Skip to main content

'Final Fantasy XV' starts in an open world, but it won't stay there

final fantasy xv half open world gall p
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Following the move of classic franchises like Metal Gear Solid and The Legend of Zelda to more free, open-world design, Final Fantasy XV will make the jump this year, as well, but it appears that Square Enix has something a little different planned for its structure. While the game is partially in an open world, don’t expect it to stay that way.

In an interview with Famitsu translated by Siliconera, game director Hajime Tabata explains that while Final Fantasy XV begins as an open-world game, this doesn’t continue into the story’s latter half. Tabata says this was done deliberately to keep fans interested in the narrative as they dig further into the experience.

“That way, you won’t get bored of an open world as the rest of the game gets tightened up,” Tabata adds. “If you play through the first half and only the main route of the second half, I believe the estimated playtime sits at around 40 to 50 hours.”

The game will include a fairly substantial amount of post-release content, as well, but you had better be willing to fork over some more cash. In the same interview, Tabata revealed that along with the six DLC packs already included in the game’s season pass, Final Fantasy XV will also see additional paid content. There is currently no option to buy the season pass in a bundle, either — even the mega-expensive collector’s edition, complete with a movie and detailed figure, doesn’t offer the extra DLC, and the pass will set you back about $25.

Final Fantasy XV was originally scheduled to release next month, but was delayed to move content initially scheduled for a day-one pass onto the retail disc. It will now release for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 on November 29.

Gabe Gurwin
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Gabe Gurwin has been playing games since 1997, beginning with the N64 and the Super Nintendo. He began his journalism career…
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
Like the best RPGs, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth gets sidequests right
The mayor of Under Junon in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.

Among its many highlights, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth makes simple sidequests a lot more engaging than I had expected. Take an early-game sidequest called When Words Won’t Do. On a surface level, it’s a simple escort mission where players must get a dog from Under Junon to Crow’s Nest unscathed. I did not initially have high hopes for this sidequest due to the poor reputation of escort missions; thankfully, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth defied that fate. To make this optional content more worthwhile, Square Enix gave it a strong narrative backbone.

When Words Won’t Do is actually a story about parents struggling to let go of their kids. Under Junon’s mayor sends players on this quest to help her son and unborn grandchild, and Barrett wonders if he’ll ever be able to let Marlene go during the mission. That’s thematically fitting for an escort mission where you can’t keep something out of your sight.

Read more
How long is Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth?
Cloud and his friends overlook a scenic field.

By expanding the Midgar section of Final Fantasy 7 into an entire game, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth finally takes us beyond the walls into the world beyond. This much larger swath of land to explore begs the question of just how big this game will be. Between all the open-world tasks, sidequests, and minigames awaiting in the Gold Saucer, could this game really be a 100-hour experience as was claimed? What if you just tried to focus on the main story to see what has or hasn't changed? We've played through the entirety of Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth and can give you a good idea of just how long it will take you to reach this chapter's conclusion.

Note: We will not be spoiling any story details, but will list how many chapters there are.
How long is Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth?

Read more