The 13 Best Final Fantasy Games of 2025
Narrowing down the best Final Fantasy game was a difficult ordeal for a fan but it had to be done. With over 35 years of history, this franchise has practically shaped the RPG genre. Each entry has brought something unique to the table. While Final Fantasy VI and Final Fantasy VII are often placed at the top of these lists, this ranking takes a more balanced approach.
This list doesn’t only value nostalgia but ranks the game for modern gameplay, accessibility, and overall experience for all types of players.
The beauty of Final Fantasy is seen in how much it’s changed. The games started as turn-based pixel RPGs and now they’re cinematic masterpieces mixed with open-world adventures and the like. Some games have kept their signature formulas alive, while other entries have pushed boundaries in combat, plot, and player choice. But which entries truly stand the test of time?
This guide breaks it down based on multiple things. Do the newer games hold up to the golden era of Final Fantasy? Do their innovations make an impact on the franchise? Which games are the best starting points? Which entries offer vast open worlds with lots of lore? I’ll be answering all of it.
Our Top Picks for Final Fantasy Games
I’ll tell you straight away that this ranking balances classic favorites with modern masterpieces. I wanted to take a look at all the games beyond the cult followings and really see it for what it is. I wanted to make sure there’s something here for everyone.
- Final Fantasy XIII (2009) – This is the most ambitious entry in the franchise. An RPG with a polarizing but unforgettable plot.
- Final Fantasy XV (2016) – An open-world RPG highlighting real-time combat and one of the most stunning game worlds in the series.
- Final Fantasy IX (2000) – Turn-based combat, memorable and lovable characters, and maybe one of the best FF worlds.
- Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (2021) – Possibly the most beloved FF game, reimagined. Back and better.
- Final Fantasy XIV (2013) – An FF game that went online. Epic raids, epic storytelling.
Stick around, as these are only some of the games we’ll be looking at. You’ll find the full breakdown just below. I’ll also be including links to cheap game deals for those who want to buy and experience the game ASAP.
13 Best Final Fantasy Games in 2025
The FF series hasn’t been shy at reinventing itself. From its NES-era of turn-based RPGs to the modern cinematic real-time action entries, you can see the epic revolution of this impressive franchise. But you see, across all these changes, there are core elements that define a TRULY great FF game.
- Compelling Storyline: A great FF game serves grip. It’s got a story worth remembering. One that hits you in the feels and more.
- Engaging Combat System: A combat system that feels rewarding and fluid, regardless if it’s turn-based or real-time action.
- Balance of Difficulty: The best FF games offer a sweet spot. They’re accessible to newbies while still challenging series veterans.
- Distinct Artistic Style: FF games have a signature style that’s hard to miss.
With these in mind, let’s get to the rankings.
1. Final Fantasy XIII (Best for Story-Driven RPG Fans)
| Platforms: | Release Year: | Combat System: |
| PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC | 2009 | Paradigm Shift |
If you love sci-fi fantasy RPGs, Final Fantasy XIII delivers a high-stakes, cinematic experience. Its Paradigm Shift battle system keeps fights fast and tactical, allowing real-time class switching to adapt on the fly. The story follows Lightning and her crew, rebels fighting against their fate in a world of warring gods and machine-like rulers.
Some find the linear progression in early chapters restrictive, but once Gran Pulse opens up, it’s a different story. The lack of traditional towns might feel off-putting, but if you enjoy strong narratives, it’s worth diving in. And this is a long game, spanning a few entries. Wait, so how many FF13 games are there?
Well, there are 3: Final Fantasy XIII, Final Fantasy XIII-2, and Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII. The first sold over 7 million copies. I spent hours exploring Cocoon and Pulse, and despite its flaws, I can say this game is undeniably memorable. Honestly, this is a good entry point. Not only is it immersive, but it embodies the FF flavor magnificently.
And who doesn’t love a stoic sci-fi heroine? Trust me: Lightning (our heroine) is unforgettable.
Get Final Fantasy XIII today >
2. Final Fantasy XV (Best Open-World Adventure)
| Our Score: | Platforms: | Release Year: | Combat System: |
⭐ 9.5/10 | PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC | 2016 | Real-Time Action |
I spent hours in this game and even now I think there’s still more to uncover in-game. From the first moment I hit the road in-game, I knew Final Fantasy XV would be special. It’s honestly a breathtaking road trip disguised as a JRPG. I loved the real-time combat. It felt incredibly fluid. Plus, the world is massive and the emotional bond between the characters was pretty cute.
If you like to explore, this one can be among some of the finest open-world games out there. If I have to talk about a downside, then I’ll be honest the second half of the game felt rushed. There’s a sudden shift to linear progression. Still, the open world in the game remains a star and highlight. If you’re new to the franchise you might be wondering which is better, Final Fantasy XV or Final Fantasy XVI?
FF 15 offers a ton of exploration and FF 16 is more narrative-driven. “Better” is relative to what you want in an FF game. But yeah, FF XV stands as a modern JRPG classic. It sold over 10 million copies, to nobody’s surprise.
Grab a cheap copy of Final Fantasy XV now >
3. Final Fantasy IX (Best for Classic Turn-Based RPG Fans)
| Our Score: | Platforms: | Release Year: | Combat System: |
⭐ 9.4/10 | PlayStation, PC, Mobile | 2000 | Turn-based |
If you love traditional RPG mechanics, then Final Fantasy IX is one of the best turn-based strategy games ever made. Follow Zidane and his crew. It’s an adventure packed with charm, emotional adventure, humor, deep storytelling, and turn-based combat. A strategic layer is added to your combat because of the Trance System. It obliges you to time your attacks with caution.
For classic PRG fans, FF XI might just be the perfect turn-based strategy game you’re looking for. A downside to the game is that the random encounter rate is high. This can get a bit irritating over time since you don’t want to battle it out with unexpected enemies all the time. However, it’s still manageable. The incredible world-building honestly makes up for it too.
So, how long is FF IX? The main story takes 40 hours but completing everything can stretch past 60+ hours. All in all, If you love old-school JRPGs, FF IX is a must-play.
Snag a copy of Final Fantasy IX now >
4. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (Best for Action RPG Fans)
| Our Score: | Platforms: | Release Year: | Combat System: |
⭐ 9.4/10 | PlayStation 5, PC | 2021 | Hybrid Real-Time/Turn-Based |
This entry gets a tied score to number 3 on the list because it’s honestly perfectly on par with FF IX in terms of gameplay and story. Step into Midgar in Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade. It’s an experience like no other. You’re blessed with a battle system that tastefully mixes real-time combat with tactical layers and elements. You won’t be bored. The characters are incredibly well-developed as well.
The world feels alive and thriving. The cinematic storytelling elevates the original to a new level. Some side quests feel like filler quests, but they’re called side quests for a reason I suppose. Even with its small flaws, the memorable characters, high-energy combat, PS5 enhancements, upgraded visuals, and a cool Yuffie DLC make up for them tenfold. A true essential for FF fans and a great entry point for newbies.
If you want a modern take on the mainline Final Fantasy VII game, this is the ultimate version and a top-tier JRPG.
Get Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade right now >
5. Final Fantasy XIV Online – Starter Edition (Best MMORPG Experience)
| Our Score: | Platforms: | Release Year: | Combat System: |
⭐ 9.3/10 | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC | 2013 | Real-Time MMORPG |
If you love massive multiplayer worlds, Final Fantasy XIV is one of the few Final Fantasy games that continues to evolve and expand. Its battle system is deep, rewarding mastery over multiple classes. The game constantly adds new content, making it an ongoing RPG experience. The early levels can feel slow but once you hit endgame content, the experience is unparalleled.
Get past around 70-80 hours of the game and the quality drastically goes up. Just push through it. You’ll see a lot of rave reviews about this game and they’re completely right. It’s a fantastic FF game in many aspects. It’s a tantalizingly emotional game that keeps you hooked. JUST PUSH THROUGH “A REALM REBORN” chapter and you’ll be rewarded.
If you’re looking for an MMORPG that’s rich in content, has an active player base, and keeps improving, FF XIV is one of the best other games in the genre. With over 30 million players registered and over 2 million still active daily, it stands as a unique and successful FF MMORPG hybrid.
Grab Final Fantasy XIV Online – Starter Edition now >
6. Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster (Best for World-Building Enthusiasts)
| Our Score: | Platforms: | Release Year: | Combat System: |
⭐ 9.1/10 | PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PC, Switch | 2001 | Turn-Based with Sphere Grid |
Don’t you love it when an old game is super accessible on modern consoles? I sure do. And you can bet that I clocked in hours of this game on my Nintendo Switch. Final Fantasy X is one of Square Enix’s best at immersive world-building. Spira’s vibrant landscapes, deep lore, and spiritual themes create an unforgettable experience.
The turn-based combat is refined, offering one of the few games with a Sphere Grid system that lets you customize character progression. The emotional journey of Tidus and Yuna keeps players invested, making it one of the most beloved mainline games in the series. The lack of an open world may feel restrictive to players but the depth and character-driven storytelling more than make up for it.
The game has sold over 20 million copies and you can surely add to that number. After spending hours mastering Blitzball and strategizing battles, I can confidently say Final Fantasy X is one of the best entries for fans of world-building and character-driven RPGs.
Get the best deals on Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster now >
7. Final Fantasy XVI (Best for Action Combat Fans)
| Our Score: | Platforms: | Release Year: | Combat System: |
⭐ 8.8/10 | PlayStation 5 | 2023 | Real-time action |
Final Fantasy XVI takes a bold new approach, ditching turn-based mechanics for high-speed action combat reminiscent of Devil May Cry. The Eikon battles are breathtaking, and the dark medieval setting gives it a Game of Thrones-like tone. If you’re a fan of cinematic RPGs, this is a game worth playing. However, RPG fans have mixed opinions.
Some feel it strays too far from classic Final Fantasy gameplay, making it feel less like an RPG and more like an action game. That said, the storytelling and visuals are among the best in the series. With a Metacritic score of 87, it still ranks as one of the most ambitious Final Fantasy entries.
I spent a lot of time mastering its combat and Eikon abilities. And while it’s slightly different from past games, it’s still a solid entry for those open to change.
Grab Final Fantasy XVI today >
8. Final Fantasy VII (Best for Fans of Classic and Modern RPGs)
| Our Score: | Platforms: | Release Year: | Combat System: |
⭐ 8.7/10 | PlayStation, PC, Xbox, Switch | 1997 | Turn-Based with Materia System |
The game that changed everything. Final Fantasy VII redefined RPGs. The year 1997 was not ready for all that slay-age. With its deep lore, deep storytelling, cool Materia system, and amazing characters, FF VII nailed it back then. Even today, its gameplay systems feel engaging. Square Enix’s ability to blend familiar elements like summons, limit breaks, and strategic battles set a new standard for the genre.
The Materia system offers deep customization. It lets you experiment with different magic, summons, and linked abilities. The Active Time Battle system keeps fights tense. Enemies attack in real time if you hesitate. Limit Breaks feel explosive, rewarding you for taking damage with devastating special moves. And let’s talk about world design. Midgar is an unforgettably aesthetic neon-lit dystopia.
The blocky character models may be off-putting for newcomers. But come on, of course, the visuals are outdated. Some of you weren’t even born in 1997 yet. Final Fantasy VII has sold over 14 million copies, cementing its legendary status.
Get a cheap copy of Final Fantasy VII now >
9. Final Fantasy VI (Best for Classic JRPG Purists)
| Our Score: | Platforms: | Release Year: | Combat System: |
⭐ 8.6/10 | Super Nintendo, PlayStation, PC, Mobile | 1994 | Turn-Based with Active Time Battle |
Here’s an even older entry than FF VII 1997. Final Fantasy VI from 1994 is a retro masterpiece. It serves you storytelling and character depth like shows and games from the 90s did. We just can’t match some of that stuff today. There was something about the 90s and that something seeped into this game. FF VI is one of Square Enix’s great games that still holds up today.
If you want something that succeeds at emotional engagement, this retro piece might just be the missing piece. The cast of 14 playable characters with unique abilities and story arcs gives you a colorful experience. The Active Time Battle system keeps combat dynamic while magicite summons add depth to progression.
That said, random encounters happen too frequently which might feel tedious in longer dungeons (this is a common downside in older FF games). But if you can push through, the incredible narrative, timeless music, and unforgettable villain (Kefka) make it worth every second. FFVI has consistently ranked among the best RPGs of all time. I still consider it an essential play for hardcore FF fans.
10. Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age (Best for Tactical RPG Fans)
| Our Score: | Platforms: | Release Year: | Combat System: |
⭐ 8.5/10 | PlayStation 2, PlayStation 4, PC, Switch | 2006 (Original), 2017 (Remaster) | Gambit System with Job System |
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is a technical and artistic triumph. Even now, I find that its visuals and world scale remain awe-inspiring. I’m a big fan of the art design in this game. I feel like this game could be the poster child/mascot for the whole franchise. The visuals and style of this entry are just on another level of dreamy and unique. That’s saying a lot since mostly all FF games are dreamy-looking.
The Gambit system revolutionized RPG combat. It allows players to program party members for strategic control. There’s also a job system which has been enhanced in the remastered version. It adds an extra player of depth to the game. You get to specialize in unique roles. I’m a big fan of the freedom in character customization. Few mainline games offer that much flexibility.
The slow start may test some players’ patience, as it takes a while before unlocking the full range of strategic mechanics. But once the story picks up, it becomes one of the most rewarding RPG experiences. With a Metacritic score of 87, it’s an underrated gem.
Get Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age today >
11. Final Fantasy XIII-2 (Best Time-Travel RPG in the Series)
| Our Score: | Platforms: | Release Year: | Combat System: |
⭐ 8.2/10 | PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC | 2011 | Paradigm Shift with Monster Taming |
Final Fantasy XIII-2 does what sequels should. It fixes what didn’t work and expands what did. Gone is the suffocating linearity of its predecessor Instead, you get time-travel mechanics that let you revisit and reshape the world across different timelines. Gotta love some time-travel action. Anyway, The Paradigm Shift from FF XIII is back. However, there’s Monster Taming added in this continuation.
Monster taming lets you recruit monsters, train them, and place them in your party. It reminded me of a lot of Atlus’ JRPGs, to be honest. Isn’t team-building fun? That said, recruiting specific monsters is a grind. It’s all RNG, meaning you might kill the same enemy 50 times before it finally joins you. That can put a lot of people off, so just a warning from my side.
That never stopped me from spending hours experimenting, unlocking paradox endings, and messing with different builds. With over 3 million copies sold, this game quietly became one of the most replayable Final Fantasy titles. If XIII didn’t grab you, XIII-2 just might.
Get the best deals on Final Fantasy XIII-2 today >
12. Final Fantasy VIII Remastered (Best for Fans of Unique RPG Systems)
| Our Score: | Platforms: | Release Year: | Combat System: |
⭐ 8.1/10 | PlayStation, PC, Switch, Xbox | 2019 | Junction System with Turn-Based ATB |
If Final Fantasy VIII had a middle name, it would be “misunderstood”. The game’s world is gorgeous but its biggest strength (and hurdle) is the Junction system. Instead of traditional leveling, you steal magic from enemies and attach it to stats. The result is absolute freedom, one could say. It lets you break the game in some of the best ways imaginable.
The game’s story is part military school drama, part cosmic mind trip. The story is centered around the aloof and secretly soft Squall Leonhart. A Tsundere as the weebs call it. But let’s be real. The Junction system throws people off. It’s confusing at first and if you misuse it, you’ll have a bad session. At the same time, you have a chance of making characters overpowered early on. That can be funny.
That said, if you take the time to master it, FF VIII Remastered is worth playing for its unique mechanics. It’s got deep storytelling and one of the most iconic romances in RPG history. With 9.6 million copies sold, this game left its mark.
Grab Final Fantasy VIII Remastered now >
13. Final Fantasy XI (The First MMORPG in the Franchise)
| Our Score: | Platforms: | Release Year: | Combat System: |
⭐ 8/10 | PC, PlayStation 2 (Discontinued), Xbox 360 (Discontinued) | 2002 | Real-Time MMORPG with Tactical Party Play |
Before Final Fantasy XIV became the king of FF MMOs, Final Fantasy XI paved the way. It’s the first Final Fantasy game that went on the MMO route. Released in 2002, this wasn’t just another RPG with multiplayer. It was a true MMORPG, where teamwork wasn’t just encouraged, it was mandatory.
Combat in other games lets you button-mash your way through. Here, you better know your role or your party’s going down. FF XI is old-school and difficult, and that’s exactly why so many people loved it. New players might struggle because this game does not hold your hand. The grind is brutal and soloing is a death sentence.
But for those who embraced its challenge, FF XI was legendary. At its peak, it had over 500,000 active players and it’s still playable today.
Get it on Steam with a gift card today >
More RPGs: Beyond Final Fantasy
As an FF fan, you already know RPGs and JRPGs are the best. On that note, check out my list of the greatest JRPG titles you could be playing right now. Maybe you’ve played your fair share of these games or maybe you’re fueling a new obsession. Whatever it is, here’s a few must-try titles that should be in your library ASAP.
- For Open-World Fans: The Witcher 3, Elden Ring
- For Classic JRPG Lovers: Persona 5 Royal, Dragon Quest XI S
- For Action RPG Enthusiasts: NieR: Automata, Kingdom Hearts III
Want even more RPGs? Explore our list of the best RPG games for top recommendations across every subgenre. And trust me, those hot recommendations will satisfy all kinds of RPG lovers. Exploration, good plot, rich character arcs, and great action are all waiting for YOU to dive in.
FAQs
In what order should I play Final Fantasy?
There’s no strict order. Each mainline game is standalone. If you want to start with the older games, you can start with IV, V, or VI.
How many Final Fantasy games are there?
There are 16 FF games plus numerous spin-offs like Final Fantasy Tactics, Dissidia, and FF XIV’s expansions.
What’s the best Final Fantasy game to start with?
If you want a more modern entry point, go for FF XIV or FF XV. If you want a classic turn-based entry, try FF IX.
Is Final Fantasy all one story?
No. However, some titles share lore, themes, and recurring elements like summons and spells.
Is Final Fantasy a JRPG or RPG?
FF games are considered JRPGs because they are developed in Japan and follow key JRPG design principles.
