How To Play The Final Fantasy Games In Order
However, if we dive into the universe design and story of the series, we can notice that the universe has small connections and references from the first game to the last game.
Since the Final Fantasy series has games full of different and original stories, it may intimidate players who will experience the series for the first time. But you don't have to worry because we have listed the order in which the Final Fantasy series should be played for you!
The Complete List of FF Games and Playing Order
- Final Fantasy
- Final Fantasy 2
- Final Fantasy 3
- Final Fantasy 4
- Final Fantasy 5
- Final Fantasy 6
- Final Fantasy 7
- Crisis Core Final Fantasy 7
- Final Fantasy 7 Remake
- Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
- Final Fantasy 8
- Final Fantasy 9
- Final Fantasy X
- Final Fantasy X-2
- Final Fantasy 11
- Final Fantasy 12
- Final Fantasy 12 The Zodiac Age
- Final Fantasy 13
- Final Fantasy 13-2
- Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13
- Final Fantasy 14
- Final Fantasy 15
- Final Fantasy 16
Final Fantasy
Final Fantasy, one of the oldest role-playing games in gaming history, is a game in which we play four main characters representing four different elements and strategically defeat our opponents with a turn-based combat system. Final Fantasy, the first game of the series, is an ideal choice for those looking for a nostalgic gaming experience, even though it has old graphics and gameplay mechanics. Since Final Fantasy was influenced by other RPG games and tabletop role-playing games at the time of its release, it has influences from games such as DnD Monster Manual and Dragon Warrior.
Final Fantasy II
Final Fantasy II, which is the sequel to the first game that saved the company from bankruptcy, tells the story of the characters Guy, Maria, Firion and Leon. FFII, the second game of the series, has a turn-based combat system and elemental abilities that can dominate each other. This game, which looks quite old compared to today's games, is a game you should try if you are interested in old-school RPG games.
Final Fantasy III
When the story of four orphaned children becoming heroes told in FFII became popular with the players, Square Enix came up with the idea of designing a new game that continued the same theme and changed the main characters.
This time, the names of our heroes in the story are Arc, Luneth, Refia and Ingus, respectively. The main feature that distinguishes this game from others is that it has a job-changing system. Thus, you can change the jobs of your characters and increase your power depending on the type of enemies you fight.
Final Fantasy IV
Continuing to develop the series with each new game, Square Enix introduced both a new story and a new gameplay mechanic with the Final Fantasy IV game. Final Fantasy IV is a game in which we experience the story of the character named Cecil Harvey and prevent the wizard Golbez from destroying the world. We experience the Active Time Battle (ATB) system for the first time in this game. This system allows characters to use special abilities when the gauge bar is full. Also, unlike previous FF games, we can add 5 characters to our party in this game.
Final Fantasy V
Final Fantasy V is an action role-playing game in which we fight against the void. This game introduces Lenna, the daughter of the Tycoon King, who is among the playable characters. In the game, our characters equip their weapons and spells as warriors of light and fight against the energy of the void to prevent the crystals from corrupting. Final Fantasy V offers a job system that offers players 21 different jobs and allows you to combine the skills you specialize in a job with the skills in another job. Thus, each player can get a different experience and create their own strategies in challenging dungeons.
Final Fantasy VI
This game, in which we lead the rebellion against the Gesthalian empire, known as the Returnees, which accelerated the industrial revolution by experimenting on magical creatures, is the most unique game in the series in terms of violence and disturbing themes. Featuring a variety of philosophical themes, from the horror of chemical weapons to the cycle of hope and life, this game also features 14 playable characters. With 14 playable characters and various jobs, FFVI offers players a unique experience.
Final Fantasy 7
Final Fantasy 7, which is considered the revolutionary game of the series and has won the hearts of most players, is a game that tells themes such as its turn-based battle system, unique story, emotional connections between characters and human psychology. The story of the game deals with the struggle of industrialization with magic and the creation of super soldiers with the genes of the ancestors of wizards. If you are wondering which is the most impressive game of the Final Fantasy series, we recommend you experience this game.
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII is the game you should play to clear up any questions you may have after experiencing the old Final Fantasy 7 game and to better understand the story. This game complements the story and theme of the previous game. It will also provide a more enjoyable experience as it has better graphics and visuals than the previous game.
Final Fantasy VII Remake
After finishing Final Fantasy 7 and Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, we recommend that you switch to Final Fantasy VII Remake to experience the same story in a more compact way with 2020 graphics.
Even though FFVII Remake has skipped some chapters and themes in the story, it is a Final Fantasy game that you should play due to its gameplay mechanics, skill variety and graphics.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, which will be released on February 29, 2024, is a game that promises to express the story and themes that FFVII Remake lacks. This game will allow us to learn the story of Zack and other impressive characters better and is definitely a second chapter of the FFVII Remake. We are sure that FFVII Rebirth will have original gameplay mechanics, impressive graphics, and a great story!
Final Fantasy VIII
Magician Edea, who comes from the future, takes control of the minds of other magicians, and aims to cast a great spell in order to destroy time itself and send herself back to the past.
Edea's main purpose is to steal the power of all sorcerers and magicians who have lived in history and make it her own. A group of young mercenaries are sent to the future by a wizard to stop Edea. We must control this mercenary group throughout the game. This is the game in which a new ATB system has been added and the song "Eyes on Me" by Faye Yong is used as the theme music.
Final Fantasy IX
This game, in which we experience the story of Zidane, who was assigned to kidnap the princess of Alexandria, begins with us teaming up with Princess Garnet and working as her bodyguard. Princess Garnet and her team of thieves are tasked with stopping Queen Brahne, who started a war. Even though Final Fantasy IX isn't the most fun game in the series, it's definitely worth a try.
Final Fantasy X
Just like Final Fantasy VII, FFX is one of the most popular and interesting games in the series. With its colourful world design, advanced fantasy elements and impressive story, Final Fantasy X has become one of the most popular games of its era. FFX allows players to name the main character as they wish. Additionally, this game has replaced the old ATB system with a conditional round-based battle system. Just like in DnD games, each character's turn order is displayed as a list. In addition, the system of unlocking characters' abilities and gaining levels has been completely renewed in this game.
Final Fantasy X-2
This game, which is the sequel to Final Fantasy X, is a game in which we can play the characters Yuna, Rikku and Paine. Yuna goes on a journey with her team to find Tidus, who disappeared at the end of the first game but finds herself in the middle of a political conflict that could start a war. Final Fantasy X-2 is the first game in the series to have multiple endings and feature only female playable characters. Additionally, with this game, characters can take damage by triggering passive abilities such as attack of opportunity while preparing to attack. With this game, a system was added where we can change the class of characters in the middle of the battle.
Final Fantasy XI
FFXI, the first MMORPG game of the Final Fantasy series, is a game that offers players a variety of races and professions and promises an online experience. The Final Fantasy XI character creation screen allows you to choose from the origins Hume, Elvaan, Tarutaru, Galka, and Mithra. Each origin comes with its own advantages and special abilities. The story of the game is to defeat an evil entity called the shadow lord and bring peace to the lands of Vana'diel. Although the game lost support in 2016, players continue to log in and navigate the impressive lands of Vana'diel to this day.
Final Fantasy XII
FFXII, which tells the story of Princess Ashe, who creates a resistance operation to take back her captured kingdom, meets Vaan, who dreams of being a pirate, and together they fight against the tyranny of the Arkad empire, is a game you should definitely try. Although the game looks old compared to today's graphics, it offers an enjoyable experience with both its story and fun gameplay mechanics.
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age
You liked the story of Final Fantasy XII, but are you hesitant about its graphics? You can try Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age, the remastered version of the game for PS4 and Xbox One. This game is an alternative to FFXII, telling the exact same story.
Final Fantasy XIII
Final Fantasy XIII, in which we experience the story and struggle of Lightning, another playable female main character of the game after Yuna, is a game that every player should try, even for a few hours.
Lightning is a soldier chosen by one of the two gods of the FFXIII universe and fights against the other god's chosen one. Lightning's main goal is to find her lost sister rather than the war between the gods. Although FFXIII has a complex turn-based battle system, it is one of the most enjoyable games in the series in terms of graphics, animation, and story.
Final Fantasy XIII-2
With the city of Cacoon falling and the timelines colliding, everyone except Serah forgets Lightning's existence and the memories they had with her. Serah goes on a journey to find and remember Lightning again with a man who claims to be from the future. Throughout her journey, Serah is tasked with solving the paradoxes of time confusion and killing monsters that do not belong to this time.
Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII
Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII, the last part of the FFXIII trilogy and where the whole story ends, begins with our main character, Lightning, waking up from her 500-year sleep. As soon as Lightning wakes up, she receives the news that the world will end in 13 days. Our main character, who takes action to save everyone, learns the fate of the world. You'll need to finish it several times to experience all of the game's stories. The main reason for this is that the game has a time limit.
Final Fantasy XIV
FFIV, the second MMORPG game of the Final Fantasy series, is a game you will want to experience with its various character customization options and wide-open world. The story of the game tells the journey of the characters who teleport five years into the future to escape the destruction of the first dragon Bahamut. Since it does not contribute to the story of the game, we cannot say that FFXIV is a game you should definitely try.
Final Fantasy XV
FFXV is a game in which Noctis, and his three friends are tasked with facilitating negotiations between two empires, driving around, and killing monsters in the open world. The game was highly appreciated by the players due to the fun of roaming freely in the open world and the variety of impressive theme music.
Final Fantasy 16
FF16, which was released on June 22, 2023, and offers a single-player story experience, created revolutionary changes in the gameplay mechanics of the series.
This game, in which you have to break away from the FF-style turn-based battle system we are used to and make combos with Devil May Cry-style skills and weapons, also offers a new story. If you are asking if I can enter the Final Fantasy series with this game, the answer is definitely yes!