Fortunately for you, there is no strict order necessary to play any of the mainline entries in the long-running series \u2013 you can start with 16 if you want to \u2013 but there is something of a chronological story timeline at play thanks to a number of direct sequels.<\/p>\n
In this guide, we\u2019re sticking with the main instalments only. We\u2019d be here forever if we tried to explain about the dozens of spin-offs and sister series. No Final Fantasy Tactics, Crystal Chronicles, Chocobo or others here, we\u2019re afraid.<\/p>\n
With all of that in mind, it\u2019s time to find out how to play the Final Fantasy games in release date and chronological story timeline order.<\/p>\n
Final Fantasy games in release date order<\/b><\/h2>\n
The best way to play the Final Fantasy games in order is to stick to their release dates. People who have been fans since day one have been playing them this way and it\u2019s as good an order as any other.<\/p>\n
Before we dive into the list, though, we\u2019ll be listing the games in order of their original Japanese release year, name and platform (we\u2019re using NES instead of Famicom, before you write in).<\/p>\n
The series has a storied history of initially missing entries and name changes here in the West. Nowadays, the names and release years below are widely accepted by all players.<\/p>\n
Here are the Final Fantasy games in release date order:
- \n
- Final Fantasy <\/b>(1987 | NES)<\/li>\n
- Final Fantasy II<\/b> (1988 | NES)<\/li>\n
- Final Fantasy III<\/b> (1990 | NES)\n
- \n
- Nintendo DS remake (2006)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Final Fantasy IV<\/b> (1991 | SNES)\n
- \n
- Nintendo DS remake (2007)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Final Fantasy V<\/b> (1992 | SNES)<\/li>\n
- Final Fantasy VI <\/b>(1994 | SNES)<\/li>\n
- Final Fantasy VII <\/b>(1997 | PS1)\n
- \n
- Final Fantasy VII Remake (2020 | PS4)<\/li>\n
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth<\/a> (2024 | PS5)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Final Fantasy VIII <\/b>(1999 | PS1)<\/li>\n
- Final Fantasy IX<\/b> (2000 | PS1)<\/li>\n
- Final Fantasy X<\/b> (2001 | PS2)<\/li>\n
- Final Fantasy XI: Online<\/b> (2002 | PS2, PC)<\/li>\n
- Final Fantasy X-2<\/b> (2003 | PS2)<\/li>\n
- Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII (2006 | PS2)<\/li>\n
- Final Fantasy XII<\/b> (2006 | PS2)<\/li>\n
- Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings (2007 | DS)<\/li>\n
- Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (2007 | PSP)\n
- \n
- Remake as Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion (2022 | PC, Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X\/S)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Final Fantasy IV: The After Years (2008\/2009 | Smartphones, Wii)<\/li>\n
- Final Fantasy XIII<\/b> (2009 | PS3, Xbox 360)<\/li>\n
- Final Fantasy XIV: Online (2010 | PC)<\/li>\n
- Final Fantasy XIII-2<\/b> (2011 | PS3, Xbox 360, PC)<\/li>\n
- Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII<\/b> (2013 | PS3, Xbox 360, PC)<\/li>\n
- Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn<\/b> (2013 | PC, PS3)<\/li>\n
- Final Fantasy XV<\/b> (2016 | PS4, Xbox One)<\/li>\n
- Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin (2022 | PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X\/S, PC)<\/li>\n
- Final Fantasy XVI<\/b> (2023 | PS5)<\/li>\n
- Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis (2023 | iOS, Android)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
In the list above, the games in bold are the mainline entries, and those not in bold are sequels, prequels and remakes in which gameplay\/graphics are dramatically different.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s worth pointing out, too, that the majority of the games above are available on modern platforms as well as those listed above. Check out the digital storefront on your console(s) to check \u2018em all out!<\/p>
Final Fantasy games in story timeline order<\/b><\/h2>\n
As far as anyone can tell, there is no particular overarching storyline in the Final Fantasy series.<\/p>\n
Various games have direct sequels, however, so there is a method to the madness (you\u2019re not going to start with Final Fantasy X-2 before X now, are you?).<\/p>\n
You can play any of the main numbered Final Fantasy games in whatever order you like.<\/p>\n
The list is largely the same as the release date order one above, but hey ho, here\u2019s how to play the Final Fantasy games in story timeline order:<\/p>\n
Final Fantasy\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
![\"Final]( "\\"Final")
\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>Final Fantasy.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n If you want a basic understanding of what Final Fantasy is all about, you\u2019re best off starting with the original, now playable on modern platforms as part of the Pixel Remaster series. In this original outing, you take control of a group of four Warriors of Light in a quest to save the world.
- \n
- Buy now on Steam<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n
- Buy as part of the collection from Amazon<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin<\/b><\/h2>\n
Offering a wildly different gameplay experience \u2013 think closer to Dark Souls than Final Fantasy and you get the picture \u2013 Stranger of Paradise is a prequel to the original Final Fantasy developed by Team Ninja. It\u2019s worth a go for sure.
- \n
- Buy from GAME<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Final Fantasy II<\/b><\/h2>\n
![\"A]( "\\"Final")
\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>Final Fantasy 2.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n Once more you find yourself in control of four powerful youths set out to save the world \u2013 be prepared to see this plot a lot. This is where Chocobos were first introduced, which let you travel the overworld at a great pace and avoid enemy encounters. The recurring character Cid is first introduced here too.
- \n
- Buy now on Steam<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n
- Buy as part of the collection from Amazon<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Final Fantasy III<\/b><\/h2>\n
![\"A]( "\\"Final")
\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>Final Fantasy 3.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n Another Final Fantasy game means another group of four young warriors destined to save the world from evil. Final Fantasy III introduces the legendary Job system into proceedings. The DS remake is excellent, too, and can be picked up cheaply on Steam<\/a>.
- \n
- Buy now on Steam<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n
- Buy as part of the collection from Amazon<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Final Fantasy IV + The After Years<\/b><\/h2>\n
![\"A]( "\\"Final")
\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>Final Fantasy 4.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n Final Fantasy IV follows Cecil, the dark knight, in his quest to stop evil sorcerer Golbez from \u2013 you guessed it \u2013 destroying the world. Cecil is one of the franchise\u2019s most memorable characters, however, and its introduction of the Active Time Battle system helped ensure it\u2019s one of the best on this list. It\u2019s very dramatic and very good.<\/p>\n
Once you\u2019ve finished the original Final Fantasy IV, it\u2019s time to play its direct sequel: The After Years \u2013 set 20 years later.
- \n
- Buy now on Steam<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n
- Buy as part of the collection from Amazon<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n
- Buy The After Years on Steam<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Final Fantasy V<\/b><\/h2>\n
![\"A]( "\\"Final")
\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>Final Fantasy 5.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n In Final Fantasy V, you play as a band of warriors on a quest to stop Exdeath\u2019s resurgence and save the world. This entry upgraded the Active Time Battle system to what became a series standard in the next four games. It also greatly expanded the Job system, with 22 different classes for characters to choose from in the original (26 in re-releases).
- \n
- Buy now on Steam<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n
- Buy as part of the collection from Amazon<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Final Fantasy VI<\/b><\/h2>\n
![\"A]( "\\"Final")
\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>Final Fantasy 6.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n Another entry that\u2019s often considered among the very best of the franchise, Final Fantasy VI took the formula of the games that came before it and made it bigger and more dramatic \u2013 there are 14 party members to choose from, too! It\u2019s something of a legendary JRPG and one that\u2019s still to be matched in some people\u2019s eyes.
- \n
- Buy now on Steam<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n
- Buy as part of the collection from Amazon<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Final Fantasy VII + Crisis Core<\/b><\/h2>\n
![\"A]( "\\"Final")
\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>Final Fantasy 7.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n Final Fantasy VII is often considered one of the best games ever made and this is thanks to its then fancy 3D graphics, inventive story, setting and strong cast of characters. Cloud and Sephiroth are video game icons for a reason.<\/p>\n
Square Enix is more than aware of the popularity of the classic and there\u2019s a good reason it\u2019s one of the most re-released and remade games out there.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s one game into a three-game triple-A remake and has had multiple prequels, sequels and spin-offs, including Crisis Core, which was also remade in 2022. It\u2019s all worth playing to see what everyone\u2019s been on about all these years.
- Buy as part of the collection from Amazon<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Buy as part of the collection from Amazon<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Buy as part of the collection from Amazon<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n
- Buy as part of the collection from Amazon<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Buy as part of the collection from Amazon<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Buy now on Steam<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n
- Buy as part of the collection from Amazon<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Final Fantasy VIII <\/b>(1999 | PS1)<\/li>\n
- Final Fantasy VI <\/b>(1994 | SNES)<\/li>\n
- Final Fantasy II<\/b> (1988 | NES)<\/li>\n
![\"Final](\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/3\/2023\/08\/Final-Fantasy-games-in-order-1-6df2a89.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413\" "\\"Final")
\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>![\"A](\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/3\/2023\/08\/Final-Fantasy-games-in-order-2-61e475d.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413\" "\\"Final")
\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>![\"A](\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/3\/2023\/08\/Final-Fantasy-games-in-order-3-ec1aff6.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413\" "\\"Final")
\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>![\"A](\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/3\/2023\/08\/Final-Fantasy-games-in-order-4-195c1e5-e1692887803596.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C412\" "\\"Final")
\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>![\"A](\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/3\/2023\/08\/Final-Fantasy-games-in-order-5-2fb528b-e1692887827255.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413\" "\\"Final")
\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>![\"A](\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/3\/2023\/08\/Final-Fantasy-games-in-order-6-33df685.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413\" "\\"Final")
\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>![\"A](\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/3\/2023\/08\/Final-Fantasy-games-in-order-7-7aef35f-e1692887868875.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C401\" "\\"Final")
\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>