Final Fantasy 16 breaks on PS5 after firmware update: Reasons and possible fixes

Final Fantasy 16 arrived on PC on September 17, 2024: however, it’s with the PlayStation 5 version of the popular JRPG title that many players are facing unexpected glitches. The latest PlayStation 5 firmware update has severely broken Final Fantasy 16, with some reporting screen-flickering and tearing, graphical glitches, stutters, and even complete console shut-downs.

While the official Final Fantasy 16 page on X has apologized and addressed this issue, there is no confirmation of when players can expect the fix to arrive. In this article, we look at the possible reasons and workarounds to try out.

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Final Fantasy 16 players are running into bugs after the latest PlayStation 5 firmware update

According to numerous Reddit users, the recent PlayStation 5 firmware update has introduced major issues with Final Fantasy XVI, including completely black screens, glitchy character models, stuttering, screen flickering and tearing, and crashes during saving or fast traveling.

Square Enix has acknowledged the problem in a post on X, confirming that they are working with Sony to address the issues caused by the recent firmware update.

However, social media is filled with reports of various visual and performance problems, with some players even experiencing their PlayStation 5 shutting down completely while loading save files after the update.

While there is no specific timeline for a potential fix, Square Enix has requested players to be patient and wait for more information. Unfortunately, this means that Clive Rosefield's story on the PS5 has to take a break for now.

Also check: Is Final Fantasy XVI playable on Steam Deck?

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Possible fixes for Final Fantasy 16 crashing on the PlayStation 5

Some general fixes seemingly work (Image via Square Enix)

Some players have reported that attempting to rebuild the PlayStation database and reinstalling the game helped fix Final Fantasy 16 issues, while others saw no improvements. In any case, the following fixes may be worth trying.

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Rebuilding the database

Rebuilding the database for PlayStation 5 may sound intimidating for someone new to troubleshooting, but it isn’t complicated. This process wipes all the old and redundant files in your PlayStation 5’s memory and helps fix some software-related issues on the console. Here’s how to do so:

• Shut down your console.
• Press and hold the power button of the PlayStation 5 until you hear two beeps.
• After the second beep, let go of the power button, and it will open the PS5's safe mode menu.
• Connect your controller via a USB cable, and navigate to the Rebuild database option at the bottom of the menu.

Once it completes the rebuilding process, your console will reboot and it should potentially fix the issues you’re having on your PS5 console.

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Reinstall the game

Alternatively, you can also try to reinstall the game by following these steps:

• Highlight Final Fantasy 16 on your PS5’s Game Library.
• Press the Options button, select Delete, and then, OK.
• Go to your Game Library and select Your Collection.
• Highlight Final Fantasy 16 from the list and press the X button on your DualSense to begin downloading.

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Given that Final Fantasy XVI is a major title on the PlayStation 5, Sony and Square Enix will likely come up with an official solution soon. Make sure to apply any new updates that arrive for the game and PlayStation.

Disclaimer: The fixes provided in this article are workarounds and are not guaranteed to work.