Final Fantasy 13 remains one of the most divisive subseries in the franchise, but despite it all, Lightning has endured as one of its most popular characters. The trilogy drew criticism for everything from its linear design to its combat and storytelling, yet it also developed a dedicated fanbase that continues to embrace its characters. Now, Lightning is set to return on October 22, alongside several other familiar faces from throughout the Final Fantasy series.
Final Fantasy 13 was first released in 2009, receiving two direct sequels in the form of Final Fantasy 13-2 in 2011 and Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13 in 2013. The four-year saga worked for some fans and didn’t work for as many, but its characters were one of its biggest strengths. That’s evident enough by the title of the threequel, so it’s properly fitting that Lightning returns once more.
Lightning Returns Once More in Final Fantasy Resonance
Square Enix showed off more of Final Fantasy Resonance during the September 3 Sony State of Play showcase, revealing what Sephiroth is like in the upcoming HD-2D RPG. Final Fantasy Resonance is the first HD-2D game in the Final Fantasy series and combines a new story set in the Kingdom of Grandshelt with a strategic turn-based battle system, as well as “Visions” of past protagonists. The core story follows airship commander Rain, his childhood friend Lasswell, and the mysterious Fina as they attempt to protect the kingdom’s remaining crystals from Veritas of the Dark.
Find the odd one out before the timer hits zero.
Final Fantasy Resonance is built as a celebration of both classic and modern Final Fantasy, including the return of various characters. Lightning represents Final Fantasy 13, while other confirmed characters include Cloud, Tidus, the Warrior of Light, Squall, Terra, Zidane, Noctis, and Clive, alongside the original characters from Final Fantasy Brave Exvius. These characters appear through the game’s Vision system, which allows heroes from across time to join the player’s party. Lightning has already been shown fighting alongside her Eidolon Odin, while Sephiroth’s role appears to involve a special challenge for players.
Players can already try Final Fantasy Resonance for free through a demo available on PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch consoles, and Xbox Series X. This free Final Fantasy Resonance demo covers the opening of the game through the first chapter, offering roughly 3-5 hours of gameplay, and save data will carry over to the full release. That gives interested players a substantial look at what Final Fantasy Resonance has to offer before its October 22 launch, although fans shouldn’t expect to see everything in that brief period.
With its HD-2D presentation, turn-based combat, new story, and characters pulled from throughout Final Fantasy history, Final Fantasy Resonance is clearly designed as a celebration of the franchise’s past. Lightning’s return is one part of that, but the unique features (like the HD-2D presentation) present plenty of reasons to check it out on their own merit.
- Released
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October 22, 2026
- ESRB
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Everyone 10+ / Alcohol Reference, Fantasy Violence, Language, Suggestive Themes