Final Fantasy series producer Naoki Yoshida was asked if Square Enix's top-selling franchise would return to using a turn-based battle system in Final Fantasy 17, following the success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Yoshida stated that he was not involved in the next mainline Final Fantasy entry, adding that the game's battle system was up to whoever was directing the project.
Though the Final Fantasy franchise has utilized various battle mechanics since its inception, the most commonly featured is the Active Time Battle system. Active Time Battles were the primary battle mechanic in Final Fantasy 4 through 9 and Final Fantasy 10-2. Each mainline Final Fantasy game since then has used unique combat systems, with Final Fantasy 16 opting for real-time action instead of battle menus. This decision has caused a divide among Final Fantasy fans, with some expressing their wishes for the series to go back to turn-based battles in the next numbered entry.
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PostsAfter Square Enix noted the success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and its turn-based combat system inspired by older Final Fantasy entries, questions about the next mainline Final Fantasy game began to surface. In an interview with Anime News Network conducted during the 2025 Anime Expo in Los Angeles, Final Fantasy 14 and 16 producer Naoki Yoshida stated that the question of using turn-based versus action battle systems in entries like Final Fantasy 17 was "not a clear-cut answer" he could give. Yoshida stated that the gameplay of a Final Fantasy title 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
CloseYoshida then clarified that he was not necessarily involved with Final 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 for Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail, Yoshida and Creative Studio 3 are working on Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, a remaster of the beloved turn-based strategy game, on all major platforms. Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles will include Classic and Enhanced gameplay modes, with the latter utilizing an updated script that includes voice-acted cutscenes.
[I'm] not necessarily going to be on Final Fantasy 17, so we also don't want to obstruct or limit our future director or whomever will be producing the games like 17 or even 18. 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, including Final Fantasy. Though questions remain about Final Fantasy 17's combat system, time will tell which direction Square Enix takes.
