Kingdom Hearts 4 Images Released

New Kingdom Hearts 4 screenshots have surfaced following the cancellation of Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link. Here’s a closer look at the revealed images and the unexpected end of development for Missing-Link.

Kingdom Hearts 4 Stirs with New Screenshots as Missing-Link Is Canceled

Latest Kingdom Hearts 4 Images Reveal New Heartless Type and Playable King Mickey

After three years of silence, Kingdom Hearts 4 has reemerged with a fresh batch of screenshots. On May 15, official Kingdom Hearts social media accounts released several new images, offering fans a long-awaited glimpse of the upcoming sequel. Square Enix also confirmed that development remains in active progress.

"The team is hard at work on Kingdom Hearts IV, pouring our hearts into development to create an experience that meets your expectations," the announcement began. "We see your excitement and are deeply grateful. We share your anticipation and look forward to sharing more about Kingdom Hearts IV when the time comes. Thank you for your patience!"

Although no release window was provided, the images sparked fan excitement and speculation. One standout screenshot shows King Mickey in what appears to be a playable role. While Mickey was playable in earlier titles like Kingdom Hearts 2 and 358/2 Days, his involvement was often restricted—such as stepping in during critical moments or specific missions. This new image suggests a possible return to a playable role, even if limited.

One theory proposes that the library Mickey is seen in may be located in Scala ad Caelum, a world visited near the end of Kingdom Hearts 3. His purpose there remains unclear, but it may involve the Foretellers—a group of Keyblade Masters expected to play a major role in the new saga.

Other screenshots feature Sora, now with his more realistic proportions, in different scenarios. One image shows a battle against a new Heartless variant, while another captures Sora in Quadratum’s streets as a radiant glow appears in the distance. The combat image hints at a possible "Build" mechanic, which may enable Sora to create weapons like grappling hooks or drills.

Another screenshot includes Strelitzia—previously seen in the reveal trailer and Kingdom Hearts Union X—alongside a rotary phone. Since Quadratum is modeled after real-world Tokyo, as director Tetsuya Nomura noted in a 2022 Famitsu interview, rotary phones fit the setting. It’s uncertain how this affects the gummiphones from Kingdom Hearts 3, but fans can hope for features like photo-sharing on the game’s equivalent of Instagram.

These screenshots mark a significant moment for Kingdom Hearts fans, coming after a prolonged information drought. Kingdom Hearts 4 was first announced during the series’ 20th Anniversary event in April 2022, and fans are optimistic that the wait won’t mirror the decade-long gap between Kingdom Hearts 2 and 3.

For more Kingdom Hearts 4 coverage, check out our article below!