A look at the Hrothgar in FINAL FANTASY XIV: Shadowbringers
Take a close look at one of the new races in FINAL FANTASY XIV Online’s latest expansionThe release of FINAL FANTASY XIV: Shadowbringers has introduced two new races to the worlds of Hydaelyn and The First: the Viera and the Hrothgar.
But what exactly are they, should build a character with one of these races, and why might they look a little familiar to FINAL FANTASY fans?
Well, today let’s start today with the burlier of the two - the fearsome, feline Hrothgar.
What are the Hrothgar?
If you like characters big and brawny, you’ll naturally gravitate towards the Hrothgar.
This race, which hails from the far shores of Ilsabard, the Hrothgar, are large, imposing and dignified. Or at least the males are - there are surprisingly few female Hrothgar among their population and those are rarely glimpsed by the other races.
Here’s some interesting lore: the rather threatening appearance of the Hrothgar caused panic among the people of Eorzea upon their first meeting. This wasn’t helped by the Horthgar’s inability to communicate in the common tongue - as a result, early meetings often resulted in conflict.
Fortunately for all, the Hrothgar learned the common language and were able to allay the peoples’ fears. Now Hrothgar are known and welcome in every corner of Hydaelyn.
Different types of Hrothgar
Two varieties of Hrothgar are available to play in FINAL FANTASY XIV: Helions and The Lost.
Helions
Helions traditionally live with their respective tribes in Southern Ilsabard. They’re thoroughly devoted to their queens - scholars have observed that they largely devote their lives to serving their monarch.
For the most part Helions have kept to themselves, but they recently they’ve begun to venture out into the rest of the world.
The Lost
These Hrothgar aren’t bound to any queen or monarch. Without the warm radiance of their ruler, most have turned to a nomadic lifestyle.
In addition, many have taken up professions that suit that that type of life - think mercenary, peddler or seasonal labourer for example.
Can I play as a Hrothgar if I don’t have Shadowbringers?
You have to have purchased FINAL FANTASY XIV: Shadowbringers to play as both the Hrothgar and the other new race, the Viera.
That said, you don’t have to jump straight to Shadowbringers to use them. If for example, you’ve picked up the Complete Edition, but still want to work your way through A Realm Reborn, Heavensward and Stormblood, you can use a Hrothgar from the get-go.
Read more:
- Everything you need to know about FINAL FANTASY XIV: Shadowbringers
- How do you make a remake? We asked the Trials of Mana devs
- Videogame meals that will make your mouth water
Can I change my character to a Hrothgar?
If you have an existing character, you can change them into a Hrothgar (or indeed any race) with a Phial of Fantasia. You can buy these from the Mog Station.
Hrothgar in other FINAL FANTASY games
If you think the Hrothgar look a little familiar, you’d be right. While distinct, they’ll remind fans of the Ronso in FINAL FANTASY X and FINAL FANTASY X-2. Primarily found around the bottom of Mt Gagazet, this species is known for their loyalty, strength and warrior spirit.
Perhaps the most famous example of a Ronso is the Guardian Kimahri. Although smaller than a standard member of his race, Kimahri accompanies the summoner Yuna on her pilgrimage to defeat Sin.
It’s a journey full of chaos, danger and tragedy, but the brave Ronso remains a rock throughout, staying fiercely devoted to his chosen task at all times. It’s no wonder he’s such a fan-favourite character.
You can experience his journey for yourself (and the aftermath) in FINAL FANTASY X|X-2 HD Remaster - out now on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS4 and Steam.
So that’s a look at the Hrothgar - but what about the Viera? Come back the Square Enix Blog next week, and we’ll look at the other new race in Shadowbringers .