Final Fantasy 16 players report being chased by darkness and other graphical bugs after latest PS5 system update

Final Fantasy XVI players have been taking to social media over the last few days to report some rather weird graphical bugs, potentially caused by the latest PS5 system software update. Those playing the latest numbered mainline entry in Square Enix’s long-running RPG series on PS5 lately might have noticed some weird graphical glitches that are almost worthy of being a new antagonist in the game.

These graphical bugs have been reported by Final Fantasy XVI players since around September 15, 2024. The most common seems to be the appearance of a black “cloud” that gradually appears to follow the player and obscure parts of your surroundings. This bug was a shock to some first-time players who actually thought for a moment that the spreading darkness was part of the game.

FF16で砂漠にやってきたら闇に追われるんだけどこれは正常なの？それともバグなの？

あぁ…世界が闇に染まっていく…これはまさか…黒の一帯が現実世界にも影響を及ぼしているのだろうか… pic.twitter.com/RiiixKzJrY
— わっしー (@wasshiiiiiiiiii) September 16, 2024

Post translation: Is it normal for this darkness to chase you in the desert in FF16? Or is it a bug? Argh, the world is being tinged by darkness… Could it be that this dark zone is affecting the real world as well…?

FF16バグってるの私だけじゃなかったんだ！ちょっと安心した！ pic.twitter.com/9145e0w7kF
— 🄻🅄🄲🄰 (@LucaCarbuncle) September 16, 2024

Post translation: So this FF16 bugs isn’t just happening to me? I’m slightly relieved.

Others reported flickering background graphics during cutscenes and general issues with graphical artifacts spoiling their enjoyment of the game. This issue is being experienced by players outside Japan too- there is currently a Reddit thread on the topic.

#ff16 #スクエニに伝われ
俺のff16 ps5版がバグり散らかしてる pic.twitter.com/invv5NDdFL
— シトレ元帥shadow (@SYySkyQn5qaRRy5) September 14, 2024

Post translation: Bugs are scattering all over my PS5 copy of FF16.

Although the cause is unclear at the time of writing, many players reported that it happened after installing the latest PS5 system software update. The update, which was announced on September 12, is being gradually rolled out across different regions. If you are playing Final Fantasy XVI, it might be best to hold off installing it until the issue is fixed.

Final Fantasy XVI is available on PS5 and PC. It was released on Steam today.