LIGHTNING RETURNS™: FINAL FANTASY® XIII on Steam - User reviews, Price & Information
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Lightning Returns is the concluding chapter of the Final Fantasy XIII saga and series heroine Lightning's final battle. The grand finale of the trilogy brings a world reborn as well as free character customization and stunning action based battles.
LIGHTNING RETURNS™: FINAL FANTASY® XIII is a rpg, jrpg and female protagonist game
developed and published by Square Enix.
Released on December 10th 2015 is available only on Windows
in 8 languages: English, French, Italian, German, Spanish - Spain, Japanese, Korean and Traditional Chinese.
It has received 4,427 reviews of which 3,508 were positive and 919 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. 😊
The game is currently priced at 6.39€ on Steam with a 60% discount, but you can find it for 5.82€ on Instant Gaming.
The Steam community has classified LIGHTNING RETURNS™: FINAL FANTASY® XIII into these genres:
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System requirements
These are the minimum specifications needed to play the game. For the best experience, we recommend that you verify them.
Windows
- OS *: Windows® XP SP2 or later
- Processor: 2GHz Dual Core CPU
- Memory: 1500 MB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA® Geforce® 8800GT / ATI Radeon™ HD 4770 VRAM 512MB or later
- DirectX: Version 9.0c
- Storage: 22 GB available space
- Sound Card: Sound card compatible with DirectX® 9.0c
- Additional Notes:
User reviews & Ratings
Explore reviews from Steam users sharing their experiences and what they love about the game.
Lightning Returns is a nice but flawed ending to the XIII trilogy. Story Story-wise it starts pretty weak. During the first 5 hours I was actually thinking I might drop the game, but I endured and I’m glad I did. The story is segmented into 5 main arcs across different locations and focuses on characters from the previous games. I’ll briefly summarize each arc without spoilers. The first arc has pretty dark and gothic vibes, which I liked. It also tries to be a detective story, but it doesn’t really succeed. The story didn’t grab me at all here and honestly it felt kinda boring. It also felt like nothing important really happened. The second arc is much better and easily the best in the game imo. The story is fun and engaging, and it has one of the most iconic scenes in the whole trilogy in my opinion. I loved every second of this part. The third arc isn’t anything special story-wise, but it has a few moments I liked. The strongest part of this arc is definitely the location. It’s probably the biggest and most varied area in the entire trilogy, and I really enjoyed exploring it. The fourth arc is set in the desert. The story is again nothing special, but it has some Tomb Raider vibes. I also really liked the sand sliding mechanic xd. The fifth arc is basically just a fetch quest across all locations. The ending of this arc is good, but the fact that it’s mostly fetch quest stuff really drags it down. The finale is absolute cinema. I loved almost every part of it, except some cheesy moments and THE boss fight. Who the ♥♥♥♥ thought it was a good idea to make a boss fight with four phases that can one-shot you?????? xddd (skill issue I guess idk xd) There is also a new important character in this game, “Lumina”, and I loved every single scene she was in. She is brilliantly voice acted. I was very satisfied with Light’s story arc across the trilogy. Snow’s arc was also well done. But the other characters could have had better made arcs. Overall I really liked the ending of the trilogy and it acutally surprised me, but I can see why some people don’t like it. The story is definitely not perfect and FF13 is still the best one story-wise, but I liked Lightning Returns more than XIII-2. Writing and Voice Acting Writing sometimes feels bloated. Something that could be said in 2 sentences is said in 6. It’s not every dialogue, but it happens often enough to be noticeable. Voice acting is also pretty inconsistent. Sometimes it’s genuinely very good, but other times it sounds like the actors are just reading the script with zero emotion. Also HOPE NEVER SHUTS THE ♥♥♥♥ UPAHDJGOUGB 😭 Gameplay Gameplay in Lightning Returns is pretty different from the previous two games. There are no XP points and stats only increase by completing main quests and MMO-like sidequests. Honestly, kinda stupid decision. What I loved are the Garbs. There’s a bunch of outfits that give different buffs, abilities, and trade-offs. Only issue I had is that some are very slutty/skimpy, like something even Eve from Stellar Blade wouldn’t wear xdd. Imo it doesn’t fit Lightning. Instead of upgrading weapons (XIII) or monsters (XIII-2), you now upgrade your abilities by combining them. For example, you combine Attack lvl1 + Attack lvl1 and you get a stronger Attack lvl1. Once it reaches max XP in lvl1, you can upgrade it to lvl2. I didn’t really like this mechanic, it just didn’t click with me. I really liked the open world exploration, especially in the Wildlands. This game also has a time limit. Basically, you have 13 days to complete the game. I was taking it very slowly and finished all the main quests on day 9, so it’s very forgiving. You don’t have to worry about it at all. It’s a cool mechanic, but it feels too safe. Combat Combat is completely different and I must say I’m not a huge fan. I liked that they tried something new, because by the end of XIII-2 I was getting kinda burned out on the XIII/XIII-2 combat. I wouldn’t say this combat is bad, it just didn’t click with me. One thing that bugged me is stagger. Sometimes it works perfectly, sometimes you stagger an enemy and the effect instantly ends. There are a few things I did like about this combat though. Being able to perfect parry is awesome. Also, your health doesn’t recover after a battle, so potions are actually useful xdd. Graphics Graphically it's still pretty good overall, except for the place you start in. While Luxerion has nice dark and gothic vibes as I said before, the textures there look like they were made for PS2. Other than that, it’s a nice looking game. Maybe only the Wildlands look a bit dated in some places, but it’s nothing horrible xdd. As with the previous game, most of the cutscenes are in-game, which isn’t bad, but I just love the look of XIII’s pre-rendered cutscenes. Soundtrack Soundtrack is made up of reused tracks from previous games, re-arranged/alternate versions of tracks from previous games, and some new tracks. My favourite track from the new ones is probably "Midnight Eternal". I also really liked the alternate version of "Blinded by Light", called "Crimson Blitz". Technical This port is easily the best in the trilogy. You don’t need any patches or anything. I did however run into one place where there’s a chance the game can crash "Yagd Woods" so it’s better to save more often there just in case. Overall Impressions The game is good. Some say it’s the worst of the trilogy, others say it’s the best. I personally liked this game a bit more than XIII-2. I still think XIII is the best one, and I also think that if XIII was standalone it would have been better. But XIII-2 and Lightning Returns are nice additions. I’m really glad I played this trilogy.
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One of the best combat systems in Final Fantasy and JRPGs in general. They actually regressed with newer FF games somehow. This ♥♥♥♥ was amazing.
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Part 1: Big sister tries to save Little sister by punching a god in the face. Part 2: Little sister tries to save Big sister by punching a god in the face. Part 3: Big sister tries to save everyone by punching a god in the face.
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Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII, the final installment in the Lightning Saga, takes a significant departure from its predecessors. Instead of a traditional turn-based RPG, it opts for a more action-oriented combat system within a time-limited setting. This unique approach, while innovative, results in a game with both considerable strengths and notable flaws. What Works: Unique Gameplay: The real-time combat is fast-paced and engaging, demanding strategic thinking and quick reflexes. The ability to switch between different weapons and abilities on the fly adds a layer of tactical depth. The crafting system is also a welcome addition, allowing for customization and experimentation. Compelling Setting: The world of Lightning Returns is visually stunning and rich in detail. The decaying world of Nova Chrysalia offers a unique and atmospheric setting, brimming with side quests and lore. Character Development: Lightning's character arc is brought to a satisfying conclusion. Her motivations and struggles are explored with greater depth, offering a compelling narrative focus. Fashionable Combat: The game's unique approach to character customization allows players to express their creativity. The sheer number of outfits and accessories adds a significant element of replayability. What Doesn't Work: Time Limit: The game's strict time limit can be frustrating for some players. The pressure to complete objectives within a limited timeframe can detract from the overall enjoyment. This mechanic can be quite punishing and unforgiving. Repetitive Side Quests: Many side quests feel repetitive and lack depth. While some offer interesting stories and rewards, others feel like filler content. Uneven Difficulty: The difficulty curve can be quite uneven. Some battles are challenging, while others feel trivial. This inconsistency can be frustrating for players. Linearity: The game's linearity, especially in the early stages, can feel limiting. Players have little freedom to explore the world at their own pace. Overall: Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII is a bold and ambitious experiment. Its unique gameplay mechanics, compelling setting, and satisfying character arc are balanced by a frustrating time limit, repetitive side quests, and an uneven difficulty curve. Whether you enjoy the game will likely depend on your tolerance for these flaws. Those who appreciate its innovative approach and unique setting will find a rewarding experience, while others may find it frustrating and ultimately unsatisfying. It's a divisive game, but it's also a memorable one.
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Lightning Returns isn’t your typical Final Fantasy game—and it doesn't want to be. As the final act of the XIII trilogy, it takes a radically different approach to storytelling, structure, and gameplay. With its real-time combat, countdown-to-apocalypse mechanic, and heavy emphasis on customization, it's a game that breaks tradition in nearly every way. It’s ambitious. It’s experimental. It’s messy. But it’s also one of the most intriguing and personal entries in the Final Fantasy series. The game picks up 500 years after the events of XIII-2, with Lightning resurrected as the “Savior,” a chosen agent of the god Bhunivelze. Her mission? Save as many souls as possible before the world ends in 13 days. No pressure. The narrative is fragmented, more of a character-centric epilogue than an epic saga. Lightning—previously stoic and emotionally restrained—is given center stage to reflect, reconnect, and redeem herself. Every main quest revolves around someone from her past: Snow, Hope, Fang, Vanille, and more. While the delivery is uneven and sometimes convoluted, there’s emotional payoff in seeing these characters brought full circle. That said, the theological and metaphysical themes are dense, and the lore can feel like a tangled web unless you’ve played the previous entries. For newcomers, this is a rough place to start. For returning fans, it's a melancholic, oddly satisfying curtain call. The core gameplay hook is a doozy: you have 13 in-game days to save the world. Every quest, battle, and moment consumes time. Fail to manage it well, and you won’t be able to finish all the story arcs or side missions. This real-time system is a double-edged sword. It creates urgency and forces strategic planning, but it can also stress out completionists and feel punishing for first-timers. Fortunately, time pauses during combat and dialogue, and you can extend the world’s lifespan by completing major quests. Side quests—essential for progression—range from heartfelt to filler, but many are meaningful. Helping everyday people in a dying world adds thematic weight and reinforces the game’s focus on emotional connections over spectacle. Gone is the party system. You play as Lightning alone, but she has access to customizable battle roles (called Schemata). Each Schemata includes a unique outfit, weapon, and abilities. You can switch between three in real time, creating a rhythm of blocking, dodging, and attacking with precision. It’s a fast, engaging system that rewards timing and adaptability, almost like a mix of action-RPG and fighting game mechanics. The customization options are deep, and fashion fans will enjoy dressing Lightning in everything from full armor to cosplay-style ensembles—each with gameplay relevance. However, the lack of party dynamics may disappoint fans who enjoy character synergy and traditional turn-based strategy. Despite being a late PS3/Xbox 360-era title, Lightning Returns still looks great. Each of the four major zones—ranging from the gothic city of Luxerion to the desert of Dead Dunes—has a distinct personality and aesthetic. The game’s art direction sells the idea of a crumbling world full of beauty and despair. The soundtrack, composed by Masashi Hamauzu and others, is varied and excellent. From solemn piano pieces to battle-ready techno-rock, it perfectly complements each area’s tone. Lightning Returns is divisive, daring, and unlike any Final Fantasy before it. It doesn’t always hit the mark, but its commitment to doing something different is admirable. If you can embrace its strange mechanics, storytelling structure, and time-based urgency, you'll find a surprisingly emotional sendoff—not just for Lightning, but for one of the most polarizing sub-series in Final Fantasy history. A flawed but fascinating finale. For fans of Lightning and those craving something different in their RPGs, it's a bold, bittersweet swan song. Pros: -Deep, stylish, and fast-paced combat -Rich customization and fashion system -Emotional closure for long-time fans -Striking visuals and excellent soundtrack -Unique real-time structure Cons: -Steep learning curve with time mechanics -Can feel lonely without a party system -Story is dense and inaccessible to newcomers -Side quests can be hit-or-miss Rating: 7/10
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Frequently Asked Questions
LIGHTNING RETURNS™: FINAL FANTASY® XIII is currently priced at 6.39€ on Steam.
LIGHTNING RETURNS™: FINAL FANTASY® XIII is currently available at a 60% discount. You can purchase it for 6.39€ on Steam.
LIGHTNING RETURNS™: FINAL FANTASY® XIII received 3,508 positive votes out of a total of 4,427 achieving a rating of 7.69.
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LIGHTNING RETURNS™: FINAL FANTASY® XIII was developed and published by Square Enix.
LIGHTNING RETURNS™: FINAL FANTASY® XIII is playable and fully supported on Windows.
LIGHTNING RETURNS™: FINAL FANTASY® XIII is not playable on MacOS.
LIGHTNING RETURNS™: FINAL FANTASY® XIII is not playable on Linux.
LIGHTNING RETURNS™: FINAL FANTASY® XIII is a single-player game.
There are 2 DLCs available for LIGHTNING RETURNS™: FINAL FANTASY® XIII. Explore additional content available for LIGHTNING RETURNS™: FINAL FANTASY® XIII on Steam.
LIGHTNING RETURNS™: FINAL FANTASY® XIII does not support mods via Steam Workshop.
LIGHTNING RETURNS™: FINAL FANTASY® XIII does not support Steam Remote Play.
LIGHTNING RETURNS™: FINAL FANTASY® XIII is enabled for Steam Family Sharing. This means you can share the game with authorized users from your Steam Library, allowing them to play it on their own accounts. For more details on how the feature works, you can read the original Steam Family Sharing announcement or visit the Steam Family Sharing user guide and FAQ page.
You can find solutions or submit a support ticket by visiting the Steam Support page for LIGHTNING RETURNS™: FINAL FANTASY® XIII.
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Last Updates| Steam data | 18 April 2026 06:26 |
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| SteamSpy data | 23 April 2026 18:55 |
| Steam price | 29 April 2026 04:46 |
| Steam reviews | 29 April 2026 07:59 |
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Game modes
Features
Online players
57
Developer
Square Enix
Publisher
Square Enix
Release
10 Dec 2015
Platforms
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