Published on May 16, 2026 at 9:00 AMUpdated on May 16, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Zack Fair, a character who only appeared briefly in the original 1997 game, saw his role massively expanded in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. According to Square Enix, his narrative trajectory will continue to be a focal point in the highly anticipated final entry of the remake trilogy.
Zack Fair’s journey. (Image: AbWaves Game)
In an interview with Nintenderos, Director Naoki Hamaguchi explained that expanding Zack’s presence was a core concept from the earliest stages of development. The iconic SOLDIER serves as a vital storytelling device, allowing the team to offer a completely different perspective on the game’s world.
“It is precisely for this reason that in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, we incorporated him into the story in a way that maximizes his appeal,” Hamaguchi stated. “And, of course, this stance will be maintained throughout the trilogy. In that regard, we hope you will continue to follow Zack’s role in the story.”
While the narrative adjustments have kept players guessing about how the timeline might change, Hamaguchi clarified that this creative freedom doesn’t mean “anything goes.”
The director emphasized that preserving the emotional core and central themes of the original game is essential. To change the definitive fates of the main characters would completely alter their emotional arcs.
What this means for Zack: The director’s comments suggest that despite his survival in alternate timeline sequences during Rebirth, Zack Fair is still bound to a tragic narrative. In the original story, his sacrifice is what ultimately saves Cloud and sets the entire plot in motion.
Anticipation for Summer Game Fest 2026
Fans may not have to wait long for concrete answers. Industrial rumors and leaks from platforms like ResetEra suggest that Square Enix is preparing to officially unveil Part 3 on June 5, 2026, during the opening showcase of Summer Game Fest.
The leak hints that the final chapter will be titled Final Fantasy VII Return, targeting a release window between January and March 2027.