The highly anticipated release of Final Fantasy 16 on PC is finally upon us. Developer Square Enix has officially confirmed the global release times for the game, allowing eager fans across the world to prepare for its launch.
After months of speculation and confusion, Final Fantasy 16 will be available for PC players starting on September 17, 2024, bringing the celebrated RPG experience to a broader audience. Alongside this release, Square Enix has also announced two expansions, Echoes of the Fallen and The Rising Tide, which will be released simultaneously but at an additional cost.
Global Launch Times for Final Fantasy 16 on PC
Square Enix recently shared the exact launch times for Final Fantasy 16 in a social media post, detailing when players in different regions can begin their adventure. The game is set to launch globally on September 17, with staggered release times across various regions.
For players in Los Angeles, the game will be available at 7am PDT, while those in New York can start at 10am PDT. In BrasÃlia, the release is scheduled for 11am BRT, while in London, it will be available at 3pm BST. Berlin players can access the game at 4pm CEST, and those in Hong Kong at 10pm HKT. In Tokyo, the release time is set for 11pm JST, with Sydney and Wellington players able to start at 12am AEST and 2am NZST, respectively, on September 18.
These staggered release times ensure that players from all over the world can dive into the world of Final Fantasy 16 around the same time.
What to Expect from Final Fantasy 16 on PC
Final Fantasy 16 thrusts players into a richly detailed world where powerful elemental beings, known as “summons,” live within special individuals referred to as Dominants. As Clive Rosfield, the protagonist, players must navigate an intricate storyline filled with alliances and conflicts.
The game’s lore, character development, and action-packed combat have been praised by critics, making it one of the standout entries in the long-running franchise.
While the base game offers plenty of content on its own, players can further enhance their experience with the paid expansions, Echoes of the Fallen and The Rising Tide. These expansions promise to add more depth to the game’s world, though they will require separate purchases.
A Troubled Path to PC
The journey to Final Fantasy 16’s PC release has been filled with confusion. Originally, a trailer stated that the game would be available on both PlayStation 5 and PC. However, this claim was later removed by Square Enix, raising questions about the game’s exclusivity. In November 2022, a PS5 DualSense controller ad added to the confusion by stating the game would be exclusive to PlayStation 5 for six months.
Producer Naoki Yoshida publicly denied the existence of a PC version at that time, humorously encouraging players to buy a PS5 instead. However, in early 2023, Yoshida clarified that Final Fantasy 16 was indeed a timed PS5 exclusive, but a PC version wouldn’t be available for at least six months after the console launch. This delay was attributed to the development team’s need to focus on the PlayStation version before beginning work on the PC port.
Square Enix’s Shift in Strategy
The PC announcement in August 2024 followed Square Enix’s admission that Final Fantasy 16 and other PlayStation exclusives, including Foamstars and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, had underperformed. This led to a change in the company’s strategy, with a stronger focus on multiplatform releases.
Naoki Yoshida confirmed that Square Enix would also prioritize Xbox releases in the future. Director Hiroshi Takai has even suggested that future Final Fantasy titles could see simultaneous launches on PC.
A New Era in the Final Fantasy Series
Final Fantasy 16 represents a significant departure from traditional Final Fantasy titles. With a darker tone and a more action-oriented combat system, it offers a fresh take on the beloved franchise.
Despite the changes, the game’s story, characters, and world-building remain among the best in the series, ensuring its place in the hearts of both longtime fans and new players. The PC release marks the beginning of a new chapter, allowing a wider audience to experience the magic of Final Fantasy 16.
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What changes can players expect in the PC version of Final Fantasy 16 compared to the PS5 version?
While the core gameplay and story will remain the same, the PC version may include optimizations like improved graphics and performance enhancements tailored for high-end systems.
Will Final Fantasy 16’s expansions be available on PC at launch?
Yes, Square Enix has announced two expansions for Final Fantasy 16, titled Echoes of the Fallen and The Rising Tide. Both expansions will be available alongside the PC release, but they will require separate purchases.
