If you're playing Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn on PC with the DirectX 11 client, you may have noticed a new graphics setting introduced with patch 3.1: "Glare."

Considering the nature of the effect, its influence on the visuals may not be immediately recognizable, and some simply thought that it's not working, especially since the patch notes say nothing specific.

Truth is that the effect definitely works, but it's noticeable only in very specific locations where water is present. As you can see in the screenshots and video below, shifting the effect from "Off" to "Standard" in the System Configuration -> Graphics Settings menu activates the light reflected on characters and objects by the caustics in the water.

The effect actually looks really lovely, adding a subtle but relevant feature to Final Fantasy XIV's already considerable beauty.

Glare Off

Glare Standard

Video Off -> Standard