Top 10 Most Heartbreaking Final Fantasy EndingsEver

Summary

Final Fantasy games don’t always end with celebratory moments, sometimes delving into sacrifice and loss.
Final Fantasy 13’s ending involves a self-sacrifice to save the world, with a poignant, impactful outcome.
Final Fantasy 15 emphasizes brotherhood and sacrifice in its ending, highlighting the impact of fatal decisions.

It’s not unexpected, given the long-running series of narrative-driven games like Final Fantasy, that not all of its climactic endings are as triumphant and jubilant as others might be. Unlike some other titles in the series where the heroes bask in the newfound power and liberty following their journey’s success, certain Final Fantasy experiences may leave players questioning if there were more possibilities or unresolved aspects to the story.

Instead of traditional heroic journeys, Square Enix often crafts stories where selfless acts and beloved characters embark on new paths post-adventure, flipping the classical hero’s journey. Here are some touched-heart conclusions encountered in Final Fantasy series.

8. Final Fantasy 13

A World-Ending Calamity Is Deferred As Two Lives Are Bartered With

Although Final Fantasy 13 faced considerable criticism upon its 2009 release for perceived linearity, the narrative of this seventh-generation JRPG has been viewed more favorably in recent times. Consequently, numerous players have come to appreciate Lightning’s story as an engaging experience and consider her self-sacrificing ending as a significant turning point.

In Final Fantasy 13, after Orphan, the powerful antagonist, is defeated and most of the party members are safely crystalized, Fang and Vanille are left to prevent the imminent collision between the world Gran Pulse and the floating structure Cocoon. This situation calls for a classic tale of sacrifice that resonates deeply because players cannot change the outcome. Additionally, it requires teamwork from the two mages as they transform into the legendary being Ragnarok, not just to save their friends but all the inhabitants on the planet below.

7. Final Fantasy Type-0

The Frailty Of Life Is Acknowledged In An Act Of Self-Sacrifice

Given that Final Fantasy Type-0 marks Square Enix’s debut into mature content in a portable game, it’s not surprising that its poignant ending packs an emotional punch. The game concludes a gripping story that vividly depicts the horrors of war and pits allies against each other. In the end, Class Zero is granted a fleeting moment of acceptance and embracing mortality before the story’s somber conclusion. As such, Final Fantasy Type-0 stands out as one of the saddest stories in the long-running JRPG series.

Despite the temporary pause in the catastrophic event known as Tempus Finis, and the successful preservation of the world depicted in Final Fantasy Type-0, the thoughtful speculations about Class Zero’s potential future and the somber memories of everyone who sacrificed themselves to reach that point create emotionally resonant moments within the game’s concluding scenes.

6. Final Fantasy 9

Heroes & Reformed Villains Perish As Life Returns To Normal

In the acclaim of Final Fantasy 9 lies its exceptional fantasy world, a defining characteristic for the Final Fantasy series. The balanced narrative approach by Square Enix, weaving lighthearted moments and heavy despair, has set a benchmark for the decades-long anthological JRPG franchise. Following this pattern, the universe-endangering villain has been defeated, but the human desire to save every potential ally persists. Consequently, Zidaine departs from the group to help the former antagonist, Kuja, escape.

In Final Fantasy 9, though Kuja perishes as the Iifa Tree crumbles, the game provides insight into the later lives of the main characters. It’s unveiled that Zidaine survives the ordeal. Despite many party members living full and complete lives, the somber tone of the finale lingers with the revelation that the Black Mage, Vivi, appears to have perished due to his class’ limited lifespan. However, even this grim fate is softened by the disclosure that he has left behind numerous identical offspring.

5. Final Fantasy Tactics

An Overarching Evil Still Plagues The Land After The Credits Roll

Even though the tactical role-playing game mechanics in Final Fantasy Tactics, reminiscent of Ogre Battle, tend to emphasize practical gameplay and a consistent system, this 1997 title doesn’t abandon the poignant storytelling that’s characteristic of the Final Fantasy series.

In a harmonious blend of captivating visuals and tactical complexity, Final Fantasy Tactics reaches its climax, intensifying the central themes of deceit and mistrust. This climax features one of the series’ most epic battles, as players engage. The game’s conclusion is reinforced by an extended denouement that delves into the chaotic events surrounding the regicide and the spreading lies in the game’s later phases. Final Fantasy Tactics’ ending underscores the idea that even with the story concluded, peace and justice may not have been fully restored in the world.

4. Final Fantasy 15

A Carefully Crafted Tale Of Brothership That Is Bookended By Sacrifice

In promoting “Final Fantasy 15,” Square Enix emphasized its heartfelt themes of unbreakable brotherhood and epic boss fights that are unlike any other. They aimed to highlight the game’s personal touch and grand storytelling. Towards the end, players find themselves apart from their band of companions they’ve been relying on for a decade in-game, and the concept of sacrifice is introduced.

In contrast to earlier Final Fantasy tales where self-sacrifice was a recurring theme, Final Fantasy 15 places a strong emphasis on the friendship and camaraderie between Noctis and his road-tripping companions. Throughout the game’s nearly 30 hours, this bond is significantly developed, making Noctis’ ultimate sacrifice all the more poignant. Despite the emotional toll of witnessing Noctis’ departure, his selfless act allowed for the continuation of life in the world beyond.

3. Final Fantasy 2

A New Ally Cannot Face Themselves After The Antagonist’s Defeat

Regarding Final Fantasy 2, its significance in the early annals of the role-playing game franchise has not only ensured its lasting appeal but also shaped the central themes and breadth of the larger Final Fantasy series over the course of its long history. Although the demonic adversary that spans the entire game is eventually vanquished, thus saving the world from impending tyranny, the closing scenes are dedicated to more than just wrapping up the 20-hour storyline; they also serve as a poignant goodbye to a key member of the party who was part of the journey.

After the Emperor was defeated in the tranquil Jade Passage, his arch-enemy Leon, the Dark Knight, assisted in his capture. As a result, the group disbanded once more. In these closing instances, Maria’s sibling departs to find solace for the hurt and deception he caused not only to his homeland but also to his own family.

2. Final Fantasy 6

An Ultimately Victorious Bout That Comes Just Too Late For Some

As a gamer, I’ve always been captivated by the unique storytelling approach of Final Fantasy 6 on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Unlike other games in the JRPG genre that typically have one main protagonist, this classic game doesn’t focus on a single character. Instead, it weaves together the stories of its 16-bit party members, making each character feel relatable and human. This might be why it continues to garner such enduring praise.

Due to the persistent attempt in the 1994 title to make its characters more relatable, the initial struggle to vanquish the villain Kefka, who was driven mad, is given additional gravity. Despite the player eventually overcoming Kefka and preventing further devastation, their initial loss had far-reaching consequences. Not only did it result in a humiliating defeat for the player, but it also prolonged the agony and death of countless innocent people across the land.

1. Final Fantasy 10

A Successful Yet Heartbreaking Conclusion To The Game’s Cyclical Conflict

It’s widely recognized that the narrative of the tenth main series game in the Final Fantasy franchise is particularly well-crafted, with many gamers sharing this view. Consequently, it’s not surprising that the climactic scenes in this game are deeply moving and satisfying.

In the final stages of Final Fantasy X (2001), the 45-hour long narrative about the recurring struggle between summoners and Sin reaches its climax. Yuna manages to send both Aeons and Sin to the Farplane, causing Tidus to fade away before her eyes. With the cycle now complete, all magical entities connected with it vanish, prompting the game’s main character to bid farewell to his friends and found family before vanishing in their presence.

2025-04-05 05:38