Final Fantasy 7 is one of the most iconic video games of all time, with it helping to change the RPG landscape when it was released in 1997 and setting the new standard that all future games would be compared to.
In more recent years, Square Enix has been hard at work releasing the remake trilogy, starting with 2020’s Final Fantasy 7 Remake, followed by Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, which was released in 2024. Square Enix is currently developing the final part of the trilogy, which fans are hoping will be released in 2027.
But while fans of the series wait for the conclusion of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy, players will be able to get their hands on a new game for free.
Last week, Square Enix also brought the Final Fantasy 7 Remake to both Xbox Series X and Nintendo Switch 2, having previously only been available on PS4, PS5, and PC. Despite the series moving forward and becoming more accessible than ever, Square Enix has not forgotten about its older titles and is still working on bringing them to as many players as possible.
Along with the Steam port of Final Fantasy 7, the original 1997 entry is also currently available to purchase on PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X, and Nintendo Switch 1 and 2. Players can also currently receive the Nintendo Switch version for free when purchasing Final Fantasy 7 Remake on the Nintendo Switch 2, but only have until January 31st to do so.
However, the console ports have multiple quality-of-life updates that make the game optionally easier to play for newer players, which are absent from the 2013 Steam port. Although unconfirmed, it looks like this version may be coming to Valve’s storefront soon.
In a blog post, Square Enix detailed the new version of Final Fantasy 7 that will replace the current version that has been available on Steam since 2013.
Square Enix detailed what to expect from the new version, as well as what will happen to the original 2013 version of Final Fantasy 7.
Availability of Versions
- When the new version launches, FINAL FANTASY VII – 2013 Edition will no longer be available for purchase on the Steam Store.
- Existing owners will continue to have access to FINAL FANTASY VII – 2013 Edition in their library.
- The new version will be listed on the Steam Store as FINAL FANTASY VII.
Access for Existing Owners
- All players who already own the 2013 Edition are eligible to access the new version at no additional cost.
- Both versions will remain accessible in the owner’s Steam Library once the new version is released.
Save Data Information
- Save data will not be compatible between the two versions.
- 2013 Edition saves will only work with the 2013 Edition.
- New version saves will only work with the new version.
This is similar to what ZeniMax did with Doom 1 and 2 in 2024. The original versions were replaced by an updated port with better controls, settings, and a new soundtrack. However, owners of the original versions can still play and keep them in their collection.
Square Enix didn’t give a release date for this new version, but for now, if you don’t own the original port from 2013, it is on sale on Steam for 60% off, making it just $4.99/£3.99. If you own this, you will receive the new version for free, making this a great time to add one of the most critically acclaimed video games to your collection.
