Final Fantasy 17 Already Has a Lot of Fan Expectations, Like A LOT, and It Doesn’t Even Exist Yet

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Only Square Enix knows what’s next for the Final Fantasy series after Final Fantasy 16, despite what fans might expect. The popularity of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has led many to believe that the next main Final Fantasy game—likely Final Fantasy 17—will bring back the traditional turn-based combat system. Square Enix has publicly celebrated Clair Obscur‘s success and acknowledged the series’ history with turn-based RPGs, making a return to that style seem probable.

Square Enix might not be heading in the right direction with the next Final Fantasy game, especially considering what fans are hoping for. Many players are eager to see the series return to its classic style, a sentiment fueled by the positive reception of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. However, while fans want a return to the series’ roots, they also want to leave certain aspects behind. A lengthy Reddit thread dedicated to Final Fantasy 17 shows just how many expectations players have for the next installment, and it’s clear they have a lot of ideas about what they want to see.

Reddit’s Early FF17 Posts Favor the FF7 Remake Style of Combat

Even though Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has a well-received turn-based combat system, most fans on the r/FFXVII Reddit thread still prefer the combat from Final Fantasy 7 Remake. About a year ago, before Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was released, a Reddit user named Enough_Food_3377 created a poll asking players what kind of combat they’d like to see in a future Final Fantasy game. The options included traditional ATB, turn-based combat, action-based combat, and a hybrid system similar to Final Fantasy 7 Remake.

Here’s how the poll turned out:

  • ATB (3 votes)
  • Turn-Based (4 votes)
  • Action (4 votes)
  • FFVIIR-style action/ATB Hybrid (12 votes)

It’s important to remember a few things. First, only 23 people voted in this poll, so a larger turnout could have easily changed the results. However, the action/ATB hybrid system, similar to Final Fantasy 7 Remake, received three times as many votes as a traditional turn-based system, and even more than ATB alone. This suggests that fans generally prefer the combat style of Final Fantasy 7 Remake.

This poll was conducted before the release of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, so fan expectations for Final Fantasy may have changed since then. While some later posts suggested fans still prefer combat systems other than traditional turn-based battles in Final Fantasy 17, most believe the next game won’t fully return to the real-time action of Final Fantasy 16. Instead, it seems like a middle ground is expected. One Reddit user praised Clair Obscur’s combat and hoped Final Fantasy would take inspiration, but the majority of commenters either disagreed or doubted Square Enix would move in that direction.

Fans discussing Final Fantasy 17 on Reddit have pointed out that the combat in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 isn’t purely turn-based. It mixes real-time tactics with turn-based elements, creating a unique feel. While Clair Obscur is technically a turn-based RPG, Final Fantasy 7 Remake focuses more on action, though it still includes some turn-based strategy. Based on the Reddit discussions, it appears fans hope Final Fantasy 17 will have a combat system similar to Final Fantasy 7 Remake rather than Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

Final Fantasy 17’s Protagonist Is Met With Certain Expectations

A common request from fans hoping for Final Fantasy 17 – particularly on the r/FFXVII Reddit forum – is a female main character, similar to Lightning from Final Fantasy 13 or Terra from Final Fantasy 6. Many believe a female lead is the most logical step for the series, given the recent focus on male protagonists. However, fans aren’t simply asking for a female protagonist; they’re expressing a strong desire to see it happen.

A Reddit discussion about the main character of Final Fantasy 17 reveals what fans are hoping for. Many want a protagonist with a strong and vibrant personality, with some specifically requesting someone cheerful and optimistic. One user even suggested a complex female antihero who walks the line between good and evil. However, not everyone wants a female lead; some simply hope for a happier, more upbeat protagonist than those typically seen in the Final Fantasy series.

Speculation Has Been Circulating About Final Fantasy 17’s Setting

Even though Final Fantasy 17 hasn’t been announced, fans are already discussing where the game might take place. A Reddit user named SalamiSalamander started a conversation asking for predictions, and the responses included some creative and compelling ideas.

Here are the biggest settings the Final Fantasy series has already explored:

  • High fantasy
  • Modern fantasy
  • Tech fantasy
  • Dark high fantasy
  • Steampunk
  • Sci-fantasy

People shared their hopes for where the next Final Fantasy game, number 17, should take place. Popular ideas included a world after a disaster, an old west setting, a futuristic cyberpunk city, or a space adventure. Many commenters seemed particularly interested in a post-apocalyptic world, similar to what was seen in Final Fantasy 10.

Fans Have Requests for Final Fantasy 17’s Lead Artist

Fans are already discussing who they’d like to see as the lead artist for Final Fantasy 17. A popular name that’s come up, as noted in a Reddit post by user JustinCredible1991, is Tetsuya Nomura, though opinions are divided. Nomura has worked on the art for many Final Fantasy games and was the lead character and visual designer for titles like Final Fantasy 7, Final Fantasy 8, Final Fantasy 10 and 10-2, and Final Fantasy 13.

Many commenters on the post expressed a preference for Akihiko Yoshida (known for his work on Final Fantasy Tactics, Final Fantasy 12, and Final Fantasy 14) as the artist for Final Fantasy 17. The original poster suggested Yusuke Mogi as a possible lead artist, and another commenter brought up Osamu Kamikokuryo, who previously served as art director for several Final Fantasy games released in the late 2000s and 2010s.

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2025-11-23 18:37