Dragoon Tether Removed? Final Fantasy XIV players divided as Dragoon’s Dragon Sight animation removed

Final Fantasy XIV’s 6.08 patch was a minor update in many ways, but one fundamental change had players shocked and divided. That was a slight change to the Dragoon job’s Dragon Sight ability. Dragon Sight grants you a 10% damage buff and links you to an ally giving them a 5% damage increase. A bright red tether would signify this in the past, but a section in the patch notes had players worried.

Under changes to Dragon Sight, which extended its range, the final line read, “The channeling animation between the dragoon and their target has been removed.” Simply put, it meant no more bright red dragon tether. The Dragoon's tether had been removed.

Related: All Abilities and Weaponskills for Dragoon in Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker Update

None-dragoon players loved the tether because it was essentially a big red line that said, “The Dragoon thinks I do the most damage.” As a result, players were bitterly disappointed to hear the animation was gone, with some calling it their “friendship bracelet” or “favoritism rope.”

But Dragoon players themselves are mixed in their opinions of the removal. Some are happy to see the back of it. A big red line that forces you to stay close to another player to optimize damage isn’t exactly the most fun mechanic. Additionally, to use it effectively, you pretty much had to use Macros, or risk messing up your already complex combos and opener. 

However, others remain disappointed about the removal of the tether. It was harmless fun for most Dragoon players, especially if you’re not overly interested in optimizing your damage.

Ultimately, the tether is a leftover mechanic from an older version of Final Fantasy XIV. One issue the animation had was tricking newbies, or spouts as they’re known in FFXIV, into thinking they were about to die. After all, several mechanics in the game cause you damage for staying close to players you’re visually tethered to. As a result, the removal seems like an issue of improving clarity in the game. But even so, the Dragoon's tether will be missed by many.

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