As we step into 2025, it’s starting to feel a little quiet on the Kingdom Hearts 4 front, especially considering there hasn’t been any buzz since its announcement in 2022. On top of that, Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link experienced a delay back in November 2024 without a new release date in sight, though a debut this year remains within the realm of possibility. Fans of Kingdom Hearts are quite accustomed to the franchise’s notoriously unpredictable timelines, but there’s hope that Kingdom Hearts 4 won’t take nearly as long as the six-year wait that plagued Kingdom Hearts 3. Whether or not this year brings any new developments, the franchise still holds a special place in the hearts of many, and fans will be anxiously awaiting any signs of life.
While there’s still a lot shrouded in mystery regarding Kingdom Hearts 4, the dedicated community is more than ready to dive into the world of speculation. The teaser for the upcoming game, alongside KH3’s secret ending and the closing moments of Melody of Memory, has given fans a lot to discuss. As with every Kingdom Hearts entry, the next installment is sure to spring unexpected cameos and plot twists. Figuring out the Disney worlds featured in Kingdom Hearts 4 has become a popular pastime, but another intriguing aspect revolves around the potential party members these worlds might introduce.
The Ideal Party Members for Kingdom Hearts 4
Donald and Goofy
While innovation is key, Kingdom Hearts thrives on nostalgia, and nothing embodies this better than the iconic trio of Sora, Donald, and Goofy. Although Sora might spend a significant chunk of Kingdom Hearts 4 away from his companions, witnessing a heartfelt reunion as the game progresses would be a memorable highlight. Goofy’s strength and resilience, paired with Donald’s powerful and healing magic, would shine even brighter if KH4 includes more refined party AI. Regardless of the path forward, we’ve not seen the last of Donald and Goofy; their adventures with Sora are far from over.
Strelitzia
Straight out of the Kingdom Hearts Union Cross mobile game, Strelitzia—or someone strikingly similar—is introduced as part of the enigmatic Quadratum, a setting that seems to transcend traditional reality. Her role in the upcoming game is unclear, but her presence in this mysterious realm is bound to be revealed in due course. For fans of the mobile installment, her joining Sora as a party member could be a thrilling development, even though Kairi was a long-anticipated choice for such a position by many.
Riku
The clues seem to point towards Sora’s old friends reuniting with him before the series draws to a close, and Riku might be one of the first. As revealed in Melody of Memory, Riku uses the Power of Waking in his quest to find Sora, and he’s likely to make an appearance in one of the upcoming worlds. Whether as a temporary companion, similar to Kingdom Hearts 2, or integrating as a significant player with newcomers in KH4, Riku’s involvement would please those eager for more Sora and Riku collaborations.
Yozora
Though Riku’s return seems inevitable, there’s already another potential ally in Quadratum: Yozora. Initially introduced as an Easter egg in Kingdom Hearts 3’s Toy Story world, he was later revealed to be a significant character in KH3’s secret ending and ReMind DLC. If Verum Rex, a fictional game in the series, is any indication, Yozora might end up wielding his formidable abilities to assist Sora. Irrespective of his involvement in KH4, his mysterious attributes demand clarity.
Other Returning Keyblade Masters
While Quadratum remains largely uncharted, this new world may serve as a perfect stage for Kingdom Hearts’ diverse original characters to shine. Popular groups like the Wayfinder trio from Birth By Sleep or the Sea Salt trio from 358/2 Days are contenders for playable roles, with King Mickey and Kairi also deserving more screen time. Additionally, seeing Keyblade users like Lauriam, Elrena, Ava, Skuld, and even Luxord’s original form would excite fans, especially as each holds keys to unresolved storylines. It wouldn’t be shocking to even spot a rejuvenated Young Xehanort.
Luke Skywalker
For many, the anticipation isn’t just around which Kingdom Hearts characters might appear but also the Disney icons that could become allies in distinct worlds. A particularly thrilling thought is Sora joining forces with Star Wars’ Luke Skywalker. While a Star Wars-themed world is still not confirmed for Kingdom Hearts 4, the opportunity to bring the original trilogy’s young Luke into play for impressive moments would be too good to pass up.
New Disney and Square Enix Party Members
With Kingdom Hearts 4 on the horizon, there’s plenty of room for crossover collaborations, providing a spotlight for both Disney and potentially Square Enix characters. Worlds that Kingdom Hearts hasn’t ventured into before should take priority, with tantalizing possibilities like:
- Moana and Maui from Moana
- Héctor from Coco
- The Parr Family from The Incredibles
- Marvel icons—especially Spider-Man
- Jim Hawkins from Treasure Planet
- New faces from Final Fantasy, with FF15’s Noctis as a standout pick
- Sho Minamimoto from NEO: The World Ends With You
- Anyone from Dragon Quest
Even if Kingdom Hearts 4 only manages to introduce a handful of standout companions, it could still host some of the most memorable team-ups the series has ever seen.
