The original FINAL FANTASY VII returned to Steam in February 2026 as an upgraded version of the 2013 Edition. It adds 3× speed in selected sections, a way to disable random encounters, battle enhancements, and autosave—but Square Enix says the story has no changes or additions. This is an updated PC edition of the original game, not a remake.
What is new in the Steam version?
Square Enix describes the release as an upgraded version of FINAL FANTASY VII – 2013 Edition. Its four additions are convenience options that let players adjust pace and combat; they do not add story content.
- 3× speed: Speeds up play to three times normal speed in battles, while travelling, and during selected events. It is not available throughout every part of the game.
- Random encounter toggle: Turns off random encounters. Battles required by story events still have to be completed to progress.
- Battle enhancement: Can restore HP and MP during battles and fill the Limit gauge.
- Autosave: Adds an autosave feature.
Square Enix’s official Steam listing says: “This product is an upgraded version of FINAL FANTASY VII – 2013 Edition with additional features (there are no changes or additions to the story).” Read the Steam listing.
Is this a remake or a new story edition?
No. It is the original 1997 role-playing game in an upgraded Steam edition, with the same story as the 2013 Edition. The listing describes Cloud Strife, a former Shinra SOLDIER turned mercenary, joining the anti-Shinra group Avalanche after Shinra monopolizes the planet’s Mako energy; events draw him into a wider conflict involving the planet and his past. The release does not add or alter that narrative.
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- Immerse yourself in the city of Midgar like never before, with improved textures, lighting, and background environments
- Players can switch between two game modes: "Graphics Mode" prioritizes 4K high-resolution graphics; "Performance Mode" prioritizes smooth action at 60 frames per second
- Capture and share your memorable moments from the game with a fully customizable “Photo Mode”
- Players can enjoy immersive battles by using the DualSense PlayStation 5 controller with its haptic feedback integration
- Play the brand-new episode featuring Yuffie and experience new combat and gameplay additions
When did it arrive, and what happens if you own the 2013 Edition?
Square Enix’s Steam release announcement is dated February 24, 2026, while its Final Fantasy Portal notice says the game became available on Steam on February 25, 2026. Those are the announcement and availability dates cited by the publisher, rather than conflicting release claims. See the Steam announcement and Square Enix’s Final Fantasy Portal notice.
Owners of FINAL FANTASY VII – 2013 Edition can access the upgraded version at no additional cost. Steam says both editions remain accessible in the Steam Library. Saves are edition-specific: 2013 Edition saves work only with that edition, and saves made in the upgraded version work only there. If you switch editions, expect to start or continue from a save belonging to the version you launch.
Rank #2
- The award-winning FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE* retells the original story up to the escape from Midgar, with breathtaking visuals, fast-paced gameplay, and additional story elements. This RPG delivers unforgettable characters, a powerful narrative, and a hybrid battle system that blends real-time action with strategic, command-based combat. It also includes FF7R EPISODE INTERmission, a side story starring Yuffie Kisaragi that offers a fresh perspective running in parallel to Cloud’s journey.
- STUNNING VISUALS - Explore Midgar like never before with stunning visuals and richly detailed environments that bring the city’s layered, industrial districts to life, all while staying true to the spirit of the original game.
- DYNAMIC COMBAT WITH STRATEGIC DEPTH -The innovative battle system combines strategic command-based gameplay with fast-paced action. Seamlessly switch between characters, harness the power of materia, summon iconic creatures, and unleash devastating limit breaks.
- ICONIC CHARACTERS, UNFORGETTABLE STORY - Follow Cloud Strife, an ex-SOLDIER turned mercenary, as he joins Avalanche to take on the Shinra Electric Power Company. Cloud and his allies Barret, Tifa, and Aerith are pulled into a battle that will decide the fate of the planet.
- EXPANDED CONTENT - FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE offers quests, mini-games, and missions set in expanded areas of Midgar. Encounter new characters and experience exciting content that adds even more depth to the story.
How do the two Steam editions compare?
| Question | 2013 Edition | Upgraded version |
|---|---|---|
| Access for existing owners | Remains accessible in the Steam Library. | Available to 2013 Edition owners at no additional cost; also remains accessible in the Library. Square Enix’s Steam announcement |
| Convenience features | The four additions listed for the upgraded edition are not identified as features of this edition. Steam listing | 3× speed in selected sections, random encounter toggle, battle enhancement, and autosave. Steam listing |
| Save compatibility | Its saves work only with the 2013 Edition. Square Enix’s Steam announcement | Its saves work only with the upgraded version. Square Enix’s Steam announcement |
The official information cited here does not establish broader differences such as comparative performance or mod compatibility.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What PC does the upgraded version require?
The Steam store page currently lists these Windows requirements. Specifications and compatibility details can change, so check the live listing if you are deciding whether to install it.
Rank #3
- The Amazon Exclusive Edition includes a FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH PS5 controller skin (inside the case) featuring Cloud and Sephiroth. This PS5 controller skin provides full coverage without buttons or sensor interference.
- An Expansive World: As the party searches for Sephiroth, explore the beautiful, expansive regions of the world and open up new areas to discover through unique forms of transportation
- Deepen their relationships to unleash powerful team based combos
- An Evolved Battle System: Combine strategic thinking with thrilling action combat alongside your comrades, including newly added characters
- Beyond the Walls of Fate: In this standalone adventure for fans and newcomers, Cloud and his comrades venture across the planet, their fates unwritten, making each step outside the dystopian city of Midgar fresh and mysterious
| Minimum | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11 | Windows 11 |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 3 1200 or Intel Core i3-6100 | AMD Ryzen 3 2300X or Intel Core i3-8100 |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM | 8 GB RAM |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon RX 460, Intel Arc A380, or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 Ti | AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT or RX 6400, Intel Arc A380, or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1630 |
| DirectX | Version 11 | Version 11 |
| Storage | 5 GB available space | 5 GB available space |
Steam warns that the game may not run properly on Intel Arc systems that do not meet the Resizable BAR requirement. Check the live Steam requirements for the current compatibility details.
What does Square Enix say about sales?
Square Enix’s February 25, 2026 Final Fantasy Portal announcement reports more than 15.6 million copies sold worldwide. The publisher says this cumulative figure combines physical software shipments and digital sales; it is Square Enix’s reported total, not a separately audited rerelease figure. The announcement does not provide a distinct sales or player-count statistic for the upgraded Steam version.
What kind of Steam release is it?
The product is listed as a single-player RPG and includes Steam Achievements, Trading Cards, Steam Cloud, and Family Sharing. Steam lists soundtrack items as Steam content products, but that does not establish a physical edition of this rerelease.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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