Kingdom Hearts 4 is still in development at Square Enix, but the publisher has been exceptionally quiet for a few years now. Perhaps that should come as no surprise though, with this ambitious undertaking aiming to offer a soft-reset of the universe all while it builds on the strong foundations laid out by Kingdom Hearts 3. With Square Enix recently getting two Final Fantasy games out the door, however, we can only hope that we'll start to see more of the new Kingdom Hearts game soon.
The Kingdom Hearts series has delivered some of the best RPGs over multiple console generations, so expectations are running high for this one. The game was unveiled during the Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary event in April 2022 and we've been keeping a close eye out for more more Kingdom Hearts 4 news ever since. So while you wait, let's get you up to speed on everything we know so far about the game.
Kingdom Hearts 4 release date speculation
Square Enix is yet to confirm a Kingdom Hearts 4 release date. The game was said to be in early development back in 2022, but the publisher has offered precious few updates since then. So few, in fact that Goofy's English voice actor didn't realize it had even been announced, a sentiment shared by Sora's long-standing voice actor. Which is all to say you should expect to be waiting a while for this one, with unverified rumors suggesting that Kingdom Hearts 4 will release in 2026.
Kingdom Hearts 4 platforms
Square Enix is yet to confirm the Kingdom Hearts 4 platforms. Square Enix is currently working closely with Sony, having launched Forspoken, Final Fantasy 16, and Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth as PS5 platform exclusives. However, given that Kingdom Hearts has traditionally launched across a wider array of systems, we're hopeful that it'll also land on PC and Xbox Series X.
Kingdom Hearts 4 trailer
We got our first look at the Kingdom Hearts 4 trailer in April 2022, as Square Enix celebrated the series' 20th anniversary. It came as a shock to fans of the series, not only because of the unexpected nature of the reveal but also because it features an art style that is completely different to anything Kingdom Hearts has had before.
The photo-realistic trailer features appearances from Sora, Strelitzia, a Darkside heartless, a brief appearance from Donald and Goofy, and a little gameplay in the world of Quadratum. It's all very exciting, and honestly, the short teaser reminds us why Kingdom Hearts is one of the best anime games still to this day!
Kingdom Hearts 4 story
Trying to predict the Kingdom Hearts 4 story isn't a good idea, because nobody knows what director Tetsuya Nomura has planned next. What we do know is that this will be the first chapter of 'The Lost Master Arc', which succeeds 'The Dark Seeker Saga' – that's the saga we played through in the previous games.
We also know that some of Kingdom Hearts 4's story takes place in Quadratum, a world made up of neither light or dark that might take place outside of the realm of reality and resembles Shibuya in the real life Tokyo. What this means for Donald and Goofy is yet to be revealed. Either way, Tetsuya Nomura acknowledges that Kingdom Hearts 4 will be something of a "reset" to keep new players from getting confused.
If you need a quick recap ahead of the new game, you can check out our article explaining the Kingdom Hearts 3 ending, or you can read our Kingdom Hearts 3 review if you want to experience the game for yourself.
Kingdom Hearts 4 gameplay
It's difficult to tell exactly what the Kingdom Hearts 4 gameplay will be like, but we did get a very brief look during that first reveal trailer. From this footage, we can see that a variation of the Flowmotion mechanic will be returning, as well as the usual abilities such as magic and just whacking darkness with the keyblade.
It looks like Sora will also use the keyblade's keychain as a grappling hook to get him closer to enemies and, like in Kingdom Hearts 3, traverse up the side of buildings. To me, it looks like more of the Kingdom Hearts gameplay we know and love but with a few upgrades.
Kingdom Hearts 4 worlds
In terms of Kingdom Hearts 4 worlds, all we know for sure so far is that Quadratum is one of them. Speaking with Game Informer, Tetsuya Nomura has confirmed that Quadratum is the "initial base within the game" and that we will "spend time there and then go to different worlds and then go back there." He also confirmed that "there will be Disney worlds in Kingdom Hearts 4", but is yet to share any details.
All we can do is speculate at this point, but there are some theories about what Disney-themed worlds might be making an appearance – a few eagle-eyed fans have spotted potential references to a Star Wars-themed world in Kingdom Hearts 4.
Kingdom Hearts 4 Sora
Although he may look slightly different from his previous appearances, there will be a Kingdom Hearts 4 Sora. The spikey-haired guardian of light is a main staple of the Kingdom Hearts series and has appeared in almost all 13 of the games.
This time around, Sora will sport a much more realistic look. As we can see from the reveal trailer, his hair is a little less tall and his clown shoes have been swapped for a pair that actually fit him. Don't panic though, he's still going to wield the signature Kingdom Key keyblade.
Kingdom Hearts 4 Strelitzia
Kingdom Hearts 4's Strelitzia appeared alongside Sora in the reveal trailer. This mysterious girl was thought to be a newcomer to the series, however, those who played Kingdom Hearts Union X know exactly who she is. So, who is Strelitzia in Kingdom Hearts 4?
We won't spoil anything in case you do go back and play the full series, but let's just say that Strelitzia is a keyblade wielder whose story takes place years before Sora, Donald, and Goofy get together. How she ended up with Sora will hopefully be revealed in the upcoming game.
Kingdom Hearts 4 Final Fantasy
A big question is will Kingdom Hearts 4 have Final Fantasy characters? If you've already played through Kingdom Hearts 3, you would have noticed the distinct lack of Final Fantasy characters. The first two games in the series feature cameos from Cloud Strife, Sephiroth, Squall 'Leon' Leonheart, Aerith Gainsborough, Yuffie Kisaragi, Cid Highwind, and more. As for whether we'll see any of these characters again, Tetsuya Nomura has said that the future of Final Fantasy characters in Kingdom Hearts is currently uncertain.
Now fancy catching up with the Square Enix series? Take a look at our break down of how to play the Kingdom Hearts games in order before Kingdom Hearts 4. Or if you are looking for more new titles, read our list of all the new video game release dates heading our way this year.
Kingdom Hearts forced Naughty Dog to go "oh sh*t" while making Jak 2, because Square Enix's character models were so much more detailed that the platformer devs had to change course
After voicing Sora in 12 RPGs, Kingdom Hearts actor says maybe "the best thing to do" is let the long-running series end: "Even if you have something that you love"
