During the Letter from the Producer Live XXXVI, Naoki Yoshida detailed how the new scenario shortcut items work, which will allow you to skip the A Realm Reborn and Heavensward stories to progress. The respective slides can be seen above.

Embark on an inspiring mission of human connection beyond the UCA. Sam — with companions by his side — sets out on a new journey to save humanity from extinction. Join them as they traverse a world beset by otherworldly enemies, obstacles and a haunting question: should we have connected?