FF16 release date: When is Final Fantasy XVI coming out?

If you really can't wait to get into the action or want to try before you buy, you can check out the Final Fantasy 16 demo, read up on all the characters and factions, find out what actors are portraying the cast and see what we made of the latest entry into this mega franchise.

If you're waiting to play on a different system, see when we think will be the Final Fantasy 16 PC release date, or if you're a PS5 player waiting for FF XVI to pre-load, read on to find everything you need to know about Final Fantasy XVI's release date, FF XVI gameplay details and pre-orders.

When is the Final Fantasy 16 release date?

The Final Fantasy 16 release date is 22nd June 2023, Square Enix has confirmed. This is sooner than we initially thought and we'll definitely take it. It can't come soon enough.

When is the UK launch time for FF16?

The UK launch time for Final Fantasy 16 is 12:00AM BST, 22nd June 2023.

It's so close we can almost taste it... Unless, of course, you have bought the digital version, in which case you will have to metaphorically savour the flavour rather than licking the case and disc - which we wouldn't necessarily condone or recommend anyway.

Read more:

• FF16 review - our final verdict
• FF16 Clive actor - Ben Starr in his own words
• FF16 trophy guide - all trophies listed
• FF16 chapters - main story levels
• How long is FF16 and is it open-world?
• FF16 cast - where you know them from
• FF16 characters - families and factions explained
• FF16 soundtrack - composer and details
• FF16 PC release - what we know
• Will FF16 come to PS4 and Xbox?

Can I pre-order FF16?

Yes! You can pre-order FFXVI from GAME. There are two versions of the JRPG available to pre-order right now: Standard Edition and Deluxe Edition. You can pre-order the Deluxe Edition from GAME for £99.99.

Pre-order any version of the game and you will get the Braveheart weapon and Cait Sith Charm (an accessory that boosts earned Gil in-game).

The Deluxe Edition comes with a steelbook and cloth map of Valisthea (this is exclusive to the Square Enix Store), plus everything in the Standard Edition of the game.

The Digital Deluxe Edition can also be pre-ordered through the PlayStation Store for £84.99. This includes a digital mini artbook and soundtrack and the Scholar's Spectacles experience boos accessory.

There is also the FFXVI Collector's Edition. This is only available through the Square Enix Store and pre-orders began on 12th December 2022 at 6pm UK time. It includes a special collector's box featuring artwork by Yoshitaka Amano, Blood Sword weapon DLC, Pehonix vs Ifrit premium statue, metal Eikon pin collection, plus everything in the Deluxe Edition. You can see it all in the image above.

Which consoles and platforms can play FF16?

Unsurprisingly, FF16 will be available on PS5.

Confusingly, FF16 was originally announced for PC also, only for any mention of a PC release to be later removed. It is possible that FF16 is a timed exclusive and will launch on PC later like Final Fantasy 7 Remake, but for now, the long-awaited game is only officially confirmed for PS5.

The game is rumoured (as per IGN) to have a six-month exclusivity deal on PlayStation, however, so you could see it release on Xbox Series X/S and PC in 2024.

FF16 gameplay and story details

Harking back to the franchise's roots, FF16 will be set in a medieval fantasy world. The realm in question this time is Valisthea, which is made up of six kingdoms: Crystalline Dominion, Dhalmekian Republic, Grand Duchy of Rosaria, Holy Empire of Sanbreque, Iron Kingdom, and Kingdom of Waloed. The people of Valisthea live in peace thanks to the surrounding mountains of crystals called Mothercrystals, despite the presence of Eikons - summoned monsters controlled by or manifesting through humans.

Clive Rosfield, son of the Archduke of Rosaria, is the game's protagonist and First Shield of Rosaria. With help from his brother Joshua Rosfield and step-sister Jill Warrick, Clive embarks on a quest for vengeance after a tragic encounter with the dark Eikon Ifrit.

The PlayStation State of Play event in April revealed that we’ll be following dear Clive through three distinct periods of his life, beginning in his teen years.

Breaking from the turn-based Final Fantasy mould is the real-time combat system. Perhaps taking inspiration from the Monster Hunter series is the hunts for differently ranked creatures that populate the world. If you were worrying that FFXVI was breaking too much tradition, fret not as we will still be able to ride around on a Chocobo who dons the name Ambrosia. Hopefully, Clive doesn’t feel too short-changed with his divisively plain name.

There will of course be plenty of side quests to fill up your time in Valisthea. It’s certainly shaping up to be a multi-hour extravaganza in true Final Fantasy fashion.

What do we know about the FF16 demo?

A demo for Final Fantasy XVI was released a couple of weeks ahead of the game's full release on 22nd June.

The demo included multiple hours' worth of gameplay to let players get comfortable with the controls and get to grips with the characters and story.

Is there a FF16 trailer?

There is indeed many a Final Fantasy 16 trailer, and we have included the latest 'Ascension' trailer - which is jam-packed with non-stop action, orchestral music and a lot of the characters shouting at each other in true high-stakes and fantasy fashion.

Subscribe to our free Gaming Newsletter for weekly insights, and visit our Gaming hub for all the latest news.

Looking for something to watch? Check out our TV Guide or Streaming Guide.

Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home — subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast