Final Fantasy 17 Turn-Based? Yoshida Says It’s Not Clear Yet
▼ Summary
– Final Fantasy 16 producer Naoki Yoshida discussed the series’ potential return to turn-based combat, referencing the success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
– Yoshida emphasized that battle system choices depend on broader game design goals, including narrative and graphical quality, not just combat style.
– He clarified that future Final Fantasy games (like 17 or 18) may vary in combat systems, as he won’t dictate their direction.
– Series creator Hironobu Sakaguchi highlighted Final Fantasy’s tradition of innovation and risk-taking with each installment.
– Despite recent sales disappointments for Final Fantasy 16 and 7 Rebirth, Yoshida is involved in a turn-based remaster of Final Fantasy Tactics, showcasing the series’ combat diversity.
The future of Final Fantasy’s combat system remains uncertain, as producer Naoki Yoshida recently addressed fan discussions about whether the franchise might return to turn-based mechanics. His comments follow the unexpected success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a new RPG that reinvents turn-based combat with modern action elements, sparking renewed debate about the direction of Square Enix’s flagship series.
Since its early days, Final Fantasy has gradually shifted from traditional turn-based battles to the real-time action seen in 2023’s Final Fantasy XVI, a departure that divided longtime fans. While some embraced the change, others yearned for the strategic depth of older entries. Clair Obscur’s innovative approach, blending turn-based fundamentals with dynamic action, has reignited hopes for a potential revival of classic mechanics in future installments.
During an interview at Anime Expo 2025, Yoshida, known for his work on Final Fantasy XIV, emphasized that combat systems shouldn’t be evaluated in isolation. “The battle system is just one piece of the experience,” he explained. “What matters most is how gameplay, storytelling, and visuals come together to create something memorable. Whether future games lean toward turn-based or action combat depends on the creative vision behind them, there’s no predetermined path.”
He also clarified that his role in Final Fantasy XVII remains unconfirmed, adding, “We don’t want to restrict the next team’s creative freedom. The series thrives on innovation, and each entry should reflect its developers’ unique perspective.”
Yoshida’s stance echoes sentiments shared by Hironobu Sakaguchi, the franchise’s original creator, who has long championed risk-taking in game design. At 2023’s Final Fantasy XIV Fan Fest, Sakaguchi remarked, “This series has always been about pushing boundaries. Repeating the same formula would betray its spirit.”
Despite the acclaim for Final Fantasy XVI’s cinematic storytelling, Square Enix acknowledged that sales for both it and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth fell short of projections. This has led to speculation about whether the next mainline title might revisit turn-based roots, or forge an entirely new path.
For now, fans craving tactical gameplay can look forward to the Final Fantasy Tactics remaster, launching later this year. Whether Final Fantasy XVII adopts a similar system or continues evolving remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the series’ legacy hinges on its willingness to surprise players, not just satisfy expectations.
(Source: EuroGamer)
