Firstly, I know there isn’t an optimal order to play all theFinal Fantasygames and that every mainline is an entirely standalone experience. I’m notthatstupid. However, humor me for a bit.
Suppose you are at gunpoint or someone is paying you to write a guide for a friend who knows nothing about the series and doesn’t particularly like JRPGs but is keen to try the Final Fantasy games.
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Your goal is to help them discover and fall in love with the franchise gradually rather than scaring them away right from the start by suggesting Final Fantasy XIII.
That changes the perspective a bit, doesn’t it? And that’s precisely what I’ll attempt to do here. It doesn’t mean you have to agree with me, but why not try to make a suggestive list ofFinal Fantasygames to bring new fans to our beloved franchise? We all know Square loves that.
I won’t include MMORPGs because they’re entirely separate experiences, but I will add the remake ofFinal Fantasy VIIalongside the classic.
1Final Fantasy XVI
Your Entry Ticket
Final Fantasy 16
To ease new players in, I’ll start by suggesting the latest mainline,Final Fantasy XVI. Even though I disagree with Yoshi-P that new players don’t want turn-based RPGs, I do recognize that, statistically, action games are more popular than turn-based ones.
And it’s exactly in its action sequences thatFinal Fantasy XVIshines. The game lacks customization options and party members, allowingJRPG newcomers to playin a more streamlined way without spending hours on progression.
Besides that, FFXVI boasts a phenomenal story and breathtaking set pieces, especially in the Eikon battles, which serve as a great introduction to the mythology of the entire franchise. FromFinal Fantasy XVIand on, we’ll start diving into titles with more RPG elements.
2Final Fantasy XV
A Final Fantasy For Fans And First-Timers
Final Fantasy 15
Fextralife Wiki
After booting upFinal Fantasy XV, a message appears on the screen saying, “A Final Fantasy For Fans And First-Timers,” and the thing is, Square has been trying to do that with the franchise for a long time.
I believe that’s why none of the games are direct sequels, because, in the developers' eyes, every entry is a starting point.
Final Fantasy XVmarked the first time the franchise’s focus shifted to action, but unlike FFXVI, it still offers a good deal of customization, progression, and equipment. The latest versions of the game even let you control the party members, expanding the gameplay scope.
To be honest,Final Fantasy XVis one of my least favorite entries in the franchise. Yet, I recognize that it has a dedicated fanbase and one of the best party interactions. The good thing is that if you play this one, you’ll get used to some of the cheesy story beats of the series, as well as the magical chemistry the party characters always have with each other.
The game’s huge caveat? You’ll probably have to watch an anime and a movie, buy its recipe book, play all the DLCs, and read a novel to understandFinal Fantasy XIV’s whole universe, and you’ll still miss a few plot points here and there.
3Final Fantasy VII Remake
Best of Both Worlds
Final Fantasy VII Remake
For me, the combat inFinal Fantasy VII Remakeis one of thebest action RPGsystems nowadays. You can’t just mindlessly button mash. If you want to be efficient, you have to equip the right Materia, pay attention to enemy weaknesses, and master all your party members on the field.
Final Fantasy VII Remakebrings the ATB system adapted for action. That’s why it’s an excellent introduction for players who don’t want to dive straight into a turn-based format but will still experience moments of pause, battle analysis, and the application of the best strategies.
Naturally, being a remake, it also incorporates various modern sensibilities that can appeal to newcomers. It’s never too late to discover one of the most famous casts in the JRPG world. Plus, if you like it, you can jump straight toRebirth, which is one of the best games I’ve ever played in my life.
4Final Fantasy X
Turn-Based Battle Starts
Final Fantasy 10
I asked a couple of friends about this list’s topics, and many of them suggestedFinal Fantasy Xas an introduction. While I agree to some extent because it’s my favorite offline Final Fantasy, I know its full turn-based battle system, and the notorious random encounters might scare the uninitiated.
Still, after experiencing three different Final Fantasy games, all leaning more towards action, it’s time to join the big leagues and discover why old fans keep shouting that FF lost its essence when it abandoned command-based battles.
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Some people argue that ATB isn’t a true turn-based system. Still, it remains one of my favorite approaches to JRPG combat.
Final Fantasy Xhas a combat system called CTB, which stands for Conditional Turn-Based Battle. We can see the turn order of each fighter on the left side, but instead of everyone acting once per round, it’s possible to manipulate the order with skills and magic or if a party member is speedy.
The advantage ofFFX’scombat over others is that it’s clear to see how each move really affects the gameplay, which motivates you to have a more tactical approach and even read the effects of every skill.
And if, by chance, you really don’t like turn-based combat but are loving everyFinal Fantasyplot, know thatFFXhas one of the mostheartwarming and well-told stories in JRPGs, and that alone makes it worth investing your time.
5Final Fantasy XII
Real-Time Turn-Based Gameplay
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age
I considered suggestingFinal Fantasy XIIbeforeFinal Fantasy X, but perhaps it wouldn’t be ideal. Here, in the twelfth title, we still have the ATB system, and you’re able to play it perfectly as if it were a turn-based game. But it wants you to opt for a more real-time mode.
While roaming the fields, we encounter enemies and immediately engage in combat. We can enter a command menu, select an action, and our characters will execute them. Easy-peasy, turn combat, yay!
However,FFXIIfeatures the Gambit system, which lets you program actions under certain conditions, and depending on how much time you dedicate to it, the gameplay enters auto-mode. That’s why I preferred to suggest a more traditional turn-based likeFinal Fantasy XbeforeXII.
I imagine you’ll play the Zodiac Age version that introduces a modern staple of the Job System in the franchise. It’s still not as modular asFinal Fantasy V, for example, but you may still make countless builds and personalized customizations to your liking.
And if you enjoyed the political schemes seen inFinal Fantasy XVI, know that you’ll find more of them here.Bland protagonist Vaan aside, all the characters here are believable and human, allowing us to relate intimately with each one.
6Final Fantasy VII
The Franchise’s Breakthrough
Final Fantasy 7
So far, most entries have been visually pleasant. However, from now on, we’re stepping into those that require a sort of acquired taste, likeFinal Fantasy VIIand its blocky characters. Mind you, back in the day, those graphics were considered majestic, but they’re the characteristic that aged the worst inFinal Fantasy VII.
To sum it up, this was the game that put theFinal Fantasyseries in the global spotlight. It presents an ambitious and, at times, complex story, a simple yet strategic battle system, and the famous CGs that brought a whole new level of production value to games.
If you manage to get pastFinal Fantasy VII’sgraphical barrier, you’ll have one of the best gaming experiences of your life.
The combat here uses the ATB system, similar to what we see inFinal Fantasy XII, but this time in its purest form. Each character has their own weapon and Limit Break, but you may tweak their builds with countless Materias.
If you likeFinal Fantasy VII, then consider the door wide open to dive into any other entry. I recommend playing the remastered version since it’s the most accessible one with a few quality-of-life upgrades.
7Final Fantasy IX
Back To Fantasy
Final Fantasy 9
Let’s continue in the golden age of PS1 JRPGs withFinal Fantasy IX, which was intended to be a return to the series' high-fantasy style, featuring a more optimistic protagonist and a more colorful, vibrant setting.
FFIXalso uses thesame ATB systemasFinal Fantasy VII, but this time, each character is truly unique. It’s as if each party member belongs to a class with a set of skills, strengths, and efficiency. It’s something I deeply cherish, because I enjoy swapping my party at all times.
The narrative inFinal Fantasy IXhas a lighter tone, but that doesn’t mean its story is free of tragedies.
With each story beat, it dives deeper and deeper into problems and conflicts involving the world of Gaia, and even though this JRPG has one of the weakest final bosses in the franchise, Zidane and the gang’s journey is well worth it.
8Final Fantasy VI
Magnum Ops
Now, I could tell you to wrap up the PS1Final Fantasytrifecta, but that didn’t feel right. Hence, why I’m suggesting one of the best JRPGs on the SNES system and, for many, considered the bestFinal Fantasyoverall.
Final Fantasy VItook several elements introduced in the fourth game and amplified them to a tenth power, delivering marvelous storytelling, highly relatable characters, a turn-based yet dynamic battle system, and one of the best villains in the genre.
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Its level of polish, writing, and overall gameplay has set a standard that has sent shockwaves throughout the industry
The only possible caveat – not for me, but for you, newly arrived at the series – is its pixel art. There are various versions ofFinal Fantasy VIout there, but I recommend playing the Pixel Remaster. Ultimately, no matter which version you pick, stay away from that dreadful 3D Steam one, and you’ll be fine.
I’m a sucker for pixel art, but I know it can be a visual whiplash for those not used to it. However, if you don’t mind the adorable coziness of this artistic style or can at least tolerate it, prepare to dive into one of the most engaging narratives the video game medium has ever offered.
9Final Fantasy IV
Defining Storytelling
Final Fantasy 4
At this point, you’ve already played all the top-tier Final Fantasy entries, and you’re familiar with countless systems. Now it’s time to fill your badge as a hardcore fan by checking out both the older entries and those less beloved.
WhileFinal Fantasy IVdoesn’t top other entries already mentioned, it’s a great game to understand when the series shifted to focus on fixed characters with predetermined stories and dramatic storytelling that would shape the entire franchise.
Getting to know Cecil, witnessing his redemption arc, the plot twists, and the numerous charismatic party members allows you to grasp what entails aFinal Fantasy. It was inFFIVthat the ATB system was first introduced, changing the whole landscape of turn-based games within then-SquareSoft.
Since we have a mostly fixed party, progression is based solely on each character’s level, their respective Job, and equipment. That means your choices in battle determine your success more than a specific build. And let’s face it, if you made it throughFinal Fantasy VI, the fourth game will be a walk in the park.
10Final Fantasy V
Job Promotion
Final Fantasy 5
If by any chance you missed customization inFinal Fantasy IV, now’s the time to crank it to the max withFinal Fantasy V. The Job system wasn’t introduced here, but it was polished to the limit, to the point where it’s considered one of the best versions of this feature.
As we progress through the game, we unlock new Jobs and learn fresh abilities. When we switch to an untried Job, we can set a previously mastered one as a secondary command, massively expanding a character’s skillset.
I was never that good at this customization, but I know there are tons of game-breaking combinations.
The Job system and customization are the high points ofFinal Fantasy V. The game’s story, while well-rounded, doesn’t hit as hard as its predecessor’s. Still, you’ll get familiar with the cast and feel something in a few story beats, as long as you don’t mind the shenanigans of the main villain.
