Patch 1.19 for Final Fantasy XIV will introduce several of the changes that producer, Naoki Yoshida, has touched upon in the past. The most major is something called the “My Little Chocobo” system. That may not be the final name, according to Yoshida, who posted a “Letter from the Producer” column this week, mentioning the changes and new content that will be introduced through the 1.19 patch.
Chocobos are part of a new transportation system. Patch 1.19 will allow for Chocobo rentals in the three city-states. Players will also be able to acquire their own personal Chocobos. Finally, there will be airships flying between the three city-states. You’ll need to pay in Gil for both Chocobo rentals and passage aboard airships.
Other new content includes the Ifrit battle quest and a caravan escort system. Updates to both these are planned for patch 1.20. The Materia crafting system that Yoshida mentioned back in April will be included, too.
Some of these changes may not make the cut in 1.19, however. “Just so you’re given due warning, the team is running on a tightrope to stay on schedule, so please don’t be surprised if a handful of things end up getting put off until 1.19a or later,” Yoshida writes. He also mentions that patch 1.19’s notes are “3-5 times longer” than 1.18.
You can read about more of the extensive changes in patch 1.19 in Yoshida’s column, linked to above.