Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Gaming
  3. News

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Swap between characters in ‘Final Fantasy XV’ with a new update in December

By

final fantasy xv character swapping december update
Image used with permission by copyright holder
When

Final Fantasy XV

 first revealed its party of four main characters, players wondered if they would get to control all four. While the main game required players to control Noctis, the other three characters wouldn’t become playable until their respective DLC. In just a few weeks, a new update will bring character swapping to the main game.

During an Active Time Report stream (via Polygon) Square Enix celebrated the anniversary of Final Fantasy XV and discussed what is to come in the future. One of the major reveals during the broadcast was an upcoming update that would bring a new character-swap feature to the game. Players will be able to switch between Noctis, Ignis, Gladio, and Prompto on the fly. There are a few story-based restrictions, like the Leviathan battle, where players will have to play as Noctis. Each party member will control as they do in their DLC packs.

Final Fantasy XV - NA Launch Event

The other big reveal from the stream was that next month’s Episode Ignis won’t be the last story-based add-on for Final Fantasy XV. In fact, director Hajime Tabata says players should expect up to three additional episodes in 2018. One will supposedly focus on Ardyn Izunia.

Related

For anyone who bailed on Final Fantasy XV when it first came out, now is a perfect opportunity to dive back in. Our review wasn’t favorable toward its story or combat, but numerous updates throughout the year have improved the experience, such as fixing some of the issues in the story.

Character swapping is set to release alongside Episode Ignis on December 13 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The PC version of Final Fantasy XV is still expected to release sometime next year.

If that is still not enough Final Fantasy, PlayStation VR owners should check out Monster of the Deep: Final Fantasy XV. While it may be a fishing game in virtual reality, it packs a surprising amount of fun. Each level ends with a boss fight that begins after catching a certain weight of fish. In these fights, the fishing rod is swapped with a crossbow, until their health is low enough to reel them in.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Garrett Hulfish
Garrett Hulfish
Contributor
Garrett is the kind of guy who tells you about all the tech you haven't heard of yet. He also knows too much about other…
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth: all piano sheet music locations and rewards
Cloud playing the piano in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.

While there's no shortage of ways to distract yourself while playing Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, one of the most unexpected minigames is the surprisingly deep piano system. In most of the major hub towns you encounter across the expansive world, Cloud can find a piano to sit down at and tickle the keys. You're free to play any song you want in free play, but you can turn this system into a full-on rhythm game, almost like Guitar Hero, by collecting sheet music of some of the game's most iconic tracks. There's even an NPC near each piano who will reward you if you get a high enough rank on each song. Cloud may not be the most expressive in his words, but he can sure play the piano with heart. Here is where you can find all the sheet music and what rewards await if you can master them.
Where to find all sheet music

Sheet music, thankfully, isn't hidden away in chests or has to be purchased for crazy amounts of Gil, but a few do have some hidden requirements. Each new composition is found on a piano in the world and is free to snag once you sit down. Even if you don't feel like playing right then and there, make sure you always at least grab the music to add to your collection so you don't have to backtrack later and get it. There are eight in total to find, and some will only come later in the story, but none are missable once you open up fast travel back to previous areas. This is the natural order you can collect them.
On Our Way
Our first piece of music can be picked up once you hit Chapter 4. During this section, go to the Crow's Nest town in the Junon region, which you can only enter by doing the "When Words Won't Do" side quest. Once you complete this quest and can freely enter the town, hit up the bar and grab this tune.
Tifa's Theme
After a rather exciting cruise to Costa del Sol in Chapter 6, you can add this piece to your collection by making a quick stop at the fancy Royal Crown Hotel.
Barret's Theme
Not much further into the game in Chapter 7 you will visit Barret's old hometown of Corel. The Rock Bottom Bar is waiting with his song.
Cinco de Chocobo
Chapter 9 takes you through the town of Gongaga. Even a town way out in the forest has a piano, which means yet another song to snag.
Two Legs? Nothin' to it
One chapter later, in Chapter 10, you need to do a little exploring in Cosmo Canyon to find your way to the piano, but the icon on your map won't lead you astray.
Aerith's Theme
Perhaps the most iconic song in the entire game, if not the franchise, is hidden behind a completely optional side quest. Once you reach Chapter 11, return to Nibelheim and do the "White-Haired Angel" side quest. It may seem totally irrelevant, but the quest ends with you playing and collecting this song.
Let the Battles Begin!
Once you prove your skills and get an A rank or better on all prior songs, you will get this new one as a reward from the NPC Dorian next to all pianos.
One-Winged Angel
We're not sure if fighting Sephiroth or getting this song is harder. If you want to play this terrifying arrangement, you need to donate all 88 Treasure Trove items to Johnny. This more or less requires you to 100% the entire game
All song rewards
For every song you A rank, Dorian will give you a prize when you talk to him. Here's everything you can get:

Read more
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth makes one impactful change to Barret’s story
Barret talking to Dyne in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.

This article contains story spoilers for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.

Ahead of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth's launch, fans were buzzing about how the sequel would tackle Aerith's story. The holy healer was a major focus of Square Enix's marketing, making it clear that one of gaming's most iconic moments would be pivotal to the adventure. But for me, I was more curious about how another tragedy would play out: the tale of Barret and Dyne.

Read more
Don’t skip over our 5 favorite minigames in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Fort Condor characters

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is not only a fascinating retelling of one of gaming's most beloved titles -- it's also among the most feature-rich games of this generation. From vast open areas to explore that teem with activities to densely populated cities and tense dungeons, there's at least 100 hours worth of content to uncover here if you've got the time and energy to complete it all.

As you work through the game, you'll find that a surprising amount of this playtime sees you engaging with minigames, both to advance the story and just for fun to earn optional rewards. And though there are a few duds scattered along the way -- we're looking at you Gears and Gambits -- most of the minigames you'll encounter offer a unique and enjoyable diversion for Cloud and friends. We've gone through a tough elimination process and decided on our picks for the top five minigames in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
5. Dolphin Course

Read more