The idea of a crossover between Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (FF7 Rebirth) is gaining traction, especially considering FFXIV‘s history of crossovers (like the Fall Guys event) and FF7‘s recent forays into other game worlds, such as Apex Legends. While seemingly disparate, the lore of both games offers intriguing possibilities for a compelling crossover event.
The worlds of Hydaelyn (FFXIV) and Gaia (FF7) aren’t inherently connected. However, both universes are structured in ways that allow for connections to countless other worlds, simplifying the logistics of a crossover. This wasn’t always the case with FF7, but the remake, and specifically a pivotal cutscene in Rebirth, changed that.
Multiple Timelines in FF7 Rebirth: A Gateway for Crossovers
altSephiroth reveals the existence of multiple timelines to Cloud in FF7 Rebirth.
Towards the end of FF7 Rebirth, Sephiroth leads Cloud to a white void representing the space between countless parallel timelines. Sephiroth’s goal is to merge these timelines, and he expresses disappointment that Cloud can only perceive screams emanating from these alternate realities. This narrative device opens a gateway for crossovers. Characters from other games could be explained as individuals displaced from their timelines due to Sephiroth’s merging efforts.
Alternate Timelines in FFXIV: Mirroring the Multiverse Concept
altThe Warrior of Light stands amidst reflections, representing the shards of Etheirys in FFXIV.
FFXIV presents a similar structure. Millennia before the game’s events, Hydaelyn was known as Etheirys, a complete world. The clash between primals Zodiark and Hydaelyn shattered Etheirys into 14 reflections, each a fragment of the original. The Warrior of Light’s journey takes place on the Source, the core reflection, which can, under specific circumstances, merge with other reflections. Furthermore, the flow of time varies across reflections, with a single day in one potentially equating to years in another.
A Crossover Made Possible: FF7 into FFXIV?
This convergence of fragmented worlds and fluctuating timelines forms a solid foundation for a crossover. While theoretically possible in both directions, FF7 characters integrating into FFXIV seems more practical. FFXIV‘s MMO format facilitates larger-scale player participation in events. Previous crossovers, like FFXVI‘s Clive appearing in both Tekken 8 and FFXIV, demonstrate the feasibility of such events. Given Rebirth‘s focus on timeline manipulation, a FF7 crossover within the world of FFXIV appears not just plausible, but potentially quite compelling.
The existence of parallel timelines and fragmented worlds within both FF7 Rebirth and FFXIV provides fertile ground for a crossover event. The mechanics are in place, the precedent has been set, and the potential for a unique and engaging experience for players is undeniable.
