Cloud Returns in a Brand-New Final Fantasy — and It’s Not FF7 Remake Part 3
Cloud Strife is back… but not where anyone expected him. Square Enix has just announced Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy, a brand-new mobile title slated for 2026, where the Final Fantasy VII hero joins a legendary cast in a modern-day Tokyo tainted by a mysterious crystal. Forget FF7 Remake Part 3: this new entry marks the triumphant return of the Dissidia saga in a completely new form.
As we reported yesterday, Square Enix revealed on October 14 its latest Final Fantasy project for iOS and Android. Developed in partnership with NHN PlayArt, Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy brings back a franchise that had been silent since Dissidia Final Fantasy NT in 2018. This time, the Japanese publisher is betting on an entirely new concept: three-player teams facing off against giant bosses in a race against rival groups.
Image credit: Square Enix
A New Battlefield Signed Dissidia
A major departure from previous installments, Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy abandons traditional fantasy settings to immerse players in a modern-day Tokyo overrun by mysterious creatures. The story begins when a massive crystal suddenly appears in the heart of Japan’s capital, slowly blending into everyday life. But this fragile coexistence collapses when monsters emerge from a dark energy that corrupts the crystal, plunging humanity into despair.
In response, masked warriors appear seemingly out of nowhere, answering the people’s desperate cries for help. Their sudden appearances—and equally swift disappearances after each battle—earn them the nickname “phantoms” among terrified citizens. The concept strongly echoes a reverse isekai—fantasy heroes transported into our modern world—and visually recalls the urban aesthetic of Final Fantasy XV, or even the long-lost Versus XIII. The game will feature full Japanese voice acting to heighten its distinctly Tokyo atmosphere.
In Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy, players must cleanse corrupted crystals to gather Bravery, then unleash devastating power to defeat a colossal boss before their rivals. This “Team Boss Battle” system reimagines the series’ core identity by blending cooperation and competition, all while maintaining a strong tactical dimension. Early gameplay footage showcases a mix of familiar and fresh mechanics, where each team must coordinate their actions to purify crystals, build up their Bravery gauge, and strike at just the right moment to seize victory.
Beyond its reimagined combat system, Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy also surprises with a bold artistic direction that breaks away from the saga’s traditional visual codes.
The visual gamble is daring: all characters wear stylish modern outfits that give them a refined urban look. Terra dons a school uniform, heroes sport trendy casual clothes… This aesthetic reinvention has been one of the few aspects unanimously praised by the community—even among the skeptics.
A Cast Built on Fan Service
The cast promises to be spectacular, featuring iconic faces from across the saga:
- Cloud, the legendary hero of Final Fantasy VII
- Lightning, the fierce warrior from Final Fantasy XIII
- Krile, straight from Final Fantasy V
- Gaia, an unexpected choice representing Final Fantasy XIV
- Prompto, the fearless photographer from Final Fantasy XV
- Rinoa, stepping in for Squall from Final Fantasy VIII
The silhouettes shown also hint at the arrival of Onion Knight (FFIII), Rikku (FFX), Balthier (FFXII), Clive (FFXVI), Iroha (FFXI), and Firion (FFII). Rikku’s appearance is particularly ironic for fans of Dissidia Final Fantasy Opera Omnia, where the character was never included due to contract issues with her Japanese voice actress.
Balancing nostalgia and deliberate fan service, Square Enix seems determined to pull on players’ heartstrings while updating the formula for a new era.
Launching in 2026, with a Beta This November
Scheduled for 2026, the game is shaping up to be one of Square Enix’s most ambitious mobile projects to date. The publisher is aiming for an evolving narrative enriched with new characters over time, ensuring a constantly refreshed experience. Customization will also play a major role, with different outfits to unlock for each fighter — though this feature may also lie at the heart of the game’s monetization system.
For the most eager fans, a closed beta is planned for November 2025. Registrations are already open for those who want to be among the first to test the game and purify their first crystals before the global launch.
With Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles freshly released and FFVII Remake Part 3 fast approaching, Square Enix seems more determined than ever to dominate every front. Between persistent rumors of a Final Fantasy IX remake and spiritual successors to Final Fantasy VI, the crystal universe has never been more alive.
The question remains: can Dissidia Duellum break the curse of Square Enix’s mobile ventures and deliver a lasting experience for its community? Between fan service, ambition, and bold visual flair, it’s a risky bet — but if the crystal shines once more, perhaps the Dissidia saga still has plenty left to say.
