28 Years Later — FFT Gets Official Korean Support
Square Enix has confirmed that FINAL FANTASY TACTICS - The Ivalice Chronicles will receive official Korean text support via a free update on June 17, 2026. Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese text will also be added simultaneously. A physical Korean-language edition will launch on the same date.
The original Final Fantasy Tactics launched in 1997 on PlayStation without Korean support. The Ivalice Chronicles — released globally on September 30, 2025, and winner of The Game Awards 2025 Best Sim/Strategy Game — marks the first time the game has ever officially supported the Korean language.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Info | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | FINAL FANTASY TACTICS - The Ivalice Chronicles | |
| Developer / Publisher | Square Enix | |
| Original game | Final Fantasy Tactics (1997, PlayStation) | |
| Global launch | September 30, 2025 (Steam: October 1, 2025) | |
| Korean update date | June 17, 2026 (free update) | |
| Applies to | Enhanced version only (not Classic) | |
| New languages added | Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese (text only) | |
| Physical Korean edition | June 17, 2026 | |
| Platforms | Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X | S, Steam |
| TGA 2025 | Best Simulation/Strategy Game |
Enhanced vs. Classic — Which Gets Korean?
The Ivalice Chronicles ships with two distinct versions of the game. Only one gets the new language support:
| Feature | Enhanced | Classic |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics | Fully remastered HD visuals | Original 1997 graphics |
| Voice acting | Full Japanese + English VA | Silent (original style) |
| Korean text (June 17) | ✔ Yes | ✗ No |
| Supported languages | EN, JA, DE, FR, KO, ZH-S, ZH-T | EN, JA, DE, FR |
| New difficulty | Squire (beginner-friendly) added | Original only |
| Additional dialogue | New scenes added | Unchanged |
| Auto-save | Included | Included |
Enhanced version only: Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese text support applies exclusively to the Enhanced version. Classic version players retain English, Japanese, German, and French only.
Story — The War of the Lions
Ivalice, a kingdom blessed by the light of the gods, is thrown into turmoil. The king dies, leaving a two-year-old heir — and the regency becomes the prize in a conflict between two powerful dukes: Goltanna the Black Lion and Larg the White Lion. Their clash becomes known as the War of the Lions.
Caught in this tide of history are Ramza Beoulve, third son of a distinguished military family, and his childhood companion Delita, a commoner raised among nobles. The story that unfolds — of honor, betrayal, and sacrifice — remains one of the most emotionally resonant narratives in the Final Fantasy series.
Battle System — Positioning Is Everything
FFT's grid-based combat remains as sharp as ever in the Ivalice Chronicles, with the Enhanced version adding conveniences that make the system more accessible without simplifying it.
| Mechanic | Description |
|---|---|
| Tactical positioning | 3D maps with elevation — height affects attack range and accuracy |
| CT (Charge Time) | Turn order based on Speed stat — can be manipulated strategically |
| Job system | 20+ jobs including White Mage, Black Mage, Dragoon, Geomancer, and more |
| Cross-job abilities | Learn skills in one job, equip them on another |
| Monster taming | Chocobos and other monsters can join your party |
| Quick Battle | Auto-resolve previously cleared battles (Enhanced only) |
📸 Screenshots
Critical Reception
The Ivalice Chronicles launched in September 2025 to strong reviews:
| Outlet | Score |
|---|---|
| IGN | 9/10 — "Amazing" |
| GameSpot | 9/10 — "Superb" |
| PC Gamer | 91/100 — "It's simply everything I had hoped for" |
| Steam (English) | Very Positive — 91% of 3,948 reviews |
| Steam (All languages) | Very Positive — 5,078 reviews |
The game also won Best Sim/Strategy Game at The Game Awards 2025 — one of the most competitive categories given the volume of strong strategy releases that year.
Why This Matters for Korean Players
For the Korean gaming community, this is a significant moment. Final Fantasy Tactics has long held a devoted fanbase in Korea despite never receiving official localization in its original 1997 release. Players who experienced it either imported English or Japanese versions, relied on fan translations, or simply missed it.
The Ivalice Chronicles represents the first time Square Enix has officially supported Korean for this franchise entry — and it arrives in the Enhanced version, meaning Korean players get the best version of the game with full voice acting, improved graphics, and all the quality-of-life improvements.
Community Reactions
""I played the original with a dictionary. Now I can finally experience Ramza and Delita's story the way it was meant to be told — in Korean. Square Enix took 28 years but they got there." — Korean gaming forum (Ruliweb)
""The Enhanced version's full voice acting is exceptional. Adding Korean text on top of that makes this the definitive way to experience one of the greatest SRPGs ever made." — Steam review (translated)
""This is probably my most anticipated localization of 2026. The War of the Lions story hits different in your native language." — DC Inside Final Fantasy community
What's Included in the Deluxe Edition
| Item | Effect |
|---|---|
| Akademy Blade (weapon) | Slightly raises unit's Speed stat |
| Akademy Beret (headwear) | Prevents Charmed status |
| Akademy Tunic (combat garb) | Grants Shell status |
| Ring of Aptitude (accessory) | Boosts JP earned in battle |
| Phoenix Down x10 | Consumable revival items |
| Black Equipment for Ramza | Alternate color scheme |
| Red Equipment for Ramza | Alternate color scheme |
PC System Requirements
| Spec | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 11 64-bit | Windows 11 64-bit |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 3 2300X / Intel Core i3-8100 | Same |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| GPU | AMD RX 460 / Intel Arc A380 / Nvidia GTX 750 Ti | AMD RX 470 / GTX 750 Ti+ |
| DirectX | Version 12 | Version 12 |
| Storage | 15 GB | 15 GB |
Pricing & Availability
| Version | Steam Price |
|---|---|
| Standard | £39.99 |
| Deluxe | £49.99 |
| Deluxe + Soundtrack Bundle | ~£67.91 (2% off) |
Available on Steam, PlayStation Store (PS4/PS5), Xbox Store, and Nintendo eShop (Switch / Switch 2).
Already own it? If you purchased any version of FINAL FANTASY TACTICS - The Ivalice Chronicles, the Korean text update on June 17 is completely free. No additional purchase required — the new language will appear in your Enhanced version settings after the patch.
First-time buyer? The Standard Edition is the best entry point. The June 17 Korean localization update makes this the perfect time to start — you'll get full Korean text, full English/Japanese voice acting, HD graphics, and the complete remastered experience.