Square Enix and Disney have confirmed that Kingdom Hearts 4 is scheduled for release in late 2027. The announcement, made during the D23 2026 event, marks the first major update on the game’s trajectory since its initial reveal in April 2022.
Quick Facts
- Release Window: Late 2027
- Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC
- First Disney World: Coco (Land of the Dead)
- New Media: An original Kingdom Hearts anime series is in development for Disney+ and Disney Channel.
Story and Gameplay Details
The narrative picks up following the Dark Seeker Saga, with Sora trapped in the reality of Quadratum. While Sora navigates this Tokyo-inspired hub, Donald and Goofy are tasked with searching the Underworld for clues to his location. Key returning characters include Strelitzia, Luxord, and Sigurd, alongside the masked figures associated with the Foretellers.
Gameplay remains focused on real-time combat, though players will see the addition of a "Build" system allowing for object reconstruction during encounters. Movement is also being expanded, with Sora gaining the ability to use his Keyblade as a grappling tool to navigate environments. Additionally, a segment involving Mickey Mouse introduces a paper-styled world where players can transform and solve environment-based puzzles.
Player Consequences and Development
The shift to a late 2027 window follows the May 2025 cancellation of the mobile title Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link which was originally intended to tie into the mainline story. With the focus now squarely on Kingdom Hearts 4 director Tetsuya Nomura has noted that the team is prioritizing world selection based on gameplay potential rather than movie popularity, acknowledging that high graphical demands may limit the total number of worlds featured in the final product.
For those tracking the broader franchise, Disney and the Kingdom Hearts 4 development team are collaborating on an original anime series. While it will not adapt existing game plots, it will feature new character designs from the game's art team. No release date or episode count has been finalized for the series at this time.