Responding to player feedback, Final Fantasy XIV Patch 7.16 will introduce a Clouddark Demimateria exchange system. This change addresses concerns regarding the acquisition of high-demand rewards from the Cloud of Darkness (Chaotic) Alliance Raid.

Specifically, players will be able to exchange their surplus Clouddark Demimateria 1 for Clouddark Demimateria 2, facilitating the purchase of sought-after items such as the "A Half Times Two" hairstyle and the "Dais of Darkness" mount. While the exact exchange rate remains unannounced, this adjustment will improve accessibility to these items. Both the mount and hairstyle are also available on the Market Board, meaning their prices are subject to fluctuation following the patch's release.

The update, launching January 21st, 2025, follows the December 24th introduction of the Cloud of Darkness (Chaotic) Alliance Raid. This challenging 24-player raid features mechanics reminiscent of the Shadowbringers' Eden raid series. The current reward structure, providing Clouddark Demimateria 1 and 2 (with bonus Demimateria 2 based on first-time clears), proved unbalanced, prompting the upcoming change.

Square Enix emphasizes that this alteration is a direct response to player feedback, and further adjustments to the Demimateria system or future raid content are possible based on ongoing community input. While Patch 7.16's primary focus is the conclusion of the Dawntrail Role Quest series, significant job balance updates are expected in a later patch (7.2). The impact of player feedback on future raid content remains to be seen.