Kingdom Hearts 4has been a long time coming, as the last entry in the series launched back in 2019. Six years later, many of the details surroundingKingdom Hearts 4remain mysterious, and many fans have been growing restless waiting for a fresh update. It remains to be seen if 2025 will be the year that finally brings forth aKingdom Hearts 4announcement, but there is still hope.
Whenever the next piece of information aboutKingdom Hearts 4finally comes out, it will be intriguing to see how the series is choosing to evolve. The franchise’s unique blend ofFinal Fantasyand Disneymakes it a special collection of games for a lot of fans. With recent gaming trends influencing long-running series, it makes one wonder ifKingdom Hearts 4has taken inspiration from changes in the industry. It’s definitely possible, and if any recent trend is destined to shapeKingdom Hearts 4’s gameplay in a new way, it may be an open-world setting.
Kingdom Hearts' Many Locations Make it Primed for a Switch to Open-World
Exploring Disney-Based Worlds in a New Way
Over the years,theKingdom Heartsfranchisehas put players on a linear path as they progress from one world to the next. It’s been a fun way to be surprised by each new world that’s introduced, but the predictability of it may also prove to have grown old over time. This linear approach might be too formulaic now, and if Square Enix wanted to shake up the experience for players while also maintaining a fun sense of surprise, then opting for an open-world could be the right move.
An Open-World Kingdom Hearts Game Can Give Players a Newfound Sense of Freedom
Instead of waiting for each world to be revealed on the usual linear path, players could have free rein to go wherever they please, which could open the door for some exciting discoveries.The many worlds of theKingdom Heartsseriesserve as one of the central aspects of the gameplay, and giving players the chance to explore at their own pace might be the best way to evolve some parts of the common experience.
Square Enix has yet to reveal what Disney worlds will be featured inKingdom Hearts 4.
If Kingdom Hearts 4 Embraces an Open-World Map, There is One Major Problem
As intriguing as an open-worldKingdom Heartsgame is, such a scenario might also be far too risky. While the specific worlds and levels serve as one of the franchise’s shining features,the overall story ofKingdom Heartsis the core of the series. Open-world gameplay would require Square Enix to approach its storytelling in a new way, and that might not be as effective in the long run. Even ifKingdom Hearts 4sticks to a linear progression system that feels a little too formulaic, keeping this intact is worth preserving if it means a stronger narrative.
Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link, a mobile spin-off game, was delayed last year.
There’s No End in Sight for Kingdom Hearts 4’s Development
Square Enix has kept quiet about theprogress being made onKingdom Hearts 4, leaving many fans stuck in a state of waiting. The lack of updates has concerned some, but 2025 still has the chance to be the year thatKingdom Hearts 4finally secures a release date.
Rumors and leaks have suggested a 2026 release window, but such claims should be taken with a grain of salt until officially confirmed by the game’s developers. There has been plenty ofspeculation aboutKingdom Hearts 4and what it will feature, but there’s no way to know for sure until Square Enix finally speaks up.
