[1] The game will have reaction commands similar to Kingdom Hearts II,[2][3] and introduces a new "scrap and build" mechanic.

The game takes place in Quadratum, an expansive city set in a realistic world inspired by Tokyo,[4] featuring a fictionalized Shibuya and Minami-Aoyama.

The advancement of hardware capabilities since the series began played a factor in determining the number of worlds created for the game.

Donald Duck and Goofy, the royal magician and knight captain of Disney Castle, also return after having served as Sora's party companions.

[9][10] In March 2020, Nomura said Versus XIII and Verum Rex were "completely different" but an "unexpected development" between the two was occurring,[11] and later confirmed the Shibuya in Quadratum was unrelated to that in The World Ends with You.

[13] In September 2020, Nomura stated that the development team was in the process of discussing the series' future plans between Square Enix and Disney, and that "nothing has been set in stone, but I do have some concepts percolating in my head".

[15] In April 2022, Square Enix revealed Kingdom Hearts IV was in development during the series' 20th anniversary celebration.

[16] Wesley Leblanc of Game Informer felt Nomura was able to realize his vision for Versus XIII with the game and the "Verum Rex side of the franchise", and called the inclusion of Donald and Goofy at the end of the trailer a way to reassure players that the Disney elements of the franchise would continue.