Final Fantasy is one of the most iconic and influential video game series of all time, particularly when it comes to the role-playing game genre. Alongside the main series of RPGs, the franchise has produced a number of spin-offs and guest appearances, such as the availability of Cloud and Sephiroth as playable characters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Now, another entry in the main series for Final Fantasy is on the horizon. As a result, fans of the series can look forward to more exploration and action-based combat in the near future. Here’s everything you should know about Final Fantasy XVI, including its release date.
Final Fantasy XVI release date
The latest installment in the Final Fantasy series is set to launch on June 22, 2023. Square Enix confirmed the Final Fantasy XVI release date through a trailer shown at The Game Awards in December of 2022. The game has been rated M for Mature by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).
Final Fantasy XVI will become the first main entry in the franchise since Final Fantasy XV, which debuted about six-and-a-half years ago in November of 2016. Overall, this will be the 16th installment in the main Final Fantasy series, which started in 1987.
Final Fantasy XVI platforms
At launch, Final Fantasy XVI will only be available on PlayStation 5. However, it is slated to be a timed exclusive, meaning it will only be restricted to one platform for a limited period of time. While Square Enix has not yet confirmed what consoles the game could come to later, we do know that Final Fantasy XVI won’t appear on any other platforms for at least six months.
Final Fantasy plot
According to the game’s official website, the plot of Final Fantasy XVI revolves around a pair of royal brothers. The younger brother, Joshua Rosfield, harbors a beast known as the Phoenix in his body. Despite this, he isn’t much of a fighter and feels that his older brother should be the one who hosts the Phoenix instead.
Meanwhile, Clive Rosfield, the older brother of Joshua and main protagonist of the game, sets out to protect his brother amid a time of unrest in the land of Valisthea. Although he does not possess the Phoenix himself, he is able to take advantage of the beast’s powers through the Phoenix’s blessing.
Clive Rosfield, the hero of Final Fantasy XVI. #FF16 pic.twitter.com/dr1k39NfXb
— FINAL FANTASY XVI (@finalfantasyxvi) April 6, 2023
Its official website describes Final Fantasy XVI as “a game guided by the unforgiving hand of fate.” There are a number of other characters whose fates will presumably be intertwined throughout the events of the game.
Final Fantasy XVI characters
Alongside the Rosfield brothers, the line-up of main characters in Final Fantasy XVI characters includes Jill Warrick, who possesses the powers of a beast known as Shiva. There’s also a wolf named Torgal who acts as a childhood pet and reliable companion for the Rosfields.
A number of other characters will play a significant role in the game’s story, including Benedikta Harman, Hugo Kupka, Dion Lesage, Barnabas Tharmr and Cidolfus “Cid” Telamon. More preliminary information about the game’s plot is available on its official website, and more information will certainly be revealed following the Final Fantasy XVI release date in June.
