Summary
Along with the release of theKingdom Heartsseries on Steam, Square Enix stated that the Epic Games Store versions of each compilation will have updates to improve the environmental texture quality to match the respective Steam versions. TheKingdom Heartstexture update will drop on June 13, the same day the series will debut on Steam.
Initially released on the PS2 in 2002,Kingdom Heartshas remained a staple of Square Enix’s repertoire, thanks to its cast ofFinal Fantasyand Disney characters and poignant plot. However, in March 2021, two years after the console release ofKingdom Hearts 3, the series debuted on PC on the Epic Games Store. The launch of theKingdom Heartsseries as an Epic Games Store exclusive series was divisive among fans. In the spring of 2024, Square Enix revealed a new,aggressive strategy to bring major franchisessuch asFinal FantasyandKingdom Heartsto multiple platforms rather than continue with exclusivity offers.
Following their multi-platform plans, Square Enix revealedtheKingdom Heartsseries was headed to Steamafter three years of Epic Games Store exclusivity. Though the exclusivity window will soon end, Square Enix gave fans who bought the games on the Epic Games Store something to chew on. On social media, Square Enix stated that while the Steam version ofKingdom Heartswould have updated textures in various environments, the Epic Games Store version would follow suit. In a slideshow, Square Enix shared various environments fromKingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMixon Steam, with worlds such as Agrabah and Disney Castle as the focal points of the texture update. The left pictures showed how the textures appeared at the time of writing, and the right side screenshots demonstrated how they should look once the update is released.
Kingdom Hearts Will Get Updated Textures on Steam and EGS
The texture patch will launch on June 13 on the Epic Games Store, the same day theKingdom Heartsseries will launch on Steam. However, the texture update for theKingdom Heartsseries will only be seen in the first handful of titles, not later ones such asDream Drop Distance. While theKingdom Heartsseries isknown for its timeless graphics, it remains to be seen if theKingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMixconsole versions will see similar improvements as the PC versions.
Though the Steam release ofKingdom Heartsis welcome news for fans, that has not stoppedrumors concerning the highly-anticipatedKingdom Hearts 4from turning up. Only time will tell when Square Enix will reveal more details.
Kingdom Hearts
WHERE TO PLAY
KINGDOM HEARTS: Fear locks the light in darkness. Courage is the key.When a supernatural storm transports 14-year-old Sora to a distant land, he sets out to track down his missing friends. Teaming up with Court Wizard Donald and Captain Goofy, join Sora as he embarks on a valiant quest to find his friends and defeat the evil ‘Heartless’.Explore new and familiar worlds featuring over 100 Disney characters. Beware of the Disney villains and their devious intentions. Team up with Disney heroes as you battle evil. Experience stunning graphics and authentic voiceovers.
