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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Choose a Final Fantasy game by the experience you want, not by its number. Most numbered entries have self-contained stories, so you can start with the setting and combat that appeal to you. The main exception is a direct sequel: play Final Fantasy X before X-2, and follow the Final Fantasy VII Remake games in release order.
Do you need to play Final Fantasy games in order?
No. Most numbered mainline games tell separate stories in their own worlds, so playing one does not generally require finishing the previous numbered entry. Square Enix’s series index presents individual premises for the numbered games, and PlayStation’s series guide distinguishes those standalone entries from sequels.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
FINAL FANTASY RESONANCE - PlayStation 5 | $49.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
FINAL FANTASY I-VI Collection Anniversary Edition - 2024 (NSW) | $45.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Do follow the order within a connected story. Final Fantasy X-2 is a direct sequel to X. The Final Fantasy VII Remake project is also a multi-game story: Remake Intergrade is the first entry and Rebirth is the second. Square Enix lists the third game, Final Fantasy VII Revelation, for April 8, 2027; that announced date and release details may change. See Square Enix’s release-date announcement.
Choose by the kind of play you want
Combat is one of the clearest ways to narrow the choice. The games do not share one combat system: PlayStation describes XVI as action-oriented, the VII Remake games as blending command-based and action approaches, and XII: The Zodiac Age as giving players control over party behavior through its Gambit system.
#1 Best Overall
- Cinematic pixel art - What if FINAL FANTASY had continued to push the limits of pixel art? The first FINAL FANTASY to join the HD‑2D lineup, FINAL FANTASY RESONANCE delivers a visually striking experience that feels both nostalgic and new, enhanced by dynamic camera angles and pixelized 3D models that make every moment more dramatic and immersive.
- A return to the familiar - A classic RPG adventure unfolds in a world filled with beloved FINAL FANTASY elements—airships, crystals, espers and moogles woven into the fabric of the story, and so much more.
- Strategic turn-based battles - Exploit enemy weaknesses to stagger them—breaking their defenses to seize extra turns and gain the upper hand with powerful Resonance attacks in cinematic battles shaped by smart choices.
- FINAL FANTASY legends - Bolster your team with Visions, echoes of beloved FINAL FANTASY characters, who fight alongside you with unique skills and abilities for deep party customization.
- Hours of side content to discover - The world is full of secrets, including the wandering swordmaster Gilgamesh, a Colosseum with deadly monsters and rewards to match, the Chamber of Arms with formidable foes sealed within legendary weapons, and a showdown with Ultima Weapon.
- Want action-focused combat? Consider Final Fantasy XVI.
- Want a mix of action and commands? Consider Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade.
- Want to configure how party members act? Consider Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age, whose Gambit system lets you set party behavior.
Setting and tone are useful tie-breakers, too. If you want a classic fantasy presentation, PlayStation describes IX as deliberately revisiting series elements such as crystals and a medieval European fantasy motif. For other entries, compare the premises in Square Enix’s official series index and pick the world or story setup that sounds most appealing.
Shortlist: which game fits your preference?
| If you want… | Consider… | Why it may fit |
|---|---|---|
| Cinematic storytelling with hybrid combat | Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade | Square Enix presents it as an entry point for newcomers. It begins a multi-game remake story, and a free demo is available. |
| A distinctly action-oriented mainline game | Final Fantasy XVI | PlayStation describes its combat as action-oriented. Check availability and edition for your platform. |
| Classic fantasy imagery | Final Fantasy IX | It revisits crystals and a medieval European fantasy motif, according to PlayStation’s guide. |
| More control over party behavior | Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age | Its Gambit system lets you configure how party members behave. |
| An ongoing shared-world adventure | Final Fantasy XIV Online | It is an MMORPG for online play with other people. Its North American free trial has no playtime limit through level 80, but restricts some social and trading features. |
| Two connected games in one collection | Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster | Play X first; X-2 is its direct sequel. |
This is a preference-based shortlist, not a ranking of the best games. The right first choice depends on whether combat, setting, story continuity, or online play matters most to you.
Rank #2
- The games that inspired a generation come to life once more, in the ultimate 2D pixel remaster!
- These games are newly developed remaster editions based on the original titles. Some of the changes and additional elements found in other remakes of these games are not included.
- The Anniversary Edition includes a pixel character sticker sheet.
- Universally updated 2D pixel graphics, including the iconic FINAL FANTASY character designs created by Kazuko Shibuya, the original artist and current collaborator.
- Beautifully rearranged soundtrack in a faithful FINAL FANTASY style, overseen by original composer Nobuo Uematsu.
Check platforms, editions, and demos before choosing
Availability differs by game, platform, and edition, so confirm the exact listing for your system and region before buying. Square Enix’s announcements provide these dated platform details:
- Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade was announced for Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, PlayStation 5, and PC in Square Enix’s January 23, 2026 availability announcement. Its free demo supports save-data transfer.
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth was announced for Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, PlayStation 5, and PC in Square Enix’s June 5, 2026 availability announcement. The Switch 2 and Xbox demos include Chapters 1 and 2 and transfer progress.
- Final Fantasy XVI is available digitally on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox PC as a Complete Edition or as the base game and DLC separately, according to Square Enix’s June 9, 2025 Xbox announcement. That announcement also confirms a free Xbox demo with save carryover.
Demo availability and editions can vary by platform or store. A demo is a practical way to check whether a game’s combat and presentation suit you before committing to a full game.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteRank #3
- Immerse yourself in the city of Midgar like never before, with improved textures, lighting, and background environments
- Players can switch between two game modes: "Graphics Mode" prioritizes 4K high-resolution graphics; "Performance Mode" prioritizes smooth action at 60 frames per second
- Capture and share your memorable moments from the game with a fully customizable “Photo Mode”
- Players can enjoy immersive battles by using the DualSense PlayStation 5 controller with its haptic feedback integration
- Play the brand-new episode featuring Yuffie and experience new combat and gameplay additions
Is Final Fantasy XIV right for you?
Final Fantasy XIV Online is an MMORPG, not a standalone single-player campaign. Choose it if you want an ongoing shared world and the option to play alongside other people. The North American Free Trial page, accessed October 7, 2026, says the trial can be played through level 80 with no playtime limit. It also lists restrictions, including no access to the market board, trading, or Free Companies. Check the current North American Free Trial terms before starting, since trial rules can change.
Square Enix reports “Over 30 Million” accounts worldwide on that page. This is a publisher-reported total across Japan, North America, Europe, Oceania, China, and South Korea, including free-trial accounts; it is not a count of unique active players.
Quick Recap
A simple way to make the choice
- Decide whether you want single-player or online play. For a shared-world MMORPG, look at XIV; for a more self-contained story, pick a numbered entry or the first game in a connected series.
- Pick a combat style. Try XVI for action-oriented combat, VII Remake Intergrade for a hybrid approach, or XII: The Zodiac Age if configuring party behavior appeals to you.
- Use story and setting as a tie-breaker. Choose IX for its classic fantasy motif, or browse Square Enix’s game premises for a different setting.
- Check your platform and try a demo where available. Verify the specific store listing, edition, and region; demo support is not identical across platforms.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
