Battles
Lightning switches instantly between three Schema loadouts, each with separate ATB, equipment and abilities
Perfect-timed guarding and attacks make the system much more execution-heavy than XIII/XIII-2
7th generation
Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII
A radically different XIII finale built around one controllable Lightning, three switchable Schema loadouts and a world clock that makes quest timing part of exploration.
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Official release platforms
PlayStation 3Xbox 360Windows
Should you play Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII?
Key strengths: Lightning switches instantly between three Schema loadouts, each with separate ATB, equipment and abilities. Perfect-timed guarding and attacks make the system much more execution-heavy than XIII/XIII-2.
About 50 hoursB tierTurn-based
How Long to Beat
About 50 hours
Approximate playtime recorded for this entry. Side content, difficulty, play style and version can change the total.
See it in action
Gameplay Gallery
A selective set of official screenshots, favouring exploration, battles and story scenes where available.
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Pros & Considerations
Exploration
NPC schedules, timed quests and a 13-day structure turn route planning into a core mechanic
Systems
Most character growth comes from quests rather than conventional enemy EXP
Story
The game gives Lightning a more direct personal arc while closing the trilogy's mythology
◇Consider
Time limit: The constantly visible world clock can create pressure even though Chronostasis and generous quest rewards make the schedule manageable
Party control: The trilogy's final game abandons a conventional multi-character party
Track improvements and releases
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SteamLIGHTNING RETURNS: FINAL FANTASY XIII · Steam PC
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¥2,240
Open Steam store ↗SteamLIGHTNING RETURNS: FINAL FANTASY XIII · Steam PC
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NZ$23.99
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$15.99
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CA$22.49
Buy at Green Man Gaming ↗SteamLIGHTNING RETURNS: FINAL FANTASY XIII · Steam PC
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CA$22.49
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£12.99
Buy at Green Man Gaming ↗SteamLIGHTNING RETURNS: FINAL FANTASY XIII · Steam PC
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£12.99
Open Steam store ↗Green Man GamingDigital PC key
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€15.99
Buy at Green Man Gaming ↗SteamLIGHTNING RETURNS: FINAL FANTASY XIII · Steam PC
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€15.99
Open Steam store ↗SteamLIGHTNING RETURNS: FINAL FANTASY XIII · Steam PC
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PLN 71.99
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$19.99
Buy at Green Man Gaming ↗SteamLIGHTNING RETURNS: FINAL FANTASY XIII · Steam PC
Steam storefront purchase — availability and pricing are localized by Steam for your country.
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$19.99
Open Steam store ↗Green Man GamingDigital PC key
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A$28.95
Buy at Green Man Gaming ↗SteamLIGHTNING RETURNS: FINAL FANTASY XIII · Steam PC
Steam storefront purchase — availability and pricing are localized by Steam for your country.
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A$28.95
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