Final Fantasy XVI’s Clive Officially Returns Next Month

It has been three years since enthusiasts last stepped into the boots of Clive Rosfield, the central hero of 2023’s Final Fantasy XVI. Square Enix’s upcoming turn-based role-playing game, Final Fantasy Resonance, is set to change that absence.

While Final Fantasy XVI sparked a polarized response due to its pivot toward real-time action combat—focusing on melee combos, evasive maneuvers, and Eikonic abilities—Resonance proudly revitalizes the tactical, turn-based mechanics that defined the franchise’s classic era, complete with familiar visages like the Dominant of Ifrit.

Clive’s comeback comes as little surprise; a 2023 popularity poll crowned him the second-most beloved protagonist in series history, sitting just behind Cloud Strife, who is also slated to appear in Resonance.

Visions of Clive and other Final Fantasy legends in Resonance

Clive is just one of many iconic characters integrated into Resonance through the innovative Visions mechanic. Operating similarly to traditional summoning systems, Visions let players channel spectral echoes of historical franchise heroes to turn the tide of battle. Depending on the summoned hero, these Visions infuse active party members with augmented magical potency, specialized offensive maneuvers, and valuable attribute enhancements. Tapping into Clive’s Vision summons the raw devastation of the Eikon Ifrit, unleashing torrents of destructive fire upon adversaries.

Alongside Clive, an expansive roster of over a dozen legendary figures is confirmed to feature in the game, including the Warrior of Light, Firion, Luneth, Terra, Cecil, Bartz, Cloud, Squall, Zidane, Tidus, Shantotto, Vaan, Lightning, Y’shtola, and Noctis.

Final Fantasy Resonance is scheduled for release on October 22, 2026. Designed as a single-player adventure, the title draws direct inspiration from the mobile RPG Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, incorporating its central ensemble—such as the knights Rain and Lasswell. The experience comes to life through the gorgeous HD-2D graphical direction seen in celebrated Square Enix projects like Octopath Traveler and Dragon Quest I & II.

Source: Polygon