Summary
Following the launch of theFinal Fantasy 14: Dawntrailbenchmark, some players discovered an Easter egg that changes the default benchmark character to Hildibrand or Brandihild, depending on which PC time settings were changed.Final Fantasy 14players shared the Easter egg on social media and discussed the methods that caused either character to appear.
Duringthe annual 14-hour Broadcastlive stream,Final Fantasy 14producer and director Naoki Yoshida pulled back the curtain on the officialDawntrailbenchmark. While the program requires Windows 10 or 11, the benchmark offers players a glimpse of the upcoming graphics update for Final Fantasy 14 coming with Dawntrail. In addition, players can use their character’s appearance data to see how they look while wearing the garments of the Viper. Plus, the female Hrothgar, the last playable race coming to Final Fantasy 14, can be previewed in the benchmark, and players can import benchmark character appearances intoDawntrailonce the expansion enters early access on June 28. Players can also forego using their character in theFinal Fantasy 14: Dawntrailbenchmark and run it using the pre-made male Hyur Midlander character instead.
However, someFinal Fantasy 14players discovered that the default benchmark character can be hilariously replaced. Twitter user @kiritannplum stated that a previous benchmark Easter egg returned inDawntrail, and it changed the default benchmark character into Inspector Hildibrand Manderville, the main character of one ofFinal Fantasy 14’s funniest side quests. In their post, @kiritannplum stated they changed their PC’s date to April 1, or April Fools' Day, to get the inspector to appear instead of the default male Midlander. With Hildibrand taking up the mantle of the Viper, @kiritannplum scored an “Extremely High” markin theDawntrailbenchmark.
FF14 Dawntrail Benchmark Easter Egg Causes Hildibrand or Brandihild To Appear
In addition to Hildibrand, another character fromtheEndwalkerchapter of the Manderville questscan appear in theDawntrailbenchmark. According to @magitekwitch on Twitter, they got Brandihild, theMinecraft-inspired “clone” of Hildibrand, to appear instead. SomeFinal Fantasy 14players pointed out that Brandihild shows up if the system clock is set for 2:00 PM, or 14:00, on April 1. While this trick will require time synchronization to be disabled in Windows Settings,Final Fantasy 14players have confirmed that the appearance of Hildibrand and Brandihild had no real bearing on their benchmark results.
Between the benchmark anda loaded calendar of events,Final Fantasy 14has given players plenty of reason to get excited about the upcomingDawntrailexpansion. It remains to be seen if more Easter eggs are hidden in the benchmark.
Final Fantasy 14 (2010)
WHERE TO PLAY
Begin your adventure in FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm RebornCreate your very own Warrior of Light and embark upon a quest to deliver the land from an eternity of Darkness.Take to the skies in FINAL FANTASY XIV: HeavenswardTake your first steps in the reclusive nation of Ishgard, locked in a seemingly never-ending struggle with dragons.Rekindle the fires of hope in FINAL FANTASY XIV: StormbloodJourney to the East and rise up against the might of the Garlean Empire.Become the darkness in FINAL FANTASY XIV: ShadowbringersTravel to a world where light ushers all unto oblivion. But hope is not yet lost, for where there is light there is shadow.Journey to the very stars above in FINAL FANTASY XIV: EndwalkerA great calamity has been building - a second advent of the Final Days. The Warrior of Light must journey ever higher and stand firm as hope’s last bastion.Set forth for new horizons in FINAL FANTASY XIV: DawntrailBlue seas, clear skies, and boundless possibilities await! Explore uncharted territories with familiar faces as hope’s light dawns once more.
