Official Korean Coming Tomorrow
June 17, 2026 — Square Enix is delivering a free update to FINAL FANTASY TACTICS - The Ivalice Chronicles that adds official Korean, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese subtitles. A physical Korean retail version will also go on sale simultaneously.
The game launched September 30, 2025 and won Best Sim/Strategy at The Game Awards 2025. It's been available in English, French, German, and Japanese — Korean fans have been waiting nearly nine months for this update.
Game Overview
| Detail | Info | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | FINAL FANTASY TACTICS - The Ivalice Chronicles | |
| Developer / Publisher | SQUARE ENIX | |
| Genre | Tactical RPG / Strategy RPG | |
| Release Date | September 30, 2025 | |
| Korean Update | June 17, 2026 (free) | |
| Platforms | PC (Steam), PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X\ | S, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch |
| Price | $49.99 Standard / $59.99 Deluxe | |
| Steam Rating | Very Positive (91%, 3,994 reviews) | |
| Copies Shipped | 1 million+ |
About the Game
The original Final Fantasy Tactics debuted in 1997 on the PlayStation and became one of the most beloved strategy RPGs ever made. The Ivalice Chronicles is a definitive re-release featuring:
- ▶Fully voiced dialogue in English and Japanese
- ▶Enhanced version with modernized visuals and refined mechanics
- ▶Classic version faithfully preserving the original 1997 graphics with the War of the Lions translation
- ▶New "Squire" difficulty for first-time players
- ▶50 Steam Achievements
The Story of Ivalice
Set in the kingdom of Ivalice, the game opens after a devastating war leaves the throne to a two-year-old heir. Two powerful dukes—Goltanna the Black Lion and Larg the White Lion—compete for the regency, igniting the War of the Lions.
Against this backdrop, the story follows Ramza Beoulve, third son of a noble military family, and his childhood companion Delita, a commoner raised among nobles. Their diverging paths draw them toward the abyss of a kingdom in collapse.
""Why do you fight? Why walk this path of subterfuge and conflict?" — From the announcement trailer
Gameplay
Core Systems
- ▶Grid-based 3D battles: Terrain elevation and unit positioning determine outcomes
- ▶Turn order manipulation: Speed stat governs action priority — outspeeding enemies is a viable strategy
- ▶20+ Jobs: White Mage, Black Mage, Dragoon, Samurai, Ninja, and more
- ▶Cross-job abilities: Skills learned in one job remain usable after switching
- ▶Creature companions: Tame and recruit Chocobos and other monsters into your party
Edition Comparison
| Edition | Contents | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Base game (Enhanced + Classic versions) | $49.99 |
| Deluxe Edition | Base game + bonus equipment (Akademy Blade, Beret, Tunic, Ring of Aptitude, Phoenix Down ×10, Ramza alternate equipment colors) | $59.99 |
| Deluxe + Soundtrack Bundle | Deluxe Edition + Complete Soundtrack | $81.31 (2% off) |
"Buy on Steam: store.steampowered.com/app/1004640
How Korean Language Works (After June 17)
PC (Steam)
- 1Launch Steam and right-click FINAL FANTASY TACTICS - The Ivalice Chronicles in your library
- 2Select Properties → Language tab
- 3Choose Korean from the dropdown
- 4Restart the game
"Note: The Korean option will not appear before June 17. Check back on the day of the update.
Console Platforms (PS5, Xbox, Switch)
- ▶Set your console system language to Korean, or
- ▶Select Korean within the in-game language settings (available after the June 17 update)
Important Note
"The Korean language update applies to the Enhanced version only. The Classic (1997 original graphics) version remains English/Japanese only.
Critical Reception
| Outlet | Score |
|---|---|
| IGN | 9/10 — "Amazing" |
| GameSpot | 9/10 — "Superb" |
| PC Gamer | 91/100 — "Simply everything I had hoped for" |
| Steam (overall) | Very Positive — 91% of 6,184 reviews |
The Game Awards 2025 awarded The Ivalice Chronicles Best Sim/Strategy, marking it as the definitive strategy title of 2025.
Is It Worth Playing in 2026?
Yes, for several reasons:
- 1The story holds up: The War of the Lions political drama remains one of gaming's best narratives
- 2Depth of tactics: The job system and ability cross-pollination still offer more strategic variety than most modern tactics games
- 3Quality of Life: The Enhanced version adds save states, speed options, and UI improvements
- 4Now accessible: The new Squire difficulty removes the high barrier that scared off newcomers in 1997
- 5Korean support: Korean players can now experience the full story without a language barrier for the first time officially
Community Reaction (Korean fans via Ruliweb)
The localization announcement in May sparked enthusiastic responses from Korean fans, many of whom played the original Japanese import version as children:
"Multiple users commented they had purchased the Japanese import and plan to buy again in Korean. One noted: "Square Enix actually delivered!"
GamePeak Verdict
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is one of 2025's best strategy games, and the upcoming Korean language support removes the last barrier for Korean-speaking players. If you've been holding off waiting for your language, June 17 is the day. Existing owners get the update automatically at no extra cost.
Korean language update: June 17, 2026 (free for all existing owners)
"Buy on Steam: store.steampowered.com/app/1004640