Essential Final Fantasy Games You Have To Play To Understand The Series

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Final Fantasy began in 1987 when Square needed a big success, and it certainly delivered. The series has thrived for decades and shows no signs of losing popularity. Now, most of the main games are available on today’s consoles, making it easy for anyone to experience them.

With so many – sixteen main games and countless spin-offs – getting into the *Final Fantasy* series can feel overwhelming. If you’re looking to experience the games that truly define Final Fantasy, these are the ones that will give you the best understanding of what makes the franchise special.

Final Fantasy

Where It All Began

Okay, so the original *Final Fantasy* on the NES definitely shows its age these days. But honestly, there are a bunch of better ways to experience it now. The GBA version was always considered the best, but the *Pixel Remaster* is seriously good too – it really nails that classic 80s feel and brings back a ton of nostalgia for me.

The game doesn’t focus heavily on a traditional story. Instead, it lets players freely explore and battle monsters in many different ways, all made possible by the character creation system. It’s best to start from the beginning so that the game’s developments and new features feel natural and you can see how they evolved.

Final Fantasy 3

See The Job System’s Inception

Originally released for the NES, *Final Fantasy 3* received a 3D update for the Nintendo DS in 2006. You can still play this 3D version today, and it’s widely available on platforms like Steam.

This game first introduced the Job system to the *Final Fantasy* series – a way for players to choose and change classes, similar to those found in *Dungeons & Dragons*. Players explore to find Crystals and unlock new Jobs, which then let them switch up their abilities. While the story is a familiar ‘save the world’ plot, the Job system became a key feature in future games.

Final Fantasy 7

The Turning Point Of The Franchise

Originally released for the PlayStation 1, *Final Fantasy 7* was a groundbreaking RPG that captured the attention of a huge audience. The game became a cultural phenomenon, leading its creators, first Squaresoft and later Square Enix, to develop numerous sequels, prequels, and even a movie.

The game felt like it was completely reimagined at this point. Although the graphics aren’t as impressive now as they once were, the gameplay and story are still excellent. Plus, it’s simple to enjoy *Final Fantasy 7* today thanks to its remaster, which includes cheats and is available on most modern gaming platforms.

Final Fantasy Tactics

The Spinoff To End All Spinoffs

Final Fantasy Tactics was an early game in the Final Fantasy series that took the classic character Job system and applied it to strategic, turn-based battles. Players can create a team from a variety of classes like Monks, Ninjas, and Black Mages. It’s also known for being particularly difficult, even more so than previous Final Fantasy titles.

The beloved tactical RPG is making a return with *Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles* after being unavailable for some time. It’s worth waiting for this new version to experience the best these spin-off games have to offer.

Final Fantasy 9

A Farewell To Fantasy

Final Fantasy IX was the last major Final Fantasy game released on the PlayStation 1, and it felt like a nostalgic goodbye to the classic fantasy elements the series was known for. It includes many of the things fans loved about the very first game, like magical crystals, clashing kingdoms, and journeys by airship.

Final Fantasy 9 is a classic role-playing game, offering a charming and adventurous experience. It’s fun to play, and a remastered version makes it easy to enjoy on today’s computers and consoles.

Final Fantasy 14

Multiplayer At Its Peak

Final Fantasy 14 is the latest in a long line of multiplayer Final Fantasy games, following Final Fantasy 11, and it’s still thriving! It’s incredibly popular even now, years after it first came out. If you’re interested in playing a Final Fantasy game with others, this is the one to choose, and it’s even more fun when you play with friends.

Despite having received a lot of major updates, people are still actively playing *Final Fantasy 14*. While the sheer amount of content can seem overwhelming for new players, it’s definitely worth checking out, even if just for a short time, to experience the game’s thriving community.

World Of Final Fantasy

The Series Is Capable Of Being Silly Too

World of Final Fantasy is a great starting point for anyone curious about the series, showcasing its humorous side. The game follows twin siblings, Lann and Reynn, as they travel through the various worlds of Final Fantasy on a quest to save them all.

Players will encounter famous characters from the series, such as Cloud from *Final Fantasy VII*, and can even team up with monsters in their party. It’s a fun, *Pokémoninspired game best enjoyed after playing several of the main *Final Fantasy* titles, as it offers a lighthearted and humorous take on the franchise when it doesn’t take itself so seriously.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

The Current State Of The Franchise

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is the newest installment in the long-running series, making it a great entry point for new players to experience the current direction of the franchise. The game boasts a massive budget, and it shows – the world is expansive and beautifully detailed, with careful attention paid to characters and how the game plays.

Don’t think of *Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth* as a side story – it’s the second game in a planned trilogy of remakes for *Final Fantasy 7*. It might seem strange to highlight two *Final Fantasy 7* games, but the reason will become clear once you play *Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth*, particularly if you’re familiar with the original *Final Fantasy 7*. Square Enix really went all out with this one and absolutely nailed it.

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2025-10-14 05:05