With the highly anticipated release of Kingdom Hearts 4, fans of the Square Enix action RPG series have been eagerly speculating about what the new saga will bring. The introduction of Sora into the realistic world of Quadratum has opened up the possibility for significant changes in the fantastical Disney crossover franchise. However, amidst this shift, one crucial aspect of the games has remained untouched: the iconic Kingdom Key wielded by Sora. While the lifelike Shibuya and its bustling pedestrians in the reveal trailer may have surprised fans, the inclusion of the Kingdom Key ensured that the series' essence stayed true. Keyblades, the franchise's flagship weapons, have played integral roles in the lore since their introduction in the original game. Although Kingdom Hearts 3 received mixed reviews, it missed out on including numerous significant weapon options from previous games. As Kingdom Hearts 4 embarks on a fresh start, it presents the perfect opportunity to reintroduce some of the series' most beloved Keyblades.
Pumpkinhead
Ends of the Earth
The Pumpkinhead, with its impressive power, extended reach, and eye-catching design, has become a beloved choice for many players. Sourced from Halloweentown, this Disney-themed weapon ranks among the finest in the series. Although A Nightmare Before Christmas may no longer be at the forefront of pop culture, any mention of this dark Keyblade is guaranteed to delight fans endlessly. Given the mixed reactions to Disney properties like Tangled and Frozen having their own dedicated sections in Kingdom Hearts 3, the return to a more groundbreaking approach, involving characters such as Jack Skellington, has the potential to be exceptionally well-received.
Previously brandished by Terra's formidable Lingering Will super boss form, this Keyblade's subsequent appearance in Birth by Sleep served to solidify its status as a legendary weapon. Its exorbitant size and extraordinary power make wielding it an incredibly visceral experience for Sora or any protagonist in the Kingdom Hearts series. With its ability to shape-shift into various forms, such as a glider and a bow, its triumphant return in Kingdom Hearts 4 would undoubtedly captivate and exhilarate fans of Birth by Sleep.
End of Pain
Metal Chocobo
The Dream Drop Distance game introduces the End of Pain Keyblade, which stands out as one of the most striking weapon designs in the entire franchise. With its demonic wing motif, this Keyblade emanates a foreboding and majestic aura that perfectly matches the immense challenge needed to obtain it. While the iconic Ultima Weapon is consistently present throughout the series, deviating from the norm to incorporate something as captivating as the End of Pain is definitely worth it.
The Metal Chocobo, a reward for defeating Cloud in Kingdom Hearts' Olympus Coliseum, pays homage to the iconic Buster Sword wielded by the protagonist in Final Fantasy. With the highly anticipated release of Final Fantasy 7 Remake, now is the perfect time to embrace this classic design. As rumors suggest a greater presence of Final Fantasy characters in Kingdom Hearts 4, there is a good chance that this weapon will make a return. However, it is not the only Keyblade of its kind.
One-Winged Angel/Fenrir
The super boss of the original Kingdom Hearts, Sephiroth, rewards players with the One-Winged Angel Keyblade upon defeat. Although it possesses a powerful critical hit ability, its effectiveness is hindered by a magic penalty. However, despite this drawback, its undeniable cool appearance has made it a fan favorite. Another fantastic reward for overcoming Sephiroth is Fenrir, a Keyblade with a remarkable design in Kingdom Hearts 2. Inspired by the crossover characters from Final Fantasy 7, Fenrir's unique look is highly appreciated and deserves a return, regardless of any weaknesses it may have had in its original form. In exciting news, Kingdom Hearts 4 is currently in development.