Final Fantasy Games With The Best Side Quests

Key Takeaways

Many Final Fantasy games have fascinating side quests that keep players returning for multiple playthroughs.
Final Fantasy 12 in Ivalice features exciting hunts and missions, including the challenging hunt for Yiazmat.
Crisis Core in the Final Fantasy 7 universe boasts over 300 missions, including the Seven Wonders of Nibelheim quest.

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the magical worlds of Final Fantasy, I can confidently say that each game offers a unique and captivating array of side quests that truly set them apart. From the deep-sea adventures in Final Fantasy 9 to the underwater basketball madness of Final Fantasy 10, these optional content pieces not only enrich the overall gaming experience but also serve as a testament to the creativity and depth of these masterpieces.

Being one of the trailblazers in the realm of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPG), Final Fantasy is renowned for its captivating worlds and mythologies, as each installment offers unique characters and environments for gamers to delve into. Notably, these vivid, varied landscapes have also hosted numerous thrilling side quests within the series.

In Final Fantasy, whether small or large, side quests have captivated fans as much as the main stories since its debut in 1987. For decades, players have raised Chocobos, uncovered hidden bosses, and excelled at intricate card games – all contributing to this series’ enduring popularity. Final Fantasy remains a significant player in the genre for nearly four decades now.

6 Final Fantasy 12

This Ivalice Alliance Title Features Exciting Hunts And Side Missions

In contrast to many other games that are set in diverse realms, Final Fantasy 12 is uniquely situated within the expansive kingdom of Ivalice. Square has skillfully constructed this persistent setting, which has also been featured in games such as Vagrant Story and Final Fantasy Tactics. Remarkably, this sprawling kingdom forms the backdrop for Final Fantasy 12, encompassing a wealth of engaging side activities.

In Final Fantasy 12, the majority of side missions are known as hunts – thrilling escapades where players track down monsters and legendary beasts. Some of these quests can be quite demanding, like the lengthy, grueling expedition to slay the mythical dragon Yiazmat. Furthermore, Final Fantasy 12 boasts an in-game accomplishment system called Sky Pirate’s Den and a charming fishing mini-game.

5 Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7

The Prequel Starring Zack Fair Features Incredible Amount Of Side Quests

Trying to capitalize on the immense fame of “Final Fantasy 7”, Square devised a multi-platform promotional campaign aimed at extending and enriching the PS1 RPG and its universe. This campaign was called the “Compilation of Final Fantasy 7”, and one of its most successful spin-offs was “Crisis Core”, a prequel featuring Zack Fair for the PSP. The standout feature of “Crisis Core” was its Missions, over 300 challenging side quests that put the player’s skills to the test.

In Crisis Core, as the missions grow tougher yet more lucrative, they remain delightful to engage in, being part of the 2022 remaster too. Notably, Crisis Core incorporates the Seven Wonders of Nibelheim quest, where Zack accumulates items for a town boy, eventually earning the powerful Wall Materia as a reward. There are several quests similar to this one, and one particularly heartwarming one has Zack assisting Aerith in constructing Flower Wagons.

4 Final Fantasy 8

This Classic PS1 JRPG Has An Impressive Collection Of Optional Quests

Amidst the tense conflict between child soldiers and a cursed sorceress destined to lose, Final Fantasy 8 continues to stand out as one of the finest JRPGs on the PS1, boasting a wealth of engaging side content and optional quests. One particularly intriguing aspect is Triple Triad, an engrossing card game that you can challenge various NPC characters and main characters with throughout the game world.

Discovering elusive and potent Triple Triad cards is thrilling, and journeying through Shumi Village’s eerie terrain can yield impressive prizes. A standout feature is the Deep Sea Research Center, where your team can acquire Bahamut, the most powerful Guardian Force in the game. Other optional foes include the terrifying Doomtrain and Jumbo Cactuar, and conquering Centra Ruins awards the Tonberry King GF. The side missions are substantial, offering valuable rewards, demonstrating the richness of this classic JRPG.

3 Final Fantasy 9

The PS1 Swan Song For Final Fantasy Locks In Some Incredible Side Content

As the last entry in the “Final Fantasy” series for the PlayStation 1, this delightful role-playing game harkened back to the origins of the franchise by crafting a captivating, vividly depicted world brimming with endearing characters and numerous side missions. Similar to “FF8”, “Final Fantasy 9” incorporated an intriguing card game called Tetra Master, which can be enjoyed throughout the land.

In addition to its main storyline, Final Fantasy 9 offers challenging encounters with optional super-bosses like Hades and Ozma. One particularly noteworthy aspect is the quest for the elusive Nero Family, which players must complete on a lengthy, somewhat complex journey that remained unnoticed for over a decade.

2 Final Fantasy 10

The PS2 Debut For The Series Showcases A Vast Array Of Optional Content

The tenth installment of Final Fantasy represented a significant advancement compared to its ninth counterpart, as the series transitioned onto the PlayStation 2 and became one of the console’s standout games. This title marked the debut of voice acting, while also showcasing an enhancement of the turn-based battles it was renowned for. Additionally, it adhered to established customs by offering a variety of engaging side quests.

Among the standout features of this game is the thrilling Blitzball mini-game, a unique blend of basketball and soccer played underwater. This engaging activity remains one of the series’ top side attractions. Other notable aspects include gathering 26 primers to teach Tidus the Al Bhed language, participating in the Monster Arena, avoiding 200 lightning bolts in the Thunder Plains, and completing the collection of all Celestial Weapons for the team.

1 Final Fantasy 7

This Legendary PS1 Game Features The Franchise’s Greatest Assortment Of Side Quests

Over a span of three years and with a team of 150 individuals, what became known as Final Fantasy 7 was an impressive feat that significantly boosted the popularity of the PlayStation 1. Not only did it offer a captivating main storyline that spanned across various continents, but it also boasted an unparalleled assortment of additional content within the series. From engaging side activities to standalone optional missions, Final Fantasy 7 is rich with content that can easily be overlooked during gameplay.

In this Chocobo breeding adventure, players can win the Knights of the Round materia and participate in thrilling, hilarious races with their adorable, feathery companions. Additionally, players can acquire Ultimate Weapons for each character and discover optional, challenging areas like Sunken Gelnika, which are rich in exploration opportunities. The game also features two legendary boss battles: a watery fight against Emerald Weapon and a desert showdown with Ruby. With a wealth of optional content that’s as engaging as the main storyline, this game offers a rewarding experience for players seeking adventure beyond the norm.

2024-09-22 04:33