will be able to defeat them.

I hate this linkshell with a fiery passion.

i still need gessho, let's go duo for great justice!

New Assault Missions and Mercenary Rank (07/08/2007)



In the upcoming version update, we will be adding a new promotion quest to unlock the next mercenary rank, as well as a series of exciting assault missions.

New Mercenary Rank

The mercenary rank of "First Lieutenant" will be awarded to players who survive the grueling trials put forth by the hard-nosed drill sergeant, Rongelouts. Do you have what it takes, maggot?



New Assault Missions

Five new missions await players who have achieved the rank of First Lieutenant.
Here's a sneak preview of what lies in store:

Bloody Rondo

Mission Orders: After years of quietly defying Imperial rule, the recluse Count Dracula has recently begun preparations for an assault on Al Zahbi. Infiltrate the Leujoam Sanctum, locate the count, and slay him before he can execute his plans.




The Susanoo Shuffle

Mission Orders: In an attempt to strengthen their bonds with the Mamool Ja, an eastern nation has provided the beastmen with a new biologically engineered hydra hybrid known as Orochi. You are to infiltrate the training grounds and eliminate the new threat.

No actually lutia u learn to spell!!!!

No idea y it is spelt rong tho. Probly LAZINESS.

I hate this linkshell with a fiery passion.