As with the previous game, it’s a full-length, standalone experience that reimagines the iconic Final Fantasy VII for the modern era. In this new standalone game, Cloud, Barret, Tifa, Aerith and Red XIII have left the bustling metropolis of Midgar and are about to take their first steps into the wider world. The group pursues the legendary SOLDIER Sephiroth across these vast lands.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth  is the second entry in the Final Fantasy VII remake project, which retells the story of the iconic fantasy game that redefined the RPG genre in three distinct games. At launch, Final Fantasy VII Remake was celebrated by players and critics alike, selling over five million copies worldwide.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is being designed so that people can enjoy this game whether they know the original game or not. In fact, new players might even enjoy starting their Final Fantasy VII journey with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. Cloud and his friends embark on a new journey in this game, and I believe that the scenes that they witness after leaving Midgar will give players a fresh, new experience. I can’t wait to share the intention behind naming the first title, “Remake,” and the second title, “Rebirth.” In time, I hope to reveal what the third title will be called, and where this journey will ultimately lead.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth picks up with iconic heroes Cloud, Barret, Tifa, Aerith and Red XIII after they escape from the dystopian city Midgar and sees them embark on a journey in pursuit of Sephiroth, the vengeful swordsman from Cloud’s past who was thought to be dead. In this standalone adventure, players will explore an expansive world, all brought to life with a new level of graphical fidelity, developed specifically to leverage the power of the PS5 console. As players unravel a gripping narrative rich with mysteries to uncover, they will also witness the personal journey of each party member and strengthen their bonds to work together and face off against powerful enemies.

At Tokyo Game Show 2023 this past weekend, Square Enix revealed nearly 30 minutes of new gameplay footage for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. 

In this new footage, witness Cloud and the party explore the vast, expansive Grasslands near Kalm and seamlessly catch Chocobos, pursue side quests, hunt fiends, unlock points of interest and so much more.

Last time we gave you a preview of the characters, combat, vehicles and more (you can read that here). Today, we’re going to focus in on the world itself, so get ready to see some of the amazing areas you’ll get to explore and reveal some of the activities you can do in them.

Regions of the world

Join your friends as you journey across a wide, open world. Each region feels unique, boasting different enemies to encounter and different methods of traversing its terrain. Search high and low to unlock new quests and unearth rare treasures.

Let's take a look at some of these regions:

• Grasslands: A vast, verdant expanse of land rich with mako. These plains are dotted with smaller outposts and planetary fonts waiting to be discovered. Adventure lies beyond the swamplands, but you'll need to rent a chocobo from the local ranch if you want to cross.
• Under Junon: Former capital of the eponymous republic, this once-bustling port town fell into decline after its destruction at the hands of Shinra. All that remains now is a desolate fishing village where the displaced citizens have taken refuge.
• Junon: Previously a beacon of hope and economic prosperity, the former capital of the republic now slumbers beneath the waves. After its takeover, Shinra repurposed the city into its second-largest outpost, a fortified stronghold replete with an underwater reactor.
• Gold Saucer: A "gilded paradise" constructed over the Corel Desert, this Shinra-owned facility uses copious amounts of mako to power its state-of-the-art attractions. The park draws in tourists from around the world and keeps them entertained from dawn to dusk to dawn again.

Exploration

Countless quests and other diversions await you on your journey. A brief stop along your adventure could lead you to unearth useful treasures or make other fascinating discoveries.

• Chocobo Ranches: Each region boasts ranches where you can exchange golden plumes for new chocobo gear. Customize your bird's ensemble to create a steed that's all your own.
• Item Transmuter: Collect the materials outlined in transmutation formulae to create items. Transmuting items will improve your craftsmanship and in turn unlock new formulae with which you can obtain rare items.
• Odd Jobs: Cloud works as a mercenary, taking on odd jobs from people in need wherever he goes.

Check the noticeboards at major outposts if you're looking for work.

World Intel

Help Chadley (voice Actor: Sean-Ryan Petersen) deepen his understanding of this world by completing research requests in each region. Gathering intel will unlock new locations to explore, greatly expanding your horizons. Chadley will also develop new materia based on the data you have collected.

Once an employee in Shinra's Research and Development Division, Chadley has left it and Midgar behind, thanks to Cloud. Now, he aims to reactivate the world's defunct communications towers to facilitate his understanding of the planet, for which he needs the party's assistance.

• Remnawave Towers: Activating the old republic's remnawave towers in each region will open up new research opportunities. When visiting a location for the first time, try seeking out these towers: they will not only help you get your bearings, but also offer a great view of the surrounding area.
• Combat Assignments: Seek out rare fiends in their natural habitats and gather intel on special assignments to unlock new challenges in Chadley's combat simulator. These missions will test your mental mettle, though, so be sure to fight strategically.
• Excavation Sites: When a chocobo smells treasure, a "?" will appear above its head. Following the scent might lead you to unearth a valuable item or a new transmuter formula.
• Chocobo Stops: Repair fallen chocobo stop signs to transform them into fast travel spots. If you see a stray chocobo chick, be sure to follow it: not only will it lead you to one of these stops, but it will reward you with a golden plume once your repair work is complete.

Combat

Next, let's take a fresh look at FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH's intense battle system, and some of the awesome things you can do.

• Limit Break: The limit gauge gradually fills as you take damage or stagger foes. Once the gauge is full, you can unleash devastating limit breaks unique to each party member. Some synergy abilities can increase your limit level, enabling the usage of even more powerful attacks.
• Synergy Ability: Two party members team up to activate useful abilities without consuming ATB. These commands can be executed while blocking, and provide a wide array of beneficial effects. Each pairing has their own unique set of abilities; some deal damage, while others offer support.

Fast Travel:

Fast travel allows you to jump instantly to previously visited towns, chocobo stops, and other locations. Use this feature to pick up the pace of your adventures.

Mini games

Not only stories and battles, but all kinds of unique elements of fun await players. Enjoy the numerous mini games available across the game's world.

• Piano Performance: After obtaining a piece of sheet music, head to a piano and try your hands at performing it. These pieces feature music from the game, with some proving to be quite the challenge. If you would rather improvise, however, you can perform original music in the free play mode.
• Queen's Blood: Queen's Blood is a strategic card game that has skyrocketed to popularity. Players take turns placing cards on the board in an attempt to overpower their opponent by accumulating power in each lane. Collect cards and utilize their abilities to claim the crown as QB royalty.
• Moogle Mischief: A minigame to bring mischievous Moogle kids back to their mogstools. The Moogle kids will attack you in every possible way, so be careful not to be caught off guard by their cute smiles.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is coming to PS5 on February 29, 2024.