Summary
The FinalsSeason 3 is all set to launch on Jun 19, 2025, with a feudal Japan-themed season. Considering the journey that the FPS game has had since its launch in December 2023, it’s not surprising that Embark Studios is going all in once again. Not only isThe FinalsSeason 3 bringing in a new map, but players will also be treated to fresh weapons, gadgets, as well as a fleshed-out Battle Pass.
The feudal Japan setting is quite popular in gaming, with many titles set in it over the years. However,The FinalsSeason 3’s take comes at a tough time. Simply put, the market seems quite saturated with such games at the moment, includingGhost of Tsushima’s recent PC launch. And while the comments section of the trailer’s reveal on YouTube is filled with positive reception for the feudal Japan theme, actual player engagement remains to be seen.
The Finals Season 3 Risks Feudal Japan-Themed Content in A Saturated Market
The FinalsSeason 3 is committed to immersiveness in the feudal Japan-themed update. The new map, Kyoto 1568, will bring in much-needed respite from the urban areas that the FPS title is known for. The destruction elements will still be on point, but the overall setting comes at a time when players may be saturated with the nation’s historic representation in games. And while one thematic season may not earn it a place on the list of thebest video games set in Japan, the experience is what counts.
Recent months saw the launch of PS5-exclusiveRise of the Ronin. It is set during Bakumatsu in the mid-19th century, the trailing years of the Edo period.Ghost of Tsushimaalso had its PC launch on May 17, where it later crossed 75,000 concurrent players toovertakeGod of Waras the biggest PC launch of a first-party PlayStation title. During all this time, Ubisoft also revealedAssassin’s Creed Shadows- a title set in feudal Japan with two protagonists at the helm. Although there’s time for its release on August 01, 2025, the period’s representation in gaming seems saturated for this year at least.
Considering gamer sentiment is usually influenced by all of pop culture and not just gaming,blockbuster hit FX’sShogunis also a big-name rendition of feudal Japan that recently wrapped up its journey.The FinalsSeason 3’s setting may thus have a bit of a tough time in retaining player engagement. This doesn’t mean that the FPS game won’t be doing justice to its own distinctive take, but there’s a chance this content update may not be as fruitful as Embark Studios is hoping for.
The Finals Season 3’s Feudal Japan-themed Map and Weapons Explored
The FinalsSeason 3 is set to be a major content update, as explained by the trailer showcased atSummer Game Fest 2024and Community Lead Oscar Lundberg’s announcements on the game’s official Discord server. Naturally, this has drawn much fan attention and is likely to reinvigorate the gameplay loop.
To begin with,The FinalsSeason 3’s feudal Japan-based setting will add a new map, Kyoto 1568. It is set to be one of the most strategic ones yet, with Embark Studios’ describing it as: “Intense terrain height variation, interconnected, layered buildings with hidden traversal options underneath, encourage free-flowing, fluid, and sneaky player movement. Traditional Japanese Shoji paper walls that players can shoot through dial destruction up to eleven.”
Naturally, the content update will also bring in thematic additions and replacements to the gear. Although new items have been mentioned, there is currently no information on what will be replaced. To go in order,The Finals’best Light buildswill likely change due to the new Recurve Bow weapon and the Thermal Bore gadget. The former’s projectiles will travel in an arc and the damage/distance will depend on how much it is drawn back. The gadget will work long-distance, complementing a sniper build, and help breach walls and open up new routes and sightlines.
Meanwhile, Dual Katanas will be added toThe Finals’Medium class builds; it’s a new melee option that offers combo opportunities, can lunge-attack, and also deflect bullets. Meanwhile, the Heavy class will receive the Spear, a long-range weapon that can lunge and stab and can also be flailed around for an AoE attack. This will go hand-in-hand with the new Winch Claw specialization that will hook in and pull enemies towards players, while also delivering a stun.
Overall,The FinalsSeason 3’s feudal Japan-based setting seems apt for a highly competitive game, but the player count beyond the June 13 launch will showcase whether fans are up for the change or if they need to take a break.
The Finals
WHERE TO PLAY
Viewers at home, here’s the news you’ve been waiting to hear: THE FINALS is accepting new contestants, and that means YOU! That’s right, soon the world could be watching YOU tear apart our newest dynamic arenas and seize everlasting fame!As you know, THE FINALS is the world’s greatest free-to-play combat game show! Our contestants plug in to our virtual world and join teams in escalating tournaments. They fight it out in our beautifully-rendered arenas based on real-world locations that they can alter, exploit, and even destroy.Sure, you can aim and shoot, but contestants that add our carefully curated virtual environments to their arsenal are more likely to advance, so do anything you can imagine in the name of victory! Burn arenas to the ground! Send wrecking balls crashing into your opponents! Don’t just pull triggers - pull down buildings!
