Director Naoki Hamaguchi announced that Zack will receive significantly more screen time than in the original 1997 game. Following the introduction of alternative timelines in the previous installment, the hero will offer a new perspective on events, not just through Cloud's eyes. Zack will become an important element of the gameplay, leading to speculation about his joining the main party.
The game world will include not only new regions but also all continents from Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. Familiar locations will receive additional content, new monsters, and mini-games.
One of the main features will be the Highwind airship, which will become available early in the campaign. Players will be able to fly freely almost anywhere in the world, including returning to Midgar. To visit well-known cities like Kalm or Cosmo Canyon, players will simply need to land, while new regions will require parachuting from the airship.
The Highwind itself will serve as a mobile team base. Its interior will gradually change as the game progresses, and players will be able to interact with crew members and receive unique side quests.