Best Final Fantasy Games: Ranking the Legendary JRPG Saga

Let’s be honest; the first time you boot up a Final Fantasy, the game doesn’t just start. It invites you. Those twinkling “Prelude” notes hit, and suddenly you’re not just holding a controller; you’re holding a ticket to a place where Moogles are real, airships dock in the clouds, and saving the world is just another Tuesday. For me, that magic is why Final Fantasy keeps its crown as one of the greatest RPG series ever made. Fans often debate the best Final Fantasy games, but every title reinvents the formula: new worlds, new friendships, new combat ideas; yet still manages to feel like home. Oh, and before you ask: No, you don’t have to play them in order. The mainline entries are like a box of fantasy chocolates; different flavors, same exquisite packaging. 

• Each main entry tells a standalone story, often blending fantasy, sci-fi, and deep emotional themes.

Best Final Fantasy Games

Picture it: seven criteria on a whiteboard, an unreasonable amount of coffee, and the painful decision of putting beloved games in lower spots (sorry, XV fans). We looked at seven things here: story depth, character arcs, combat fun, innovation at launch, the sheer impact on the genre, music that lives in your head rent-free, and replay value. 

And if you’re wondering, “Where should I even start?”The short answer is: depends on your flavor. Want retro magic? FFVI. Want a modern emotional rollercoaster? FFX. Want pure spectacle? FFVII Remake will knock your socks off in Dolby Atmos. 

The Rankings: Our Journey Through Fantasy History

Every Final Fantasy game has its own special place in players’ hearts. Let’s dive into the best Final Fantasy games and see which ones truly stand out over the years.

1. Final Fantasy IX (2000) 

• Its charming characters, heartfelt story, and whimsical yet poignant tone make it a standout in the franchise.

If warm bread from your favorite bakery could be a video game, it would be FFIX. Zidane’s charm is instant, Garnet’s growth is inspiring, and Vivi… well, Vivi will quietly break your heart and then put it back together. The art direction? Whimsical perfection. The music? Straight serotonin. The themes? A love letter to everything Final Fantasy stood for before it went HD. 

Fans call this the “soul” of the series for good reason; it’s the most crystal, airship, black-mage-filled experience you can get without dusting off an NES. 

2. Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn + Expansions (2013–present)

• It offers rich storytelling, expansive quests, and cooperative adventures across the ever-evolving realm of Eorzea.

Ah, FFXIV. The ultimate glow-up story. The original launch was… let’s say “rough.” Okay, it was a train wreck. But instead of fading away, the dev team basically rebuilt the entire game into one of the most beloved MMORPGs ever. 

You can play it like a single-player epic if you hate other humans, or dive into endless side quests, crafting, raids, and story arcs that just keep getting better (Shadowbringers made me cry twice.). If you’ve ever wanted a Final Fantasy where the adventure literally never ends? This is it. 

3. Final Fantasy VII (1997) + Remake (2020– ) 

• It’s a mix of steampunk-fantasy, emotional storytelling, and memorable characters.

Even people who’ve never touched a JRPG know Cloud’s hair and Sephiroth’s One-Winged Angel. The original FFVII, one of the best Final Fantasy games, changed gaming forever: cinematic cutscenes, shocking twists, and a world that felt alive. 

The Remake? It’s like someone took Midgar, poured in a gallon of adrenaline, fleshed out every side character, and gave you combat that hits harder than a Limit Break. Play the original if you want the raw history lesson, but the Remake works just fine as a gateway drug. 

4. Final Fantasy X (2001) 

• It introduced full voice acting, the Sphere Grid leveling system, and a deeply emotional story that became a fan favorite.

I can still hear “To Zanarkand” and feel my soul physically preparing for heartbreak. This is Final Fantasy’s first fully voiced game, which makes the gut-punch moments hit even harder. 

Tidus and Yuna’s story starts like a tropical vacation with monsters, then slowly pulls you into political intrigue, ancient prophecy, and sacrifice. And that ending? Let’s just say your PS2 memory card will stay in a shrine afterward. 

5. Final Fantasy VI (1994) 

• Its rich narrative, memorable characters, and dramatic world-shattering twist made it a timeless JRPG classic.

You want proof you don’t need 3D graphics to tell a world-class story? This is it. Ensemble cast, opera scenes (literally), and a villain who actually wins halfway through the game. Kefka’s laugh is still nightmare fuel 30 years later. 

And here’s the thing: you can play it today with updated pixel remasters, and it still feels like it could drop mic against modern RPGs. That’s staying power. 

6. Final Fantasy XV (2016) 

• Blending open-world exploration and a strong focus on brotherhood, it delivers a modern twist on the series’ formula.

People love to dunk on XV, one of the best Final Fantasy games, for its missing chunks at launch, but I’ll defend it for one simple reason: no game nails the “traveling with your best friends” vibe like this one. It’s part Open World Monster Road Trip, part Kingdom Hearts-esque combat, part royal family tragedy. 

And yes, the DLCs patched up the rough edges, but even vanilla XV had moments where I just stopped to watch the four guys sit around a campfire, laugh, and eat pixel-perfect cup noodles. 

7. Final Fantasy IV (1991) 

• It pioneered deeper character-driven storytelling in JRPGs, with dramatic twists and a memorable cast.

Before IV, most RPGs were just “go fight the evil thing.” This one gave you betrayals, deaths, identity crises, and redemption arcs wrapped in a then-revolutionary Active Time Battle system. 

If you’ve never played it, the pixel remaster is gorgeous, but I’ve got a soft spot for the DS remake. It’s like watching your favorite classic movie get a respectful 4K upgrade. 

Honorable Mention: Final Fantasy Tactics (1997) 

Technically a spin-off, but it’s too good not to include. Political backstabbing, moral gray areas, and a Job system that’ll keep you tinkering until sunrise. Set in the same world as FFXII but with a grid-based battle system that’s the gold standard of tactical RPGs. 

• Its deep job system, challenging battles, and mature storytelling made it a genre-defining strategy classic.

Storytelling That Hits Different Every Time 

From “collect the four crystals” in the early days to multi-layered epics about love, loss, and the nature of reality, the best Final Fantasy games have grown up with their players. Some are bright and whimsical; others are dark and heavy. And somehow… both feel like Final Fantasy. 

Combat That Just… Keeps Changing 

Turn-based menus? Check. Semi-real-time ATB urgency? Yep. Pure real-time action with dodge rolls and particle effects? Got it. Whether you love chessboard strategy (X) or sword-swinging chaos (VII Remake), there’s an entry that fits your battle brain. 

Characters You Can’t Forget (Even If You Tried) 

Cloud with his oversized sword. Terra torn between two worlds. Vivi is wondering what it means to exist. Yuna dancing under a setting sun. They’re not just characters; they’re part of gaming memory itself. 

And villains? Kefka’s nihilistic “burn it all” glee and Sephiroth’s calm menace are still hard to beat. 

• Its blend of innovation, memorable worlds, and emotional storytelling continues to inspire games and players worldwide.

Music That Lives Forever 

Uematsu’s scores are basically the oxygen of the series. From that opening Prelude harp to the boss battle bangers, the soundtracks have their own fandom. And composers like Masayoshi Soken (XIV) have taken the torch without missing a beat, or a tearjerker melody. 

Where Should New Players Start? 

If you’ve never touched Final Fantasy: 

• Want a modern, accessible one? Final Fantasy X. 
• Want action-heavy? Final Fantasy VII Remake. 
• Want pure retro magic? Final Fantasy VI. 

Or, embrace chaos and just pick the one with the box art you like. You won’t be wrong. 

Final Thoughts: The Fantasy That Never Gets Old 

Here’s the truth: once that main theme plays and the first quest kicks off, you’re in. Whether it’s breaking into Midgar’s reactors, hopping an airship over Alexandria, or returning to Zanarkand, the best Final Fantasy games don’t just give you stories; they give you memories. And that’s why, no matter how the combat changes or the graphics evolve, the heart of Final Fantasy keeps beating. 

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