Square Enix has announced that Final Fantasy XVI will debut on PC next month. The latest numbered entry in the long-running franchise will be available through Steam and the Epic Games Store starting on September 17th. In anticipation of its release, fans can now download a free demo through both digital storefronts.
Released in 2023, Final Fantasy XVI embraces more of an action role-playing style of gameplay as players are introduced to an original story. The epic dark fantasy takes place in the realm of Valisthea – "a land blessed in the light of the Mothercrystals, and where peace falters as the spread of the Blight threatens to destroy their dominions."
"The fate of the land is decided by the Eikons, mighty summoned beasts and their Dominants, men and women who have been blessed with the ability to call upon and wield them," the synopsis teases. "This is the tale of Clive Rosfield, a warrior granted the title “First Shield of Rosaria” and sworn to protect his younger brother Joshua, the Dominant of the Phoenix, Eikon of Fire. Before long, Clive will be caught up in a great tragedy and swear revenge on the Dark Eikon known as Ifrit, a mysterious entity that brings calamity in its wake."
With a release date now set, players can pre-purchase the Standard Edition ($49.99) of Final Fantasy XVI, which includes the base game, or the Complete Edition $69.99), which also includes the two DLC chapters — "Echoes of the Fallen" and "The Rising Tide — at a discounted price. You'll be able to purchase the DLC chapters individually or as part of the Expansion Pass at launch. Additionally, anyone who pre-purchases the game will receive the following in-game items:
- Brave Blade Weapon
- Cait Sith Charm (Gil Boost Accessory)
- “Sixteen Bells” Orchestrion Roll
Both DLC chapters introduce new story, battles, weapons, accessories, and weapons, while increasing the level cap. "Echoes of the Fallen" begins before the base game's final battle, as strange, dark crystals begin to circulate on the black market. The description reads:
Players will follow Clive and company during their investigations as they encounter a group of suspicious traders, leading them to a long-abandoned Fallen tower known as the Sagespire and the terrible secrets that await within.
"The Rising Tide," which is the game's second and final DLC chapter, adds new depth to Clive's journey before the conclusion of the base game.
Players will gain new Eikonic abilities, explore a beautiful new area in the hidden land of Mysidia, and dive into battle against the legendary water Eikon, Leviathan the Lost. This DLC also adds brand new end-game content with the Kairos Gate, where players will challenge 20 stages of intense scored and ranked battles against waves of enemies.
Originally released on PlayStation 5, Final Fantasy XVI received mostly positive reviews. The game sits at a 87/100 on review aggregator Metacritic, and an even higher 92% on OpenCritic. The game was largely praised for its overall narrative and themes, although the story's pacing was uneven. Critics praised the game's graphics and cinematic visuals as well as the action-oriented gameplay which may be divisive to the Final Fantasy fanbase.
For those on the fence about the PC version, there is a demo available on both Steam and the Epic Game Store. The demo provides access to the opening prologue of the game during Clive's adolescence. The demo offers over two hours of content— with save data carrying over to the full game — as well as a special "Eikonic Challenge" Mode that lets players experience "more frenetic fights with access to even more Eikonic Abilities in battle."