The long-awaited series continuation title has finally been given an official release date from Square Enix and they are keeping to their word of a Summer 2023 release. The announcement was made during The Game Awards 2022 where we saw the new trailer for Final Fantasy XVI called ‘Revenge,’ a nod to one of Clive’s motivations that players will encounter.

This new title introduces gamers to an all-new standalone story in the Final Fantasy universe, an epic dark fantasy world that takes place in the realm of Valisthea—a land blessed in the light of the Mothercrystals, and where peace falters as the spread of the Blight threatens to destroy their dominions. The fate of the land is decided by the Eikons, powerful and deadly creatures, and their Dominants, men and women who have been blessed with the ability to call upon and wield them. This is the tale of Clive Rosfield, a warrior granted the title “First Shield of Rosaria” and sworn to protect his younger brother Joshua, the Dominant of the Phoenix, Eikon of Fire. Before long, Clive will be caught up in a great tragedy and swear revenge on the Dark Eikon Ifrit, a mysterious entity that brings calamity in its wake.

Along with the release date, they revealed that they are opening pre-orders for the game now as well. Fans can get either the Standard or the Deluxe edition of the game, but those who want the Collector’s edition will have to wait until tomorrow, December 12th, to secure their copy. Everyone who pre-orders Final Fantasy XVI will receive the Braveheart (Weapon) DLC and Cait Sith Charm (Gil Boost Accessory) DLC. Here’s what each edition includes:

Deluxe Edition (Physical) - Base game package, including reversible cover art, Cloth World Map of Valisthea, and Special Clive Rosfield SteelBook Case.
Deluxe Edition (Digital) - Base Game, Digital Mini Artbook, and Digital Mini Soundtrack.
Collector’s Edition (Physical Only)
- Collector’s Box – A beautiful metallic-sheen box featuring impressive artwork by legendary FINAL FANTASY series illustrator, Yoshitaka Amano
- FINAL FANTASY XVI Game – Base game package, including reversible cover art
- Premium Statue - Phoenix vs Ifrit – A premium statue depicting a battle between two eikons - Phoenix and Ifrit
- Metal Eikon Pin Collection – A premium metal pin collection featuring eight Eikons
- Special Clive Rosfield SteelBook® Case – A SteelBook case featuring artwork of Clive Rosfield, the protagonist
- Cloth World Map of Valisthea – A cloth map of Valisthea where the story unfolds
- Blood Sword (Weapon) DLC – The fabled scarlet steel of Firion, hero of FINAL FANTASY II.

Also, for those who are getting the Standard or Deluxe Edition physically, a few different retailers are offering their own incentives. Along with the other physicial Deluxe edition items, you can get:

SQUARE ENIX Store – The Realms of Valisthea Wall Banners (6” height printed cloth banners)
GameStop – The Realms of Valisthea Patches (2.5” height printed cloth patches)