All FF16 Standard, Deluxe, & Collector’s Edition Differences Explained

Square Enix’s Final Fantasy series stands at the forefront of the JRPG genre, and the upcoming Final Fantasy 16 has various editions befitting such an anticipated release. The 2022 Game Awards teased the appearance of Final Fantasy XVI for most of the ceremony before finally revealing a trailer for the game near the end of the show. Along with new gameplay footage, the trailer revealed several upcoming editions of the game that fans can look forward to getting in their hands when it finally comes out.

The Game Awards’ Final Fantasy 16 trailer revealed a release date of June 22, 2023, at which point the game will be available exclusively on the PlayStation 5. Players will be able to jump into the experience with purchases of the base game digitally or physically, but dedicated fans can commit a greater investment to premium editions of the title. Laying out the differences between each option helps clarify which version will make the best purchase for every kind of fan.

FF16 Standard Edition

The Standard Edition of Final Fantasy 16 might be the most basic way to buy the game, but that doesn’t mean someone who places a pre-order will have nothing to show for it. As revealed by Square Enix, pre-ordered copies of the $69.99 Standard Edition come with two pre-order bonuses, both items that will be accessible in-game. Buying this edition after launch will only provide a copy of the game. This offers a nice incentive for gamers looking to jump into the action gameplay and story of Final Fantasy 16 when it launches, although fans looking for physical rewards will need to consider other editions.

The first of the two pre-order bonuses available with the FF16 Standard Edition is the Cait Sith Charm, a trinket designated as a Gil Boost Accessory. Gil is the standard currency in the Final Fantasy franchise, so players can assume the Cait Sith Charm will allow them to rack up more gold as they play, likely by applying a small bonus to loot from defeating enemies. The other item is a bonus weapon called Braveheart, a blade first wielded in the game that started the franchise. Although the stats for Braveheart remain to be revealed, it will likely be a useful early-game weapon for players who pre-ordered.

FF16 Physical Deluxe Edition

Upgrading to a physical copy of Final Fantasy 16‘s Deluxe Edition will raise the cost of entry to $99.99, but the higher price comes with tangible rewards. Final Fantasy 16 playable character Clive Rosfield adorns both the cover of the regular case, which is shared with the Standard Edition, and the exclusive Steelbook in a darker color scheme. A map of Valisthea is also included, which unfolds the game’s setting across a cloth expanse. With a rusty color scheme, detailed lettering, and a variety of illustrated landmarks dotting the land, the map looks the part of the game’s medieval fantasy tone.

All the Final Fantasy 16 Deluxe Edition contents come inside a larger outer box, which features intricate artwork reminiscent of classic Japanese covers for the series across a black background. Along with the physical contents, the pre-order bonuses that applied to the Standard Edition also appear here, although they don’t appear in Square Enix’s splash image for the edition. In-game rewards from the digital version of the Deluxe Edition, however, do not apply to the physical version. Fans who prefer physical discs to digital downloads for video games are the target audience for this option, although diehards might want to commit instead to the Collector’s Edition of the game.

FF16 Digital Deluxe Edition

Despite sharing a name in part with the Final Fantasy 16 physical Deluxe Edition, the Digital Deluxe Edition brings an entirely different package to the table. Priced slightly lower at $89.99, the Digital Deluxe Edition trades out shelf-worthy rewards for three bonuses to be redeemed online. One of these, the set of Scholar’s Spectacles, is an in-game offering. As an Experience Boost Accessory, the Scholar’s Spectacles provide a worthy counterpart to the Cait Sith Charm. Although the exact bonus provided by the Scholar’s Spectacles has not yet been revealed, they promise to help Digital Deluxe Edition buyers accelerate their leveling progress without resorting to heavy grinding.

For the other Digital Deluxe edition rewards, fans can see how the music stacks up against the best Final Fantasy soundtracks with the Digital Mini Soundtrack or take a look at the artwork behind the game’s design with the Digital Mini Artbook. These contents can be accessed through the “Square Enix Digital Content Viewer,” an application that will be downloaded alongside the Digital Deluxe Edition. Internet access will be required to use this software, but fans committed to digital purchases are unlikely to have issues with unstable connections. The Digital Deluxe edition is the way to go for players who want extra content without having to set aside any space.

FF16 Collector’s Edition

The ultimate option for Final Fantasy die-hards comes in the form of the Final Fantasy 16 Collector’s Edition. Casual gamers may not spring for this premium offering, but fans who can recognize all the easter eggs in the Final Fantasy 16 trailer might be tempted. Unlike the other editions, which have already opened pre-orders, the Collector’s Edition will go on sale on December 12 at 9:00 PM EST. Pre-orders from the Square Enix Store contain the bonuses from the Digital Deluxe Edition, alongside an exclusive Steelbook case and a set of cloth wall banners. No price has been revealed, but it’s safe to say it’ll be higher than other options.

Springing for the Collector’s Edition will net fans all the contents inside the box of the physical Deluxe Edition, as well as a few impressive additions. The new in-game reward is the Blood Sword, which will be familiar to fans of Final Fantasy II as the weapon wielded by protagonist Firion. The Collector’s Edition also includes a metal pin collection features unique designs for eight Eikons, and a mighty statue showcases a fight between central Final Fantasy 16 Eikons Phoenix and Ifrit. Everything is housed in a metallic-sheen box illustrated by acclaimed series illustrator, Yoshitaka Amano.

The variety of editions created for Final Fantasy 16 ensure that there’s something for every fan of the series, from those just looking to jump into the action to collectors looking to decorate in style. Gamers more hesitant about committing to a pre-order for the title still have some months to decide what option is best for them, although the limited stock of the Collector’s Edition may not last that long. No matter what option fans choose, the world of Final Fantasy 16 and whatever surprises it may contain await within.