Square Enix producer Naoki Yoshida has unveiled Bastion, a new tank class for Final Fantasy XIV Evercold, during Fan Fest Berlin. This marks a significant moment for the Final Fantasy series as Bastion is the first completely new job in Final Fantasy XIV not based on previous Final Fantasy roles.
Bastion is classified as a "main tank," a designation introduced with Evercold's "evolved" combat system. This system differentiates tanks into defense- and offense-oriented roles, moving away from a purely support-minded design. The class wields a pair of unique, aether-powered shields known as Skyltborg. These shields are described as shape-changing devices that function as both defensive barriers and offensive artillery units. Yoshida showcased models of these shields during his presentation, noting their considerable weight.
While the "main tank" designation implies a focus on defense, the Bastion is designed to handle a variety of combat duties. A trailer shown during the event depicted the Bastion engaging new enemies in Evercold, demonstrating abilities such as creating a magical shield, launching charged aether projectiles from a distance, causing localized earthquakes, and executing close-quarters melee combos. The class also gains access to "curative boons," though their specific effects were not detailed in the trailer.
The introduction of a wholly original job class is a notable departure for Square Enix. Historically, new jobs in Final Fantasy titles, including Final Fantasy XIV, have often drawn inspiration from or directly referenced existing roles from prior games in the series. Even roles introduced in spin-off titles typically repurpose established archetypes. Bastion, however, stands as a fresh creation, developed specifically with Evercold's new combat mechanics in mind.
Square Enix also announced that a second new job for Evercold, a ranged DPS class, is planned but kept under wraps until the Tokyo Fan Fest in October. Final Fantasy XIV Evercold is scheduled for release in January on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X.