Final Fantasy 16 Release Date, Launch Time and More
by Mathelene
Updated Jun 20, 2023
Final Fantasy 16
Final Fantasy XVI is an upcoming action role-playing game developed and published by Square Enix. It is the sixteenth main installment in the renowned Final Fantasy series and is set to be released on June 22, 2023, exclusively for the PlayStation 5 console, as a timed exclusive.
The game will feature segmented open environments, allowing players to explore different areas and an action-based combat system that combines both melee and magic-based attacks. Familiar elements from previous Final Fantasy games, such as Chocobos and summoned monsters known as Eikons, will make appearances as bosses to be fought against and as allies that players can harness their power from in combat.
The storyline of Final Fantasy XVI takes place in the fictional world of Valisthea, which is divided among six nations. These nations derive their power from magical Crystals and Dominants, humans who serve as hosts for their respective nation's Eikon.
As the land is plagued by a destructive force called the Blight, tensions rise among the nations. The protagonist, Clive Rosfield, witnesses the destruction of his kingdom and embarks on a quest for revenge, targeting the dark Eikon known as Ifrit.
Development of Final Fantasy XVI began conceptualization in 2015 and involved notable individuals such as Naoki Yoshida as producer, Hiroshi Takai as main director, Hiroshi Minagawa and Kazuya Takahashi as artists, Kazutoyo Maehiro as creative director and lead writer, Masayoshi Soken as a composer, and Ryota Suzuki, a veteran from Capcom, as the battle designer. Yoshida aimed to create a dark fantasy storyline that would appeal to a wide range of players and revitalize the series.
The production and promotion of Final Fantasy XVI faced challenges due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and later the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Despite these difficulties, the highly anticipated game is set to deliver an engaging and immersive experience for fans of the Final Fantasy series and action RPG enthusiasts.
Final Fantasy 16 Release Date
Final Fantasy 16, the highly anticipated game in the Final Fantasy series, is set to be released on June 22, 2023, exclusively for the PlayStation 5 console. The game's latest trailers have revealed that it will have a six-month exclusivity period on the PS5, meaning it won't be available on other platforms until December 31, 2023, according to the fine print.
Some fans had hoped that the PC version of Final Fantasy 16 would be released shortly after the exclusivity period ends. However, producer Naoki Yoshida clarified that this would not be the case. In a statement translated from Japanese on PlayStation's blog, Yoshida confirmed that while the PS5 exclusivity would last for six months, the PC version of the game would not be released within that timeframe.
Yoshida's remarks indicate that PC players will have to wait longer for the release of Final Fantasy 16 on their platform. He pointed out that the PC port of Final Fantasy 15, the previous installment in the series, took two years to arrive after its console release. This suggests that a similar waiting period may be expected for Final Fantasy 16's PC version.
Final Fantasy 16 Launch Time
According to the official timer, Final Fantasy 16 is scheduled to have a simultaneous worldwide release at midnight on June, 22nd, 2023. This means that fans from all regions will have the opportunity to start playing the game right away, provided they have pre-installed it on their gaming platform.
By ensuring the game is pre-installed on their chosen device, enthusiastic fans can be ready to dive into the world of Final Fantasy 16 as soon as the clock strikes midnight. This simultaneous release aims to offer an equal and exciting experience for players worldwide, regardless of their geographical location.
The countdown timer serves as a reminder for eager fans, building anticipation and marking the exact moment when the game becomes available for play. It's an exciting opportunity for players to embark on their Final Fantasy 16 journey right from the beginning, immersing themselves in the game's captivating world and narrative without delay.
Is Final Fantasy 16 Coming to PS4?
No, Final Fantasy XVI will not be released on the PlayStation 4. It is a next-generation title specifically designed as a PlayStation 5 exclusive, showcasing the capabilities of the new console and pushing the franchise to new heights. The graphical fidelity and scale of Final Fantasy XVI are too advanced to be supported by the hardware limitations of the PlayStation 4.
Releasing the game on the previous console would require significant time and effort to downgrade certain aspects of the game's depth and visuals. The game features vibrant and explosive moments, with highly flashy combat sequences. The PlayStation 4 would struggle to maintain stable frame rates, resulting in a subpar gaming experience. While the developers initially considered a PlayStation 4 release, they decided against it as it would have caused a delay of one to two years in the game's development.
For PlayStation 4 players, transitioning to the PlayStation 5 would be necessary to experience Final Fantasy XVI. However, there is a possibility that the game may become available on Xbox and PC platforms after 2023. Currently, the game has exclusive PS5 availability until December 2023.
Final Fantasy Platforms
Final Fantasy 16 (FF16) will initially launch exclusively on the PlayStation 5 console, continuing the strong partnership between Square Enix and Sony in the Final Fantasy franchise. However, there are uncertainties regarding the game's availability on other platforms. As of now, it is unlikely that Final Fantasy 16 will release on Xbox Series X/S or Xbox One. Sony has secured deals with third-party developers, including Square Enix, which restrict their collaborations with Microsoft and the Xbox platform.
While the exact reasons behind these restrictions remain unclear, it suggests that third-party games developed for Sony platforms may not be available on Xbox in the foreseeable future or potentially never at all. This development deviates from the norm of third-party games being released on multiple platforms. It underscores Sony's determination to maintain its dominance in the console market and is a surprising turn of events.
Ultimately, the choice of console will depend on the preferences of individual gamers. Those interested in playing Final Fantasy 16 will need to acquire a PlayStation 5. However, if the game is not a priority, players may consider purchasing an Xbox or exploring alternative console options.
Final Fantasy Trailer
Final Fantasy 16 Release Date - FAQs
Final Fantasy 16 is set to release on Thursday, June 22, 2023 as a PS5 exclusive.
No, Final Fantasy 16 is not a sequel to 2016's Final Fantasy 15.
The sixteenth main installment in the Final Fantasy series
Not be available for other platforms until December 31, 2023.
The main protagonist of Final Fantasy XVI is Clive Rosfield, the firstborn son of the Archduke of Rosaria.