Whenever the Role Playing Game genre is mentioned in videogames, the first thing that comes to the top of your head might be Final Fantasy. It might be hard for newcomers to understand the whole thing without research, but the franchise has definitely made up for that with the amazing stories, well-written characters, and challenging gameplay.
Including spin-offs, crossovers, direct sequels, and remakes, there are dozens of games in the franchise to date. This updated article goes over a comprehensive list of 42 games, from the forgotten ones to the highest-rated fan-favorites, ranked from worst to best based on blended Metacritic scores as of 2025. Furthermore, all these games will be ranked based on their original runs, which means no HD, remastered ports – all the improvements that were made later will not be a factor on this list, unless the remaster is the primary version considered. Also, the two MMOs are counted as number games.
42 - Final Fantasy II - 60.6
As Final Fantasy II is the game that introduced fan-favorite Cid Highwind to the cast and rolled out the first chocobos, you would have thought FF2 would be higher on the list. Despite being the first game in the series to introduce many aspects that Final Fantasy would be known for later, there is a reason that Final Fantasy II never get an international release at the time. The proficiency system in FF2 can seriously hamper your gameplay experience since you are getting punished for trying new things rather than sticking to set patterns. It has a better storyline than the first game, but that’s is not enough.
41 - Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII - 62.9
Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII concludes the Fabula Nova Crystallis trilogy, focusing on Lightning as she awakens from crystal stasis to save the world in 13 days. The game features a real-time battle system with time management elements, but it was criticized for its convoluted story and repetitive gameplay, leading to mixed reviews.
40 - Final Fantasy Mystic Quest - 63
Final Fantasy Mystic Quest, released in 1992, was designed as an entry-level RPG for Western audiences. It features simplified gameplay, but was criticized for being too easy and lacking depth compared to other entries in the series.
39 - Final Fantasy XIII - 65.4
Final Fantasy XIII was one of the best looking game during the time it was released. However, every other aspect of it has been slammed down by either critics or die-hard fans of the franchise. Final Fantasy XIII brought back the Active time battle system, but way too simplified – which leads to a series of random battles that could literally be completed by pressing the same button over and over. You can mitigate the grind somewhat by setting the game to Auto-Battle for the game to play itself, however.
The worst issue in XIII is how linear it was compared to other games in the series. The story and settings were nice, and they get even better in the other two parts of XIII. It’s overall a fun game, but Square could have done better instead of just staying in the safe zone.
38 - Final Fantasy I - 67.9
The one that started it all, Final Fantasy saved Square from bankruptcy and is pretty much a revolutionary game by 1987 standard. Featuring a large overworld, with strategic turn-based combat and a grand story following four Light Warriors, Final Fantasy I give players of the time a taste of freedom and creativity that’s not often seen.
However, the game does not hold up well by even the 90s’ standards, as it just does not have enough customization and variety to keep players occupied. You can experience Final Fantasy I for yourself, using an emulator – or buying the Android/iOS version.
37 - Final Fantasy IV: The After Years - 69.0
Final Fantasy IV: The After Years is a sequel to Final Fantasy IV, released in 2008 for mobile phones and later ported. It follows the next generation of heroes, but was criticized for its episodic structure and repetitive content.
36 - Final Fantasy Explorers - 69
Final Fantasy Explorers, released in 2014 for Nintendo 3DS, is an action RPG with monster-hunting elements. It allows players to customize jobs and fight summons, but was noted for shallow content and repetitive missions.
35 - Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo's Dungeon - 70
Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo's Dungeon is a rogue-like dungeon crawler featuring Chocobo, released in 2007 for Wii. It involves exploring procedurally generated dungeons, but received mixed reviews for its simplicity.
34 - Final Fantasy III - 70.5
The first game in the series to include the Jobs and summon systems. The original never saw any international release but the remake is available now on iOS, Android and PC. Closer to FF I than FF II, Final Fantasy is one of the best game in the NES-era, with all the improved dungeons, jobs and battle switch-outs. The story, unsurprisingly, plays out similar to the first Final Fantasy game.
33 - Chocobo's Mystery Dungeon Every Buddy! - 71
Chocobo's Mystery Dungeon Every Buddy! is a remastered version of the 2007 game, released in 2019 for Switch and PS4. It features rogue-like gameplay with buddy system, but was seen as a solid but not innovative entry.
32 - Final Fantasy XIII-2 - 71.7
Final Fantasy XIII-2, released in 2011, improves on XIII with time travel mechanics and monster recruiting. However, it was criticized for its story and being too similar to its predecessor.
31 - Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin - 72
Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin, released in 2022, is an action RPG prequel to the original Final Fantasy. Developed by Team Ninja, it features intense combat but was mixed on story and graphics.
30 - Final Fantasy Type-0 HD - 72
Final Fantasy Type-0 HD is a remaster of the 2011 PSP game, released in 2015. It features real-time combat with a dark war story, but was criticized for camera issues and repetitive missions.
29 - Final Fantasy XV - 74.4
Taking a lot of risks, the most recent entry of the Final Fantasy Series ditched the traditional random encounters for a real-time battle system. Coupled with the open-world design, the experience created was far from the usual Final Fantasy the players would expect. Furthermore, due to the open-world structure, we can clearly see the western influence on this installment of our favorite JRPG franchise.
Final Fantasy XV is, on the surface level, far more action-oriented and flashy, however, it lacks the intricate depth and crafted nuance that a turn-based system would be able to convey. They should have reused the Final Fantasy XII’s combat system if they want an action-based FF. The character designs are also just as bad, with the main party being a group of annoying teenagers, with mannerism so weird they could come from an emo band. The beautifully open world helps somewhat, but it cannot save the game when the story falls flat on its face.FF XV overall is not a bad game, it's just a bad Final Fantasy game.
28 - Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings - 76.8
Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings is a real-time strategy sequel to XII, released in 2007 for Nintendo DS. It follows Vaan as a sky pirate, but was mixed on its controls and departure from traditional RPG elements.
27 - Final Fantasy V - 78.0
Final Fantasy V took everything good from FF 3 and expand them. The last strictly medieval-themed Final Fantasy, V has aged pretty well – it's just as playable today compare to how it was in 1992. The Job system getting a huge overhaul, with the inclusion of methods to switch abilities and powers within the same job. The changes, in turn, create endless possibilities for creativity from the players’ part.
However, Final Fantasy V would be ranked much higher on the list if it has a better story, as the game has some of the most uninteresting and unmemorable cast of characters ever in a Final Fantasy game.However, the quality of the story is subjective, and if you can bear with it, Final Fantasy V would definitely be one of your favorite. The remastered version is available on PC, iOS, and Android.
26 - Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy - 78
Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy is a fighting game sequel to Dissidia, released in 2011 for PSP. It adds new characters and modes, but was similar to the original, receiving solid reviews for fan service.
25 - Theatrhythm Final Fantasy - 78
Theatrhythm Final Fantasy is a rhythm game released in 2012 for 3DS, featuring music from the series. It combines RPG elements with rhythm mechanics, praised for nostalgia but limited content.
24 - Final Fantasy X-2 - 78.7
Final Fantasy X-2 is the first direct sequel in the series, released in 2003. It features a lighter tone with job-changing system, but was divided for its shift from X's serious story.
23 - Final Fantasy XI - 78.8
The first out of two Final Fantasy MMOs, XI started out as a run-off-the-mill MMO experience. Nobody could have expected the game to grow out that much during the next decade. Final Fantasy XI was originally released on the PS2 and PC, but it even manages to invade the Xbox 360 afterward, become the first MMO on the system. As usual MMO shenanigans go, XI is the same, with partying, raiding dungeons and acquire better loot. There have been five expansions plus numerous bonus addons and seasonal events – the last of them came in 2015. You can still play it on PC today – on Steam even.
22 - Final Fantasy XII - 78.8
The second entry to be released in the PS2, Final Fantasy XII is widely regarded to be a modern masterpiece. Being the first mainline Final Fantasy to drop the random battle system and replace it with real-time combat, the initial opinion about XII was divisive amongst fans.
Set in the world of Ivalice, Final Fantasy XII contains an array of well-designed characters and beautifully detailed environments. The overhaul combat system, known as the Active Dimension Battle, has a lot of depth and is very satisfying. The reason behind that is the highly modified limit break system, called Quickening, and the gambit mechanic. And that’s still not everything the game, with the Sphere Grid from FF X also getting added, under the name License Board – further, increase the customization of the combat system.
With a recent update named the Zodiac Age, further improving the game, it is hard to compare XII to any other Final Fantasy games since it is just… different. Once you get through the first few slow hours and get used to the game, XII is probably one of the most exciting and rewarding JRPG experience around.Final Fantasy XII has an HD remaster on PS4, XBOX One and Switch.
21 - Dissidia Final Fantasy - 79
Dissidia Final Fantasy, released in 2008 for PSP, is a fighting game bringing characters from the series together. It features 3D arenas and RPG elements, praised for fan service but mixed on balance.
20 - Final Fantasy IV - 79.4
The Final Fantasy game that turned the series into the giant juggernaut of the JRPG genre known today, FF4 is the first game with the active time battle mechanic. The class system received a new upgrade based on the character-driven narratives, with each class telling a specific part of the story. Cecil and co. were the primary protagonist of the story, however, the other people in the cast also played a great part.
Released in America as “Final Fantasy 2”, FF IV is a huge improvement over the previous entries of the series – you can play it today on either DS, PC or mobile.
19 - Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles - 80
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles, released in 2003 for GameCube, is an action RPG with multiplayer focus. It uses GBA link for controllers, praised for co-op but limited by hardware.
18 - Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life As A King - 80
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life As A King, released in 2008 for WiiWare, is a city-building simulation. Players rebuild a kingdom, sending adventurers on quests, received positive reviews for innovation.
17 - Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift - 80
Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift, released in 2007 for DS, is a tactical RPG sequel to Advance. It features job system and laws, praised for depth but similar to predecessors.
16 - Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core - 80.2
Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core is a prequel to VII, released in 2007 for PSP. It follows Zack Fair with action RPG combat, praised for story but mixed on slot machine mechanics.
15 - World of Final Fantasy Maxima - 81
World of Final Fantasy Maxima is an expanded version of the 2016 game, with monster collecting and stacking mechanics. It's a love letter to the series, praised for charm but light story.
14 - Final Fantasy VII Remake - 82.5
Final Fantasy VII Remake, released in 2020, reimagines the first part of VII with action combat and expanded story. It's highly praised for visuals and gameplay, though some criticize the padding.
13 - Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call - 83
Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call is a rhythm game sequel, released in 2014 for 3DS. It includes more songs and characters, praised for expanded content and fun gameplay.
12 - Final Fantasy VIII - 84.1
Final Fantasy VIII is pretty much the strangest entry in the series. It reinvents the active time battle wheel while still taking into consideration a lot of good factors in previous games. The armors and accessories were replaced with the new junction system – opening up brand new options for customization. Each character has their own combat style, decided by their set weapons.
The biggest change in FF VIII, however, is the new focus on summoning. Combined with the built-in collectible card game and a completely new level scaling mechanic, everything in VIII were bold and fresh – a step in the right direction. All the new changes mesh together pretty well, giving the players freedom of choosing their adventure how they see fit.The game was set in a planet consists of five landmasses based on Europe – with a level of details unprecedented. And with the advent of 3D models, VIII has improved a lot from VII’s base designs, giving the players the chance to see Squall and co. in greater detail.
Lastly, Square Enix has finally decided to give Final Fantasy VIII some love, with the HD remaster available on PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and more.
11 - Final Fantasy XVI - 84.1
Final Fantasy XVI, released in 2023 for PS5, is an action RPG with dark fantasy themes. It features real-time combat with Eikon abilities, praised for spectacle but criticized for side quests.
10 - Final Fantasy XIV - 84.6
This game at its release state would be on the bottom of this list, however, a later expansion named A Realm Reborn fixed that. The 2010 MMO was so bad Square shut it down and relaunch the whole thing after three years run with A Realm Reborn. The 2014 version of the game, however, would be some of the best MMO experience that you could find on the Market. The planet of Hydaelyn is amongst the best Final Fantasy settings ever made, with a deeply crafted story and lore comparable to any other MMO on the market. Coupled with a big array of quests, party raids, and engaging PVP actions, A Realm Reborn is something that can easily steal hundreds of hours from your life.Since launch, there have been several great expansions, including Heavensward, Stormblood, Shadowbringers, Endwalker, and Dawntrail in 2024. Even if MMO is not your thing, FF XIV’s qualities might even be able to change that. The game is pretty much the best multiplayer experience for fans of the series.
9 - Final Fantasy Tactics Advance - 87
Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, released in 2003 for GBA, is a tactical RPG where children are transported to Ivalice. It features job system and laws, praised for portability and depth.
8 - Final Fantasy X - 87.3
Released on the height of PS2 gaming, Final Fantasy X is probably one of the most beloved entry in the franchise. As time passes, people have slowly realized the brilliance behind this game – as what made it corny is actually quite enjoyable. Coupled with one of the best turn-based systems in the series, Final Fantasy X’s high placement on this list is very justified.
A fairly linear gaming experience, Final Fantasy X comes with large and detailed environments dotted with dungeons involving great puzzles. However, at the time, the graphics are the best selling point of the game, and at 2001, the processing power of the PlayStation 2 has allowed the game’s graphics to move to the next generation, making the Asia based land Spira and the models of characters look better than ever.
The relationship in Final Fantasy X was very well written – watching the bond between Tidus and Yuna grow alongside their adventures is something sorely missed in later FF games. On a more tangible level -for the first time in the series, all the cut scenes have full voice acting. Combined that with the corny dialogue, Square has been really successful in making every moment of their romance highly emotional and fluid.
Furthermore, Final Fantasy X’s gameplay has to get back to the root of the series, with turn-based combat replacing the active time battle system. Combined with the depth added by the sphere grid, a character’s class can be highly customizable. Blitzball, the underwater sport minigame, is also something that needs to be mentioned – as a lot of fans has demanded Square to make a standalone Blitzball game.
The HD collection for Final Fantasy 10 is available on all systems – the direct sequel of FF 10 isn’t as good, however.
7 - Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions - 88
Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions is a remaster of the 1997 Tactics, released in 2007 for PSP. It adds cutscenes and multiplayer, highly praised as one of the best tactical RPGs.
6 - Final Fantasy IX - 88.7
There have been a lot of debates among fans about the superior FF game from the PS1 era. While VII might be the most iconic game in the series, Final Fantasy IX took everything enjoyable from 7 and improved them. The medieval fantasy elements from VI and the science fiction elements from VII have been combined together by one of the best writing the franchise has ever witnessed, creating one of the longest and most emotional adventures in the series.
Launched near the end of the PS 1 lifecycle, Final Fantasy IX has used everything the console has to offer. As of now, you can still enjoy the game just like how it was twenty years ago. The game is available on multiple platforms, including PC, Switch and Androids.
5 - Final Fantasy VI - 88.9
Consider by many the best in the whole franchise, 1994’s Final Fantasy VI is a massive hit in every sense of the word. Released in the United States as Final Fantasy 3, the last 16 bit FF entry features a huge cast of more than 12 characters. Combined that with the steampunk world design, FF VI has set the trend for many a game released in the late nineties. In this setting, magic has become the stuff of legend, while the world has become filled with advanced technology from the Second Industrial Revolution.
The story of FF 6 was highly regarded for a reason – it is paced perfectly. The first half was solely made for introducing the players to the main cast of characters, from the protagonist Terra Branford to the rogue treasure hunter Locke Cole. That allows those characters to grow and make connections to each other – an incredible feat since there are more than a dozen character on your side. The second part of the game opens up the story, letting the player complete the story in a non-linear order – that degree of freedom in playing is pretty much unheard of at the time. The gameplay aspects of FF6 is also not to be trifled with – as there are just so many new things to tinker and experiment with - unique magic spell and customized summoning system are the two things that we can get immediately from the top of our head.
Most fans of the series would not be surprised to see Final Fantasy VI being number 1. To the majority of players, FF6 is not only their favorite entry of the series but also their favorite game ever.
Every aspect of Final Fantasy VI, from the compelling story to the highly customizable combat system and the excellent world designs have combined to create a nearly perfect Final Fantasy experience. Over 30 years later, Square Enix still hasn’t been able to beat this game. This is probably Square at their very best.You can get the game now on PC, Android, and iOS.
4 - Final Fantasy VII (original) - 88.9
Probably the most iconic installment in the series, Final Fantasy VII’s brightest point is its story. The game features some of the most brilliantly written story and characters in the franchise, both good and evil. Coupled with some of the most groundbreaking cutscenes and emotional sound design, Final Fantasy VII is probably the one game that comes to people’s mind whenever the franchise is mentioned.
However, people often see this game through the nostalgia tinted glasses, as the endless hype surrounding the game has concealed quite a lot of the game’s weaknesses. Moving out of 2D for the first time, a lot of details in the game are rough and unpolished. The battle system was quite slow, with not much from FF VI retained.
Overall, despite being a great game, Final Fantasy VII has not aged well. However, the remake trilogy is available, with Remake and Rebirth out, reviving the classic for modern audiences. The original can still be played on every console if you are into the old graphics.
3 - Final Fantasy VII Rebirth - 89.2
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, released in 2024, is the second part of the remake trilogy. It expands the open world and minigames, with action combat, highly praised as one of the best in the series.
2 - Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers - 90
Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers, released in 2019 as the third expansion to FFXIV, is widely regarded as the peak of the MMO's storytelling. It flips the script by having players as the "Dark Knight" in a world of light, introducing the First and memorable characters like Emet-Selch. The expansion features revamped jobs, new raids, and trials that are highlights of the series. Its narrative depth, emotional highs, and innovative mechanics make it a standout, often cited as the best expansion in any MMO.
1 - Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker - 92
Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker, the fourth expansion released in 2021, concludes the decade-long Hydaelyn-Zodiark saga. Players travel to the moon and beyond, facing existential themes of hope and despair. With new jobs like Sage and Reaper, epic trials against the Endsingers, and a finale that rivals any FF story, it earned the highest Metacritic score in the franchise. Its perfect blend of emotional storytelling, challenging content, and closure cements FFXIV as a modern masterpiece.
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