Final Fantasy XVI: New Expansion ‘The Rising Tide’ Drops April 18, Brings Leviathan and New Story

Square Enix has unveiled the release date for Final Fantasy XVI’s second major DLC, “The Rising Tide,” marking a thrilling new chapter for Clive Rosfield and fans of Valisthea. Launching on April 18, 2024, this premium expansion introduces Leviathan, the long-speculated and previously absent Eikon, as both a key character and formidable combatant within an all-new story arc.

“The Rising Tide” picks up where the game’s main narrative left off, sending Clive and his allies into an uncharted region of Valisthea known as Mysidia—a land hidden by centuries of secrets and teeming with ancient magic. In this secluded enclave, players will finally come face to face with Leviathan the Lost, an Eikon whose existence had been hinted at in earlier lore but never materialized in the base game.

According to Square Enix, the DLC will add approximately 10–15 hours of new gameplay and include a rich storyline, new quests, additional combat mechanics, and fresh zones to explore. In addition, it promises intense Eikon battles with stunning visuals and signature Real-Time Action RPG flair, as seen in the game’s critically acclaimed original sequence of boss fights.

Leviathan’s combat style will introduce new water-based attacks, allowing for dynamic environmental interactions and introducing fresh strategic possibilities to the already robust battle system. Square also confirmed the return of some fan-favorite musical motifs reimagined by composer Masayoshi Soken, aiming to blend nostalgia with modern orchestral spectacle.

“The Rising Tide” is the final piece of the game’s planned expansion content, following the December release of the “Echoes of the Fallen” DLC, which explored dark corners of Valisthean lore. Players can pick up the individual DLC or access it via the game’s Expansion Pass.

Final Fantasy XVI remains a PlayStation 5 exclusive, with no word yet on a PC release date—though producer Naoki Yoshida recently confirmed that a PC version is in development. For now, PS5 players can prepare to dive deeper into the mysteries of Valisthea when “The Rising Tide” floods the realm this April.