In the colorful and emotional world ofKingdom Hearts 3, one of the most exciting aspects for many players is the chance to control different characters throughout the story. While Sora remains the main playable character for the majority of the game, there are key moments when the narrative allows players to experience battles and gameplay through the eyes of other iconic figures. These moments are not only refreshing but also expand the storytelling by putting you directly in the shoes of some of the most beloved characters in the Kingdom Hearts universe. Whether it’s for a short combat sequence or a pivotal battle, these playable characters provide depth and variety to the overall gameplay experience.
Primary Playable Character
Sora
Sora is the heart and soul ofKingdom Hearts 3. As the main protagonist, he is the character players will control for the vast majority of the game. Sora’s combat style is fast, fluid, and heavily reliant on Keyblade transformations, magic spells, and team attacks. As you progress, you can unlock multiple Keyblades, each offering unique transformation styles and combo abilities.
Throughout the game, Sora teams up with Donald Duck and Goofy, forming a well-balanced trio. Sora’s ability to use attraction flow attacks, team abilities, and summons make him an incredibly versatile character. His character arc and emotional journey also tie directly into the overarching story, making his gameplay central to the entire experience.
Other Playable Characters in Kingdom Hearts 3
While Sora is the focus,Kingdom Hearts 3features several playable characters at key narrative points. These moments are usually brief but offer different combat mechanics and perspectives. Below are all the other characters players get to control during the game’s story.
Riku
Riku becomes playable during specific story segments, especially early on in the game. He has a unique Keyblade style and a different feel from Sora. Riku’s combos are heavier and more grounded, emphasizing strength and precise hits rather than Sora’s flashiness. His appearance as a playable character is mostly seen during cutscene-linked battles, like the fight against the Demon Tower in the Realm of Darkness.
Riku’s segments serve both gameplay and story purposes, giving players insight into his journey of redemption and his role in the war against the darkness. Though limited in duration, controlling Riku is a fan-favorite moment.
Aqua
Another important character that becomes playable in a significant part of the game is Aqua. A Keyblade Master from theBirth by Sleepinstallment, Aqua’s gameplay is elegant and magic-focused. When you control her, you’ll notice she moves differently, casting spells with a unique flow that feels distinct from both Sora and Riku.
Players take control of Aqua during a dramatic boss fight that reflects her internal struggle and strength. Her playable sequence is short but powerful, filled with emotional storytelling and intense action. It’s one of the most memorable moments in the game, especially for long-time fans of the series.
Roxas
In a highly anticipated scene during the Keyblade Graveyard segment, Roxas returns as a playable character for a brief battle. Wielding dual Keyblades, Roxas delivers fast-paced and high-damage combos. His battle against the Organization members showcases his strength and offers a different flavor of combat compared to Sora.
Though you can’t control Roxas outside of this segment, the short time you play as him is impactful and emotionally rewarding, especially considering his long and complex journey throughout the series.
Kairi (Cinematic Only)
Although Kairi plays a larger role in the narrative ofKingdom Hearts 3, she is unfortunately not directly playable by the user in battle scenarios. Some fans hoped to control her during the final battles after she trains with Axel, but her presence remains passive during gameplay. There is a cutscene where it seems like the player might get to play as her, but it transitions back to Sora before combat begins.
DLC and Additional Playable Characters
Limitcut and ReMind (DLC Content)
TheReMindDLC expands the playable character roster significantly. During the Limitcut episode and the ReMind campaign, you gain access to multiple characters during boss fights. These include:
- Riku
- Aqua
- Roxas
- Terra
- Ventus
- Kairi (in ReMind only)
These segments provide expanded control over the characters previously limited to cutscenes or single fights in the base game. Each character has their own unique fighting style, animations, and magic options. For example, Terra hits with massive power, while Ventus focuses on quick, acrobatic strikes. These battles are generally much harder than the main game and offer a more complex combat experience for players wanting a deeper challenge.
Sora in ReMind
Interestingly, even Sora gets new variations during the ReMind DLC. His abilities and team combinations shift depending on who he is fighting alongside. There are also moments where players can switch between characters mid-battle, providing a dynamic system that expands on the base gameplay’s flexibility.
Playable Characters and Their Combat Styles
Each playable character inKingdom Hearts 3offers a different approach to combat. Here’s a quick breakdown of their key traits:
- Sora: Balanced fighter with multiple Keyblade forms, magic, summons, and combo depth.
- Riku: Power-based melee combat, strong combos, and supportive magic.
- Aqua: Spell-focused with elegant movement and high mobility.
- Roxas: Dual-wielding speed and power, excellent for burst damage.
- Ventus: Agile and fast-paced, using wind-based and combo-heavy attacks.
- Terra: Heavy-hitting and defense-focused with slower movement but strong finishers.
- Kairi: Magic and light-based attacks with graceful animations (limited to DLC).
Why Playable Characters Matter in Kingdom Hearts 3
Being able to control different characters adds richness to the storytelling and immersion ofKingdom Hearts 3. Each playable moment reflects a key emotional or plot-related development, making those fights feel more than just battles. Whether it’s controlling Aqua to face her trauma or using Roxas to settle old scores, the game uses gameplay as a narrative tool.
For long-time fans of the series, these moments are deeply satisfying. They allow you to step into the role of characters you’ve followed for years, even if just for a few intense moments. The addition of playable characters also helps break up the flow of the game, keeping the combat fresh and varied from beginning to end.
Kingdom Hearts 3may center around Sora, but the inclusion of multiple playable characters especially in key parts of the game and through theReMindDLC provides fans with a dynamic and meaningful gameplay experience. Each character contributes to the overarching story with their own unique combat styles and emotional arcs. While the main game keeps these sequences brief, they are memorable highlights that deepen both the gameplay and the narrative.
If you’re exploring everything this title has to offer, taking note of when and how each character becomes playable can make your journey through the worlds ofKingdom Heartseven more rewarding.