Final Fantasyseriesproducer Naoki Yoshida was asked if Square Enix’s top-selling franchise would return to using a turn-based battle system inFinal Fantasy 17, following the success ofClair Obscur: Expedition 33. Yoshida stated that he was not involved in the next mainlineFinal Fantasyentry, adding that the game’s battle system was up to whoever was directing the project.
Though theFinal Fantasyfranchise has utilized various battle mechanics since its inception, the most commonly featured isthe Active Time Battle system. Active Time Battles were the primary battle mechanic inFinal Fantasy 4through9andFinal Fantasy 10-2. Each mainlineFinal Fantasygame since then has used unique combat systems, withFinal Fantasy 16opting for real-time action instead of battle menus. This decision has caused a divide amongFinal Fantasyfans, with some expressing their wishes for the series to go back to turn-based battles in the next numbered entry.
AfterSquare Enix noted the success ofClair Obscur: Expedition 33and its turn-based combat system inspired by olderFinal Fantasyentries, questions about the next mainlineFinal Fantasygame began to surface. In aninterview with Anime News Networkconducted during the 2025 Anime Expo in Los Angeles,Final Fantasy 14and16producer Naoki Yoshida stated that the question of using turn-based versus action battle systems in entries likeFinal Fantasy 17was “not a clear-cut answer” he could give. Yoshida stated that the gameplay of aFinal Fantasytitle depends on what the creators want to deliver to the audience, and that graphics, narrative, and gameplay must all be considered.
Yoshida: Final Fantasy 17’s Combat System Depends On What Its Director Wants
Yoshida then clarified that he was not necessarily involved withFinal Fantasy 17, but said that Square Enix won’t limit whoever is in charge of the project to just doing turn-based or action combat. Alongside the next content updates forFinal Fantasy 14: Dawntrail, Yoshida and Creative Studio 3 are working onFinal Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, a remaster of the beloved turn-based strategy game, on all major platforms.Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicleswill include Classic and Enhanced gameplay modes, with the latterutilizing an updated script that includes voice-acted cutscenes.
[I’m] not necessarily going to be onFinal Fantasy 17, so we also don’t want to obstruct or limit our future director or whomever will be producing the games like17or even18. We don’t want to put them on a rail.
However, Yoshida stated that Square Enix would remain committed to its multi-platform release strategy for all of its franchises, includingFinal Fantasy. Though questions remain aboutFinal Fantasy 17’s combat system, time will tell which direction Square Enix takes.
