Why Is Final Fantasy XIII Unavailable on PS5?
Availability of Final Fantasy XIII on PS5
Final Fantasy XIII is not available on the PlayStation 5; it is currently only playable on the PlayStation 3. In fact, it stands out as the only mainline Final Fantasy title not accessible on the PS5. There is no official remaster or port of Final Fantasy XIII available for the PS5. As it stands, the only way to play Final Fantasy XIII on a PlayStation console is through the original PS3 version.
Many fans are requesting Square Enix to release a remastered version of the Final Fantasy XIII trilogy for modern consoles, including PS5. It is strange for the trilogy to be available on PC and via backwards compatibility on Xbox consoles, yet it remains entirely absent on PlayStation. The 13 trilogy is essentially the only numbered entry that isn’t playable on the PS5; additionally, FFXIII is the only non-MMO mainline Final Fantasy that hasn’t been ported to any system.
As for the game’s commercial success, perhaps its sales and reviews, along with current demand, weren’t significant enough to garner Square Enix’s attention. However, it’s worth noting that sales were adequate since it received two sequels — though Lightning Returns can be seen more as a spin-off, it is still a continuation of the story. There’s a strong argument that they couldn’t have greenlit XIII-2 or Lightning Returns without some level of demand.
Looking at the development aspects, FFXIII encountered issues and went out of scope, prompting its division into multiple games. FFXIII-2 was released just a couple of years after XIII, suggesting that approximately a year and a half of development was dedicated to it. This timeline implies that a significant portion of it was already in the works before XIII was released.
Despite the controversy, many prefer FFXIII’s gameplay and level design, considering it among the best in the series. Players find the gameplay highly addictive and enjoy the ability to switch roles back and forth, which adds to the excitement.
Current uncertainty remains regarding why this trilogy isn’t available on PS5 or even through PS Now for streaming. Fans are hopeful for a turnaround when the new PS Plus Premium launches next month — seriously, does Square Enix hate money?
Exploring Backward Compatibility: PS3 Games on PS5
While the backward compatibility between the PS4 and PS5 is well-established, the situation is different for PS3 games. Just like with backward compatibility between the PS3 and PS4, the specific hardware architecture of the PlayStation 5 does not allow for direct playback of PlayStation 3 games, whether on physical discs or digital versions. This incompatibility stems from the major technological transition between the Cell processor of the old PS3 console and the x86-64 architecture adopted by the PS5.
Unfortunately, backward compatibility with PS3 games is not available on the PS5. This is because the architecture and technology of the PS3 are significantly different from the PS5, making it challenging to implement compatibility for PS3 discs.
The main official solution for playing PS3 games on PS5 is through PlayStation Plus Premium. This subscription service includes a cloud gaming feature that allows you to stream PS3 games directly on your PS5. The catalog includes many classics like Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. Game streaming works by running the game on remote servers that emulate the PS3 architecture, then transmitting the image and sound to your console. To fully enjoy this feature, a stable and fast internet connection is required.
Another option for enjoying PS3 games on your PS5 console is to turn to the many available remasters and remakes. These modernized versions offer an optimized experience for your next-generation console, with enhanced graphics and improved performance thanks to the PS5’s RDNA 2 architecture. Notable examples include:
- Demon’s Souls, which delivers the original experience fully rebuilt in 4K 60 FPS for the PS5 by Bluepoint Games;
- The Last of Us Part I, a complete remake of the original Naughty Dog game;
- God of War III Remastered, compatible with the PS5 and offering 4K resolution and improved frame rates.
Can you play FF13 PS3 on PS5? Not every title is playable on PlayStation 5, but the omissions are slim. Setting aside the dozens of spin-offs, the only missing pieces as of this writing are the Final Fantasy 13 games and the original MMO entry Final Fantasy 11.
Final Fantasy 13 can be played on Xbox thanks to the backward compatibility program, but it’s currently unavailable on PS5. However, PS Plus Premium features a wide range of PS3 games for users to stream, which could potentially bring Final Fantasy 13 to PS5 one day.
Moreover, Sony could be working on a solution to make PlayStation 3 games natively playable on PS5 consoles, according to recent claims made by a reputable insider.
Future Possibilities: Will FF13 Get a Remaster?
Whether you’re a lover or a hater of the incredibly divisive Final Fantasy 13 trilogy, you’ve got to wonder why Square Enix has never remastered the whole thing and bundled the games together for modern consoles. Fans have been asking after a trilogy collection for years. However, the three titles remain trapped on the PS3 to this day. The situation’s even more bemusing when you remember that there are PC versions of each game, which were released all the way back in 2014 and 2015.
According to current rumors, there is a strong possibility of a “Final Fantasy 13” remaster coming to PS5. Many fans speculate about a trilogy remaster based on recent online discussions and potential hints from Square Enix, though no official confirmation has been made yet. This speculation is primarily fueled by the fact that “Final Fantasy 13” is one of the few mainline titles not readily available on modern consoles like PS5, making a remaster a likely option.
Furthermore, this is one of those topics that pops up every now and then amongst fans of the franchise. Notably, Square Enix itself has incited the latest discussion. The publisher asked for Final Fantasy-related hot takes on social media, to which popular composer Alex Moukala replied: “Before any other FF title gets a remake, Final Fantasy 13 needs a remaster.”
On the subject of fan demand, a large portion of the Final Fantasy community is actively calling for a “Final Fantasy 13” remaster, especially given the recent trend of Square Enix remastering older titles for newer platforms.
- Social Media Teases: Some fans believe that Square Enix has subtly hinted at a potential “Final Fantasy 13” remaster through their responses to fan tweets on social media.
- No Official Confirmation: While the rumors are circulating, there has been no official announcement from Square Enix regarding a “Final Fantasy 13” remaster.
It’s noteworthy that FFXIII is the only non-MMO mainline Final Fantasy that hasn’t been ported to any system. Currently, PS4 and PS5 players cannot play it at all. Selling 1.7 million copies in Japan in 2009, Final Fantasy XIII became the fastest-selling title in the history of the series.
How to Play Final Fantasy XIII on PS4
Final Fantasy XIII Gameplay Guide
Here begins the walkthrough for the game of Final Fantasy XIII. It is an epic journey, full of adventure and wonder—so click the link below to begin!
Final Fantasy XIII is the follow-up to Final Fantasy XII. Furthermore, it was the first game in the series to be released for both the PlayStation and Xbox at the same time. The game includes 13 chapters to play, many of which are completely linear and lend themselves to a very one-dimensional style of play until the story and gameplay opens up towards the end of the game. Additionally, this is the first entry into Square Enix’s “Fabula Nova Crystallis” series, which helps to build on a unified world between other Final Fantasy titles, including Type-0 and Final Fantasy XV.
During many sections of the game, you are limited to just two party members. Consequently, you have very limited options in terms of leveling and growth. Most non-standard Crystariums are locked until much later on in the game, allowing characters to focus on their strongest party role. This results in the first chapters being played the same way, using the same strategies for every playthrough by every gamer.
Even for subsequent playthroughs, you’re really just rushing through the first 10 chapters so you can reach Chapter 11 and the Archylte Steppe. Only then can you truly begin customizing your party, customizing their roles and paradigms, and exploring some of the optional, more challenging components of the game.
In Chapter 11, there is a bit more of an open world feel. After completing the game’s story, you can return to the Archylte Steppe to complete optional content and side quests. However, the game sets you up in a way where you can easily skip past this section entirely, walking straight from the entrance to Archylte Steppe to the next dungeon (Mah’habara Subterra).
This guide addresses frequently asked questions and common complaints about FFXIII’s gameplay. It is a one-stop-shop for all the need-to-know mechanics and general advice for casual playthroughs. With detailed area maps and finely tuned guidance, the walkthrough charts the most rewarding path through the storyline and all optional side-quests. It includes a comprehensive story recap, illustrated with exclusive artwork.
Additionally, there is an introduction to Final Fantasy XIII’s combat system, featuring the boss battle against Manasvin Warmech. The two teams of Vanille and Hope, and Lightning and Sazh, along with Snow on his own, work their way through the Pulse Vestige. The five party members venture through the icy walkways while attempting to avoid the Sanctum soldiers.
Community Buzz: Discussions Around FF13 and PS5
A release schedule on the Square Enix website suggests that Final Fantasy 13 remasters are in development. The game is currently listed for PC only. Remasters could bring these Final Fantasy games to modern PlayStation consoles.
Interestingly, the Square Enix page lists PC as the only platform the title is being planned for. Although the game already exists on this platform, the Steam version is, for lack of a better word, terrible. Multiple bugs, performance issues, and an unstable experience make a strong case for a remaster, with the added benefit of native gameplay on PlayStation through said remasters.
While Square Enix has already ported many classic games from the IP to modern PlayStation consoles through remasters, it would not be too shocking to see the studio taking a similar approach to the Lightning Saga. All three games are already available on Steam and can be easily played on the platform.
No, you cannot play Final Fantasy 13 natively on PS5. The game was released exclusively for PS3 and Xbox 360, and Square Enix has not released an upgraded version or a port of the game for PS5.
However, although you cannot play Final Fantasy 13 natively on PS5, you can still experience the game through emulation, at your own risk. To play Final Fantasy 13 on PS5 using emulation, you’ll need:
- A PS3 game copy of Final Fantasy 13
- A PS3-to-PS5 emulator (like RPCS3)
- A PC or laptop with sufficient specs to run the emulator
- A controller or keyboard and mouse setup
For those looking for a seamless gaming experience on PS5, you might want to explore other options, such as the upcoming Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade or other exclusive games available on the console.
Additionally, Final Fantasy 13 is not natively compatible with the PS5. While it can be played on Xbox through backward compatibility, there is no such option on PlayStation. There is still no way to play the masterpieces of Lightning Returns and Final Fantasy XIII-2 on PS4 or PS5 and of course, the undisputed masterpiece that is Final Fantasy XIII. Please bring these classics to the PS5. Future generations must experience these games.
Final Fantasy 13, however, is compatible with the PS5’s DualSense controller, offering a unique gaming experience. Unfortunately, you cannot play it online with friends, and Xbox One and Series have backwards compatibility to Xbox 360, while PS4/PS5 don’t have such options.
