Square Enix announces Final Fantasy Resonance, first HD-2D entry in series
The publisher has confirmed the title will utilise the modern-retro art style for the first time in the franchise, featuring Cloud Strife and Tidus.
Square Enix has announced Final Fantasy Resonance, marking the first title in the long-running series to utilise the HD-2D art style. The game is a new entry based on the first story arc of the mobile title Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, rather than a remake of an existing console release. It is scheduled for release on 22 October 2026 for PlayStation 5, PC, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and Xbox Series X/S.
The publisher described the project as a full-fledged console-quality RPG experience that has been refined and extensively rebuilt from its mobile origins, distinguishing it from a direct port. Square Enix stated that the title aims to celebrate both the classic and modern eras of the franchise, incorporating established series hallmarks such as airships and chocobos.
Gameplay features include turn-based combat with a contemporary twist. The announcement also confirmed appearances from series staples, including Cloud Strife and Tidus from Final Fantasy X. The HD-2D aesthetic, which blends 2D pixel art with 3D environments and lighting effects, has been applied to various Square Enix titles in recent years, ranging from reimagined classics to new franchises.
The release of Final Fantasy Resonance positions the title as a potential competitor to the Octopath Traveler series, leveraging the popular modern-retro visual approach. This announcement coincides with other developments from the publisher, including the confirmation of Kingdom Hearts IV for the Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, and PC.
Square Enix has spent recent years applying the HD-2D style to diverse projects, and Resonance represents the first time the technique has been used for a mainline Final Fantasy entry. The game’s launch date aligns with a broader slate of role-playing game releases from the publisher in late 2026.
