The Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail benchmark tool was released on April 14, and players quickly posted scores high enough to make your eyes water and shared their new Female Hrothgar character creations. The benchmark, like the benchmark trailer, was packed with teasers and hints about new job actions, gear, and locations.
The Dawntrail benchmark allowed players to explore some of the new region Tural's locations, fearsome new enemies, and the friends and allies the Warrior of Light will make along the way. However, keen-eyed benchmarkers have noticed four new minions appearing at the end of the benchmark, where the performance score appears. Flanking the Warrior of Light in front of the various new job outfit-clad NPCs and appearing alongside the Wayward Hatchling and Cactuar Cutting, new minions that aren't currently available in-game pre-Dawntrail are seen.
The four new minions shown are a very colorful bird, an adorable mountain goat, a fluffy and cute alpaca, and an equally cute manatee pup. Compared to the somewhat low-poly look of the now-aging Wayward Hatchling, these minions look incredible, with the bird's details looking especially impressive. Each one engages in some of its idle animations while your final benchmark score is displayed.
These minions are the first sneak peek at the cute critters players can expect to collect in Dawntrail. With each expansion, Square Enix ensures collectors always have a new milestone to reach. With a new tropical and Meso-American theme to explore, the developers have pushed the boat out with the designs. The new graphical update also helps with their quality, given that you can now see individual feathers and tufts of fur on these new minions.
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail releases on July 2, but until then, eager minion collectors will have to bide their time to get their hands on these adorable companions.
