Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles – A Legendary RPG Returns

Key Takeaways
  • Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles was announced at a PlayStation State of Play and is set to launch on September 30, 2025.
  • An “Enhanced Version” with modern upgrades and a “Classic Version” preserving the original experience will be available.
  • Developed by original team members, it will be widely available on Nintendo Switch (including Switch 2), PlayStation 5/4, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

Tactical RPG fans, your time has come—Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is officially on the way! During PlayStation’s State of Play June 2025, Square Enix has confirmed the long-rumored remaster is real, and it’s launching September 30, 2025. Whether you’re a returning strategist or new to the world of Ivalice, this is shaping up to be the ultimate way to experience the legendary “War of the Lions” saga.

Two Ways to Play: Classic or Enhanced

One of the biggest surprises? You get to choose how you play.

  • The Enhanced Version gives the 1997 classic a modern glow-up. Expect fully voiced cutscenes (in English and Japanese!), revamped visuals, a sleek new UI, and a ton of quality-of-life features. We’re talking difficulty options (including a new “Squire” mode for newcomers), tactical camera improvements, faster battle speeds, and auto-save support. It’s designed to welcome new players while giving veterans fresh ways to relive the story.
  • The Classic Version is for the purists. This mode stays true to the original PlayStation game, featuring its iconic visuals and gameplay—but with the “War of the Lions” translation and a few welcome touches like auto-save. It’s nostalgia with just the right modern polish.

A Story of Loyalty, Betrayal, and History Rewritten

A gameplay scene from Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, showing several characters on an isometric battlefield with water and stone structures.
Image: Square Enix / Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC

Set in the politically unstable kingdom of Ivalice, The Ivalice Chronicles follows Ramza Beoulve, a noble-born cadet caught between class warfare and corrupt leadership, and Delita Hyral, his childhood friend from humbler origins. After the death of the king, two rival dukes—Goltanna the Black Lion and Larg the White Lion—clash over control of the throne, plunging the kingdom into chaos.

What begins as a personal journey soon reveals a web of deception involving noble families, ancient relics, and the secretive Glabados Church. The story is widely celebrated as one of the most mature, gripping narratives in the entire Final Fantasy series—packed with themes of ambition, loyalty, and the cost of uncovering the truth.

Turn-Based Brilliance and Endless Customization

Gameplay screenshot of Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles showing characters on an isometric, multi-level battlefield.
Image: Square Enix / Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC

At its heart, Final Fantasy Tactics is a strategic masterpiece. Every battle requires smart positioning, terrain awareness, and a deep understanding of your units’ abilities.

The Job System is where things get really fun. With over 20 classic Final Fantasy jobs—like Dragoon, Time Mage, Geomancer, Summoner, and more—you can shape your party however you want. Mix and match abilities from different jobs to craft powerful (and sometimes delightfully weird) combos. And yes, Chocobos can join your team and help in battle. You’re welcome.

A Legendary Cast

Ramza and Delita aren’t alone in this epic. You’ll meet unforgettable allies like:

  • Agrias Oaks, the fiercely loyal knight guarding Princess Ovelia.
  • Alma Beoulve, Ramza’s sister, who plays a pivotal role in the unfolding mystery.
  • Cidolfus Orlandeau, a.k.a. “Thunder God Cid”—an absolute powerhouse in battle.
  • Mustadio Bunansa, a clever engineer with a mechanical edge.

And for longtime fans: Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy VII makes a special appearance. Yes, really.

Original Creators Return + Platforms and Pre-Orders

Even better? Several original developers have returned to bring this remaster to life, including:

  • Director Kazutoyo Maehiro
  • Art Director Hiroshi Minagawa
  • Original scriptwriter Yasumi Matsuno

Their involvement should assure fans that this update is in good hands.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles launches on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam (including Steam Deck). Pre-orders are now live, with standard and deluxe editions available—including a Collector’s Box packed with in-game bonuses and premium extras for the hardcore fans.

Whether you’re returning to Ivalice or jumping in for the first time, this is the definitive version of a genre-defining classic. The War of the Lions begins again—are you ready?

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