FINAL FANTASY XVI

An entry built around action

Developed and published by Square Enix, Final Fantasy XVI launched on 22 June 2023 on PS5, on 17 September 2024 on PC via Steam, and on 8 June 2025 on Xbox Series X|S (alongside the PC version on the Xbox Store). In Valisthea, where the Mothercrystals shape the fate of nations, players control Clive Rosfield in a single-player adventure with real-time combat.

What the press says

On PS5, Push Square (9/10) calls it the furthest the mainline series has strayed from its traditional RPG roots, more an action game with RPG elements, but also the best mainline single-player Final Fantasy since the twelfth; it praises the cinematic spectacle, characters, combat system and soundtrack, and criticises dismal side quest design and frame rate dips in performance mode. IGN (9/10) ranks its story, characters and worldbuilding among the best in the series, with exciting combat despite a departure that longtime fans may not expect. GamesRadar+ (4.5/5) likes the fast-paced combat, clean spectacle and how approachable it is, while noting it doesn't quite match some of its influences and that certain moves hurt visibility. VGC gives it 4/5.

Editions and prices

Checked on 12 November 2026, with no sale running: the standard edition costs €49.99 on Steam and €59.99 on the PlayStation Store (PS5) and the Xbox Store (Xbox Series X|S and PC). The Complete Edition, which adds the two paid story expansions Echoes of the Fallen and The Rising Tide, costs €69.99 on Steam and €79.99 on the PlayStation Store and Xbox Store. The game is also in the PlayStation Plus Extra catalogue, a subscription that is not counted as a purchase. The Epic Games Store and physical editions were not checked.

Who is it for?

Players who enjoy big-budget action games and dark, political stories. Those expecting a classic turn-based Final Fantasy may feel out of place.

Press average

The score block above shows the press average calculated from original reviews of the PS5 version, checked on 12 November 2026: Push Square 9/10, IGN 9/10, GamesRadar+ 4.5/5 and VGC 4/5. Each score is converted to /20 and averaged with equal weight. The PC and Xbox versions are not covered. This summary is not a hands-on review.