It's hard to believe that almost seven whole years have passed since the release of the last mainline Final Fantasy title, especially when one considers that only three years separated the series' eighth, ninth, and tenth installments. Final Fantasy 16 is finally upon us, though, with longtime fans of the franchise ready to dive right into the highly anticipated adventure.
However, before they can do so, players will need to decide which version of Final Fantasy 16 is best, with three different options available to them. Due to the high price of the Collector's Edition and the fact that it is physical only, though, most fans will likely be facing a much simpler choice: should they buy the Standard Edition of Final Fantasy 16 or the Deluxe?
Updated June 18, 2023, by Tom Bowen: With the game's full release now just a few days away, those hoping to claim every FF16 pre-order bonus are fast running out of time. Given the overwhelmingly positive response to the recently released demo, it seems likely that many prospective players will be pulling the trigger this weekend, but to do so, they'll first need to get a better idea of which is the best edition of FF16. Each version of the game comes with a slightly different Final Fantasy 16 pre-order bonus, with the physical Deluxe and Collector's Edition also offering a few other neat collectibles for those willing to pay a little extra (or, in the case of the Final Fantasy 16 Collector's Edition, a lot extra!).
Final Fantasy 16 Editions, Explained
Final Fantasy 16 Edition | Bonus Content |
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Standard Edition ($69.99 / £64.99) |
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Deluxe Edition ($89.99 / £84.99) |
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Collector's Edition ($349.99 / £329.99) |
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Final Fantasy 16 Pre-Order Bonuses
Every pre-order and Day 1 version of Final Fantasy 16 comes with two pre-order bonuses, these being a weapon for Clive called the Braveheart and a Gil-boosting accessory called the Cait Sith Charm. Those who pre-order digital versions of the game or splash out on the Collector's Edition will also get the Scholar's Spectacles, an accessory that boosts the experience that players earn in battle. Additionally, the Final Fantasy 16 Collector's Edition comes with the Blood Sword, which, although not technically an FF16 pre-order bonus, may as well be due to the edition's scarcity.
Which Version of Final Fantasy 16 is Best?
If players want a limited edition statue or something that may increase in value over time, the Collector's Edition of Final Fantasy 16 seems like a pretty solid option. However, due to how expensive it is, most players will probably be choosing between the Standard and Deluxe editions of the game, at which point, the decision becomes a lot easier. As neither option provides players with early access to Final Fantasy 16, it all comes down to whether or not people think that a mini artbook and soundtrack (digital) or a steelbook and cloth map (physical) are worth the extra $20 / £20.
Final Fantasy 16 launches on June 22 for PS5.