Final Fantasy VII Remake is out and has taken the JRPG world by storm. Fans of the original game are finally getting to experience a modern-day retelling of one of the most beloved games of all time. More importantly, new players can meet Cloud and Sephiroth for the first time.

Of course, Final Fantasy VII isn’t the only game in the franchise. There are tons of Final Fantasy games out there, including 15 main entries and dozens of spinoffs. Getting into Final Fantasy can be a bit overwhelming, so that’s what this guide is for. Let’s get you started by finding the perfect Final Fantasy game for you!

There are tons of ways to approach the series. You can obviously play the series in release order but many will find that most of the elements that make Final Fantasy special are missing in the first two or three games. Most Final Fantasy titles are standalone games, meaning that you don’t need to play other titles to understand the story and characters. Final Fantasy games share a lot of mechanics and quirks, but no prior knowledge is needed to enjoy any of the games. With that being said, there are certainly some Final Fantasy titles that you will appreciate more having experienced other games. With all of this in mind, it’s best to start with an entry that genuinely lines up with your interests rather than trying to push through games that won’t be enjoyed just to play the entire series.

Or you can just start with Final Fantasy VII Remake. It’s a fantastic game and as friendly to beginners as can be.

The Most Beginner Friendly

Final Fantasy IV

Final Fantasy IV brought the series in the SNES era with incredible success. While previous entries helped to define classic JRPG formulas, Final Fantasy IV established what makes a Final Fantasy game great. The storytelling, characters, and the newly introduced active-time battle system all set a new standard for the series. While Final Fantasy IV isn’t technically the first Final Fantasy game, it’s the first game in the series that truly feels like a Final Fantasy title.

The Version You Should Play: The Nintendo DS remake is by far the best way to enjoy this gem.

Final Fantasy VII

The most successful Final Fantasy game in the series is also one of the first entries in the series for most modern-day JRPG players. Final Fantasy‘s first step into the 3D world of gaming features a strong cast, an iconic villain, and a wildly complex story. The gameplay is solid by all accounts, with mechanics that aren’t exactly unique but still done with great success. If you want to find out what the fuss is all about, it’s hard to go wrong with Final Fantasy VII.

.The Version You Should Play: Any version plays great, you can’t go wrong.

Final Fantasy X

The first PlayStation 2 entry is one of the most compelling games in the series. The intimate adventure with Tidus, Yuna, and her companions is full of heart. Final Fantasy X‘s world has an incredible amount of lore that eases players in while giving players an emotional story with strong pacing. The battle system feels great, and the game only has as much grinding as the player wants it to have. The beautiful and melancholy soundtrack will stick with players for years after they finish. For those who are looking for the best “Modern” Final Fantasy game, this is the one to go with.

The Version You Should Play: The Remastered version on modern consoles.

The Best of The Rest

Final Fantasy V

Final Fantasy V is often the forgotten middle child in the SNES era of Final Fantasy games. It’s a shame because Final Fantasy V does so much right. The job system feels great to play around with, and the humorous yet dark story is surprisingly compelling. Throw in one or two fantastic party members and the excellent recurring antagonist Gilgamesh and you have a fantastic title. If you want a whimsical entry, be sure to give Final Fantasy V a try.

The Version You Should Play: Either the SNES or PlayStation version.

Final Fantasy VI It’s considered by many to be the greatest Final Fantasy entry and one of the greatest JRPGs of all time, Final Fantasy VI has it all. This title features a massive roster and manages to flesh out every character over the course of the story. Kefka is one of the most iconic villains in the series and manages to drive Final Fantasy VI’s story into a direction that few games have ever done. The world is massive and alive, filled with secrets, dangers, and a wonderful supporting cast. Final Fantasy VI is the definitive game in the series and takes everything that Final Fantasy IV created and perfected it.

The Version You Should Play: The SNES version is still the best version

Final Fantasy VIII Final Fantasy VIII feels like the black sheep in the series. It’s either loved or hated, mostly due to the GF and level up system. It also had the burden of following up Final Fantasy VII, giving it expectations that it could never reach. Despite the polarizing mechanics, Final Fantasy VIII has one of the most character-driven stories in the series. Final Fantasy VIII also has the best love story in the franchise as well, setting itself up to be admired by the hopeless romantics out there. The Version You Should Play: The remastered version on modern consoles Final Fantasy IX My personal favorite Final Fantasy is the last game in the series that feels like a classic title. Final Fantasy IX is full of heart, successfully combining the series’ trademark sense of humor with a dramatic tale. The cast is full of lovable idiots and tragic heroines that come together with an incredible amount of chemistry. The battle system might be a bit too slow for some, but that shouldn’t stop fans of classic fantasy tales from indulging in this entry. The Version You Should Play: The remastered version on modern consoles

Final Fantasy XII

This once polarizing entry in the series is now looked at fondly thanks to its recent remaster. While Final Fantasy XII has a great cast, this game emphasizes worldbuilding and a deep story full of compelling politics. The battle system is unique to the series, making the game feel like a solo MMORPG. The remaster introduced tons of new features including a fantastic job system that allows for tons of customization. Final Fantasy XII is a fantastic pick for those who are looking for a mature Final Fantasy title.

The Version You Should Play: The Zodiac Age

Other Great Entries

Final Fantasy XIII

Final Fantasy XIII marked a major change for the franchise, and many would say that it isn’t for the better. The story feels sloppy but is full of tons of neat concepts and some fantastic moments. Lightning is one of the most iconic protagonists in not just the franchise, but in the genre. The first half of the game is way too linear, but if you can get past hallways you’ll be treated to a strong second act and an incredible postgame experience.

The Version You Should Play: All versions of Final Fantasy XIII are acceptable.

Final Fantasy XV

Final Fantasy XIII suffers from a weak first half, and somehow Final Fantasy XV does just the opposite. This title features an incredible first half with tons of exploration and awe-inspiring moments. Unfortunately, the second act is a mess, with disjointed storytelling and missing pieces that were inserted into the game as DLC. It’s all a shame because the main cast has an unbelievable amount of chemistry. Still, this is a solid game that’s worth playing, especially if you have access to all of its downloadable stories.

The Version You Should Play: Final Fantasy XV Royal Edition

These Show Their Age But Still Have Value

Final Fantasy

The game that started it all is still an enjoyable JRPG in its own right. While the story is barebones and the main cast doesn’t have any personality, there is still a huge sense of adventure here. Everything being so blank allows for the player to project their own personalities into the players, truly making this a role-playing game. It’s certainly grindy and difficult by today’s standards, but this is still a fine game for JRPG enthusiasts.

The Version You Should Play: The game is enjoyable on every platform

Final Fantasy II

Final Fantasy II is full of flaws and hiccups, but it is the first Final Fantasy game to push a narrative with set characters. The story is full of cliches and the characters are unremarkable, but there isn’t anything offensive in this game. It’s a passable Final Fantasy title, but when compared to the standards set by the rest of the series, it’s hard to recommend Final Fantasy II. I’d only recommend playing this entry if you aim to play every game in the franchise.

The Version You Should Play: Mobile for accessibility, any other version for the aesthetics

Final Fantasy III The first Final Fantasy to use the job system might show it’s age, but it still feels ahead of its time. The already mentioned job system is improved upon in Final Fantasy V but still allows for party customization that was unprecedented for its time. The storyline is the typical “Four Heroes of Light” tale but still has characters that are full of charm. It’s far from perfect and the difficult final act will frustrate many, but this is still a solid JRPG. The Version You Should Play: The DS Remake is the best version of Final Fantasy III. What About XI and XIV? These two entries are both MMORPGs, so they likely have a different audience. If you are interested in playing one of the best MMORPGs of all time, feel free to try out A Realm Reborn: Final Fantasy XIV. It’s a stellar title that has tons of content for you to enjoy. Final Fantasy XI is all but obsolete. It’s mostly been replaced by XIV and is only being played by dedicated players nowadays.

What Will Be Your First Final Fantasy?

There you have it! It’s hard to go wrong with your first Final Fantasy game, so just pick whatever seems to be your favorite. Next time we will cover our favorite Final Fantasy spinoffs, so check back with us after you have played a few of these masterpieces!

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