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.

Today, Square Enix released an update to the demo for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, entitled “Dawn of a New Era in Junon.”

This free demo expands upon the “Fall of a Hero in Nibelheim” demo released earlier this month and gives a preview of the vast and expansive world that awaits them.

“Dawn of a New Era in Junon” is available as a free update to the existing demo and sees Cloud, Tifa, Barret, Aerith and Red XIII emerging into the outskirts of Junon, a fortified stronghold replete with an underwater reactor. Set several hours into the main storyline, this special preview made specifically for the demo features a small piece of the massive in-game world that players can freely explore. Sniff out treasures with a trusty chocobo steed, craft valuable items with the new Item Transmuter, bravely embark on thrilling Combat Assignment missions and more.

Now is the perfect time to download the two-part demo to prepare for the worldwide release of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. Players who complete the first part, “Fall of a Hero in Nibelheim,” will receive the Kupo Charm and Survival Set demo incentives and be given the option to skip the same section in the full game upon release**, allowing players to get an early start on their adventure. Or if players prefer, they can choose to experience the section all over again.

Although save data from the “Dawn of a New Era in Junon” section cannot be carried over to the full game, as the content has been altered for a more compact experience, fans and newcomers can try out new forms of exploration while using powerful synergy attacks and witnessing the character bonds expressed through combat.

Additionally, a demo patch that will be automatically downloaded has been released. The patch addresses minor graphical fixes in addition to other adjustments.

The “Fall of a Hero in Nibelheim” demo features an extended flashback section, as Cloud Strife recalls an earlier mission in his career as a SOLDIER – “the Nibelheim incident.” This mission takes place five years ago prior to the setting of the game. Take control of a younger version of main protagonist Cloud Strife and the legendary Sephiroth as the two SOLDIER heroes investigate the sudden appearance of monsters in the mountains above Cloud’s hometown. When a dark truth comes to light, the course of their lives and the fate of the planet will change forever.

** To skip the Nibelheim section in the full game, plus receive the Kupo Charm and Survival Set demo incentives, players must ensure they have the latest update installed for the full game.

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