Square Enix Brings FINAL FANTASY VII to GOG, Updates Steam
| Release Date | February 24, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Platforms | PC (GOG, Steam) |
| Developer | Square Enix |
The Legend Returns (Again): FFVII Hits GOG and Gets a Steam Refresh
Square Enix just pulled a bit of a surprise move for fans of the gold-standard JRPG. As of today, February 24, 2026, the original FINAL FANTASY VII has officially landed on GOG. But this isn't just a simple port of the existing PC version we’ve been playing for over a decade. Along with the GOG debut, Square has launched a "slightly upgraded" edition that is now live on Steam as well.
For those of us who have lived and breathed Midgar since the 90s, the way this is being handled on Steam is worth noting. The version many of us already own has been rebranded as "FINAL FANTASY VII (2013)" and effectively hidden from the store. You can’t buy the old one anymore; the new edition is the only one available for new customers. However, in a move we appreciate, Square isn't stripping anything away from long-time fans—if you already owned the 2013 version, you now have access to both in your library.
"Square Enix today released their slightly upgraded version of FINAL FANTASY VII, along with making it available on GOG too. The original version has been renamed to 'FINAL FANTASY VII (2013)', and has be hidden for purchase on Steam with this newer version completely replacing it."
Breaking Down the New Quality of Life Features
If you were expecting a massive graphical overhaul, you might want to temper those expectations. This isn't a remaster in the sense of new assets; it’s a technical tune-up designed to make the 1997 classic play a bit better in 2026. The core story remains untouched, but the "tech additions" are significant for anyone who finds the old-school grind a bit too slow for modern tastes.
The 3x Speed Mode
This is a game-changer for anyone looking to reach the Northern Crater in record time. You can now toggle a 3x speed mode during battles, general travel, and even specific scripted events. We’ve seen this in other Final Fantasy "Pixel Remaster" and modern ports, and it’s a massive time-saver. It effectively kills the tedium of back-tracking through the Gaia world map or waiting for those long summon animations to finish for the hundredth time.
Random Encounter Toggles
The ability to turn off random encounters is a blessing for players who just want to explore the environments or get to the next plot beat without being jumped by a pack of Grangalan every five steps. Of course, you can't cheese the whole game this way—story-mandated battles and boss fights are still mandatory. It’s a smart inclusion that lets you control the pacing of your session.
Battle Enhancement: The Ultimate "Cheese"
Square also added a "Battle Enhancement" mode. When you turn this on, your HP and MP recover automatically during combat, and your Limit gauge stays maxed out. Is it a legal cheat code? Absolutely. Does it ruin the challenge? Probably. But for the veteran gamer who just wants to experience the narrative again without worrying about a stray "Beta" from Midgar Zolom wiping the party, it’s a welcome option. Our take: use it for the grind, turn it off for the bosses to keep some skin in the game.
Autosave Support
Perhaps the most important QoL update is the inclusion of an autosave feature. For a game that originally relied entirely on fixed Save Points, this brings the title into the modern era. No more losing three hours of progress because your power flickered or your OS decided it was time for an unannounced update.
The GOG Advantage and Linux Performance
The arrival on GOG is a big win for the DRM-free crowd. Square Enix has been slowly moving their back catalog over to GOG, and seeing the heavy hitter of the franchise finally arrive there shows they are serious about store-front choice. Having no DRM means you actually own the files, which is a big deal for game preservation in an era where digital licenses feel increasingly fragile.
For the Linux and Steam Deck community, the news is solid. While there isn't a native Linux build, the game is confirmed to run via Proton and Wine. Given that the 2013 version was already a staple on the Steam Deck, we expect this new edition to be a "plug and play" experience for Linux users. The added QoL features like the 3x speed and autosave make this a perfect candidate for handheld play during a commute.
Overall, this isn't a revolutionary update, but it’s a solid refinement of a masterpiece. Whether you’re a GOG purist or a Steam user looking for those new toggles, Midgar has never been easier to revisit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the new FINAL FANTASY VII version on GOG and Steam different?
- Yes, both GOG and Steam receive a 'slightly upgraded' edition of FINAL FANTASY VII with new quality-of-life features.
- What happened to the old FINAL FANTASY VII (2013) on Steam?
- The old version has been rebranded as 'FINAL FANTASY VII (2013)' and is no longer available for purchase, though existing owners retain access.
- Do existing Steam owners of FINAL FANTASY VII get the new version?
- Yes, if you previously owned the 2013 Steam version, you will now have access to both the old and new editions in your library.
- What new features are included in the updated FINAL FANTASY VII?
- The update includes technical tune-ups and quality-of-life features, such as a 3x speed mode, designed to modernize the classic experience.