I loved 2012’s Bravely Default on the Nintendo 3DS, and when the HD remaster launched as a Switch 2 launch title last June, it was one of the highlights of a pretty stacked lineup. Now, Square Enix is bringing Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster to even more players, as the game is available today on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC with Xbox Play Anywhere support, and PC via Steam.
For those unfamiliar with the original, Bravely Default is a turn-based RPG from Team Asano, the studio that would go on to create the Octopath Traveler series. Set in the world of Luxendarc, players join a party of four, including Agnès Oblige, Tiz Arrior, Edea Lee, and Ringabel, on a quest to restore the world’s elemental crystals. The game’s signature mechanic lets players “Brave” to spend points for multiple actions in a single turn, or “Default” to defend and bank those points for later.
Combined with over 20 unique jobs and a wonderful soundtrack from Revo, it’s a JRPG that aged surprisingly well, considering it’s originally a 3DS game released over a decade ago. The HD remaster features upgraded visuals, quality-of-life improvements, redesigned UI for modern screens, and new minigames. Character designs come from Akihiko Yoshida, who RPG fans might also recognize from Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles and NieR:Automata.
The Xbox and PC versions are compatible with both Steam Deck and the ROG Xbox Ally, so handheld players have options outside of Switch 2. To celebrate the launch, Square Enix is offering a 20 percent discount on Xbox and Steam, and anyone who purchases the game will receive a digital art book accessible through D-Viewer as a permanent bonus. The Bravely franchise has sold over four million units worldwide, so if you missed out on the original or the Switch 2 version, now’s a good time to see what you’ve been missing out on.
