Where the fire of vengeance burns, the inferno is all-consuming. To see that, you don’t need to look further thanFinal Fantasy 16’sprotagonist, Clive Rosfield. Marked as a tool by man and destiny, Clive journeys through the continent of Valisthea, searching for answers, revenge, and meaning.
Despite sharing a name and motifs,Final Fantasy never gives you the same game twice. Nothing proves that quite like Final Fantasy 16, a confident dive into uncharted waters. Whether you’re jumping into Final Fantasy for the first time or you’re trying to decide whether you want to walk down this new, unbeaten bath, we’re here to help you answer whether Final Fantasy 16 is worth your time.
Updated June 14, 2025 by Quinton O’Connor:More folks here at TheGamer have offered their thoughts on FF16, and we’ve adjusted a handful of sentences to accommodate the launch of the game’s first big DLC!
Review
Sometimes, it’s hard to know what exactly you’re fighting for - especially in expansive, lengthy RPGs. Asfeatures lead Jade King says in her review,Final Fantasy 16 has no such problem. She notes that its sense of place is stronger than almost any other entry in the series, with the world-building to make it worthwhile.
It’s not just about that sense of place - it’s about the relationships you form throughout your quest. Clive, your protagonist, has people who depend on him - and people he depends on. The connections you build are precious, the results of sidequests, conversation, and just existing in this big, beautiful, broken world.
Final Fantasy 16 is a bold new benchmark for the series that puts emotional complexity and courageous world-building at the forefront.
The vibes of Final Fantasy 16 are a step away from the familiar - it isheavily inspired by the juggernaut series Game of Thrones, and you’re able to tell. Your tutorial section, where you play as a younger Clive, feels highly reminiscent of the HBO series, especially considering Clive’s dark, messy hair, family dynamics, and wolf companion. No prizes for guessingwho he’s modeled after.
While the world can feel somewhat limited, the side quests offer a way to deepen your connection to Valisthea. You may be unable to explore to your heart’s content, but the optional missions allow you to meet new people and fight new creatures and bosses. There is busy work, as King mentions, and it can feel bloated at times, but the side content generally delivers.
However, it’s the combat that shines brightest in Final Fantasy 16,especially in performance mode. You are given myriad abilities to play with. While the combat starts slow - mostly button-mashing one button until your hands hurt - eventually, you’ll be able to chain some of the sickest moves Final Fantasy has ever graced us with. This stellar combat, especially for Eikons, is only emphasized by the strong storytelling - a dramatic spectacle that always feels satisfying in your hands.
Concluding her review, King once again praises the game’s storytelling and world-building, especially its ability to feel hopeful, even when on the cusp of collapse. She enjoyed the emotional complexity that formed the core of Final Fantasy 16, along with its relentless combat, ultimately calling the game a triumph.
Cost
Final Fantasy 16’s price tag is the standard$70 for the base game, with aDigital Deluxeedition available for$90, and it is currently only available onPlayStation 5. The Digital Deluxe Edition includes a “mini” artbook and soundtrack to peruse at your leisure.you’re able to also purchase a physical deluxe editionwith a steel book and a cloth map, which will cost you$100.
On the more expensive and rarer side, aCollector’s Editioncomes with a statue, a pin collection, a goods box, and the aforementioned steel book and map. This version comes at a whopping$350- if you can find it at its original price.
If you don’t yet have one, you can also findFinal Fantasy 16 bundled with the PS5 console for $559.99. Considering its length, it’s as good a game to start your PS5 journey with as any.
And, if you’re unsure whether you want to shell out any money,a free demois available on the PS5 to get your feet wet.
The game’s DLC costs $10 for’Echoes of the Fallen', and $25 for a two-pack containing both parts. Although ‘The Rising Tide’ isn’t out yet, the supposed discount Square has mentioned for purchasers of the combined version suggests it’ll be closer to $20.
Time Expenditure
There has never been a short, breezy Final Fantasy game, and Final Fantasy 16, while changing more than a few aspects of the classic series, is no different. If you’re diligent and mainlining the story, you can expect to spendbetween 35 and 40 hoursin the world of Valisthea.
But who plays a Final Fantasy game just to mainline the story? These are vibrant, breathing worlds, and they beg you to explore them. With sidequests, hunts and a general “stop and smell the flowers…or kill the giant hornets” approach, you will spend upwards of70 hours in Clive’s shoes. At least you always have your best buddy, Torgal, at your side.
If you beat Final Fantasy 16 yet find yourself craving more, have no fear: once you’ve completed the game, “Final Fantasy Mode” is unlocked. This mode offers revamped (and more challenging) enemy encounters, a higher level cap, and exclusive loot as a reward - you know if the satisfaction of winning isn’t enough for you. Assuming you play this mode to completion, you’re looking at160 hoursin Final Fantasy 16. Be sure to pace yourself and stay hydrated.
A post-launch updateremoved the level capthat previously existed in Normal Mode. Given that the first of two sizable DLCs has launched - and it’ll likely take players who have hit that cap a handful of levels past it - this was a wise change.
What People Are Saying
The Finest Fantasy In What Feels Like Forever - Quinton O’Connor
Much of the discourse around Final Fantasy 16 has been about what it isn’t. Every remaining vestige of turn-based battling, once a staple of the series, has gone up in a puff of smoke; there aren’t any mini-games like Triple Triad or Blitzball; and you’re only ever in direct control of one character.
I prefer to consider what Final Fantasy 16 is. It has a memorable cast and a gripping story that deals with most of its themes in a refreshingly mature manner. It has a high-octane and rewarding combat system that is simple at first blush, but challenging to master. It has a wolf named Torgal who is the goodest boy. And it has several of the most jaw-dropping, spectacular setpiece sequences the gaming industry has ever seen.
Maybe it’s a little rough around the edges, and I wish there were more ‘RPG elements’, but Final Fantasy 16 is fairly fantastic. Lapsed fans and newcomers alike will have a grand time in the magical realm of Valisthea. I know I sure have.
A True Final Fantasy Game By Epic Proportions - Avery Feyrer
Since Final Fantasy 16 launched, the hot debate has been if the latest iteration of the storied series was still a “Final Fantasy” game. Understandably, it’s hard to adjust to change. Instead of turn-based style combat, we’re encountering enemies in real time and fighting them like Sora from Kingdom Hearts or Dante from Devil May Cry. While there is still plenty of strategies to think about, the fast-paced battle system means more time mashing buttons and less time calculating your next move.
But that doesn’t mean this is not a Final Fantasy game. If anything, Final Fantasy 16 embodies every conceivable theme of the famous role-playing series and kicks them into overdrive. Epic boss fights that are scored with the most badass music will leave you salivating at the thought of what’s next to come. A cast of characters that will quickly pull at your heartstrings and have you care about not only the main party members but random NPCs you meet in Valisthea.
Final Fantasy 16 is a triumph for Square Enix and utilizes the true power of the PlayStation 5. The massive changes that Square Enix made in Final Fantasy 16 compared to others in the series is a sign of growth and gamers should be pleased to see that. A series as old as Final Fantasy needs to evolve, otherwise, it’ll become stagnant and die. Whether you’re a Final Fantasy diehard or an RPG connoisseur, I implore you to not be scared by the changes in Final Fantasy 16 and to give it a chance. You won’t regret it.
An Eikonic Installment - Zoë J. Osik
I’ve been dying to have a true Final Fantasy with all the bells and whistles, and Final Fantasy 16 exceeded expectations. I’m not someone who loves combat, so that assistive tools that made it more manageable (and cinematic) only enhanced the experience. While some of the side quests dragged on, they’re completely optional and don’t take away from the deeply emotional and tumultuous story that will leave you reeling. With rich storytelling and memorable characters you’ll fall in love with, this is a much darker Final Fantasy that doesn’t disappoint.
Absolutely - Ryan Bamsey
While it lacks many of the hallmarks that I’ve come to adore Final Fantasy as a franchise for, such as typical RPG mechanics, Final Fantasy 16 stands out to me as one of the best games to grace 2023. It’s a roaring epic with gripping storytelling, satisfying combat, and a flair that’s uniquely FF. I’ve played through it two and a half times and I don’t regret a second.
