All 16 Mainline Final Fantasy Games Ranked
This is not one of those sites that makes you click from ad-laden screen to screen, wondering what the next game ranking is. Here you go, from my most favorite to least favorite:
VI, XIII, XVI, VII, X, XV, IV, V, IX, XIV, XII, III, II, I, XI, VIII
For the less Roman-numeral-inclined:
6, 13, 16, 7, 10, 15, 4, 5, 9, 14, 12, 3, 2, 1, 11, 8
My Priorities: Music, Battle System, and Story
There are multiple aspects of the Final Fantasy games that appeal to fans, and we all value these characteristics differently. It may not come as a surprise to you that I most value the music in these games. Whether it’s the heat of battle, or watching a cutscene, the composer has the most direct control of what I am feeling in that moment. Fortunately, there is not a single game in the series with bad music. The battle system is my next priority. I love that the Final Fantasy battle systems change so dramatically from game to game. Some systems (like X) I love, while others (like VIII) I detest. Regardless of the outcome, I respect the constant evolution in combat systems. Finally, the story is the last component of this series that I value. I come to Final Fantasy games for epic settings where my characters save the world and kill gods.
Aspects I Do Not Value: Open World, Gear, and NPC Interactions
I think it can be revealing to reflect on points where you set down a game and don’t come back to it. While I have played VI countless times, I’ve only completed it once. I routinely get to the World of Ruin, and when faced with a multitude of paths forward, picking the game back up starts to feel overwhelming. I similarly don’t enjoy having to optimize my gear allocation between characters. Is this Power Sash more effective on Sabin or Locke? It’s not something I care about, and I don’t want to think about it. Finally, when I get to a town in a Final Fantasy game, I don’t want to have to talk to characters who are not critical to the main story. It’s fine that these characters are there, but I want the next critical NPC to be very obvious.
Top Tier: VI, XIII, XVI, VII
#1. Final Fantasy VI
(Finished on the Super Nintendo in the summer of 1994)
Simply amazing music, story, characters, and art.
I have a theory that the first Final Fantasy game you finish has a good chance of being your favorite. Final Fantasy VI is not the first Final Fantasy game I played (that was the original), but it’s the first game in the series that I owned and beat. Now that I have finished every game in the series, VI is still my favorite. The cinematic opening of the game, involving mechs walking through snow towards a city in the distance, is set to my favorite song in the entire series, “Terra’s Theme”, which also plays on the overworld map. The entire soundtrack is composer Nobuo Uematsu at his best.
The soundtrack accompanies an exciting story set in a steampunk world. While the early tale to stop the evil empire is a bit generic, the latter half of the game is an examination of the survivors of a ruined world, an interesting concept at the time of its release. Throughout the story, the large cast of characters are all likable and fun to interact with, even if some characters are more enjoyable to use in the party than others. While I am not a fan of chaotic-evil villains, it’s hard not to be won over by Kefka’s gusto. Final Fantasy VI is an example of what happens when creators at the peak of their career have mastered the tools that are available to them: they create one of the best games of all time.
#2. Final Fantasy XIII
(Finished on the PlayStation 3 in October 2010 using the Taiwanese version for Japanese audio and English subtitles)
Engaging battle system, intensely beautiful music, streamlined gameplay, with a complex story.
Okay, so this is where I have to emphasize that these are my personal rankings, because many people have an unfavorable opinion of this game. However, even the game’s critics generally acknowledge the music and battle system as being top notch. Final Fantasy XIII has my favorite soundtrack of the series. While Nobuo Uematsu is obviously more associated with the series, I particularly enjoyed Masashi Hamauzu’s electronic and experimental style in XIII. The main boss battle theme “Saber’s Edge” is a standout for me. Two minutes in, when the brass kick in and the tempo increases, it creates such of sense of urgency and intensity that I routinely get goosebumps. The battle system for XIII is also incredibly engaging, as the Paradigm system of changing the characters’ roles in battle keeps even routine battles interesting.
The most common criticisms of Final Fantasy XIII involve its linearity, plot, and its characters. This game came out during a time in my life when I had the least amount of free time available, so I did not mind the lack of towns or NPCs to interact with. Those are the least interesting aspects of Final Fantasy games anyway. The complex plot does require you to read a lot of optional text in order to follow it. However, the plot involves you taking on the evil of organized religion and ultimately killing God; perhaps that doesn’t appeal to some folks, but I dig it. Finally, while some consider the protagonist Lightning to be too serious, I appreciate XIII having a super-competent and bad-ass female protagonist.
#3. Final Fantasy XVI
(Finished on the PlayStation 5 in October 2023)
A mature hero in a complex world, with more action-focused gameplay.
I am writing this one year after the game’s release in order to minimize the effect of recency bias on the game’s high ranking. The past year has not minimized my love for Final Fantasy XVI. Clive, the main character, is my favorite protagonist in the series. He’s a grown man, at the age of 28 years, whereas the next oldest Final Fantasy protagonists are Cloud and Lighting at 21 years old. That maturity informs how Clive processes traumatic events and navigates a world of competing alliances. The story of Clive leading a rogue organization of the downtrodden trying to shatter the world’s systems of injustice is extremely satisfying.
While the world and story of Final Fantasy XVI are amongst the most complex in the series history, the gameplay is refreshingly streamlined. You have one party member, Clive, and his gear progression is extremely straightforward. The game allows for the character customization that RPG fans are accustomed to in the form of equipped special abilities that are used in the action-oriented battles. With close to forty possible abilities to choose from, the player must carefully choose the six that match their own particular playstyle. Final Fantasy XVI masterfully combines all of my favorite aspects of the series, and as a result I found myself obtaining a Platinum trophy for just my second time ever.
#4. Final Fantasy VII
(Finished on the PlayStation in February 1998)
The transformational game that made the series more approachable.
Final Fantasy VII created a generation of Final Fantasy fans, and for good reason. The music is classic, with the most memorable and energetic battle theme in the entire series being “Let the Battles Begin!”. The equipment system of VII is a lot simpler than prior entries in the series, with each character having their own weapon type. There’s less time wasted figuring out the ideal items to equip to each party member. Similarly, the Materia system is a lot more approachable than previous ability systems, like the jobs of V or the magicite of VI. The predominantly sci-fi setting of VII was also a refreshing change from the more fantasy or steam-punk settings of the series. Overall, Final Fantasy VII is an amazing game, and it’s the first game in the series where I’ve completed 100% of all the possible activities.
All Around Great Games: X, XV, IV
#5. Final Fantasy X
(Finished on the PlayStation 4 in January 2016)
Colorful characters, a unique tropical world, and a thinking person’s battle system.
This game has the best battle system in the series! It’s entirely turn based, with a turn indicator that shows the sequence in which all characters or enemies will take upcoming turns. Additionally, you can swap out the active character for any off-screen party character at any given time. All of this translates into the most strategic battle system in the series, a system I wish more games would emulate.
The story follows a great set of characters that navigate a world that has turned to religion to cope with the ever-present dread of an attack from giant monster, Sin. The tropical water-based environment is fun to explore and is less represented in the RPG genre. Aside from the beautiful and haunting main theme, “To Zanarkand”, this soundtrack didn’t create a huge impression on me, and I listened to both the original and arranged songs, as I played through the HD Remaster. Overall, the battle system, characters, and setting really impressed me.
#6. Final Fantasy XV
(Finished on the PlayStation 4 in February 2017)
The best Final Fantasy villain, and a feel-good journey about brotherly love.
What a difference having a villain that you care about makes! Ardyn is a charming and stylish character that you interact with throughout the game, rather than being an abstract evil force you only hear about. While Ardyn is the game’s villain, he’s a tragic character whose motivation for seeking revenge on the Lucian royal family is relatable. While Ardyn is merely a victim of circumstance, he nonetheless poses a threat to Noctis, which drives a compelling story of conflict.
Along for the ride are Noctis’s three friends, and the camaraderie you witness amongst them makes the game feel like being on a road trip with some pals. This party has a very different feel from the typical formula of a group of strangers brought together by dire circumstances. It just feels good playing a close-knit group of young men who are all very different, but who support each other through thick and thin.
#7. Final Fantasy IV
(Finished on the Game Boy Advance Micro in January 2006)
The quintessential Final Fantasy game.
With Final Fantasy IV, Square applied everything they learned from the 8-bit titles to powerful new hardware. The result is an amazing game that forms the template for the series going forward. IV has an epic fantasy story that is more fleshed out than prior games. The memorable characters have more personality and nuance, like Cecil the dark night, or the brave twins Porom and Palom. The Active Time Battle is introduced, resulting in battles that are more engaging than traditional turn-based battles. Finally, the Super Nintendo’s sound hardware allowed Nobuo Uematsu to create more orchestral sounds that enhance the dramatic and cinematic feel of the game. My only regret is first experiencing the game with the Game Boy Advance’s inferior audio quality.
Very Good Entries: V, IX, XIV, XII
#8. Final Fantasy V
(Finished on the iOS in August of 2021)
The game for people who are into menus and systems.
If you enjoy spending more time preparing for battle than actually being in battle, then Final Fantasy V is for you. The job system of V allows any character to be any job, and you can retain certain learned abilities while moving on to additional jobs. This allows for great flexibility in terms of party composition and character abilities, but the story takes a bit of a backseat compared to the other 16-bit titles. While I can respect the game’s complexity, the focus on systems is not for me. The art style and music are largely the reason I rank the game so highly. “Battle at the Big Bridge” is a standout song from the title.
#9. Final Fantasy IX
(Finished on the iOS in December of 2022)
What happens when Square iterates instead of innovates?
I played Final Fantasy IX only after finishing the first eight because I remember it being marketed as a love letter and reflection on the series up to that point. As a result of that development choice, IX is a very fine Final Fantasy game, with nothing that makes it incredibly unique. After two sci-fi themed entries, IX returns to a more fantasy setting, similar to the first five games in the series. The battle system and character skill development are a fairly straightforward evolution of VII’s systems, essentially combining materia and equipment. Finally, the main characters are largely fun to interact with, with Vivi being a standout.
#10. Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn
(Finished on the PlayStation 5 in 2022)
A decent first step, that leads to greatness.
First, let me emphasize that I am only considering the base game, not the expansions. Just like I am only commenting on the original X and XIII instead of their sequels, I won’t comment on the expansions for XIV and XI. Although, I will say that when you include the expansions, I would rank XIV right below VI!
As a standalone title, XIV is just a very good game. MMOs are complex by their nature, but this game does a decent job of onboarding you to the necessary systems. If you (like me) are not interested in crafting, being in a guild, PVP, or home decorating, you can just skip those aspects of the game. While it’s always clear what to do next, the overall story of XIV is a bit boring. You are basically going around the world destroying primals, which are supernatural beings based on the Final Fantasy summons like Ifrit. The conclusion involves fighting a random military general from the evil neighboring empire that is rarely seen throughout the story up to that point. Despite the lackluster story, the game does excel at creating an interesting world with distinct regions that each feel lived-in.
The battle system is very straight forward MMO fighting. Each action has a variable cooldown period before it can be used again, and progressively stronger actions are unlocked as you level up in your job. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about disappointing your teammates by not mastering the battle system, as the entire game can be played solo with a party of NPCs. I do not play MMOs, but I played this one and am so glad that I did.
#11. Final Fantasy XII
(Finished on the PlayStation 4 in October 2018)
For people who enjoy if-then statements and single player MMOs.
This game is for people who enjoy the planning and complexity of V’s job system, but in a more modern game engine. While you control your primary character directly in combat, your party members actions are largely dictated by a set of pre-programmed commands you place into their profile, like “Heal any party member whose health is <50%”. While that may sound tedious, it is quite satisfying witnessing your party carry out effective strategies that you dictate. I also appreciated that the story in XII was a political drama in a fantasy setting. The world feels more grounded than some of the more supernatural settings of other games. Overall, the game feels like a more complex and mature title in the series.
A Bit Dated: III, II, I
#12. Final Fantasy III
(Finished on the iOS in December 2019)
A straightforward and breezy game with a job system that allows for flexibility without being overwhelming.
First, this game has the second best overworld theme of the series with “Eternal Wind”. It perfectly captures the feeling of adventuring in an unknown world. Unfortunately, the story of III is fairly generic: save the four crystals. However, the world of III is beautiful and interesting. You start the game on the Floating Continent, and eventually explore the surface world and other interesting locales. Perhaps because I played the 3D remake of III, I was surprised at how fleshed out the world and side characters were for an originally 8-bit game. The battle system is a very traditional turn-based system, which I am fine with. Finally, the job system allows for flexibility in party formation, without being as overwhelmingly complex as the job system in V.
#13. Final Fantasy II
(Finished on the iOS in June 2018)
For fans of Star Wars Episode IV and self-flagellation.
I was very impressed that an 8-bit game from 1988 had such an involved plot, even if it was very similar to the original Star Wars movie. A group of rebels are recruited by a princess to stop the Emperor from creating his superweapon, the Dreadnaught. II has a relatively grounded fantasy world and story that is entertaining. The leveling system is a bit cumbersome, as you become better at the actions you perform. Unfortunately, I succumbed to the stupidity of leaving a single enemy on the battle screen while my party members attacked themselves in order to manipulate stats. Fortunately, there are better versions of this game available now that don’t require this silliness.
#14. Final Fantasy
(Finished on the NES in June 1999)
Straightforward by today’s standards, but it’s impressive how much of its nature persists throughout the series.
It’s easy to forget what made RPGs like Final Fantasy so impactful in the 8-bit days. We simply were not used to interactive media that had the scope of these games. That feeling of wonder as you sail toward an unexplored continent was somewhat unique upon Final Fantasy’s release. By today’s standards the story is barebones, the character progression is somewhat limited, and the gameplay is very basic. Despite its flaws, this game laid the groundwork for my favorite game series.
Bad By Series Standards: XI, VIII
#15. Final Fantasy XI
(Finished on the PC in February 2022)
A game so obtuse that it requires a guide to play, but an impressive first attempt at an MMO.
Let me describe for you my experience with the beginning of this game. I completed three simple Rank 1 missions given to me by a guard. I then spent a couple of months stuck because I couldn’t get the Rank 2 missions to unlock. That’s because you can’t just speak to the quest-giver to turn in the necessary items to progress. You need to click on that person, open your menu to select “Trade”, and trade the items to that person. This is how MMOs worked twenty years ago.
This game is a mess to play today, despite it becoming much easier to play over the decades. There is no in-game indication of what you need to do to progress the story, so you have to play XI with a guide next to you to figure out where to go and who to talk to. The baseline story does not play out in a linear manner. I would enter an area, and a cutscene for a later expansion would start playing which would have no relevance to the base game’s story I was progressing through.
Despite the incredibly clunky experience, I did have a good time playing XI once I figured out how everything worked. This MMO feels like a real world, and there are many times where I was scared for my survival. Finally, while the story starts out generic, by the end of the third expansion XI tells a very rewarding story.
#16. Final Fantasy VIII
(Finished on the Nintendo Switch in March 2022)
You interact with a sullen teenager and are rewarded with zero growth as a result.
You know that satisfaction you get from leveling up a character and feeling increasingly powerful as you smite weaker foes than you? Final Fantasy VIII takes one of the key joys of RPGs away from you by leveling all enemies to the party’s average level. In order to improve your stats, you “junction” magic spells to your stats. How do you get magic spells? You steal them from monsters. While some claim that the fun in this battle system comes from finding exploits to become overpowered, that’s not what I consider fun.
Squall is also an extremely unlikable protagonist, who has to be dragged into saving the world. I was hoping he would experience some character growth throughout the story, and was disappointed. The story is the least comprehensible of the series, and that’s saying a lot for a series with some pretty zany plots.
I don’t think I have ever hate-played a game besides Final Fantasy VIII. I could not wait for the experience to be over, and I only finished it because I wanted to finish the entire series. The only positive thing I can say about VIII is that the music is great, but it’s a Final Fantasy game, so of course it is.
Conclusions
Final Fantasy is my favorite game series, and I enjoy how varied the games are. From MMOs to turn-based battles, to more action-oriented games, the series is constantly evolving. Finishing all of the games and ranking them has forced me to reflect on what I value most in an RPG: music, engaging battle systems, and epic stories. While new games will always emphasize different aspects of the series, I continue to be excited for the future of Final Fantasy!