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If you liked the FFVII remakes, the best next game depends on what you want more of: Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion is the closest link to VII’s story world, while Final Fantasy XVI, XV, X/X-2 HD Remaster, and XII: The Zodiac Age each match a different part of the experience.
None is a direct substitute for Final Fantasy VII Remake and Rebirth. Square Enix describes Rebirth as an action RPG that blends strategic thinking, action combat, and cooperation with party members. Use that mix—along with the characters, story, and sense of adventure you enjoyed—to choose your next game.
Which Final Fantasy should you play after the FFVII remakes?
Start with the element you want to carry forward. The series’ mainline games are largely standalone, according to PlayStation’s guide to Final Fantasy, so you do not need to play them in release order.
| If you liked… | Try | What it offers | How it differs |
|---|---|---|---|
| VII’s characters and setting | Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion | A prequel focused on Zack Fair | It is not a continuation of Cloud’s party journey. |
| Fast, action-oriented combat | Final Fantasy XVI | A cinematic fantasy adventure with action combat | It is an action match, not the same party-command hybrid as the VII remakes. |
| Travel and companionship | Final Fantasy XV | An open-world trip with a close-knit group of friends | Its open-world structure is the key fit; the combat should not be assumed to match VII. |
| A story-led RPG and voiced cast | Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster | Two remastered games, with X followed by its direct sequel, X-2 | Its combat is a more traditional contrast to Remake and Rebirth. |
| Planning how your party fights | Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age | Party behavior you configure with the Gambit system | You set ally behaviors rather than directly controlling every party member. |
Best for more of the VII universe: Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion
If what you want is a closer connection to the world and characters of VII, Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion is the clearest choice. Square Enix identifies it as a prequel centered on Zack Fair, making it the most direct VII-universe match among these recommendations.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Go in expecting a different perspective, not another chapter in Cloud and his companions’ journey. Square Enix’s VII project page presents Crisis Core as a prequel; it is distinct from the three-part reimagining of the original Final Fantasy VII.
Best for action combat: Final Fantasy XVI
Choose Final Fantasy XVI if the real draw was fast, action-led combat and cinematic fantasy. PlayStation characterizes its combat as action-oriented, so it aligns with the more immediate side of the VII remakes’ battles.
The match is about action, not an identical combat system. The VII remakes combine action with strategic decisions and party members; the available description of XVI supports the action comparison, not a claim that it uses the same party-command structure.
Best for a journey with companions: Final Fantasy XV
Final Fantasy XV is a good fit if you enjoyed the feeling of traveling through a large world alongside companions. PlayStation describes it as the series’ first open-world entry and emphasizes the protagonist’s trusted friends.
Rank #2
- FINAL FANTASY TACTICS –The Ivalice Chronicles– Amazon Exclusive Edition includes a double-sided poster.
- Combat - Lead your party in exhilarating encounters where strategic positioning and forward planning determine the outcome. Use the varied terrain of 3D battlefields to your advantage, skillfully manipulate the turn order, and victory will be yours for the taking.
- Character Growth and Customization - Combine a wide variety of jobs and abilities to craft your very own strategies. As your party members grow, they will gain access to more jobs, each with its own unique abilities. Once learned, abilities can be used even after changing to another job. With over 20 jobs to master—including white mage, black mage, dragoon, and many others from the FINAL FANTASY series—and hundreds of abilities to learn, you have the freedom to experiment and discover the combinations that best suit your party. Chocobos and other creatures can also be tamed and led into battle.
- Two Versions: Enhanced and Classic - With improved graphics, fully voiced dialogue, and refined gameplay, the enhanced version provides the perfect way to immerse yourself in the world of Ivalice. Along with the fine-tuning of several features and battle mechanics, the inclusion of the more accessible "Squire" difficulty setting makes the enhanced version an excellent starting point for first-time players. The classic version unites the graphics and gameplay of the original 1997 version with the renowned War of the Lions translation for a unique way to experience this beloved title.
- If you own the Nintendo Switch software in physical format, you can play the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition by downloading only the Upgrade Pack free of charge.
That makes XV a choice for its open-world, friends-on-the-road appeal—not because it reproduces the pacing or combat of the VII remakes.
Best for a story-led, more traditional RPG: Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster
This package gives you two remastered games: Final Fantasy X and its direct sequel, Final Fantasy X-2. PlayStation notes that X introduced voiced characters to the series, making the collection a strong option if you want a character-focused story with a different feel from the newer remakes.
It is also the clearest contrast here if you want a more traditional RPG structure rather than the VII remakes’ blend of action and commands. The remaster bundle is useful if you want one connected story arc across two games.
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Best for configurable party tactics: Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age
Pick Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age if managing a team’s behavior sounds more appealing than directly issuing actions to every ally. Its Gambit system lets you configure how party members respond in combat, giving you a different kind of tactical involvement.
Rank #3
- The award-winning FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE* retells the original story up to the escape from Midgar, with breathtaking visuals, fast-paced gameplay, and additional story elements. This RPG delivers unforgettable characters, a powerful narrative, and a hybrid battle system that blends real-time action with strategic, command-based combat. It also includes FF7R EPISODE INTERmission, a side story starring Yuffie Kisaragi that offers a fresh perspective running in parallel to Cloud’s journey.
- STUNNING VISUALS - Explore Midgar like never before with stunning visuals and richly detailed environments that bring the city’s layered, industrial districts to life, all while staying true to the spirit of the original game.
- DYNAMIC COMBAT WITH STRATEGIC DEPTH -The innovative battle system combines strategic command-based gameplay with fast-paced action. Seamlessly switch between characters, harness the power of materia, summon iconic creatures, and unleash devastating limit breaks.
- ICONIC CHARACTERS, UNFORGETTABLE STORY - Follow Cloud Strife, an ex-SOLDIER turned mercenary, as he joins Avalanche to take on the Shinra Electric Power Company. Cloud and his allies Barret, Tifa, and Aerith are pulled into a battle that will decide the fate of the planet.
- EXPANDED CONTENT - FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE offers quests, mini-games, and missions set in expanded areas of Midgar. Encounter new characters and experience exciting content that adds even more depth to the story.
The distinction is who handles each action: instead of relying on the VII remakes’ direct action-and-command mix, you set rules for party behavior. That makes XII a tactical alternative, not a mechanical copy.
Do you need to play the FFVII remakes in order?
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the second part of a three-part reimagining of the original Final Fantasy VII. Square Enix describes the project as three standalone titles, but Rebirth is still part two of that story. If you want to continue Cloud’s remake journey, play Remake before Rebirth; the other games in this guide are separate choices, not required steps in that trilogy.
Square Enix currently lists Rebirth for PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X|S on its official game page. Check the retailer’s regional listing for the platform and edition you intend to buy, since listings and physical editions can vary.
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