Will Final Fantasy XVII return to turn-based combat? Naoki Yoshida weighs in after Expedition 33’s success
The producer of Final Fantasy XVI says the future of the series depends on creative vision, not trends.
The Final Fantasy franchise has always been defined by reinvention. Over its 35-year history, the series has evolved from classic turn-based battles to increasingly action-oriented systems. But after the critical and commercial success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a turn-based RPG from Sandfall Interactive, fans are once again asking: Should Final Fantasy XVII go back to its roots?
At Anime Expo 2025, longtime producer Naoki Yoshida addressed the question directly. While he acknowledged the impact of Expedition 33, he emphasized that there’s no definitive answer about the combat direction of the next mainline entry.
“It’s not just about the battle system,” Yoshida told Anime News Network. “It’s about how it fits with the game’s design, narrative, and graphical goals.”
Yoshida won’t be leading Final Fantasy XVII
Yoshida also clarified that he likely won’t be involved in the development of Final Fantasy XVII, and doesn’t want to impose creative limits on the next team.
“We don’t want to put future directors or producers on rails,” he said. “The decision should be entirely theirs.”
This open-ended approach reflects Square Enix’s broader philosophy: each numbered Final Fantasy should feel distinct, with its own gameplay identity.
Turn-based combat: a possible return?
The debate comes at a time when Square Enix is facing pressure from both fans and shareholders. Final Fantasy XVI and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth failed to meet sales expectations, prompting speculation that a return to turn-based mechanics could help reconnect with longtime fans.
Expedition 33’s success has only fueled that conversation. Its modern take on turn-based combat, with parrying, dodging, and cinematic flair, has proven that traditional systems can still thrive when executed well.
What’s next for Yoshida?
While he won’t helm Final Fantasy XVII, Yoshida is currently overseeing the remaster of Final Fantasy Tactics, set to release in September 2025. The tactical RPG will offer a return to slower, more strategic gameplay, something many fans still hold in high regard.
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