Image credit: Square Enix

Are there any FINAL FANTASY VII fans here? If so, we have good news for you.

Square Enix has officially announced a Final Fantasy VII Steam new version, which will replace the current listing on Steam as part of a broader Square Enix re-release strategy.

Importantly, current owners of the game will retain access to the existing version and will receive the new edition at no additional cost.

If you want to know exactly what might change, what to watch out for, especially with saves and mods, and how to prepare for the new version, read our guide.

What Has Been Officially Confirmed by Square Enix?

Square Enix has officially announced that Final Fantasy VII new version will be released on Steam, replacing the current edition available for sale. The new version will become the main offering in the store, although the company has not yet revealed exactly when this change will take place.

At the same time, the publisher has confirmed that this update includes a free upgrade for owners, meaning players who already own the game will keep access to both versions.

What is more, the current release will be renamed in a process commonly referred to as the FF7 2013 Edition rename, while the new version becomes the default Steam purchase.

Another important detail concerns save incompatibility. Due to differences between the two versions, save files from the current release will not transfer to the new edition, requiring players to start a fresh playthrough

Why is Square Enix Updating a 13-Year-Old Version of The Game?

Many of you are probably wondering why Square Enix is updating such an old PC version. There is a logical explanation for this.

Since Final Fantasy VII has been released on many platforms over the years, and each version differed in technical details, the main goal of the developers is to standardize the Steam version.

They also want to improve compatibility with modern hardware such as Steam Deck and reduce long-standing technical issues.

Additionally, this Square Enix re-release is linked to modern cloud saves standards, improves launcher performance, and provides players with smoother gameplay on current PCs.

What We Still Don’t Know and Why It Matters

Despite the official announcement, many important details remain unclear. Square Enix has not confirmed an exact release date, shared a full changelog, or explained how the update will affect pricing and regional promotions.

There are also several technical and account-related questions that still matter to players:

  • whether existing achievements will carry over to the new version,
  • if a Square Enix account will be required to launch or access new features,
  • whether the update could result in any form of delisting of the older Steam version.
  • if external studios such as Dotemu were involved in developing this update.

Another major unknown concerns mods. Square Enix has not confirmed long-term PC mod support, and compatibility with tools such as 7th Heaven. These questions are especially important for the game’s community, which relies on stable versions and predictable updates.

Until Square Enix shares more details, these unanswered points continue to drive discussion and concern among fans.

What Might Change in the New Version?

Although Square Enix has not released many details, players and the modding community continue to speculate about what the new version might include. Some expect features known from newer console releases, such as game acceleration, options to limit random encounters, and a cleaner, more user-friendly interface.

There is also speculation about technical improvements, including better stability on modern PC ports, improved performance on Steam Deck, and more streamlined launcher functionality. However, until Square Enix publishes full details, all of these changes should be treated as educated guesses rather than confirmed features.

How to Prepare for The Upcoming Changes?

To smoothly transition to the new version of Final Fantasy VII on Steam, it’s worth following a few simple tips:

  • Finish current playthroughs if you don’t want to restart.
  • Back up your save data compatibility and configuration files.
  • Save launcher settings like resolution and controller layout.
  • If you use mods, create a separate copy of the game folder and track all tool versions (PC mod support, 7th Heaven).

These steps will make the transition to the new version safe and less stressful.

It’s not the 3rd part of FFVII Remake but it’s still Final Fantasy VII News!

That’s all you need to know right now about the Final Fantasy VII Steam new version.

At this point, we’ll have to wait for more information from Square Enix, such as a full list of changes, details on pricing and promotions, and the modding community’s reaction after launch.

If you want to know how to best prepare for the upcoming changes and avoid problems with saves or mods, check out our website.

We will keep you updated!