Get ready to wield god-like powers in Final Fantasy VII Remake! That's right, even if you've already conquered Midgar, Square Enix is about to drop a game-changing update that will let you experience the adventure like never before. But here's where it gets controversial: are these new 'cheats' a welcome addition or do they cheapen the experience?
Originally announced for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S versions of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, these bonus features are now confirmed to be heading to the PS5 version on January 22nd, 2026. This means PS5 players won't have to wait to get their hands on these new abilities, and will be able to join the fun at the same time as those on other platforms. Square Enix initially teased that these toggles would eventually make their way to PS5 and PC, and now we have a concrete date.
So, what exactly are these "streamlined progression features"? Prepare to have your mind blown:
- Always Maximum HP and MP: Never worry about healing again! Go into every battle with a full tank of health and magic. Imagine unleashing unlimited spells and abilities without a second thought.
- Always Deal 9,999 Damage: One-hit K.O. everything in your path! Bosses will tremble before your might. This is the ultimate power fantasy for those who just want to enjoy the story.
- Always Have the Maximum Number of Items (with some exceptions): Potion overload! Never be caught short in a fight again. Hoard rare and powerful items to your heart's content.
These types of options are becoming increasingly common in remastered RPGs. Think of recent Dragon Quest HD-2D remakes, which often include similar features to make older titles more accessible and enjoyable. These additions allow players to tailor their experience, whether it's speeding up battles or bypassing challenging sections. From January 22nd, you can wield these options in Final Fantasy VII Remake on PS5.
And this is the part most people miss: this doesn't mean that Final Fantasy VII Rebirth won't be coming to other platforms in the future. While currently a PS5 exclusive, it's very likely that it will follow a similar path and eventually grace other consoles. The third and final installment of the remake trilogy is also on the horizon, though its platform exclusivity remains uncertain. Will it be a PlayStation exclusive, or will Square Enix embrace a multi-platform release? Only time will tell.
But back to the topic at hand: the "cheat" features. Some argue that these additions undermine the challenge and sense of accomplishment that comes with overcoming difficult encounters. Others see them as a welcome accessibility option, allowing players to experience the story without getting bogged down in repetitive grinding or frustrating battles. And others still might just want to speed through the game to find differences between the Remake and the original.
Will you be diving back into Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on PS5 to experiment with these new features? Do you think these kinds of options enhance or detract from the overall gaming experience? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! We're eager to hear your take on this potentially divisive update.
