Final Fantasy XV's last DLC gets a release date, anime prequel

After a long, complex development history that borders on legendary, multiple updates, a feature film, three DLC episodes, and numerous crossover events, it looks like Square Enix is finally really to move on past Final Fantasy XV. Before they do, however, they have one more story to tell, and they've announced just when they plan on telling it.

Final Fantasy XV: Episode Ardyn, releasing on March 26, will let players experience the origins of Ardyn Lucis Caelum from the point of view of the villain himself. Although, by the end of all of it, you may find that "villain" might not exactly be the right word.

In order to hype players up for the upcoming episode - and to help fill in some of the blanks along the way - Square Enix has also produced a fifteen minute animated short, entitled Final Fantasy XV: Episode Ardyn- Prologue (now there's a to-the-point title if I've ever seen one). It sets the stage for the episode to follow and, by proxy, the events of the rest of the game. You can watch the whole short below:

Much like Noctis and the others in his party, players will be able to access a wide array of Ardyn's powers, as well as being able to quickly travel across the world map. Younger versions of some familiar faces will make appearances, as well as some new characters that Square Enix assures us are "exciting and essential".

Sadly, this new episode is a stand-alone product and is not included in Final Fantasy XV's Season Pass or Royal Edition. No price has been announced as of yet, but if it's more than $19.99, we'd be very surprised.

Episode Ardyn will be available on all platforms that you can find Final Fantasy XV on.