During PAX West 2023’s ‘Voices from Valisthea’ panel, Square Enix debuted a new message from Final Fantasy XVI producer Naoki Yoshida.
The main news shared by Yoshida-san is that, following the positive fan reaction to the PS5 launch in late June, the developers are now working on two paid DLCs and the PC version. Yoshida said he hopes to be able to provide more information on DLCs and the PC port before the end of the year.
The game may not land on PC exactly when the six-month PS5 exclusivity ends, then, but it could still be available on the platform before its first anniversary.
Yoshida also announced the launch of Final Fantasy XVI update 1.10. This patch adds the weapon transmogrification feature (you may change your weapon’s skin to that of any in your possession while retaining the stats of the currently equipped weapon) and alternate outfits for Clive, Jill, Torgal, Ambrosia, and Joshua.
Each player is also awarded the Onion Sword from Final Fantasy III. This item can be claimed after reaching a certain point in the story through the new Redeemable Items option in the System menu. The Onion Sword has the same stats as the other DLC weapons available in Final Fantasy XVI (the Blood Sword and Braveheart).
The following balance tweaks are also introduced by Final Fantasy XVI update alongside a few bug fixes:
- Reduces the time after a successful parry at which Eikonic abilities can be activated
- Increases the time small enemies remain vulnerable to follow-up attacks after being lifted into the air by the player, allowing for easier aerial combos
Final Fantasy XVI launched as a PlayStation 5 exclusive on June 22nd, earning a 9 out of 10 score in Wccftech’s review.
Final Fantasy XVI heralds in a new standard for Japanese role-playing games and while the RPG components themselves are limited by Square-Enix standards, it’s the narrative and gameplay that exceed all expectations. What begins with kingdom-wide subterfuge and destruction ends with a world forever changed and the player, as Clive Rosfield and Ifrit together, are the driving force to see it all through until the end.
Square Enix eventually admitted it wasn’t all that happy about the sales so far, which may be why it’s looking to accelerate the development timetable of the PC version. Following the announcement of the Final Fantasy XIV Xbox release, the publisher also hinted it may tighten its relationship with Microsoft, which may eventually translate into an Xbox port.
