The wait for the final chapter of Cloud Strife's journey might be shorter than expected. A massive, detailed leak has surfaced, suggesting that the third installment of the trilogy is titled Final Fantasy VII Return and is currently slated for an early 2027 launch.
As Square Enix prepares for the 30th anniversary of the original masterpiece, this latest leak—originating from sources close to the production—gives us a glimpse into what could be the most ambitious RPG ever made.
The Big Reveal: Summer Game Fest 2026
Rumors indicate that Square Enix will officially break its silence during Summer Game Fest on June 5, 2026. The presentation is expected to include a high-octane cinematic trailer and a first look at the evolved "Active Turn Action" combat system.
- The Narrative Loop: A return to the beginning of the story in a reimagined, fully explorable Midgar.
- The Gameplay: A return to more traditional RPG elements requested by long-time fans.
- The Lifestream: A literal return to the planet’s source.
3 Game-Changing Features Leaked
If the reports are accurate, Part 3 is set to dwarf its predecessors in scale:
The Highwind is rumored to offer full flight freedom for the first time in the Remake series.
- The Highwind & Full Flight: Unlike the restricted exploration in Rebirth, the leak claims players will have total control of the Highwind airship, allowing for seamless flight across a 1:1 scale world map.
- A "New" Midgar: The final act reportedly takes place in a fully open-world Midgar, where every sector is accessible and filled with side content and lore.
- The Secret Party Member: Beyond Cid and Vincent, rumors persist about a non-canon secret character that can be recruited through a specific side-quest.
Release Window: Marking the 30th Anniversary
With director Naoki Hamaguchi confirming that the script is finished and development is moving at a "record pace," a January 2027 release window aligns perfectly with the original game's 30th anniversary. This timing would make FFVII Return the centerpiece of Square Enix’s biggest celebration in decades.
While these leaks align with many industry predictions, Square Enix has not yet confirmed the title or the 2027 date. However, with the development team already deep into internal playtesting, the "Return" seems closer than ever.
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Source date: May 6, 2026