For years, adventurers have been able to call on support from adventuring fellows to aid them in their daily battles in the world of Vana'diel. Recently though, these companions have been left behind due to the inability for them to traverse certain areas, as well as not be strong enough to cope with the most challenging of tasks. This will soon be changing though, as Square Enix has announced major advancements in your adventuring fellows, increase a significant increase to their level cap, the areas they can be called out into, and how long they can fight by your side!

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From the official Final Fantasy XI forums:

[dev1005] More Formidable Fellows!

• The level cap for adventuring fellows will be increased from 70 to 85.

  • Increasing your fellow’s level cap will require the completion of new limit break quests.
  • Players wishing to undertake these quests must fulfill the following conditions:

    • Must have completed the quest “Clash of the Comrades.”
    • Adventuring fellow must be level 66 or higher.
    • Must possess the Magian Trial Log key item.

  • Fellows will fight alongside you for longer periods of time.

    • Initial duration of stay will be extended from 45 to 90 minutes.
    • Initial enemy quotas will be increased from 15 to 50 foes.
    • Strengthening bonds with your fellow will provide additional bonuses to these values.

      • Duration of stay: 9 steps of 10 minutes each, up to a maximum of 180 minutes.
      • Enemy quota: 5 steps of 10 foes each, up to a maximum of 100 foes.

      *The maximum bonus will be applied to players whose fellow bonds have already been strengthened to their limits.

  • Players will be able to call forth fellows in the following areas:

    Wajaom Woodlands / Bhaflau Thickets / Mount Zhayolm / Aydeewa Subterrane / Caedarva Mire