Responding to player feedback, Final Fantasy XIV Patch 7.16 will introduce a Clouddark Demimateria exchange system. This change directly addresses concerns regarding the acquisition of high-demand rewards from the Cloud of Darkness (Chaotic) Alliance Raid.

The update, launching January 21st, will allow players to convert excess Clouddark Demimateria 1 into Clouddark Demimateria 2. While the exact exchange rate remains unannounced, this modification will facilitate the purchase of sought-after items such as the "A Half Times Two" hairstyle and the "Dais of Darkness" mount, both currently requiring significant quantities of Clouddark Demimateria 2. These items are also marketable on the in-game market board.

The initial adjustment follows the December 24th introduction of the Cloud of Darkness (Chaotic) Alliance Raid, a challenging encounter for up to 24 players. The raid's reward structure, initially criticized for its Demimateria distribution, prompted the developer, Square Enix, to implement this solution. Square Enix has indicated that further adjustments to the Demimateria system or raid rewards may be made based on ongoing player feedback. This suggests a proactive approach to balancing the game's economy and player experience.

Patch 7.16, the first content update of 2025, will also feature the concluding chapter of the Dawntrail Role Quest series. Significant job balance updates, however, are expected to arrive later in Patch 7.2. The impact of player feedback on future raid content releases throughout 2025 remains to be seen.