Square Enix to Replace Final Fantasy VII Steam Version: Buy It Now or Lose the Legacy
The Bottom Line: Square Enix has announced a "refreshed" edition of the original Final Fantasy VII for Steam. While existing owners get the new version for free, the current "2013 Edition" is being delisted from the store indefinitely. If you want to maintain access to the legacy version and its decades of mod support, you need to pull the trigger before the upcoming launch.
We’ve been here before. From the messy 1998 Eidos port with its infamous MIDI soundtrack to the 2013 Steam re-release that finally brought some stability, Final Fantasy VII has a checkered history on PC. This latest move by Square Enix feels like a double-edged Buster Sword. On one hand, we’re likely looking at long-overdue QoL (Quality of Life) features; on the other, the publisher is once again engaging in the controversial practice of delisting older versions.
The Trade-Off: Features vs. Compatibility
Our analysis suggests this "refresh" is likely a port of the modern console versions (PlayStation 4/Switch). While those versions offer "cheats" like 3x speed, no encounters, and battle enhancements, they often come with their own set of UI quirks. The most immediate concern for veteran players is the confirmed lack of save data compatibility.
- Zero Save Portability: Your 2013 Edition saves are dead in the water for the new version. If you’re mid-grind for Emerald Weapon, finish it now.
- Mod Scene Risk: The 2013 Edition is the bedrock for massive overhauls like 7th Heaven and the SYW high-def textures. A new version usually means broken hooks and months of work for the modding community to catch up.
- The "Free" Window: Square is offering a "buy one, get both" deal—but only until the new version launches.
Comparison: 2013 Edition vs. Refreshed Edition
| Feature | FFVII (2013 Edition) | FFVII (Refreshed Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Delisting soon (Legacy access only) | Standard Store Version |
| Save Data | Incompatible with New Version | Fresh Start Required |
| QoL Features | Cloud Saves, Achievements | Expected Analog Support / Speed Toggles |
| Mod Support | High (7th Heaven / SYW) | Unknown (Likely broken at launch) |
Why You Should Care About the Delisting
We’ve seen this script play out with Grand Theft Auto and even Square’s own Dragon Quest XI. When a "definitive" or "refreshed" version arrives, the original is often scrubbed to force the user base onto the new platform. By delisting the 2013 Edition, Square Enix is effectively narrowing the options for purists who prefer the original PC architecture or specific legacy mods.
However, there is a silver lining. The 2013 version is currently sitting at a 60% discount ($4.79 / £3.99) until February 4th. In our professional opinion, this is the "optimal play." Buying it now locks the legacy version into your library permanently while guaranteeing you the updated version for free later. You’re essentially hedging your bets against a potentially botched "refresh."
Editorial Outlook: A Necessary Evil?
While the lack of save compatibility is a massive headache for the completionists among us, this update is likely a move to ensure the game remains "Verified" on Steam Deck and compatible with modern Windows/Linux kernels without the need for community-made wrappers. If this refresh brings the 4x speed toggles and proper analog movement we’ve seen on the Switch port, it’s a net win for the average user.
But for the veterans who have spent years tweaking their "perfect" 15GB modded installations? Keep your 2013 Edition backups ready. You're going to need them.
Common Questions
- What happens to my current Final Fantasy VII 2013 Edition on Steam?
- You keep it, and you'll get the new 'refreshed' version for free as well. The delisting only affects new purchases of the old version.
- Will my old save files work with the new Final Fantasy VII PC version?
- No, Square Enix has confirmed zero save data compatibility between the 2013 Edition and the upcoming refreshed version.
- Will the new Final Fantasy VII Steam version support mods like the old one?
- It's unlikely to have the same level of support immediately. The new version is likely a port of modern console versions, which typically have different modding ecosystems than the highly-customizable 2013 PC port.