Editing Kingdom Hearts III

{{Game|KH3|Real}}
{{suite}}
{{Infobox CVG
|title=Kingdom Hearts III
|japan= キングダム ハーツ III
|romaji=Kingudamu Hātsu III
|image=[[File:Kingdom Hearts III Logo KHIII.png|center|300px]]
|developer={{w|Square Enix}}
|publisher={{w|Square Enix}}
|release=[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] January 25, 2019<br>[[File:Flag of the United States.png|20px|United States]]/[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] January 29, 2019<br>[[File:Flag of European Union.png|20px|Europe]]/[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] January 29, 2019<br>'''PC:{{note|Digital only via Epic Games Store}}'''<br>[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] March 30, 2021<br>[[File:Flag of the United States.png|20px|United States]]/[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] March 30, 2021<br>[[File:Flag of European Union.png|20px|Europe]]/[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] March 30, 2021<br>'''Nintendo Switch:{{note|Cloud Version}}'''<br>[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] February 10, 2022<ref>[https://twitter.com/_KINGDOMHEARTS/status/1483321654046433283 '''''Twitter (@_KINGDOMHEARTS)''''']</ref><br>[[File:Flag of the United States.png|20px|United States]]/[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] February 10, 2022<ref name="Switch">[https://twitter.com/KINGDOMHEARTS/status/1483318234082250752 '''''Twitter (@KINGDOMHEARTS)''''']: "Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5+2.5, 2.8, III + Re Mind (DLC) as well as the all-in-one Integrum Masterpiece all launch on Nintendo Switch via cloud on February 10th!"</ref><br>[[File:Flag of European Union.png|20px|Europe]] February 10, 2022<ref name="Switch" />
|genre=Console action role-playing game
|modes=Single player
|ratings={{w|ESRB}}:[[File:Ratingsymbol e10.gif|12px|Everyone 10+]]Everyone 10+<br>{{w|PEGI}}:[[File:PEGI 12.png|12px|12+]]12+
|platforms={{w|PlayStation 4}}<br>{{w|Xbox One}}<br>{{w|Personal computer}}<br>{{w|Nintendo Switch}}
|style=kh3
}}
{{q|The ultimate battle for KINGDOM HEARTS is upon us.|Tagline}}
'''''Kingdom Hearts III''''' is the eleventh title in the ''{{c|Kingdom Hearts|series}}'' series. It was officially announced at E3 2013, and is the first ''Kingdom Hearts'' game available on multiple platforms at launch, releasing on both the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

''Kingdom Hearts III'' serves as the final chapter of the [[Dark Seeker Saga]], dealing with the events leading up to the final showdown between [[Sora]] and [[Master Xehanort]]. It focuses on Sora's journey to reclaim the [[power of waking]] and gather the [[Seven Guardians of Light]] to combat the sinister plans of the [[real Organization XIII]].

A playable prologue to ''Kingdom Hearts III'' called ''[[Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-]]'' was released as part of the ''[[Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue]]'' collection.

The game has two theme songs. The opening theme song is "[[Face My Fears]]", which is a collaboration between Utada Hikaru and Skrillex. The ending theme song is "[[Don't Think Twice]]" (titled "Chikai" in the Japanese version), written and performed by Utada Hikaru.

A downloadable expansion pack titled ''[[Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind]]'' was released worldwide on January 23, 2020 for the PlayStation 4 and on February 25, 2020 for the Xbox One. It added new gameplay and story elements.

''Kingdom Hearts III'' was released alongside ''Kingdom Hearts The Story So Far'' as part of the compendium pack ''[[Kingdom Hearts All-In-One Package]]''. ''Kingdom Hearts III'' and ''Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind'' were released as a single game on March 30, 2021 for PC via the Epic Games Store, and on February 10, 2022 for Nintendo Switch as a Cloud version as part of ''[[Kingdom Hearts Integrum Masterpiece]]''.<ref>[https://twitter.com/KINGDOMHEARTS/status/1445402204190515216 '''''Twitter (@KINGDOMHEARTS)'''''] "Cloud versions of Kingdom Hearts 1.5+2.5, 2.8 and 3 (+ Re Mind) are coming to Nintendo Switch"</ref>

==Development==
The game was announced to be in development alongside a trailer during the {{w|Electronic Entertainment Expo}} (E3) in June 2013. A trailer was later released at the first D23 Exposition in Japan in October 2013, revealing initial gameplay.

For E3 2014, Square Enix released a thirty-second trailer as part of a trailer to ''[[Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX]]''. In the Square Enix Present segment, co-director Tai Yasue revealed the sequence seen in the E3 2014 teaser would be relevant from the beginning of the game and the text seen and heard was going to "be a real integral part of the story".<ref>[http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/864/864150/ '''''Dengeki Playstation''''': "『キングダム ハーツ HD 2.5 リミックス』安江泰氏インタビュー。HD化にまつわる開発秘話の他、最新作『KHIII』の話題も【E3 2014】"]</ref> On September 17, 2014, Square Enix announced [[Tetsuya Nomura]] would be stepping down as director for ''Final Fantasy XV'' so he can focus his efforts on other upcoming titles, namely ''Kingdom Hearts III''.<ref>[http://www.siliconera.com/2014/09/17/tabata-takes-final-fantasy-xv-tetsuya-nomura-moves-kingdom-hearts-iii '''''Siliconera''''': "Tabata Takes Over Final Fantasy XV; Tetsuya Nomura Moves On To Kingdom Hearts III"]</ref>
<!-- "Focus" gauge was labeled "EX" before E3 2015 trailer-->

During the Square Enix E3 Conference on June 16, 2015, the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series's executive producer, Shinji Hashimoto, revealed the first gameplay trailer which shows Sora in a new outfit. Sora is seen wielding new Keyblades, fighting new Heartless, and also exploring [[Kingdom of Corona]], a world based on ''{{w|Tangled}}''.<ref>[https://youtu.be/aQwlJzROy38?t=53m21s '''''Square Enix E3 Conference 2015''''']</ref> In the Square Enix Presents segment, Nomura revealed Kingdom of Corona was one of the first to be considered for the game.<ref>[https://youtu.be/LEZcHr3BR20?t=3h2m36s '''''Square Enix Presents E3 2015 - Day 1''''']</ref> In a PlayStation Access interview, Nomura confirmed ''Final Fantasy'' characters will return.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmcaxvmj5nU '''''PlayStation Access''''': "Kingdom Hearts 3: 8 Things You Need To Know"], "#2 Final Fantasy characters in KH3", '''Nomura''': "I want them in."</ref>

During Disney's D23 Expo 2015, Shinji Hashimoto announced a world based on ''{{w|Big Hero 6 (film)|Big Hero 6}}''; [[San Fransokyo]].<ref>[http://www.siliconera.com/2015/08/16/kingdom-hearts-iii-has-a-big-hero-6-world '''''Siliconera''''': "Kingdom Hearts III Has A Big Hero 6 World"]</ref>

In a ''Famitsu'' interview, Nomura confirmed the game would contain a secret movie.<ref>[https://www.famitsu.com/news/201506/23081572.html ''''' Famitsu''''', 25 June 2015], '''Nomura''': "We are steadily progressing and deciding what to do with the ending… as well as considering content for the secret movie."</ref>

In their financial Results Briefing Session, Square Enix President and Representative Director Yosuke Matsuda and Chief Financial Officer Kazuharu Watanabe stated the expected release can be sometime between 2018 and 2020.<ref>[http://www.siliconera.com/2017/05/26/expect-final-fantasy-vii-remake-kingdom-hearts-iii-release-sometime-three-years/ '''''Siliconera''''': "Expect Final Fantasy VII Remake And Kingdom Hearts III To Release Sometime In “Three Years Or So”"]</ref>

During Disney D23 Expo 2017, Nomura showed a trailer depicting [[Toy Box]], a ''{{w|Toy Story}}'' world, and announced the game would be released in 2018.<ref name="D3 Trailer"/> Nomura stated the game's delay is not due to development issues, but rather technical decisions made by Square Enix such as moving the game to Unreal Engine 4.<ref>[https://www.kotaku.com.au/2017/07/kingdom-hearts-3-director-says-its-squares-fault-the-game-is-taking-so-long/ '''''Kotaku''''': "Kingdom Hearts 3 Director Says It's Square's Fault The Game Is Taking So Long"]</ref> Nomura confirmed the ''Toy Story'' world features an original storyline set sometime after ''{{w|Toy Story 2}}'', and hinted there would be another playable character besides Sora.<ref>[http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/07/16/kingdom-hearts-3-director-hints-at-second-playable-character '''''IGN''''': "KINGDOM HEARTS 3 DIRECTOR HINTS AT SECOND PLAYABLE CHARACTER"], '''Nomura''': "So it would be tough to introduce many, multiple playable characters, but there is an intention of adding a playable character aside from Sora. Unfortunately we're not able to disclose who it is yet, but there will be [another playable character]."</ref>

In April 2018, a collaboration campaign between ''Kingdom Hearts III'' and ''[[Kingdom Hearts Union χ]]'', titled "[[Kingdom Hearts Make Your Mark]]" was announced where the 300 players could have their name appear in ''Kingdom Hearts III''.<ref>[https://api.sp.kingdomhearts.com/information/detail/39483 '''''Kingdom Hearts Union χ''''': "Make Your Mark in KHIII!"]</ref>

During Disney's D23 Expo Japan 2018 Conference, a private ''Kingdom Hearts'' event was held where two trailers were revealed. In one, [[Monstropolis]], a ''{{w|Monsters, Inc.}}'' world was confirmed, while the other announced {{w|Utada Hikaru}} would perform the theme song, titled "Don't Think Twice" ("Oath" in Japanese). The event also revealed the game was being developed by the largest developing team in the history of the series,<ref name="IGN Japan D23 JPN 2018">[http://jp.ign.com/kingdom-hearts-iii-ps4/21908/news/d23-expo-japaniii11 '''''IGN''''': 11 New pieces of information from D23 Expo Japan that have shed some light on Kingdom Hearts 3]</ref> including 100 people from the Square Enix's Tokyo offices.<ref name="PlayStation Access D23 JPN 2018">[https://youtu.be/cn1AMOmcPy8 '''''PlayStation Access''''': "Kingdom Hearts 3: 10 New Things we've had Confirmed"]</ref> The return of the Gummi Ship was confirmed, and it was revealed the gameplay for it, now playable as open-world instead of the preset paths from the first two games, had been split into "Battle" and "Searching" phases.<ref name="IGN Japan D23 JPN 2018"/> The game was revealed to have been developed in three parts, with the first part being about 90% done, and the second between 60% and 70% done. Nomura noted the final world would feature "something incredible" he wanted to do for a while.<ref name="PlayStation Access D23 JPN 2018"/>

''Kingdom Hearts III'' was originally scheduled to be released in 2018,<ref name="D3 Trailer">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4y7UK4nqnQ '''''KINGDOM HEARTS III – D23 2017 Toy Story Trailer''''']</ref> but at the 2018 E3 presentation, Square Enix announced it had been postponed until January 25, 2019 for Japan and January 29, 2019 globally.<ref name="KHWO">[https://twitter.com/KINGDOMHEARTS/status/1005683145990025216 '''''@KINGDOMHEARTS''''']</ref>

During the Los Angeles performance of the ''Kingdom Hearts Orchestra -World Tour-'' in 2018, the game's release date was announced as January 25, 2019 in Japan and January 29, 2019 worldwide.<ref name="KHWO"/> Two trailers were released, the first one confirming [[Arendelle]], a world based on ''{{w|Frozen (2013 film)|Frozen}}'', along with confirming a number of returning characters, the second video, a Square Enix E3 Showcase 2018 trailer, which is similar to the first but with extra footage confirming a few more returning characters. Another video was released shortly afterwards to show a [[The Caribbean]], based on ''{{w|Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End}}''.<ref>[https://gamerant.com/kingdom-hearts-3-pirates-of-the-carribbean-trailer/ '''''Game Rant'''': "Kingdom Hearts 3 Showcases Pirates of the Caribbean"]</ref> Nomura confirmed there were no plans for a Final Mix version and that if there was additional content, it would be through patches and DLC.<ref>[https://gearnuke.com/kingdom-hearts-3-no-final-mix-confirmed-secret-movie/ '''''GearNuke''''': "Kingdom Hearts 3 Won't Get Any Final Mix Release, Confirmed To Have A Secret Movie"]</ref>

During Tokyo Game Show 2018, Nomura talked more about the Secret Ending and how staff were considering a different unlock method from before, such as having the Secret Ending be exclusive DLC to avoid spoilers. They also considered adding online features.<ref>[https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-09-22/tetsuya-nomura-kingdom-hearts-will-not-end-with-kingdom-hearts-iii/.137160 '''''Anime News Network''''': "Tetsuya Nomura: ''Kingdom Hearts'' Will Not End with ''Kingdom Hearts III''"]</ref> 

On November 20, 2018, the development for the game was confirmed to be completed.<ref>[https://twitter.com/KINGDOMHEARTS/status/1064881296915095552 '''''Twitter (@KINGDOMHEARTS)''''']: "...And guess what? We've wrapped up development of #KingdomHearts III! If you haven't had the chance yet, now would be a good time to prep by playing 1.5+2.5 & 2.8. See you next month!"</ref>

In December 2018, several videos of the game were leaked online after an individual stole copies from the manufacturer a month prior to release. Nomura released a statement on the ''Kingdom Hearts'' official Twitter account, notifying fans Square Enix was aware of the leaks and are working to rectify the situation, as well as urging fans not to share leaked media before the game's release.<ref>[https://twitter.com/KINGDOMHEARTS/status/1074192394176815105 An important message for ''Kingdom Hearts III'' from Director Tetsuya Nomura]</ref><ref>[https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/12/16/kingdom-hearts-3-has-reportedly-leaked-online-beware-of-spoilers '''''IGN''''': "''KINGDOM HEARTS III'' DIRECTOR RESPONDS TO REPORTED LEAKS"]</ref>

''Star Wars'' and Marvel titles were some of the most requested themes to appear in the game, but were unable due to legal issues.<ref>[https://www.gamerevolution.com/news/397863-kingdom-hearts-3-not-having-star-wars-or-avengers-is-finally-explained '''''GameRevolution''''': "''Kingdom Hearts III'' Not Having ''Star Wars'' or ''Avengers'' Is Finally Explained"]</ref>

An additional difficulty mode, Critical Mode, was eventually released. Nomura also mentioned there will be paid DLC which is planned to release in 2019.<ref>[http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/001/886/1886230/ ''Kingdom Hearts III'' Interview with Tetsuya Nomura (Dengeki PS)]; '''Interviewer''': "There's no "Critical Mode" difficulty level in this game. Was there a reason you didn't include it?" / '''Tetsuya Nomura''': "Critical Mode wasn't originally in the base versions of the game, they were an extra feature we added to the ''Final Mix'' versions. So, we will be following that and releasing it for download later on. It's not simply a matter of changing numbers and making things stronger; we fine-tune and debug multiple times. We are polishing things to make sure it's not simply a "more difficult mode," and is as fun as you would expect from Critical." [https://www.khinsider.com/news/Dengeki-Playstation-interviews-Nomura-on-Kingdom-Hearts-3-14711 Translation via Goldpanner].</ref>

Nomura plans to explain how Xion was revived and recruited into the real Organization XIII in the DLC.<ref>[http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/001/886/1886230/ ''Kingdom Hearts III'' Interview with Tetsuya Nomura (Dengeki PS)]; '''Interviewer''': "The process behind reviving Ventus and Roxas was fairly easy to understand, but how was Xion brought back, and how did she end up in the New Organisation XIII?" / '''Tetsuya Nomura''': "I think it's possible to figure it out for yourself. However, I do plan to explain it in DLC." [https://www.khinsider.com/news/Dengeki-Playstation-interviews-Nomura-on-Kingdom-Hearts-3-14711 Translation via Goldpanner].</ref>

On March 14, 2019, Square Enix announced that Olaf's Japanese voice actor will be replaced in a future update, after his original voice actor, {{w|Pierre Taki}}, was arrested after admitting to drug usage.<ref>[https://www.jp.square-enix.com/topics/detail/745/ Notice of "Kingdom Hearts III" voice actor change and update delivery]</ref><ref>[https://www.siliconera.com/2019/03/14/kingdom-hearts-iii-is-changing-olafs-japanese-voice-in-an-update-following-arrest-of-pierre-taki/ '''''Siliconera''''': "Kingdom Hearts III Is Changing Olaf's Japanese Voice In An Update Following Pierre Taki's Arrest"]</ref>

On June 8, 2019, during the ''[[Kingdom Hearts Orchestra -World of Tres-]]'' concert, a trailer for an downloadable expansion pack titled ''Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind'' was announced. It will add new gameplay and story elements. During Square Enix's E3 2019 broadcast, the same trailer that premier at the ''Kingdom Hearts Orchestra -World of Tres-'' was shown again, except with the added information the expansion will be released during Winter 2019-2020.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqD_cz85S1A '''''KINGDOM HEARTS III Re Mind DLC Trailer (E3 2019) (Closed Captions)''''']</ref>

==Story==
{{Q|Believing light and darkness must remain in balance, Master Xehanort seeks to spark war against the 'tyranny of light' to restore equilibrium.<br>In an effort to undermine Xehanort's plot, Sora, Donald and Goofy search for seven guardians of light and the 'Key to Return Hearts,' while King Mickey and Riku search for previous Keyblade wielders.|''Kingdom Hearts III'' press release}}
After [[Master Xehanort]]'s return, [[Yen Sid]] begins searching for seven [[Guardians of Light]] to counteract Xehanort's plan to forge the [[χ-blade]] using the [[real Organization XIII]]. He tells [[Sora]] that he has lost much of his own strength as a result nearly being taken over by Xehanort when latter tried to use him as 13th vessel for his heart{{storylink|Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance}}. Backed up by [[Donald Duck]] and [[Goofy]], Sora taken advice from Yen Sid to travel to meet [[Hercules]] who also lost and later regained his powers not long ago. The most important power Sora must regain is his "[[Power of waking]]", the ability to restore lost hearts, which he failed to master during his [[Mark of Mastery Exam]]. Meanwhile, [[Riku]] and [[King Mickey]] traverse the [[Realm of Darkness]] looking for [[Aqua]], while [[Kairi]] and [[Lea]], safely train to use their [[Keyblade]]s to fight.

During each of their travels, Sora and Riku are contacted by [[Ienzo]], who has deciphered pieces of [[Ansem's Code]] to learn that Sora's body contains the hearts of [[Roxas]], [[Ventus]], and [[Xion]]. Riku realizes that the Organization's members from the past are using [[replica]]s created by [[Vexen]] as vessels that enable their existence in the present, which inspires Sora to restore Roxas by transferring his [[heart]] into a replica body. 
[[File:Ansem and Xemnas 02 KHIII.png|thumb|left|Ansem and Xemnas tell Sora that he should accept the Darkness.]]
In search for Power of Waking, Sora, Donald and Goofy land in [[Twilight Town]] where they stumble on [[Hayner]], [[Pence]], and [[Olette]], chased by [[Demon Tide]]. After it's defeat, Sora asks if the trio knows Roxas, showing them a photo they made together back in the [[Virtual Twilight Town]]. The trio respond that they don't know who the boy is, but Hayner mention that name sounds familiar. They head to the Old Mansion where, with Ienzo's help they attempt to hack into computer to reach simulation. 

In their way back to the town, Sora, Donald and Goofy are meet by Ansem and Xemnas, who tried to convince Sora to give his Heart to Darkness. Goofy guess that both Ansem and Xemnas used to be [[Terra-Xehanort|one person]] but now their both stand here. The Seekers of Darkness does not pay attention to that claim and insisted that Sora should become a Heartless, as it's only way to bring Roxas back. They summon a couple of [[Neoshadow]]s and [[Dusk]]s before disappearing.

After a short fight, Sora is now willing bring Roxas back "with all his Heart". The trio return to Twilight Town where Sora tell Hayner, Pence, and Olette they need to wish Roxas to return, with all their hearts. Meanwhile, on the near roof Xigbar tells Ansem and Xemnas that they make it too obvious, but Xemnas tells him that they were instructed to guide Sora and, if he refuse to take path they carve, they will simply destroy him. Xigbar reminds them that they will be left without last vessel.

[[File:Too Late 01 KHIII.png|thumb|Aqua corrupted by darkness.]]
Meanwhile, Ansem, Seeker of Darkness enters the Realm of Darkness and tries to secure [[Ansem the Wise]]. Aqua tried to stop Xehanort but was overpowered by the [[Dark Figure]]. Ansem begs Xehanort to spare Aqua's life by willingly go with him. However, Xehanort throws Aqua in water, where she succumbs to Darkness.

Vexen reveals himself to be a double agent loyal to Ansem the Wise and he helps rescue him before sending an extra replica to Ienzo for Roxas to live in.

Riku and Mickey locate and battle the [[Anti-Aqua|corrupted Aqua]] in the realm of darkness. At the same time, Sora finds the [[Master's Defender]] on [[Destiny Islands]] and uses it to enter the dark realm, where he exorcises the [[darkness]] from Aqua and returns her to the realm of light. Sora, Donald, and Goofy then follow Aqua to [[Castle Oblivion]], which she transforms back into the [[Land of Departure]] to awaken Ventus. When she is attacked by [[Vanitas]], Sora rediscovers his power of waking and resurrects Ventus, who fights Vanitas off.

[[File:The Xehanorts Gather 01 KHIII.png|thumb|left|The guardians surrounded by Heartless.]]
With the seven [[Keyblade wielder]]s, they depart for the [[Keyblade Graveyard]] to battle the Organization, only to be quickly consumed by a swarm of [[Heartless]] summoned by the possessed [[Terra]]. Awakening in a limbo realm called [[The Final World]], Sora is guided back to the realm of light with the help of Kairi and [[Chirithy]] and uses the power of waking to revive his friends. However, [[Young Xehanort]] warns that abusing this power will result in him losing his own heart again. Returning moments before their defeat, the guardians of [[light]] eliminate most of the Organization's members; in the process, Terra, his heart revealed to be inside the [[Dark Figure]], regains control of his body and reunites with Aqua and Ventus, while Lea reunites with Xion, whom Vexen restored for the Organization, and Roxas, who regains his own heart to protect Lea and Xion.

[[File:Checkmate 01 KHIII.png|thumb|Eraqus and Xehanort leave for The Final World together.]]
When only Xehanort remains, he provokes Sora into attacking him by destroying Kairi's body, allowing Xehanort to acquire the χ-blade and summon [[Kingdom Hearts]]. Using Xehanort's power of time travel against him, Sora, Donald, and Goofy transport him to his boyhood training grounds of [[Scala ad Caelum]], where they defeat and fatally injure him. After the other Keyblade wielders rejoin the trio, [[Eraqus]]'s spirit emerges from Terra's body and convinces Xehanort to surrender before he dies. Xehanort and Eraqus depart together to Kingdom Hearts, while Sora and his friends use the χ-blade to close Kingdom Hearts and return to their own time.

[[File:Ending 05 KHIII.png|thumb|200px|left|Sora has his last moments with Kairi.]]
Trying to save Kairi, Sora uses the power of waking again to revive her; despite the risk of becoming lost forever, Sora promises to return. Afterwards, Eraqus's students return to the Land of Departure where Ventus reunites with Chirithy; Roxas, [[Isa]], Lea, and Xion stay in Twilight Town and [[Naminé]] is restored in a replica obtained during the battle with Xehanort. Sora's friends gather at the Destiny Islands, where Kairi stays beside Sora before he fades away.

[[Xigbar]], who survived the [[Keyblade War]], retrieves Xehanort's [[No Name]] Keyblade and summons four of the five [[foreteller]]s, revealing himself to be a reincarnation of their fellow Keyblade apprentice, [[Luxu]]. He begins to recount his actions to the foretellers, with [[Maleficent]] and [[Pete]] watching from afar. In a flashback to their youth, Eraqus and Xehanort begin a new game of [[Alba & Ater]] enacting a battle between seven dark pieces, and then placing a white piece on the board.
{{-}}

==Gameplay==
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===Growth path===
The player can choose their growth path in the [[Dive to the Heart]]. The first set of options are Wisdom, Vitality, and Balance, with the first focusing on MP, the second on HP, and the third focusing on both HP and MP equally. For example, if the player chooses Vitality, he will begin the game with 120 HP and 100 MP. By the end of the game, he should have 135 MP and 270 HP.

The second set of options are Guardian, Warrior, and Mystic, with the first being focused on Defense, the second on Attack, and the third on Magic. For example, if the player chooses Guardian, Sora will gain [[Withstand Combo]], an excellent defensive ability, at level 4. However, if they choose Warrior, Sora will not learn Withstand Combo until level 26.

===Combat features===
[[File:Kingdom of Corona Keyblade (Trailer) KHIII.png|thumb|Situation Commands seen on the left side are unlocked through battle performance.]]
The [[Command Menu]] from ''Kingdom Hearts'' and ''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]'' returns. The gauges for [[Donald]] and [[Goofy]] now appear next to Sora's in the bottom right corner instead of above. The [[MP]] gauge from ''KHII'' returns. The "Focus" gauge which from ''Birth by Sleep'' returns and is also meant for [[Shotlock]]s which are now tied to [[Keyblades]]. [[Reaction Command]]s are replaced by [[Situation Command]]s.

Shortcuts return which function like in ''Kingdom Hearts II''. The player can now arrange commands in three separate configurations, similar to the Deck System with the {{c|Cards|com}} from ''[[Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories]]'', and the [[Panel System]] from ''[[Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days]]''.

[[Formchange]] is a new mechanic that allows Sora to transform his Keyblade into a variety of weapons or change his [[abilities]]. Each Keyblade have at least two transformations, with the second activating if Sora connects enough combos, similar to [[Command Style]]s or Situation Commands. After activating a Keyblade transformation, said transformation will be saved when switching out. To enter a Formchange, Sora must use a Keyblade transformation by using the Situation Command, although [[Second Form]], [[Rage Form]], and [[Ultimate Form]] are labeled exactly by their names.

Sora can now equip up to three [[Keychains]] for his Keyblade, and can switch between them on the fly by pressing {{button|left}} or {{button|right}} while the cursor is on the [[Attack]] command. This means the player can use up to three different Formchanges in active combat apart from Rage Mode.

The character images on the HUD are more expressive, no longer being fixed for the teammates: like Sora, they smile when they're on the overworld, appear angry when fighting, have a pained expression when they take damage and look tired when their HP are low. If a teammate has lost all their HP, they have their eyes closed and their image is darkened.

Keychains can now [[level]] up to become stronger through the upgrading them with materials in the [[Keyblade Forge]].

[[Attractions]], a type of Situation Command, are a new feature which lets the [[party]] execute skills based on theme park attractions. An attraction sequence can easily be skipped by pressing {{button|square}} or {{button|x}} or turned off completely from the Options menu.

Similar to ''0.2'', magic affects the surrounding environment—for example, [[Blizzard]] will create a sheet of ice to slide on and [[Aero]] will move and shape the grass. If Sora uses enough [[magic]], he can use more powerful magic. For example, using [[Fire]] repeatedly can allow him to use Fira as a Situation Command.

Characters join Sora's team as temporary party members. Now the limit of party members has been expanded from 3 to 5, so Donald and Goofy no longer need to be replaced. The AI has been improved, so allies can invite Sora into special techniques (similar to the [[Limit]] attacks from ''Kingdom Hearts II''). However, enemies are also able to work together. Some enemies also have "armor" mode where their [[HP]] bar becomes blue and they can use powerful attacks until enough damage is dealt to end it.

The [[Summon]] system operates very differently from in ''Kingdom Hearts'' and ''Kingdom Hearts II''. Summons are now called [[Link]]s with Ariel's "Lagoon Showtime", Ralph's "8 Bit Blast", Simba's "Kingsflare", Meow Wow's "Wonder Balloon", and Stitch's "Plasma Encounter". A summon sequence can easily be skipped by pressing {{button|square}} or {{button|x}} or turned off completely from the Options menu.

=== Exploration ===
Worlds in ''Kingdom Hearts III'' are more open world with less loading screens. In the [[The Caribbean]], Sora has his own ship and the player can sail the seas, fight enemy ships and explore various small islands.

[[Free Running]] allows Sora to run up walls. When using the Shotlock reticle, Sora can airstep.

Textboxes when talking to NPCs are removed. The dialogue is now voiced.

The player can now instantly teleport between [[save point]]s in worlds instead of going to the world map.

===Other features===
[[File:Lucky Emblem KHIII.png|thumb|Sora photographs a Lucky Emblem.]]
The [[Gummi Ship]] returns with a revised system and going between worlds is more open-world.

Sora has a [[Gummiphone]] which can take pictures of the environment, selfies, as well as [[Lucky Emblem]]s which are {{w|hidden Mickey}}s. The amount of Lucky Emblems photographed is tied to unlocking the Secret Ending. For example, on Beginner, the player must photograph all of them, but on Proud, the player only needs to photograph 30 of them.<ref>[https://kotaku.com/how-to-unlock-kingdom-hearts-iiis-secret-movie-1832011374 Tetsuya Nomura explains how to unlock ''Kingdom Hearts III'''s Secret Ending]</ref> The Gummiphone also takes on the role for [[Jiminy's Journal]], where the journal entries are stored in it.

The game contains [[mini-games]], such as a cooking mini-game with Little Chef in Twilight Town and harvesting mini-games in 100 Acre Wood. Returning from [[Kingdom Hearts Union χ]] are the [[Classic Kingdom]] mini-games, playable through the Gummiphone and collected mainly from [[treasure chest]]s.

[[Theater Mode]] is back, which is unlocked by completing Olympus. Unlike before, the cutscenes are now unlocked by completing each world, rather than having to complete the game itself. 

As of the compilation titles, there is a Streaming Restriction guideline, called "Before You Stream...", which can be viewed with the {{button|Triangle}} or Y button. It can also be viewed under the Game Options menu on the PC version by pressing the Esc Key in the Title Menu or Pause Menu, which also allows the option to change the text and voice language, key bindings for keyboard and mouse and gamepad, graphic quality, display resolution, refresh rate, framerate cap, etc.

On Xbox One, pressing X will allow the player to change profiles.
{{-}}

==Worlds and characters==
{|width="100%"
|valign="top" width="25%"|
;[[Dive to the Heart]]

;[[Olympus]]
*[[Hercules]]
*[[Megara]]
*[[Philoctetes]]
*[[Pegasus]]
*[[Zeus]]
*[[Hermes]]
*[[Apollo]]
*[[Athena]]
*[[Hades]]
*[[Rock Titan]]
*[[Ice Titan]]
*[[Lava Titan]]
*[[Tornado Titan]]

;[[Dark World]]
*[[Riku Replica]]
*[[Anti-Aqua]]

;[[The Mysterious Tower]] {{note|World only seen in cutscenes}}
*[[Yen Sid]]

;[[Disney Castle]] {{note|World only seen in cutscenes}}
*[[Donald Duck]]
*[[Goofy]]
*[[Jiminy Cricket]]
*[[Mickey Mouse]]
*[[Chip and Dale]]
*[[Minnie Mouse]]
*[[Daisy Duck]]
*[[Pluto]]

;[[Radiant Garden]] {{note|World only seen in cutscenes}}
*[[Ansem the Wise]]
*[[Dilan]]
*[[Even]]
*[[Aeleus]]
*[[Ienzo]]
*[[Naminé]]

;[[Twilight Town]]
*[[Hayner]]
*[[Pence]]
*[[Olette]]
*[[Scrooge McDuck]]
*[[Remy]]
*[[Huey, Dewey, and Louie]]
*[[Merlin]]
*[[Isa]]
*[[Lea]]
*[[Roxas]]
*[[Xion]]

|valign="top" width="25%"|
;[[Toy Box]]
*[[Woody]]
*[[Buzz Lightyear]]
*[[Rex]]
*[[Hamm]]
*[[Little Green Men]]
*[[Green Army Men]]
<!--Slinky Dog, Emperor Zurg, Andy Davis and his family (mentioned)-->

;[[Kingdom of Corona]]
*[[Rapunzel]]
*[[Eugene Fitzherbert]]
*[[Pascal]]
*[[Maximus]]
*[[Mother Gothel]]

;[[Monstropolis]]
*[[Sulley]]
*[[Mike Wazowski]]
*[[Boo]]
*[[Randall]]
*[[CDA Agent]]

;[[Arendelle]]
*[[Elsa]]
*[[Anna]]
*[[Olaf]]
*[[Kristoff]]
*[[Sven]]
*[[Marshmallow]]
*[[Hans]]

;[[The Caribbean]]
*[[Jack Sparrow]]
*[[Will Turner]]
*[[Elizabeth Swann]]
*[[Hector Barbossa]]
*[[Tia Dalma]]
*[[Joshamee Gibbs]]
*[[Cutler Beckett]]
*[[Davy Jones]]
*[[Kraken]]

;[[San Fransokyo]]
*[[Hiro Hamada]]
*[[Baymax]]
*[[Dark Baymax]]
*[[Go Go Tomago]]
*[[Honey Lemon]]
*[[Wasabi]]
*[[Fred]]

;[[100 Acre Wood]]
*[[Winnie the Pooh]]
*[[Piglet]]
*[[Rabbit]]
*[[Tigger]]
*[[Roo]]
*[[Lumpy]]
*[[Gopher]]

|valign="top" width="25%"|
;[[Destiny Islands]] {{note|World only seen in cutscenes}}
*[[Sora]]
*[[Riku]]
*[[Kairi]]

;[[Castle Oblivion]] {{note|World only seen in cutscenes}} / [[Land of Departure]]
*[[Aqua]]
*[[Ventus]]
*[[Terra]]

;[[Keyblade Graveyard]] ([[The Final World]], [[Scala ad Caelum]])
*[[Eraqus]]
*[[Xehanort]]
*[[Young Xehanort]]
*[[Terra-Xehanort]]
*[[Dark Figure]]
*[[Ansem, Seeker of Darkness]]
*[[Xemnas]]
*[[Vanitas]]
*[[Xigbar]]
*[[Vexen]]
*[[Saïx]]
*[[Demyx]]
*[[Luxord]]
*[[Marluxia]]
*[[Larxene]]
*[[Dark Riku]]
*[[Chirithy]]
*[[Nameless Star]]
*[[Lingering Will]]
*[[Replica Xehanort]]s
*[[Ephemer]]
*[[Luxu]]
*[[Ira]]
*[[Invi]]
*[[Aced]]
*[[Gula]]
;[[Quadratum]]
*[[Yozora]]

;Other
*[[Maleficent]]
*[[Pete]]
*[[Moogle]]
*[[Meow Wow]] {{note|Summon only}}
*[[Wreck-It Ralph]]  {{note|Summon only}}
*[[Simba]]  {{note|Summon only}}
*[[Stitch]] {{note|Summon only}}
*[[Ariel]] {{note|Summon only}}
*[[The Master of Masters]]
|}

==Special editions==
A Deluxe Edition is available alongside the main release. The Deluxe Edition retails for $79.99 USD MSRP and includes an exclusive steelbook case, a mini-art book with concept artwork by Tetsuya Nomura, a collectible KHIII pin and the game in original packaging. A Square Enix Store exclusive edition was also available for $229.99 and it includes the Deluxe Edition along with three Bring Arts figures of Sora, Donald, and Goofy from their appearance in the Toy Box.<ref>[https://gematsu.com/2018/06/kingdom-hearts-iii-special-editions-announced-e3-2018-square-enix-showcase-trailer Kingdom Hearts III special editions announced, E3 2018 Square Enix showcase trailer]</ref>

==DLC==
{{main|List of Kingdom Hearts III DLC}}
Downloadable content (DLC) is available for the game, in the form of additional game elements<ref>[https://twitter.com/KINGDOMHEARTS/status/1083719463000788992 '''''Twitter (@KINGDOMHEARTS)''''']: "#KingdomHearts III free game update release schedule..."</ref> Keyblades, or the expansion [[Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind]].

===''Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind''===
{{main|Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind}}
''Kingdom Hearts III Re Mind'' is a paid downloadable expansion that adds new story scenes, gameplay areas, and bosses. It was released worldwide on January 23, 2020 on the PlayStation 4, and February 25, 2020 on the Xbox One.

===Patch update data===
<!-- release date for the Patch update should be added -->

Patch updates are available for free to all players.

* 1.01: Released on January 24, 2019. 
** The [[Memory Archive]] was added to the Title Menu.<ref>[https://www.jp.square-enix.com/kingdom/episode/ Square Enix's site's Episode]</ref> The English release for this DLC was given an English Dub.<ref>[https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2019-01-28/get-up-to-speed-on-kingdom-hearts-story-through-5-cute-timeline-videos/.142674 Get Up to Speed on Kingdom Hearts' Story Through 5 Cute Timeline Videos]</ref>
* 1.02: Released on January 30, 2019. 
** The epilogue ending for ''Kingdom Hearts III'' is made available upon beating the game.
* 1.03: Released on January 31, 2019. 
** A [[Yozora (video)|secret ending video]] is added to the game, and capable of being unlocked under certain conditions.
* 1.04: Released on April 23, 2019. 
** The difficulty level [[Critical Mode]] was added, with the exclusive abilities [[Critical Counter]], [[Critical Recharge]], and [[Critical Converter]].
** The [[Proof of Promises]] and [[Proof of Times Past]] are added.
** The enemy AI is adjusted.
** Treasures in the [[Frozen Slider]] mini-game can be checked from the results screen and Gummiphone.
** Synthesized items in the Moogle Shop now have checkmarks.
** Game Help messages added.
** New Save Data created after being installed.
* 1.05: Released on April 23, 2019.
** A New Game Plus option is added, allowing players to transfer Proofs, Keyblades, and unlocked selfie poses to a new save file.
** Photo capacity in the Gummiphone is now increased to 200.
* 1.06: Released on November 15, 2019.
** The Title Menu has been changed so that the "Theater", "Memory Archives", and "Tutorials" are now under a "Special" tab, instead of individually listed on the title screen.
** Various other issues have been fixed, including the [[Lock-On]] switching feature.
* 1.07: Released on January 22, 2020. 
** The [[Proof of Promises]] and the [[Proof of Times Past]] can be exchanged at the Moogle Shop for the Keyblades [[Oathkeeper]] and [[Oblivion]], respectively. These Keyblades come with new Formchanges.
** New abilities are also added, and are available to a save file once it has cleared the game: [[Quick Slash]], [[Flash Step]], [[Radial Blaster]], [[Aerial Sweep]], [[Aerial Dive]], and [[Last Charge]]. These abilities are carried over when New Game Plus is used.
** The Title Menu has been updated to include a link to the PlayStation Store.
** The sky above the Keyblade Graveyard after defeating the [[real Organization XIII]] has changed from grey clouds and purple flaming rain, to a shining twilight.
** Select cutscenes have been modified (mainly scenes in the Keyblade Graveyard, or the ending)<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RC_DAlu9HWA Kingdom Hearts 3 - Old and Updated Cutscenes Comparison - Main Story]</ref>:
*** In a scene involving Axel and Xemnas, the laser dome has and fires significantly more laser bolts.
*** A scene involving Master Xehanort and Kairi now has more-dramatic background music, instead of being mostly silent.
*** Scenes involving the sky above the Keyblade Graveyard have been updated to the new version of the sky. Shots showcasing the dark rain have been removed, since the rain no longer appears.
*** The pre-rendered ending cutscenes now have brighter lighting and more-vibrant colors. A shot in Destiny Islands now focuses on Riku instead of Donald and Goofy.
** The previously-optional cutscenes with [[Naminé]] and the [[Nameless Star]] in [[The Final World]] have been added to the Theater Menu.
* 1.08: Released on January 22, 2020. 
** Players are able to skip cutscenes in the opening customization and tutorial sections in the [[Dive to the Heart]].
* 1.09: Released on January 22, 2020. 
** Improvements have been made to air combo chains.
** Combo finishers can be canceled using [[Dodge Roll]] and [[Air Slide]].
** [[Magic Flash]] has been redone with new animation and a clearer hitbox.
* 1.10: Released on February 11, 2020. 
** The number of active [[Premium Menu]] codes is now displayed on the in-game HUD.
{{sec-stub}}

==Notes and references==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.square-enix.co.jp/kingdom/kh3/ Official Japanese website]
*[http://www.kingdomhearts.com/3/us/ Official North American website]
{{KH3}}
{{KH series}}
[[Category:Kingdom Hearts III]]
[[Category:Games]]
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