Final Fantasy 14 Concert Unveils Emotional Lore Behind Endwalker’s Iconic Song

Final Fantasy 14 fans were recently hit with a surprising and emotional revelation about one of the game's most beloved songs, “Close in the Distance,” from Endwalker. It was confirmed during a concert that the haunting track is sung from the perspective of Ardbert, the Warrior of Darkness, directed toward the Warrior of Light. This poignant piece of lore emerged during a performance by THE PRIMALS, a rock band led by Final Fantasy 14’s acclaimed composer, Masayoshi Soken.

Soken, renowned for his masterful work on the soundtracks of Final Fantasy 14 and Final Fantasy 16, formed THE PRIMALS in 2014. Since then, the band has delivered countless unforgettable performances, but it was their latest concert in Japan, on September 21 and 22, 2024, that left fans deeply moved. According to reports from Game Watch, the event featured a special guest appearance by Junichi Suwabe, the Japanese voice actor for Ardbert, who added a unique emotional layer to the performance.

The Revelation: Ardbert’s Voice Echoes in “Close in the Distance”

During the concert, Suwabe took on the role of Ardbert, narrating segments of the show, thanking fans for their support, and delivering lines from the game that resonated with the audience. His narration reached its emotional peak during the performance of “Close in the Distance,” sung by American musician Jason Charles Miller. Through Suwabe’s moving words, it was confirmed that this powerful song is sung from Ardbert’s perspective to the player’s character, the Warrior of Light.

Ardbert’s Journey and His Connection to the Warrior of Light

Spoiler Warning: Details of Final Fantasy 14: Endwalker follow.

Ardbert first encounters players in Heavensward, where he is introduced as a Warrior of Darkness. His story becomes a central theme in Shadowbringers, where he reappears as a spirit, having failed to prevent the destruction of his world by the Flood of Light. Over the course of the story, it is revealed that Ardbert’s soul and the Warrior of Light’s were once part of the same being, a connection that culminates when Ardbert sacrifices himself by merging with the player’s character, granting them the strength to triumph in their final battle.

Ardbert’s complex story arc, combined with Suwabe’s gripping performance in both the Japanese and English versions of the game, has made him one of the most cherished characters in Final Fantasy 14. This latest revelation about “Close in the Distance” further deepens fans' emotional attachment to Ardbert, as they now understand that the song represents his final message to the Warrior of Light.

A Long-Awaited Confirmation

Hints about the true meaning behind “Close in the Distance” had been circulating since the release of Endwalker. Natsuko Ishikawa, the senior story designer for Final Fantasy 14, had teased that the song was sung from the perspective of a specific character. After two years of speculation, fans now know she was referring to Ardbert. Interestingly, Jason Charles Miller also performed “Shadowbringers,” the theme of the expansion of the same name, suggesting that this song may also be sung from Ardbert’s perspective.

Fans Overcome With Emotion

For many Final Fantasy 14 players, learning this piece of lore was a profoundly emotional experience. “Close in the Distance” was already considered one of the most heart-wrenching tracks in the game, but discovering its connection to Ardbert has added new layers of meaning and sentimentality, bringing many fans to tears.

For those who wish to relive the concert’s emotional highs, a replay is available to stream until October 7, 2024, for 4,400 yen (approximately $30). This opportunity allows fans to revisit the performance and experience the heart-stirring lore revelation once more.