It’s been four years since the release ofFinal Fantasy 15,and 14 years of development time since its initial conception asFinal Fantasy Versus 13.At this point, fans have no idea whether it’ll take another decade before the arrival ofFinal Fantasy 16. However, this uncertainty didn’t stop fans from speculating about the many potential features and elements that Square Enix might include in this much-awaited sequel.
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GivenFF15andFinal Fantasy VII Remakegarnered Metacritic scores of81and88, respectively, fans eagerly await news regarding what might happen toFF16. Here are some rumors the game should probably include as features, and others Square Enix can forget entirely:
10Let’s Hope: A Return To Fantasy
Square’sFF15showed there’s potential in a modernFinal Fantasypremise. Recent titles often had visual themes combining high fantasy with technological cues. This fusion resulted in visuals and concepts heavily-oriented towards “magitek” and “the return” of magic. However, Square Enix might want to ditch this idea. Instead, their next title should bring the game back to its fantasy roots.
The early games place a significant emphasis on the fantasy part of the titles. Thanks to this, it seemed like players are being transferred to a beautiful world of knights, kingdoms, and magic. There’s hope to this happening, though, as Naoki Yoshida, game director ofFF14,did say he’s also hoping for a “straightforward fantasy"FFtitle.
9Let’s Not Hope: Another Modern Game
Fans ofFinal Fantasyhave finally seen what a modernizedFinal Fantasywould be like thanks to games such asFF13andFF15. However, it’s the latter that realized the closest gamers could get to a “real-world” setting. The game had flying cars, roads, and realistic buildings.
Not to mention, the game had a great interpretation of a modern society powered by magic and technology. Unfortunately, this theme might slowly lose its charm, asFF7 Remakealso retainsFF7’s techno-magic aesthetic.
AnotherFinal Fantasygame with a modern setting can desensitize fans to the idea that modern RPGs should always have contemporary settings. If Square sticks to this theme, fans will compare the nextFinal Fantasygame will eventually to the likes ofNieR: AutomataorHorizon: Zero Dawnthat also share a bit of this “ancient-technology-in-a-modern-society” aesthetic.
8Let’s Hope: Job Systems
It’s timeFinal Fantasyreturned to its JRPG roots. A significant part of this return has to do with a functioning job system. TheFinal Fantasyseries got massive praise even with its early titles thanks to its Job System. This mechanic lets characters “switch” roles and the abilities that accompanied them. This system evolved throughout the games, introducing more jobs along the way.
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Thanks to the successful launch ofFinal Fantasy 14, fans now see the full potential of the Job System. TheMMO features18 jobs across four different roles.FF16can have a dynamic job system for its protagonist, which will hopefully help fans see a “conversion” of the MMO’s class system with the same real-time action thatFF 7 RemakeandFF15delivered.
7Let’s Hope Not: The License Board
Players ofFinal Fantasy 12know the License Board System. Instead of jobs like in previous games,FF12characters instead use the License Board. Players use the Board to get new weapons, armor, skills, and other abilities. This massive “board” has unlockable “licenses” that can be purchased and upgraded using “License Points” earned through battle. A lot of fans consider the License Board an alluring aspect ofFF12, especially since it’s a new take on the existing job system back then.
Unfortunately, pushing for the License Board inFF16might make the future game harder to manage. TheFF12: The Zodiac Ageversion of the title also expanded the License Board. The game also changed some of its mechanics, making it more accessible to players. However, the License Board might be better off as a unique system forFF12. IfFF16wants a change of pace for its job system, they should probably consider building new skill trees instead.
6Let’s Hope: Immense Character Customization
TheFinal Fantasyseries remain close to its fans' hearts thanks to its unique stories and cast of characters. However, not a lot of games actually feature in-depth customization options in terms of character appearances. Thanks to the popularity ofFF14, players can finally “transform” their character ideas and add a unique “Final Fantasy” spin to their aesthetic. Many players enjoyed the “personalization” the game provided to them, and this can be somethingFF16could give players.
GivingFF16characters a fully-customizable wardrobe can greatly personalize the experience for players. While the game can retain the core personalities and identities of its cast, giving players the ability to change what they wear can be a welcome change of pace.
5Let’s Hope Not: A Player Main Character
While it’s true that it’s awesome for players to customize their main character, FF16 wouldn’t hopefully shoehorn a “player character” as its protagonist. Many popular titles today do include options to “choose” player sex for their characters (such asMass Effect’s Commander Shepard, orAssassin’s Creed Odyssey’s Alexios and Kassandra). However, this option also comes with its own problems, such as the problem of canon. This caveat shouldn’t be a problem for single entries such asOdyssey, or for short sagas such as theMass Effect Trilogy, as it’s easy to declare a character option as “canon.”
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However, for something as vast and interconnected asFinal Fantasy, a player main character may not be ideal forFF16. After all, Square Enix has a penchant for having prequel and sequel contentcentered around their main titles. As such, having a player-exclusive character might ruin the potential depth of the protagonist.
4Let’s Hope: Not An MMO
There’s a strong likelihood thatFF16won’t be an MMO. Despite the rocky start ofFF14back in its initial launch, the game successfully bounced back and is now enjoying a plentiful player-base of around 18-million users. Moreover, the game currently enjoys massive popularity that it even had aFree Play eventfor pre-registered inactive players that ended on July 16, 2025.
Players interested in trying outFF14can also play a free trial that lets them try out a character until Level 35 before being prompted to make a subscription.
3Let’s Hope Not: Per Episode Title
Gamers who recently finishedFF7 Remakeknow they have to wait for Part 2 in 2023. Despite the initial skepticism towardsFF7 Remakehaving different parts, the first part of the game did deliver in terms of faithfulness to the source material and beingchock-full of content. However, the positive response toFF7 Remakemight motivate Square Enix to push for this format in future main titles.
While the idea itself isn’t bad, Square Enix should still consider givingFF16a full release. For instance, despite high Metacritic scores,FF15received negative comments mainly for its DLC content which fans believe should’ve been in the main release.
2Let’s Hope: PS5 And Xbox Series X Release
It makes sense for games slated for a 2020 release to somehow consider being available for thePlayStation 5andXbox Series X. After all, both next-gen consoles have a projected 2020 release. As such, it also makes sense for Square to release FF16 for both these consoles. Given how development times forFinal Fantasygames take years to complete, Square might realize its “next vision” forFF16with new hardware.
Moreover, great reception to FF7 Remake’s mixture of real-time combat and turn-based planning can see upgrades with the PS5 and Series X.
1Let’s Hope Not: Always-On-DRM
Three words often ruin a gamer’s session whenever they buy a new title: always-on-DRM. This requirement essentially means players have to be online before being able to play a title. What perhaps annoys gamers the most is that publishers still include always-on-DRM even for single-player experiences. Square Enix might consider not including this inFF16.
Moreover, Square Enix also received backlash for applying always-on-DRM for theFinal Fantasy X/X-2remaster back in 2019. While an update removed this requirement from the remaster, there’s no guarantee Square won’t be doing this toFF16.
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