Final Fantasy 16 finally lands on PC! Here’s what to expect and Yoshida’s message to the modding community.
The Final Fantasy 16 PC release is finally here, bringing the latest chapter of the iconic RPG series to an even broader audience. Launching on September 17 (at different times of the world), this release follows a year of speculation and back-and-forth announcements from Square Enix.
In addition to being excited about new features and PC gameplay, producer Naoki Yoshida has taken the opportunity to speak to the modding community and advise fans to refrain from making “offensive or inappropriate” content.
Modding in Final Fantasy 16
With Final Fantasy 16 now available on PC, modders are eager to dive into the game and add their creative touch. Modding has long been a part of PC gaming, offering players the chance to make custom content, introduce new characters, or even create entire fan-made expansions. Yoshida, however, has made one thing clear: he doesn’t want to see anything “offensive or inappropriate” in Final Fantasy 16.
In an interview with PC Gamer, Yoshida avoided listing specific mods he would like to see, stating that doing so could come across as a request. Instead, he emphasized his hope that the modding community would respect the game’s integrity. His message echoes concerns from other developers about mods that can cross the line, such as those that include inappropriate content or violate the spirit of the game.
Of course, modding can also open up a world of positive possibilities for players. Take the Fallout 4 community as an example, where mods such as Fallout London have created completely new gameplay elements and tales to keep players interested for years. Similarly, players could use mods in Final Fantasy 16 to add creative, useful, and fun elements, making the PC release even more exciting.
The Journey to Final Fantasy 16's PC Release
Square Enix’s road to the Final Fantasy 16 PC release has been anything but straightforward. The initial reveal trailer claimed the game would be “also available on PC,” sparking excitement among PC gamers.
However, shortly after, Square Enix mysteriously scrapped this claim, leaving everyone confused about its release plans. The game remained a PlayStation 5 exclusive, and Square Enix kept quiet for months, fueling speculation about a potential PC version
In November 2022, a PS5 DualSense advertisement claimed that Final Fantasy 16 would only be a “PS5 exclusive for six months.” This reignited questions about a possible PC release.
Despite this, Yoshida himself denied the existence of a PC version, famously telling fans, “Nobody said a word about a PC version releasing. Why is it like a PC version is releasing six months later? Don’t worry about that, buy a PS5.”
Here’s a video that talks about Final Fantasy 16 coming to PC:
It Took a While but the Announcement Did Come
However, in February 2023, Yoshida clarified that Final Fantasy 16 was indeed a six-month limited-time exclusive for the PS5, but the PC version would not arrive immediately after this period.
Finally, in August 2024, Square Enix officially announced the Final Fantasy 16 PC release, setting the date for September 17. This move came after the game fell short of Square Enix’s sales expectations, alongside other PlayStation exclusives like Foamstars and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.
As a result, Square Enix shifted its strategy to a more aggressive multiplatform approach. Director Hiroshi Takai stated that subsequent Final Fantasy titles would probably appear on PC immediately, while Yoshida also disclosed plans to triple down on Xbox releases.
What Does the PC Release Mean for Players?
The Final Fantasy 16 PC release opens up new possibilities for players, especially for those who have been waiting to experience the game outside the PlayStation ecosystem. PC gamers can look forward to the high-quality visuals and performance tweaks that come with the flexibility of PC hardware. Beyond that, the modding potential is a huge draw, allowing players to experiment with new skins, quality-of-life improvements, and even custom campaigns.
While Yoshida’s plea to avoid inappropriate mods stands, the positive side of modding could lead to some amazing fan creations. Think of what the Fallout 4 community achieved with mods like Fallout London—a completely new game experience built from the ground up. With the right approach, Final Fantasy 16 could see similar fan-made content that enhances and extends the game in exciting ways.
Get Ready for Final Fantasy 16 Coming to Your PC!
As the game officially lands on PC, the modding community is bound to explore endless creative options, pushing the boundaries of what Final Fantasy 16 can offer. From new character skins to extended storylines, modding has the potential to enrich the game experience and keep it fresh for players long after the initial release.
So are you excited about Final Fantasy 16 finally coming to PC? Tell us in the comments!
Be sure to read our other news articles to keep up with what’s hot and what’s not in the gaming world. Stay tuned and catch the gaming current with GameEels!
