Why Kingdom Hearts 4 Should Take the Leap to a T Rating

Kingdom Hearts has always been a series that blends whimsy and darkness in unique ways. From its early days as an Everyone (E) rated game to Kingdom Hearts 2’s shift to Everyone 10+ (E10+), the franchise has gradually embraced more complex stories and deeper themes. Now, as Kingdom Hearts 4 gears up to tell a more mature, darker, and emotionally intense tale — with Sora older, isolated, and facing challenges unlike anything before — it’s only natural that the series should take the next logical step: adopting a Teen (T) rating.

The shift to T would align perfectly with the narrative direction KH4 appears to be taking. The trailers and leaks suggest a story that’s less about the light-hearted camaraderie of the earlier games and more about personal struggle, loss, and the psychological toll of a relentless quest. Sora’s journey in KH4 is expected to test him mentally, emotionally, and physically in ways that require a tone more nuanced and serious. The stakes seem higher, the enemies darker, and the world itself less forgiving. A T rating would give the developers the freedom to explore these themes without the constraints that come with a more family-friendly rating.

We can look to other major franchises for precedent. Final Fantasy, long known for its mature storytelling and complex characters, traditionally settled into a T rating for most of its recent mainline titles. However, with Final Fantasy 16, the series made a significant leap by earning its first M (Mature) rating, diving even deeper into darker, grittier territory. This evolution reflects the natural maturation of the franchise and its audience. Kingdom Hearts, with its growing fanbase that has aged alongside it, should follow a similar path — evolving its rating to match the depth and complexity of its narrative and gameplay.

It’s important to remember Kingdom Hearts’ rating history as well. The original Kingdom Hearts launched as an Everyone (E) game, capturing younger audiences with its bright visuals and accessible gameplay. Kingdom Hearts 2 moved the series to Everyone 10+ (E10+), reflecting the introduction of more challenging themes and gameplay. Now, with KH4 set to be the most emotionally charged and narratively complex installment yet, a Teen (T) rating would be both appropriate and welcome. It signals to fans that this is a Kingdom Hearts experience meant for a more mature audience — one ready to engage with darker storylines and more intense gameplay.

Ultimately, a T rating for Kingdom Hearts 4 is not about alienating younger fans but about acknowledging the series’ growth. It’s about giving Square Enix the creative freedom to tell the story Sora deserves — one that respects the emotional weight of his journey and offers gameplay and storytelling complexity to match. For the franchise to continue evolving and remain relevant to its core audience, moving to a Teen rating is the natural and necessary next step.