Square Enix announced a major creative addition to Final Fantasy XIV's Neon Genesis Evangelion collaboration during the Fan Festival 2026 livestream in Berlin. Mahiro Maeda, director of Evangelion: 3.0+1.0: Thrice Upon A Time and Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo, is joining the project as a guest creator for the crossover titled "Ghosts of Desire."

The collaboration represents a significant pairing between two beloved franchises, with Maeda's involvement lending his distinctive visual style to the MMORPG. Known for his work on the Evangelion films, Maeda brings considerable animation expertise to the event.

The "Ghosts of Desire" crossover arrives alongside other announcements for Final Fantasy XIV's upcoming "Evercold" expansion, which launches the new "Godless Realms" saga. Players will explore the Fourth, one of 13 reflections of the Source world, encountering new enemies and gameplay systems.

The Berlin Fan Festival also revealed the expansion's new Bastion job and several new areas including Naglfar and Hringhorni, both Realships tied to the expansion's water and fire themes. A second new job will be announced at the Tokyo Fan Festival event scheduled for October 31-November 1.

Additionally, Final Fantasy XIV announced a collaboration with Final Fantasy VII Remake featuring an eight-player raid series coming to the expansion. The Nintendo Switch 2 version of the game launches August 4.

For longtime Evangelion fans who also play Final Fantasy XIV, Maeda's involvement in "Ghosts of Desire" suggests the crossover will maintain the series' distinctive aesthetic while integrating it into Eorzea. More details about the collaboration are expected as the expansion's launch date approaches.