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Final Fantasy XVI is the first mainline game in the long-running Square Enix JRPG saga since 2016’s Final Fantasy XV. One of the most marketed aspects of the last mainline game in the series was its open-world format, letting players run from one side of the map to the other seamlessly. However, Final Fantasy XVI is not also an open world game.
How Non-Linear Is Final Fantasy XVI?
Naoki Yoshida, producer on Final Fantasy XVI, confirmed in a VG247 interview leading up to the game’s launch that this title isn’t open world at all. Instead, it is a tighter experience that is very much not like Final Fantasy XV.
However, Yoshida was also quick to note that this doesn’t mean that this game is completely linear, either. After all, that has been a stark criticism of certain past games in the series, such as Final Fantasy X and XIII.
Instead, Yoshida noted that the upcoming game is “not exactly” linear in its exploration. According to the game’s producer, the world of Valisthea is absolutely massive and includes many unique biomes and areas for players to explore during their Eikon journey. Some of the areas within the world are more open than others.
Without a doubt, Final Fantasy XVI is not at all open world. That said, it remains to be seen how linear or non-linear it’ll turn out to be. From my time playing the demo, it was heavily linear in its exploration and progression. However, it’s worth noting that the demo focuses on the introductory portions of protagonist Clive’s life.
Final Fantasy XVI will release exclusively on the PlayStation 5 on June 22, 2023.
