Square Enix thought of everything with Final Fantasy 16. However, it likely didn't expect the game to push the PlayStation 5 so hard that it's killing itself.

This is what's happening right now as players finally got a chance to enjoy the latest PS5 exclusive after critics praised it as GOTY material.

While no one is complaining about how good FF16 looks or how well it plays, some PS5 consoles can't seem to handle the heat, so to speak.

I’m playing a game that isn’t out yet, where a boss fight made my PS5 overheat so much that it just turned off completely at the end of the fight. So if you guys plan on buying any new games in the near future for a day 1 PS5 make sure you clean it out thoroughly. 😂

— Suzi Hunter (@TheSphereHunter) June 19, 2023

Fans report a worrisome trend of PS5s overheating during gameplay, particularly during the game's epic boss battles. The tweets from players, along with threads on Reddit and ResetEra, recount instances of PS5s running hot and, in some cases, shutting down while running FF16. This issue isn't confined to the final game either, as it was reported during the demo phase.

The spotlighted issue appears to be specific to FF16, with users noting that their console showed no signs of dust, which is a common culprit for overheating. Many speculate that a potential design flaw in the first-generation PS5s is to blame. It's either that or FF16 may be uniquely triggering the problem.

However, others aren't quite convinced, believing that a simple cleaning of their console fans resolved the overheating issue.

If this is indeed a problem rooted in the game's design or execution, the burden would likely fall on Square Enix, FF16's developers, to release a patch or fix. However, it's essential to remember that, at this stage, the issue isn't conclusively widespread. With FF16 just being released worldwide, it remains to be seen if this is a pervasive problem or isolated to a smaller subset of players.

Until we have a clearer picture, players need not be helpless victims of these potential hardware meltdowns. There are preventative measures to ensure FF16 doesn't turn your gaming experience into a hot mess. Switching FF16's settings from "Graphics" to "Frame Rate" could reduce the tax on your PS5's CPU. You could also turn off HDR from the PS5 settings to help with performance, albeit at the cost of color contrast. Additionally, positioning your PS5 in an open, well-ventilated area off the floor can prevent dust collection and aid heat dispersion.

These solutions aim to address the overheating issue specifically with FF16. The same tip may help if you're experiencing stuttering during gameplay as well. If you suspect dust accumulation is the root cause of your overheating woes, there are guides available to assist in carefully cleaning your console.

Final Fantasy 16 promises to be another exciting chapter in the renowned franchise. But as fans across the globe gear up to delve into Valisthea's realm, this unexpected wrinkle in the form of overheating consoles is surely a distraction that neither the players nor Square Enix wanted. While we wait for an official response from the developers and a possible remedy, it's a good reminder for players to maintain their consoles regularly, ensuring they stay dust-free and properly ventilated.

At the very least, a potential solution, the PS5 Pro, is reportedly just right around the corner.

Ultimately, this issue brings into focus the delicate balance between game complexity and hardware capabilities. As games become increasingly elaborate and resource-demanding, gaming consoles must match the pace. It's a dance that will continue into the future, with the occasional misstep, as we see with FF16 and PS5. Still, each stumble provides valuable lessons, making the gaming world a better place in the end.