Final Fantasy 16 - Release Date, Rumors, Exclusivity, Trailers, & More

Final Fantasy 16 is shaping up to be a grandiose adventure from the respected developer, Square Enix. Fans of the Final Fantasy franchise look forward to incredible fantasy storytelling and beautifully designed landscapes, and from the snippets and screenshots we've seen it appears that FF16 is gearing up to shatter traditional expectations. With a new sub-studio working tirelessly to bring the title to life and having to adapt to global events, fans are more curious than ever if the newest title in the series can live up to the hype.

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Unfortunately, there isn't a ton of information out regarding Final Fantasy 16. That said, we have received a pretty eye-opening trailer and the official teaser site has given us a glimpse at some of the things we can expect to encounter in the upcoming adventure. Anyone curious about what's happening currently with Final Fantasy 16's development, as well as its overall gameplay, design, and story elements, should read on.

Release dates have been a bit scuffed lately, for all development studios. Square Enix hasn't yet made an official or concrete announcement concerning Final Fantasy 16's release date but it's entirely possible we will still see an announcement and a release date slotted for later this year. That said, it's much more likely that the highly-anticipated continuation of the franchise will drop sometime in 2022 or 2023.

We do know that Square Enix plans to announce something concerning Final Fantasy 16 in 2021 thanks to producer and designer Naoki Yoshida. According to official press materials, Yoshi-P stated that "the next big information reveal is scheduled for 2021." What that information reveal pertains to is unknown at this time so it's difficult to gauge whether or not the "big announcement" will bear any fruit regarding a potential release date.

It's also important to note that the development team behind Final Fantasy 16 has been working mostly remotely due to 2021's global pandemic. There haven't been any announcements or statements concerning how this remote work is affecting development or if it has managed to derail the development process in any meaningful way. It's also unclear exactly how long the title has been in development but a recruitment article from Square Enix dated April 2019 was looking for developers to work on "a new key project following Final Fantasy XIV, taking up a challenge for the next generation."

So far, the only things we do know concerning Final Fantasy 16's impending release and production are:

• Basic Development and Scenario Production are already complete.
• It's under production by the same Square Enix team that produces Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn.
• It's planned as a PS5 exclusive.
• A rumor suggests an announcement concerning the game will happen sometime this Summer (2021).

Although players don't have a solid grasp on everything to expect when Final Fantasy 16 finally releases, Square Enix was kind enough to provide the public with a rather lengthy trailer that does a fantastic job in showcasing the themes, general story, and basic combat for the upcoming release.

The Awakening Trailer is the first place that curious gamers should go if they're looking for information regarding the next great Final Fantasy adventure.

As it currently stands, Final Fantasy 16 is planned as a PS5 exclusive, with no mention of PC ports or availability on Xbox. That said, Square Enix is no stranger to porting its recent Final Fantasy titles across all consoles.

• Nintendo Switch fans can get their hands on once-exclusive titles like Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy VIII, Final Fantasy IX, Final Fantasy X/X-2, and even the newly remastered Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age. Those seeking the original Final Fantasy releases (in all their retro glory) will also find them available on Nintendo's latest console.
• Square Enix has even brought its collection of Final Fantasy epics to Microsoft's wildly popular and valuable Game Pass. Xbox and PC fans can play all of the titles aforementioned on the Nintendo Switch, as well as the recent Final Fantasy XV and the FF13 trio (Final Fantasy XIII, Final Fantasy XIII-2, and Final Fantasy XIII: Lightning Returns).
• PC gamers even have access to the titles listed above thanks to Steam and can enjoy even more releases from the franchise like World of Final Fantasy, Final Fantasy Type-0, and the Free Edition of Final Fantasy Dissidia.

RELATED: New Games like Final Fantasy 16 Seem at Odds With Older Games for Microsoft/Sony

Hopefully, an announcement in the near future will give us a much better grip on what to expect from combat, the style of the title, and how Eikons work in the Land of Final Fantasy 16. For now, here's a glance at what information we do have concerning these topics.

There hasn't been much talk about the specifics concerning Final Fantasy 16's gameplay but players were given a lengthy 4-minute glimpse at some gameplay mixed with cutscenes in the September 20th Final Fantasy XVI - Awakening Trailer. A lot happens in the short teaser and although there are no menus, meters, or controls shown, Square Enix does showcase a seemingly polished combat system that is reminiscent of Dark Souls and Final Fantasy 15. The protagonist is capable of closing mid-distance gaps with ease and the few fight scenes shown hint at a "fluid" combat style that will have players dodging enemy attacks, while simultaneously dishing out damage.

The player character is also shown tossing out quick fireballs in succession, as well as "warping" with a short-range dodge to avoid an angry Malboro. Magic and medieval-style combat take center stage, with one "assumed boss" crashing to the ground with a long spear reminiscent of the franchise's beloved Dragoon class. The movement system looks like a much more polished, flowing version of Final Fantasy 15's fast-paced combat.

Only time will tell just how accurate the Dark Souls comparisons are and if the combat is indeed as punishing as FromSoftware's epic franchise.

From what we've seen so far, it's definitely a darker, grittier take on Final Fantasy's universe, with some referencing Game of Thrones as a supposed inspiration. It's easy to make the comparison too, with a lot of the combat scenes echoing a shadowed style, similar to the beginning of Final Fantasy 7 with Midgar. That said, some concept art suggests areas within Valisthea that are bright and welcoming. Visuals aside, those hoping for a technologically-driven experience like Final Fantasy 7 may be disappointed.

According to a 2019 interview with Yoshi-P, the developer and producer would like to see a Final Fantasy that is much more grounded in traditional Fantasy themes. He was quoted as saying "I’d like to see a Final Fantasy that is straightforward fantasy, one that doesn’t have much machinery, and with no mecha in it." This may come as a surprise to those that have become accustomed to Final Fantasy's steampunk aesthetics but the visuals from the announcement trailer paint a gorgeous picture of classic medieval warfare, in a land populated with powerful magical creatures and spellslingers.

It just wouldn't feel like a Final Fantasy game without the inclusion of the franchise's beloved "summons." Thankfully, they're alive and well in Final Fantasy 16, and fans of these towering creatures will be happy to know that they should feature heavily in the game's storyline. Sporting a new name, Eikons are a pivotal part of this title's inner struggles, with kingdoms waging war against one another, using the mythical beasts as heavy artillery. They're noticeably larger than their traditional counterparts, with their showdowns looking similar to those seen in the Godzilla series.

The trailer itself gave us hints at who we can expect to see in Eikon form:

• A soldier makes mention of fan-favorite Shiva and we do manage to get a glimpse of the Ice Queen herself a few moments later.
• There's a hulking humanoid that is most certainly Titan (or at least a reference to him).
• Hot-headed Ifrit makes an appearance later on in the trailer but his design is quite different than we're used to seeing. The trademark horns are unmistakable and his "form" is similar to his predecessors, but this Eikon version is cloaked in black (although stoked with inner fire), looking like a Shadow Ifrit more than his traditional red-dominated color scheme.
• The Kingdom of Waloed's banner on the FF16 teaser site features what seems to be a horned horse-like figure. It's possible that this Eikon could be a call to Ixion or Odin.

While there isn't a ton of information concerning gameplay elements, we do know quite a bit about the universe. Although no additional announcements have been made concerning the game, developers have been pretty open about where the direction of Final Fantasy 16 is headed and the themes that will surround it. Here's a look at what to expect from the setting and realms involved.

RELATED: There's a Good Chance Final Fantasy 16 is at E3 2021

Final Fantasy 16 takes place in the land of Valisthea, a new addition to the Final Fantasy universe and a proud continuation of the franchise's tradition to keep its stories feeling fresh and different by placing them in completely new worlds. Valisthea is a land owned and governed by kingdoms, with each having access to a powerful magic source known as the Mothercrystals. This theme of crystal-based powers continues the series' dive into the Fabula Nova Crystallis universe that was started by Final Fantasy 13.

Visually (thanks to the Awakening trailer), Valisthea appears to be a vast area filled with beautiful terrain, medieval structures, and a healthy variance of biomes. It's also teeming with wildlife, featuring an array of classic Final Fantasy creatures that many fans have come to expect from the series.

There are five kingdoms that rule Valisthea and each one of them is in control of a powerful Eikon, as well as a Mothercrystal. Here's a look at each kingdom and a small glimpse at the role they play in Final Fantasy 16's landscape:

• The Grand Duchy Of Rosaria claims hold of Drake's Breath, a Mothercrystal located on a volcanic island off the coastline.
• The realm treats Eikons as if they are royalty.
• Dominants are forced to take the throne when chosen by an Eikon.
• The kingdom was formed by a small group of provinces.
• Their Eikon is Phoenix.
• The kingdom is where the main character hails from and is the first instance of The Blight spreading.

• Sanbreque is a prosperous land filled with aether thanks to the Drake's Head, a Mothercrystal that supplies magic to the capital city Oriflamme and its surrounding provinces.
• It stands as the largest governing kingdom in all of Valisthea.
• People worship the Dominant, seeing them as a living incarnation of the one true deity.
• An unknown Eikon makes its home here.
• The Empire isn't afraid to use its Dominant and Eikon as a tool of war.

• The Kingdom of Waloed claims the entire eastern portion of Valisthea as their homelands, referred to as Ash.
• They claim stake to the Mothercrystal, Drake's Spine.
• The Kingdom has a history marred in battle thanks to the many attacks from Beastmen and Orcs, who live in the surrounding areas.
• The latest ruler is a Dominant that controls an unknown Eikon.
• Waloed has amassed a powerful army in the process of fending off their enemies and now looks towards expanding their borders.

• Made from five states, The Dhalmekian Republic huddles around the Drake's Fang, a Mothercrystal partially hidden in a mountain range.
• Its government is contrived of representatives from each state.
• The Eikon Titan calls this area home and actually has quite a bit of say concerning the decision-making process for parliament.
• Their abundance of aether makes them a de facto leader for many of the areas in Southern Valisthea.

• Situated off the coast of Storm, the Iron Kingdom calls a series of islands home.
• Detached from Valisthea's mainland, the "Ironblood" have developed their own language.
• The realm is lead by a crystal-worshiping faith dubbed the Crystalline Orthodox.
• It is unknown if an Eikon is present in the lands of the Iron Kingdom.
• Dominants are considered to be abominations to the faith and are brutally executed should they be discovered.

RELATED: Final Fantasy 16's Iron Kingdom Sounds Incredibly Dark

The Crystalline Dominion is a curious anomaly in the land of Valisthea, acting as the only part of the land that isn't governed by a singular kingdom. It's situated around the tallest Mothercrystal in all of Valisthea, Drake's Tail. The area was torn by war for years, with kingdoms vying to take control of the aether the crystal provides for themselves. Eventually, an armistice was reached and the land surrounding Drake's Tail became peaceful. It is now governed by a table of representatives, with one hailing from each major kingdom, excluding The Iron Kingdom.

The main story of Final Fantasy 16 is guaranteed to be much more in-depth and twisting than this generally synopsis (and likely a bit confusing, if it follows the same route as its predecessors). That said, we do have a pretty solid grasp on what to expect from Square Enix's upcoming epic, especially concerning the main conflict and cast of characters.

Valisthea starts as a prosperous land filled with bonded peoples that unite under the blessings of the Mothercrystals. Through their magic, communities are capable of living comfortable, happy, and fulfilling lives. Unfortunately, peace doesn't always last and the conflict in Final Fantasy 16 is born from a classic "desire for power and control." As kingdoms rose to power, governing bodies began to see a land teeming with possibilities and each group likely has its own ideas for what "the future" should look like. When players are dropped into Final Fantasy 16, they'll find a land divided by kingdoms, each with varying laws and ideals. Some seek power, some seek unity, but it's clear that there is a fracture across Valisthea.

All of this is made even tenser by the introduction of Dominants and Eikons. Eikons are massive, hulking beasts are capable of great destruction but are easily controlled by someone known as a Dominant. Dominants are individuals "chosen" (through a method not quite clear yet) to become an avatar for the Eikon themselves. Although the "way in which a Dominant is chosen" is unclear, we do know that individuals have absolutely no control over being chosen and must uphold the duties of a Dominant regardless of if they wish to or not. Some Dominants wish to use their Eikons for peace, while others see them as tools for war.

This massive powder keg is ignited thanks to something known as The Blight. Not only does this spreading disease threaten to completely dismantle the realms, but it causes a greater rift between each nation. It's a classic Fantasy trope of uniting wartorn nations in order to battle a larger, more foreboding enemy. But only time will tell if the kingdoms of Valisthea can rise up together in arms or if they will be torn asunder by their greed and stubbornness.

Although the bigger picture seems to speak to the relations between realms and the impending doom of the Blight, the story itself starts in a smaller, controller environment. Players will take control of Clive Rosefield, a young prince from The Grand Duchy Of Rosaria. As royalty, Clive was expected to be the next Dominant but was cruelly pushed aside by fate. The Eikon Phoenix, instead, became entwined with Clive's younger brother, Joshua Rosefield. It's unclear if Clive resents his brother but his anguish and scorn turns him to the blade, and he uses the pain to elevate himself to Master Swordsman and First Shield of Rosaria.

RELATED: Clive's Mark in Final Fantasy 16, and What it Could Mean

Conversely, Joshua seems to hate the fact that he was chosen as Dominant and deeply regrets that the Eikon wasn't gifted to his brother, instead. The young prince is described as "frail and bookish" and he doesn't seem interested in using Phoenix as a tool of war. It will be interesting to see what happens to these two brothers and if bad blood spills over thanks to the fate instilled between them by the Mothercrystals.

Lastly, is Jill Warrick, a sub-protagonist to the main duo and a supposed beacon of peace for Valisthea. She was chosen as a Ward for Rosaria and taken from her homeland at a young age. Due to her "kind, gracious, and unassuming" personality, she has been entrusted with acting as a liaison between the great kingdoms of Valisthea. The Grand Duchy of Rosaria is hopeful that she can unite the governing powers and usher in a new era of peace.

There are numerous rumors floating around the industry concerning Final Fantasy 16. It looks to be one of Square Enix's most ambitious projects and the subtle changes to the gameplay and narrative are enough to get any long-time fan interested in the development. Here's a look at some of the biggest and most prominent rumors surrounding the upcoming title.

Nailing down a release date for Final Fantasy 16 seems like an impossibility at the moment. With the development team fragmented due to a global pandemic and many of them resorting to remote work, it's incredibly difficult to pin down a concrete release window. Players have yet to see a demo and have only received a (fairly lengthy) trailer and teaser site so far. Both Final Fantasy XV and the Final Fantasy VII Remake received a small demo, although that doesn't mean the current studio will handle their launch in the same way.

That said, the rumor surrounding Final Fantasy 16 hitting store shelves sooner rather than later does have "some validity" thanks to industry journalist Jason Schreier. According to Schreier (on the Triple Click Podcast); "I've heard from people who are familiar with the game's development that it's actually been in development for at least four years in some capacity, so it's coming sooner than people think."

Job systems have been commonplace in the Final Fantasy franchise since its inception, with some games exploring the concept much more than others. The ability to play as one character that has the capacity to "swap jobs" and unlock new and latent abilities is something fans have really come to enjoy in RPG adventures. But is this system something we could see in Final Fantasy 16?

Although this is definitely more speculation than a "widespread rumor," it is entirely possible that FF16 could utilize some type of job or switching mechanic based on some combat gameplay shown in the Awakening Trailer. Clive employs some moves that seem "tied to Eikons." This is visible with the massive Phoenix-style wing that sometimes appears on his back or the Titan-like fist attacks he uses against enemies. It may not work like a traditional Job System but we could perhaps see something akin to the God of War series, in which Kratos is imbued with new moves and abilities when using different weapons.

RELATED: Final Fantasy 16’s Jill Is Probably More Important Than You Think

It's also important to note that the development team behind Final Fantasy 16, Creative Business Unit III, is also responsible for the creation of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. The massively multiplayer online RPG allows players to seamlessly switch between jobs, gaining experience and unlocking abilities for each one separately. It's not out of the realm of possibilities to see Final Fantasy 16 employ a similar class system.

As it currently stands, there are no plans (at least not publically) to create a Final Fantasy 16 movie. This question began circulating the web due to Final Fantasy XV getting its own in-universe film with Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV. The movie itself was poorly received by critics but received fairly positive reviews from fans thanks to its beautiful animation and sound design. Those that fell in love with the world-building of Final Fantasy XV are sure to enjoy Kingsglaive but what does that mean for a potential film surrounding Final Fantasy 16?

It's not hard to imagine Final Fantasy 16 in film form thanks to what we know about the upcoming story. In fact, the release is shaping up to be perhaps one of the most "cinema-friendly" releases in the entire Final Fantasy franchise. The story is gritty, easy-to-follow, and filled with conflicts from a variety of sources. A potential film could do a lot to help both the marketing and world-building for the future release.

There have already been a lot of worries from fans concerning if Final Fantasy 16 will be an always-online release, or if players will be forced to connect to the internet just to play through the title. While there hasn't been any word concerning an always-online structure, it's easy to see why fans would feel a bit concerned. Always-on DRM has been a touchy subject for gaming in general and some fans were presented with "online-only" walls when trying to play Final Fantasy XV. These proved to just be hiccups and it is possible to play FFXV without having to connect to the internet but the stigma of Always-on DRM has some fans on edge concerning the upcoming FF16 adventure. Thankfully, as it currently stands, there are no proposed plans for Final Fantasy 16 to be connected to the internet to play.

NEXT: Final Fantasy 16 Seems to Be Retreading One FF15 Plot Point