Expert ranking of the top 9 Final Fantasy games with practical tips for choosing your next epic RPG adventure
Introduction: Navigating the Final Fantasy Universe
As Final Fantasy XVI continues to captivate players, many are discovering Square Enix’s legendary RPG series for the first time. With over three decades of development across nearly every gaming platform, the franchise offers an incredible diversity of experiences that can be overwhelming for newcomers.
This definitive guide ranks the nine essential Final Fantasy games you should experience after completing FFXVI, with detailed analysis of what makes each title special and who it will appeal to most.
The series has evolved dramatically since its 1987 debut, transitioning from traditional turn-based combat to real-time action systems while maintaining its signature emphasis on deep storytelling and memorable characters. Even the original game received a reimagining through Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin, demonstrating the franchise’s enduring flexibility.
While certain installments have achieved legendary status among critics and fans, others represent more experimental phases in the series’ development. Our ranking considers historical impact, gameplay innovation, narrative quality, and modern accessibility to help you find your perfect next RPG adventure.
Warning: Major story spoilers for each game follow below!
Final Fantasy VII Remastered: The Timeless Classic
Clarifying upfront: we’re discussing the 2018/2019 HD remaster of the original PlayStation classic, not the 2020 remake. This version preserves the authentic experience while making it accessible on contemporary hardware, striking a perfect balance between nostalgia and modern convenience.
Cloud Strife’s journey against the Shinra Corporation while uncovering his fractured past represents one of gaming’s most influential narratives. FFVII demonstrated conclusively that video games could deliver cinematic storytelling with emotional depth comparable to film and literature. The game’s environmental themes, identity exploration, and character development established new standards for the medium.
For many players, Final Fantasy VII remains the series’ pinnacle achievement. The legendary soundtrack, unforgettable characters, and tale of eco-terrorists battling a corrupt megacorporation created a near-flawless RPG formula. Despite numerous evolutionary steps in the franchise, every subsequent entry inevitably faces comparison to this seventh installment.
Interestingly, the modern remake series consciously avoids directly recreating the original, instead crafting a parallel timeline where echoes of the classic events influence new narrative directions. This clever approach means even players who’ve experienced the remakes should explore the original, as these interconnected storylines will likely converge dramatically in the trilogy’s final chapter.
Pro Tip: Utilize the remaster’s built-in speed boost and battle assistance features to streamline grinding sessions without compromising the core experience.
Final Fantasy IX Remastered: Pure Fantasy Perfected
Final Fantasy IX represents the ultimate refinement of PlayStation-era design principles, synthesizing the strongest elements from VII and VIII into a more traditional fantasy adventure. The game deliberately returned to the series’ roots with a lighter narrative tone, charming character designs, and classic RPG mechanics that felt both nostalgic and fresh.
The departure from VII’s cyberpunk aesthetic and VIII’s military academy setting proved strategically timed. FFIX delivered a comforting return to crystals, Warriors of Light, and magical kingdoms that long-time fans had been missing. The delightful cast of characters—including the lovable thief Zidane and the determined Princess Garnet—created one of the series’ most heartwarming ensembles.
This installment perfected the PS1 combat system with the Active Time Battle mechanism reaching its most polished form. The ability system, which tied character growth to equipment, added strategic depth to gear selection beyond simple stat improvements. The HD remaster available on modern platforms enhances the pre-rendered backgrounds and character models while preserving the game’s distinctive art style.
Common Mistake: Don’t overlook the side quests and optional content—some of the game’s best character development and most powerful equipment come from these hidden activities.
Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn – The MMO Masterpiece
While the original 2010 release stumbled dramatically, the complete overhaul as A Realm Reborn created one of gaming’s most remarkable redemption stories. FFXIV now stands as a premier MMORPG that successfully translated the series’ signature elements into a massively multiplayer format, proving console MMOs could thrive alongside PC counterparts.
The game continues to expand its influence with each major expansion, building one of gaming’s most positive and engaged communities. FFXIV reimagines characters and locations from throughout the Final Fantasy universe, allowing new generations to encounter classic elements while providing veterans with delightful nostalgia. The extensive collaboration events and crossover content keep the experience consistently fresh.
Although enjoyable as a solo experience thanks to robust story content and NPC companions for dungeons, FFXIV truly shines when played with friends or fellow adventurers met along the journey. The game emphasizes player-created stories and community connections as much as its central narrative. The combat system evolves the real-time mechanics pioneered in FFXII while incorporating traditional job classes and abilities.
Optimization Tip: Use the expanded Free Trial that includes the base game and first two expansions—it offers hundreds of hours of content without subscription fees, making it the best value in modern gaming.
Final Fantasy X HD: The Emotional Journey
Final Fantasy X marked the series’ transition to PlayStation 2 with breathtaking visual advancements that still impress today. While the voice acting represented a first for the franchise with some famously awkward deliveries, it pioneered cinematic presentation that would become standard across the industry. The emotional depth of the storytelling more than compensated for any technical limitations.
The game’s stunning tropical environments provided unprecedented exploration freedom within the series, though this beauty was constantly threatened by the apocalyptic monster Sin. This created a powerful tension between the serene settings and imminent danger that drove the narrative forward. The relationship between time-displaced athlete Tidus and summoner Yuna formed one of gaming’s most memorable love stories.
Players unravel multiple mysteries simultaneously: Sin’s true nature, the circumstances behind Tidus’s temporal displacement, and the tragic fate awaiting Yuna. The Sphere Grid leveling system offered unprecedented character customization, allowing players to shape party development in radically different ways between playthroughs. The HD remaster collection includes both X and its direct sequel, presenting the complete narrative arc.
Advanced Strategy: Master the customization system to create overpowered weapons with abilities like Break Damage Limit and One MP Cost for post-game content.
Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster: Steampunk Revolution
Final Fantasy VI had languished in relative obscurity compared to its PlayStation successors until the Pixel Remaster collection revived it for modern audiences. Despite never receiving a full 3D remake like III and IV, the Game Boy Advance port and now Pixel Remaster have introduced new generations to this groundbreaking entry.
The game’s revolutionary shift from traditional fantasy to gritty steampunk aesthetics established a new direction for the series that influenced most subsequent titles. As the first Final Fantasy with a female protagonist, Terra Branford’s struggle against the deliriously evil clown villain Kefka remains one of the franchise’s most compelling narratives. The ensemble cast featuring over a dozen playable characters was unprecedented for its time.
FFVI courageously explored mature themes including genocide, slavery, and existential despair while ultimately delivering a powerful message about hope and resilience. The game marked the series’ initial departure from the Warriors of Light and crystal mythology toward more complex storytelling, though these elements would later resurface. The Pixel Remaster enhances the original sprites and soundtrack while preserving the game’s distinctive visual style.
Party Building Tip: Balance your team with magic users and physical attackers—the Esper system allows character customization, but their innate strengths still matter significantly.
Final Fantasy VIII Remastered: Underrated Gem
Final Fantasy VIII often suffers from unfavorable comparisons to its immediate predecessor, but this assessment overlooks its substantial qualities. While not reaching VII’s legendary status, it delivers an exceptional RPG experience that deserves recognition beyond being “the follow-up.” The story of military academy students dragged into international conflict while combating a reality-bending sorceress remains compelling.
The game abandoned the Heroes of Light archetype for a ensemble of emotionally complex teenagers navigating a world of supernatural threats. Where FFVII explored corporate greed and personal identity, VIII focused on coming-of-age themes and the transition to adulthood. While protagonist Squall Leonhart and his rivals never achieved Cloud and Sephiroth’s iconic status, the gunblade weapon remains one of gaming’s most distinctive armaments.
The recent remaster dramatically improves the visual presentation, smoothing the original’s blocky polygons into a sleek anime-inspired aesthetic that gives this overlooked title a new opportunity to impress modern players. The Junction system, while controversial among fans, offered innovative character progression that rewarded strategic planning over simple level grinding.
System Mastery: Learn the Draw and Junction mechanics early—proper magic stockpiling and stat assignment can make the difference between struggling and dominating battles.
Final Fantasy V iOS Remake: Modernized Classic
The original Final Fantasy V showed its age more than other SNES-era entries, but the iOS remake transformed it with a complete visual overhaul that revitalized the experience. This version replaces the retro pixel art with beautifully animated sprites and environments inspired by Final Fantasy: Dimensions, creating the definitive presentation of this classic adventure.
Once again, players guide a band of unlikely heroes on a crystal-saving quest led by wandering adventurer Bartz. While the emotional weight doesn’t match IV or VI’s narrative depth, each party member receives meaningful development moments. The Job System represents the game’s crown jewel, offering unparalleled character customization that influenced countless subsequent RPGs.
Mobile gamers seeking a classic Final Fantasy experience optimized for touch interfaces will find this version ideal. While the 2021 Pixel Remasters provide more authentic recreations, the iOS remake’s quality-of-life improvements and visual polish make it more accessible for contemporary audiences. This approach wasn’t uniformly successful across all mobile remakes, but FFV represents the pinnacle of the format.
Job System Advice: Experiment with different job combinations—the ability to mix skills from mastered jobs creates incredibly powerful hybrid characters for late-game challenges.
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age – Combat Innovation
Final Fantasy XII occasionally receives criticism for its darker narrative tone and the perceived blandness of protagonist Vaan, with many players arguing the charismatic sky pirate Balthier should have been the central character. The story follows Vaan, his companions, and a deposed princess joining Balthier’s crew to challenge a dominant empire and restore her monarchy.
However, FF XII introduced several groundbreaking innovations that shaped the series’ future. The bold abandonment of turn-based combat for real-time battles eventually became the franchise standard. While XIII temporarily returned to turn-based mechanics, subsequent entries including XIV, XV, XVI, and the VII Remake all adopted XII’s action-oriented approach. The Gambit system’s AI customization directly influenced the Xenoblade Chronicles series.
The introduction of Monster Hunter-inspired hunting quests created engaging side content that became series staples. The Zodiac Age remaster significantly enhances the experience by reducing grinding through fast-forward options and visual upgrades while incorporating the International Version’s job system that adds strategic depth to character development.
Gambit Strategy: Create specialized Gambit sets for different situations—boss battles, exploration, and farming require different AI behaviors for optimal performance.
Final Fantasy IV DS Remake: 3D Transformation
The Nintendo DS 3D remake of Final Fantasy IV represented a stunning technological leap that remains the definitive version of this classic entry. While Square Enix first experimented with DS remakes using FFIII, they perfected the formula with this installment, creating an experience that would later inspire the Bravely Default series’ approach to modernizing classic JRPG mechanics.
The game’s enduring appeal stems from its sophisticated Job System, masterful storytelling, and unforgettable characters including the intimidating yet sympathetic villain Golbez. The dynamic between Golbez and protagonist Cecil Harvey creates one of the series’ most emotionally complex relationships. Like its three predecessors, IV follows four Warriors of Light united by destiny to save the world, but with significantly heightened personal stakes.
This entry pioneered emotional storytelling in the franchise with several heartbreaking character deaths that resonated deeply with players. The DS version translated these powerful moments into three dimensions for the first time, magnifying the epic scope of Cecil’s redemption journey from dark knight to paladin. The augmented translation and voice acting further enhanced the narrative impact.
Party Composition: Regularly adjust your team strategy as party members frequently change—the game’s narrative structure means you’ll rarely maintain a consistent lineup throughout the adventure.
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Finding Your Perfect Final Fantasy
The incredible diversity within the Final Fantasy series means there’s truly something for every type of RPG enthusiast. Whether you prefer classic turn-based combat, innovative real-time systems, massive multiplayer worlds, or intimate character-driven narratives, one of these nine essential titles will capture your imagination.
For those new to the franchise, consider your gaming priorities: FFVII Remastered offers the most influential single-player experience, FFXIV provides the best community and ongoing content, while FFIX delivers the purest classic fantasy adventure. Each game’s modern remaster or remake ensures accessibility regardless of your preferred platform.
The series’ enduring legacy proves that exceptional storytelling, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay transcend technological generations. As we anticipate future installments and continuations of remake projects, these nine games represent the foundation upon which Final Fantasy’s reputation rests—and the perfect starting point for your next epic journey.
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