In a recent interview, Final Fantasy series producer Naoki Yoshida was questioned about whether Final Fantasy 17 might return to a turn-based battle system, inspired by the success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Yoshida clarified that he is not directly involved in the next mainline Final Fantasy project, emphasizing that the choice of combat mechanics will ultimately depend on the vision of the game's director.

The Final Fantasy franchise has experimented with various battle systems over the years, but the most iconic remains the Active Time Battle (ATB) system, which was central to Final Fantasy 4 through 9 and Final Fantasy 10-2. Recent entries, however, have shifted toward real-time action combat, as seen in Final Fantasy 16. This shift has sparked debate among fans, with many longing for a return to the strategic depth of turn-based battles.

Yoshida further elaborated that Square Enix does not impose strict guidelines on combat systems for future Final Fantasy titles. The studio aims to give creative freedom to directors, ensuring that gameplay aligns with the narrative and artistic vision of each project. Currently, Yoshida and his team are focused on Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, a remaster of the classic turn-based strategy game, which will feature both Classic and Enhanced gameplay modes.

While speculation continues about Final Fantasy 17's combat direction, Yoshida confirmed that Square Enix remains committed to multi-platform releases for its major franchises. Whether the next installment embraces turn-based mechanics or continues with real-time action, the decision will reflect the creative ambitions of its development team.