There's no shortage of video game adaptations hitting tabletops these days, but every now and then one comes along that feels like it was made specifically for long-time fans. From monster-filled journeys and iconic character classes to boss battles and party customisation, this upcoming release is shaping up to be a dream project for fans of retro roleplaying games.
Kickstarter Launch Locked In
Fans won't have long to wait. Kess Entertainment has confirmed that Origins of Light: A Final Fantasy Board Game will launch on Kickstarter on 20th October 2026.
The upcoming board game transforms the worlds of the first three Final Fantasy titles into a tabletop experience for 2 to 4 players, while also offering a dedicated solo. Players will guide a party across maps inspired by Final Fantasy I, II and III, battling monsters, taking on bosses and visiting towns along the way.
Build Your Dream Party
One of the biggest highlights is the game's party-building system.
At the start of each campaign, players choose four heroes to form their adventuring group. Every character comes with unique strengths, abilities and equipment restrictions, making party composition a key part of the strategy.
As your adventure progresses, characters will gain experience and level up, unlocking the chance to evolve into new professions. That means you'll need to think carefully about how your party develops if you want to overcome tougher enemies later in the campaign.
Towns Matter Too
When players reach a city, they'll be able to spend their hard-earned gil on useful upgrades and supplies. Healing services, stronger weapons, valuable items and magical goods can all be purchased before heading back out into the wilderness.
Three Games In One?
One of the most exciting aspects of Origins of Light is that each Final Fantasy-inspired campaign introduces its own unique gameplay twist.
Rather than simply swapping maps and characters, each setting significantly changes how the game plays.
Final Fantasy I
The Final Fantasy I campaign is the most straightforward version of the game.
Players can choose from six iconic classes:
- Warrior
- Monk
- Thief
- Black Mage
- White Mage
- Red Mage
This campaign focuses on the core mechanics and delivers the most traditional experience, making it a great starting point for newcomers.
Final Fantasy II
Things get a little more unpredictable here!
Instead of using job classes, players assemble a party from the game's named heroes. Favourite characters such as Firion, Guy, Leon and Richard can join the adventure.
The biggest change is the map itself. Empty spaces across the world are filled using randomised tokens, creating a roguelite-style experience where every playthrough feels different.
Final Fantasy III
For players who enjoy deeper decision-making, the Final Fantasy III campaign introduces a drafting system.
The pool of available heroes expands dramatically, offering 24 different character options based on the many jobs featured in the original game.
More advanced roles become available too, including:
- Dark Knight
- Bard
- Geomancer
- And many more!
This version offers the greatest variety and encourages players to experiment with different combinations to discover powerful synergies.
A Bonus Roguelite Mode
As if three campaigns weren't enough, there's even more content packed into the box.
On the reverse side of the Final Fantasy II map, players will find an additional game mode that allows heroes from both Final Fantasy I and Final Fantasy II to take part in a separate roguelite adventure.
Known as Quick Play, this mode offers greater flexibility by letting players mix and match their favourite characters while enjoying a faster, highly replayable experience.
Official Square Enix Artwork
All of the character sprites, monster designs, summon artwork, items and maps featured throughout the game are officially supplied by Square Enix. That means many of the visuals fans remember from the original games have been faithfully brought across to the tabletop format.
There's even a unique city design created specifically for Origins of Light by Square Enix artists.
When Can You Play?
Current estimates suggest that copies of Origins of Light: A Final Fantasy Board Game will begin shipping in May or June 2027.
With beloved characters, multiple gameplay modes, classic RPG progression and official artwork from Square Enix, this is already looking like one of the most exciting video game-inspired board game projects on the horizon.
