Final Fantasy 16 was first announced during Sony’s PlayStation 5 showcase event back in 2020. We saw a trailer, which seemed to confirm an additional platform, though Square Enix has walked that back somewhat since then. What we do know is that Final Fantasy 16 looks set to carry forward the action-focused combat of FF15, while introducing new characters and a brand new setting.
Sony decided to shine a spotlight Final Fantasy 16, including it around the launch of its new PS5 console. This isn’t unheard of, as Sony has had a close relationship with the Final Fantasy brand in the past, and by the looks of it this will amount to some form of platform exclusivity. If history repeats itself, we will see FF16 released on additional platforms in the future, though info is light at present.
To help you keep up to date with all things Final Fantasy 16 we’ve put together this guide. It will cover release date details as well as trailers and gameplay reveals. We’ll take a look at the characters showcased so far, and collect all of the official information released by Square Enix. As we get closer to launch, we’ll likely hear more on the game. When we do, we’ll update this page so that you can stay in the loop.
Final Fantasy 16 release date
Final Fantasy 16 will release in June 22, 2023. This was revealed during The Game Awards 2022, alongside a brand new trailer. For now, it’s just coming to PS5 consoles at launch.
Was FF16 delayed?
Despite never officially getting a release date, Final Fantasy 16 was delayed by six months at the end of last year. This was revealed on the game’s official Twitter, in a message from Naoki Yoshida. It explains that due to the impact of Covid-19 on production and development, the game has been delayed by ‘almost half a year.’
A message from Final Fantasy XVI producer Naoki Yoshida. #FF16 #FFXVI pic.twitter.com/qtfJUUp6LA
— FINAL FANTASY XVI (@finalfantasyxvi) December 27, 2021
Platforms – is it a PS5 exclusive?
At the end of the reveal trailer that aired back in 2020, it was revealed that Final Fantasy 16 is a ‘PS5 console exclusive.’ There was some fine print that elaborated on this exclusivity window further, stating: ‘Not available on other platforms for a limited time after PS5 release.’
This isn’t really out of the ordinary, with certain games having timed exclusivity on specific consoles before jumping to other platforms. Recently, Sony clarified this further, revealing that Final Fantasy 16 will be exclusive to PS5 for 6 months.
Setting
Between the reveal trailer and the official descriptions available on the FF16 website, we know a fair bit about the game’s setting. It’s called Valisthea―A Land Blessed in the Light of the Mothercrystals. It is described as follows:
‘The land of Valisthea is studded with Mothercrystals—glittering mountains of crystal that tower over the realms around them, blessing them with aether. For generations, people have flocked to these beacons to take advantage of their blessing, using the aether to conjure magicks that let them live lives of comfort and plenty. ‘
There are three main Realms present in the region:
- The Grand Duchy of Rosaria – Long ago, a group of small independent provinces in western Valisthea found strength in unity, and formed the Grand Duchy of Rosaria.
- The Holy Empire of Sanbreque – Sanbreque is the largest theocratic force in Valisthea.
- The Kingdom of Waloed – Waloed claims the entirety of Ash, the eastern half of Valisthea, as its dominion.
Trailers
We’ve embedded the initial trailer for Final Fantasy 16 above. It’s a few years old at this point, but really helps set the scene for the game’s story. It’s got a real medieval vibe to it, with warring kingdoms, and a much darker tone than the last mainline FF game.
Gameplay
A ton of new gameplay debuted for Fantasy 16 during Sony’s State of Play event that aired on April, 2023. It’s a lengthy showcase, giving fans a look at combat, Summons, and even battles with Titan, Shiva, Ifrit and more. You can check it out below:
Characters
Finally, let’s take a look at the three main characters that have been revealed for FF16 so far:
- Clive Rosfield – The firstborn son of the Archduke of Rosaria. Though all expected him to inherit the Phoenix’s flames and awaken as its Dominant, destiny instead chose his younger brother Joshua to bear this burden. In search of a role of his own, Clive dedicated himself to mastering the blade. His practice pays off when, at just fifteen years of age, he wins the ducal tournament and is dubbed the First Shield of Rosaria—tasked to guard the Phoenix and blessed with the ability to wield a part of his fire. Alas, Clive’s promising career is to end in tragedy at the hands of a mysterious dark Eikon, Ifrit, setting him on a dangerous road to revenge.
- Joshua Rosfield – The second son of the Archduke of Rosaria and Clive’s younger brother by five years. Joshua awoke as the Dominant of the Phoenix soon after his birth. Despite his noble upbringing, Joshua treats all his father’s subjects with warmth and affection—none more so than Clive, whom he deeply admires. Joshua often laments that it was he, the frail and bookish younger son, who was granted command of the firebird’s flames, and not his stronger, braver brother. While Clive will gladly throw himself into any danger, Joshua quails at the sight of a carrot on his dinner plate. But carrots become the least of his concern when he, too, is swept up into the tragic events that change Clive’s life forever.
- Jill Warrick – Born in the fallen Northern Territories, Jill was taken from her homeland at a tender age to become a ward of Rosaria, securing peace between the two warring nations. The Archduke insisted that she be raised alongside his sons, and now, at twelve years of age, she is as much a part of the Rosfield household as Clive and Joshua. Ever kind, gracious, and unassuming, Jill has become a trusted confidant to the brothers.
That’s all you need to know about Final Fantasy 16. We’ll be updating this page with more info as it is released.
The post ‘Final Fantasy 16’ release date, platforms, and everything we know appeared first on NME.
