Not many saw the outrageous success coming for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. The game had potential, but it’s likely exceeded all expectations in 2025. So much so, a Square Enix investor is reportedly pushing for Square Enix to shift gears back to turn-based games, using Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest as examples.
Final Fantasy hasn’t been an overtly turn-based title in some time. You could argue Final Fantasy 12 was the final game to embrace any proper turn-based elements. Since then, Square Enix has focused on creating more engaging, real-time action. This might not stay this way forever.
Could Future Final Fantasy & Dragon Quest Games be Turn-Based?
Final Fantasy purists would probably love the return of a purely turn-based FF game. According to a translated post from Genki, one Square Enix investor is pushing for the company to return to its roots.
“At the Square Enix shareholders meeting, one investor said they would like the new Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy games to be turn-based and highlighted Expedition 33’s success as an example,” it’s claimed.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has experienced massive success as a turn-based RPG. There’s plenty of life left in the genre, and Square recognizes this. “Square Enix responded that they are aware of Expedition 33 and believe that command-based RPGs are the origin of Square Enix. They value the genre of command-based RPGs, and plan to continue delivering such games in the future.“
Square doesn’t appear to be done with turn-based gameplay. It would make sense, as despite the critical acclaim for Final Fantasy 16, the game didn’t meet sales expectations.
Is Final Fantasy moving back to turn-based the right move? Are turn-based games the future that companies have been overlooking? Let us know your thoughts through the Insider Gaming forum.
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