The fifteenth mainline game in the Final Fantasy series, Final Fantasy XV has arguably one of the most troubled development cycles of any game in the franchise. Initially conceived as a spin-off of Final Fantasy XIII, the setting, characters, and theme of Final Fantasy XV would change several times throughout development. Eventually, FFXV‘s development team settled on its place as both the next mainline series entry and an open-world game. Releasing in November 2016 (a full decade after the beginning of its development), Final Fantasy XV would prove to be quite divisive among fans. While some would praise the title for its vast world and sense of freedom, others would feel that the game lacked many of the series’ classic elements.
Notably, FFXV was released in an unfinished state. The game’s long development time ended up putting immense pressure on Luminous Productions, resulting in the team supporting the title through DLC expansions over more than 2 years. In addition to 4 different story DLC episodes that expand on the story of Noctis’ allies, there are multiple content updates and even a full multiplayer mode that would end up arriving well after launch. Despite this, FFXV holds a strong critical and commercial reception, becoming the best-selling game in Japan during the week of its release. Square Enix would end up expanding on the game’s universe through several spin-off titles, an anime, a feature film, and other multimedia projects. Final Fantasy XV marks the final game in the Fabula Nova Crystallis universe.
Final Fantasy XV Premise
After several false starts and failed attempts at realizing the next mainline game in the Final Fantasy series, directorial duties for the title would pass to Hajime Tabata, who finally settled on a setting and theme for the title. Embracing the ideas of a road trip and summer holiday with friends, Final Fantasy XV tells the story of the young crown prince of a powerful kingdom, Noctis, as he heads off in search of one final adventure before marrying the princess of a neighboring kingdom and ascending to the throne. Of course, in typical Final Fantasy fashion, a terrible tragedy strikes that cause Noctis and his allies to change their trip from a casual wanderlust to a pilgrimage in search of holy weapons that can see Noctis reclaim the throne and control the Crystal to save Eos.
In terms of its gameplay, Final Fantasy XV is a significant departure from previous games in the series. Combat is a blend of real-time button presses and menu commands to allies, blending the action combat of the Kingdom Hearts series with the traditional party management of older Final Fantasy games. Noctis’ main ability is a “warp strike” that allows him to instantly teleport to enemy locations for attacks, with his party members backing him up as support in terms of melee combat, magical abilities, and restorative spells. FFXV notably takes place in an open-world sandbox, with players getting access to the game’s version of an airship in the form of the royal vehicle, the Regalia. Notably, the Regalia gains the ability to fly later in the game, granting players access to the entire map at a moment’s notice.
In addition to the main quest and side quests, Noctis and his allies can engage in several other open-world-style activities. These include distractions such as cooking, fishing, photography, and monster hunts.
Final Fantasy XV Main Characters
Like other games in the series, Final Fantasy XV places a premium on its story and characters, introducing players to the young king in waiting, Noctis, and his three best friends. Noctis is set to wed the princess of a neighboring kingdom before he can ascend to the throne of Lucis. Along with his closest allies, he sets off toward the Altissian capital. Before they can get there, though, an attack on the city of Niflheim leaves Noctis’ father, the king, dead. To avenge his father and take up his rightful place on the throne, Noctis must collect the Royal Arms and activate the crystal. Joining Noctis and his friends are a wide-ranging cast of characters that span the Final Fantasy XV game and its expansions, a feature film, manga, and anime. Main characters in Final Fantasy XV include:
- Noctis: The hero of FFXV and the son of King Regis Lucis Caelum, Noctis is the heir to the throne of Lucis and its capital city Insomnia. Though he comes off as aloof and indifferent, he is a capable leader with fierce loyalty toward his friends.
- Gladiolus: Gladiolus is one of Noctis’ closest friends from childhood and the sworn Shield and protector of the crown prince. He is a powerful fighter and the party’s heavy hitter.
- Ignus: Ignus is another of Noctis’ closest childhood friends and an advisor to the royal family. His brains help the party strategize and his cooking skills give them helpful boosts prior to battle.
- Prompto: Prompto rounds out FFXV‘s adventuring party as another of Noctis’ best friends who also happens to be a gifted machinist and photographer.
- Ardyn: The main antagonist of FFXV, Ardyn is an unpredictable and diabolical villain who manipulates others toward his own ends.
Games in the Final Fantasy Series
The troubled development and polarizing nature of Final Fantasy XV would see the series enter a bit of a low point. Thankfully, the Final Fantasy franchise has since rebounded thanks to a string of high-profile critical and commercial successes. Both of the games in the ambitious Final Fantasy VII remake project have boldly reimagined one of the series’ most beloved games. Further, Final Fantasy XVI ended up being a return to form for the series. Despite Square Enix’s purported financial troubles, the Final Fantasy series is still doing very well for the publisher. There’s every chance we will continue to see the franchise carry on well into the future as a fundamental pillar of the JRPG genre and the industry as a whole. Games in the Final Fantasy series include:
- Final Fantasy (1987)
- Final Fantasy II (1988)
- Final Fantasy III (1990)
- Final Fantasy IV (1991)
- Final Fantasy V (1992)
- Final Fantasy VI (1994)
- Final Fantasy VII (1997)
- Final Fantasy VIII (1999)
- Final Fantasy IX (2000)
- Final Fantasy X (2001)
- Final Fantasy XI (2002)
- Final Fantasy XII (2006)
- Final Fantasy III (DS) (2006)
- Final Fantasy IV (DS) (2007)
- Final Fantasy XIII (2009)
- Final Fantasy XIV (2013)
- Final Fantasy XV (2016)
- Final Fantasy VII Remake (2020)
- Final Fantasy XVI (2023)
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (2024)
Final Fantasy XV Cheats and Secrets
There are several secrets and unlockables for players to discover throughout Final Fantasy XV. Additionally, PC players have the option to experience FFXV along with a cheat engine and trainer file, making the game significantly easier in the process. While these cheats are not available on the console versions of Final Fantasy XV, there are still several ways players can enhance their time with the game.
Final Fantasy XV Secrets
Unlock Ulric’s Kukri
Players can unlock a special callback to Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV after the fight against Ifrit. Following Ifrit’s defeat in Insomnia, head to the elevators within the cathedral. Go back into the main part of the city to encounter a lich-type enemy that has a 100% drop rate for Ulric’s Kukri. These are extremely powerful twin daggers.
Instantly Refill Stamina Bar
Normally, running will deplete Noctis’ stamina bar until it goes from green to red. Once the stamina bar reaches red, it takes a while to recharge. Instead, right as the green stamina bar is about to deplete, release the sprint button to have Noctis dash forward, instantly recharging the stamina bar. You can utilize the trick to sprint indefinitely. This also works when using auto-sprint, just tap the dash button right before the green bar depletes instead of releasing it.
Chocobo Race Speed Boost
Depending on when players choose to hold the Circle (PlayStation) or B button (Xbox) while starting a race, their chocobo will get a speed boost. Holding the button as the “3” in the countdown disappears gives the greatest boost. Holding the button as the “2” appears grants a medium speed boost. Finally, holding the button as the “2” disappears grants a small boost.
Avoid Fighting Daemons at Night
While driving around in the Regalia at night, Noctis and his crew will often encounter Daemons that initiate battle. However, there’s a trick players can use to avoid these encounters and keep driving. As soon as Daemons begin to spawn, quickly U-turn the Regalia and get out of range. You’ll want to be far enough that they can’t attack but not so far that you can’t see them. Exit the vehicle to take control of Noctis, and the loading screen will despawn the Daemons.
Final Fantasy XV Cheat Engine Cheats
There are several different Cheat Engines players can find and download to use cheats with PC games, including Final Fantasy XV‘s PC release. One of the more popular is the WeMod cheat engine, which has a Final Fantasy XV cheat trainer file that players can download here. After installing WeMod and downloading the trainer file, players can boot up FFXV with the following cheats.
Player Cheats
- Infinite Health
- Infinite MP
- Infinite Stamina
- Infinite Chocobo Stamina
- Infinite Tech Bar
- Infinite Armiger
- Ghost Mode
Stat Cheats
- Infinite Gil
- Infinite XP
- Infinite AP
Enemy Cheats
- One-Hit Kills
Inventory Cheats
- Infinite Items
- Infinite Fuel
- Infinite Elemental Energy
- Infinite Magic
- Instant Spell Cooldown
- Infinite Fishing Line Durability
Final Fantasy XV Achievements/Trophies
Regardless of platform, FFXV has several different Achievements/Trophies that players can earn. Each of the following Achievements/Trophies can be earned after completing various activities in the game.
Base Game Achievements/Trophies
Achievement/Trophy | How to Unlock |
---|---|
The World Wanderer | Collect all Trophies (PlayStation Platinum Trophy) |
Insomnia’s Waking Nightmare | Complete the Prologue |
Departure | Complete Chapter 1 |
No Turning Back | Complete Chapter 2 |
The Open World | Complete Chapter 3 |
Living Legend | Complete Chapter 4 |
Dark Clouds | Complete Chapter 5 |
A Way Forward | Complete Chapter 6 |
Party of Three | Complete Chapter 7 |
Seaworthy | Complete Chapter 8 |
Callings | Complete Chapter 9 |
The Heart of a King | Complete Chapter 10 |
In the Dark | Complete Chapter 11 |
End of Days | Complete Chapter 12 |
Redemption | Complete Chapter 13 |
Homecoming | Complete Chapter 14 |
Chosen King | Defeat Ifrit on Normal difficulty |
Learner’s Permit | Drive the Regalia |
Chocobo Jockey | Ride a Chocobo |
Regalia Pilot | Fly the Regalia Type-F |
Quadruple Threat | Equip 4 weapon slots |
Faithful Heir | Collect 13 royal arms |
New Power | Learn your first ability |
Self-Improved | Activate 20 ability nodes |
Self-Mastered | Activate 50 ability nodes |
Angling Rookie | Improve your fishing level |
Survival Rookie | Improve your survival level |
Photo Rookie | Improve your photography level |
Cooking Rookie | Improve your cooking level |
Angling Expert | Reach max fishing level |
Survival Expert | Reach max survival level |
Photo Expert | Reach max photography level |
Cooking Expert | Reach max cooking level |
Just Hangin’ Around | Perform a point-warp suspension |
Brother-in-Arms | Issue an ally command |
Blind Spot | Perform a blindside link |
Noct You Like a Hurricane | Initiate first link-strike after parrying |
The Power of Kings | Call forth the Armiger |
Magical Worker | Craft a spell |
Black Mage | Use magic |
Divine Intervention | Summon one of the Six |
High Five for Justice! | Play JUSTICE MONSTERS FIVE |
Immortal Photobomb | Capture an image of Gentiana in a photo |
Spinning a Yarn I | Complete 1 side quest |
Spinning a Yarn II | Complete 5 side quests |
Spinning a Yarn III | Complete 10 side quests |
Spinning a Yarn IV | Complete 20 side quests |
Spinning a Yarn V | Complete 40 side quests |
Weaving a Tapestry | Complete 80 side quests |
My First Hunt | Complete a hunt |
Tortoise Toppler | Defeat the Adamantoise |
Episode Gladiolus Achievements/Trophies
Achievement/Trophy | How to Unlock |
---|---|
Picker-Upper | Transcendence |
Column Colossus | Uproot all columns |
Master and Pupil | Perform 5 link-strikes with Cor |
Shield of the Chosen King | Complete the trials on Normal |
Transcendance | Defeat Cor |
No Pain, No Gain | Score 500,000 points or more in Score Attack |
A New Blademaster | Score 1,000,000 points or more in Score Attack |
Episode Prompto Achievements/Trophies
Achievement/Trophy | How to Unlock |
---|---|
Unseen Assassin | Stealth kill 3 enemies |
Sharp Shooting | Take down 30 enemies with crackshots |
Field Photographer | Take 10 photos mid-battle using Selfie-Shot |
Unbreakable Bonds | Complete Episode Prompto on Normal |
An Emperor Deposed | Defeat the Kaiser Behemoth |
The Dragonslayer | Complete Aranea’s training |
Dogged Rider | Earn the top ranking on all Time Trial courses |
July 2017 Update Achievements/Trophies
Achievement/Trophy | How to Unlock |
---|---|
Seize the Moment | Perform 10 full-hit cross-chains |
Love Turned Tragic | Defeat Melusine |
Final Fantasy XV Comrades Multiplayer Achievements/Trophies
Achievement/Trophy | How to Unlock |
---|---|
Beacon of Hope | Power up all facilities in Lestallum |
Kingly Blessing | Receive a Royal Sigil |
One With Your Blade | Craft a weapon Level 30 or higher |
Come Back, Kenny! | Meet the owner of the Crow’s Nest Diner |
Royal Retinue Rumble | Best the Chosen King’s companions |
Cleaving a Path | Witness the awakening of King Noctis |
Let There Be Light | Amass an output of 999,999 kW |
Episode Ignis Achievements/Trophies
Achievement/Trophy | How to Unlock |
---|---|
Hidden Power | Take down 10 enemies using Spelldaggers |
Swift Retalliation | Take down 10 enemies with counterstrikes |
Master of the Elements | Take down 100 enemies using Total Clarity |
A Noble Sacrifice | Complete Episode Ignis on Normal |
Altissian Ambassador | Collect all documents |
Another Path | Defeat Ardyn in Chapter 3, Verse 2 |
A New Protagonist | Earn the top ranking in Friendly Match |
Final Fantasy XV Royal Pack Achievements/Trophies
Achievement/Trophy | How to Unlock |
---|---|
Maiden Voyage | Captain the royal vessel |
Narwhal Watching | Encounter Bismarck |
Pursuit of Knowledge | Fill 80% of the Datalog |
Speed Daemon | Earn Excellent times in all cross-country test drives |
The Power Within | Awaken the True Power of Kings |
Tri-Headed Triumph | Defeat Cerberus |
Through the Dimensional Rift | Defeat Omega |
March 2018 Update Achievements/Trophies
Achievement/Trophy | How to Unlock |
---|---|
Blessed By All | Collect all Royal Sigils |
Chocobreeder | Raise a Chocobo to Level 99 |
Beacons of Hope | Complete the Comrades quest with all 4 characters |
Episode Ardyn Achievements/Trophies
Achievement/Trophy | How to Unlock |
---|---|
Fallen Savior | Inflict Royal Retribution 10 times |
The Pyreburner’s Keeper | Use Ifrit’s techniques 10 times |
King of the Daemons | Daemonify 100 enemies |
The Nightmare Ends | Complete Episode Ardyn on Normal difficulty |
Mastering the Darkness | Unlock all of Ardyn’s abilities |
Insomnia Insurgence | Take over all sectors of Insomnia |
Return of the Founder King | Earn the top ranking in Episode Ardyn |
Final Fantasy XV Cheat FAQs
Are there cheats in Final Fantasy XV?
There are a number of available cheats and secrets in Final Fantasy XV, regardless of version. That said, players hoping to take advantage of exploits like quick XP and Gold gain or instant unlocks will need to play the PC version using a cheat engine and trainer file. There are no “cheat codes” in Final Fantasy XV, only unlockables and secrets.
How do you level up fast in Final Fantasy XV?
Outside of using a trainer file and cheat engine to boost XP gain, there are several normal methods players can use to level up fast in FFXV. To boost the XP that Noctis and his party gain from each fight, make sure to do all of the following:
- Find and complete Quests
- Eat food
- Sleep well
- Activate exploration XP boost nodes
- Wear Moogle Charms
- Make Expericast spells
The game’s eating and sleeping activities will leave Noctis and the party with a temporary boost to XP gain. Other methods of boosting XP are situational and reliant on gear or environmental items.
How long does it take to 100% Final Fantasy XV?
If players just beeline through the game’s main story, FFXV only takes about 30 hours to complete. However, those attempting a 100% playthrough can expect to spend much, much longer within the world of Eos. On average, a 100% completionist playthrough of Final Fantasy XV takes about 95-100 hours. This includes finishing the base game as well as the several additional episodes released after launch.
What are the differences between Final Fantasy XV and the Royal Edition?
The Royal Edition of FFXV contains almost all the additional DLC that Square Enix would ever release for the game. However, FFXV‘s Royal Edition does not include the final DLC episode, Episode Ardyn. Otherwise, it is the most definitive version of the game players can buy. If you already own Final Fantasy XV, there’s no real reason to upgrade to the Royal Edition.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Final Fantasy XV key art.