The next version update is schedule for Tuesday, March 24th

We are currently performing tests and making last-minut adjustments to the new areas known as Dynamis. The next version update is schedule for Tuesday, March 24th.

The rules and restrictions for entering this "alternate reality" are as follows:

Entering Dynamis

"Trade" a "timeless hourglass" to the "Trail Markings" found in different locations across Vana'diel.
This will transform the item into a "perpetual hourglass."
From that point on, one of the Dynamis areas will be reserved by the bearer of the hourglass.
The destination and time to be spent in Dynamis will be recorded in the item's help text.

Using the perpetual hourglass creates a copy of itself.
By handing these copies out to other characters, it is possible to enter the same Dynamis area in large groups. Only 64 people may enter the same Dynamis area at one time.

Note that the server will record the first 64 characters that enter the area, and any extra hourglasses will become void after this limit is reached.

Also note that a recipient can further duplicate a perpetual hourglass.
This allows for an essentially unlimited number of hourglass to be made.
Please take this into consideration when deciding to whom, and how many, copies are to be handed out.

Finally, to warp to the designated Dynamis area, "Trade" the perpetual hourglass back to the "Trail Markings" where you originally received it.
However, in addition to the hourglass, players must possess a certain key item in order to teleport to Dynamis.
Obtaining this key item is up to each adventurer.

Exiting and Returning

Even if a player leaves Dynamis through magic or being KO'd, they can reenter the same area without restriction--as long as it is within the designated time of the perpetual hourglass. However, the player will be in a weakened state for some time upon returning to the area.

This weekened state will last for longer than the usual period experienced after being raised from KO status.

Upon entering Dynamis, you will be unable to reenter using a different perpetual hourglass for three days (Earth time). This restriction applies to all Dynamis areas during this period.
You may check the amount of time remaining on this restriction at any time by investigating the "Trail Markings."

Battles in Dynamis

In Dynamis, you can cooperate with other characters to defeat enemies without being in the same party or alliance. Also, items dropped by ennemies become available for every character in the area to cast lots on. As in normal parties, the character that casts the highest lot will asquire the item. Please be aware that items not lotted for within the restricted time will go to random characters or be lost entirely.

Starting from when the firsst character enters, if the number of people in an area of Dynamis reaches and remains at zero for approximately 10 minutes (Earth time), the time and area designation on the perpetual hourglass will be canceled.

The rule and restrictions listed above are subject to change without prior notice.
For further details on Dynamis, please refer to the version update information released on the 24th.

Below is a list of additional changes that will be implemented this month.

[Quests]
New NPC "escort" quests will be added.
Players will now be able to repeat artifact quests.
A new avatar quest will be implemented.
A new replay feature will allow you to revisit event scenes that were viewed outside of towns or within burning circles.

[Battle-Related]
Four new areas (Dynamis) will be opened.
Several new notorious monsters (NM) will be added to existing areas.
A new avatar battle, as well as new rewards in existing avatar battles, will be implemented.
Monsters that are reeled in while fishing will now gradually increase in level if they are not defeated immediately.
Enemy strength in the level cap battle "Shattering Stars" for the red mage will be adjusted.

[Item-Related]
New equipment known as "relics" will be introduced.
New synthesis recipes will be added.
In addition to extra storage, certain features that can enhance a player's status will be added to various furnishings.
*Due to the addition of these new features, the help text of all furnishings will change to reflect the number of storage slots, elemental status, etc.

[System-Related]
New additions to the "Config" menu will allow players to adjust mouse and camera settings. Some of theses additions include the implementation of a "chase camera" which locks directly behind your character at all times, as well as the option to invert the X and Y axis on the camera controls.
Players will now be able to alphabetically sort items on auctions (excluding weapons and armor).
Also, the method of sorting will be saved for further usage.

[Windows Version Updates]
A new setting will be added allowing the adjustment of shadow detail between "High," "Normal," and "Off."

There are several other changes that will be announced at the time of the update.

FINAL FANTASY XI Development Team