Many long-running series, from Resident Evil on The Legend of Zeldarun into problems with overlapping plots and timelines. New players can be very confused and longtime fans can get frustrated trying to put each game in chronological order and understand the full sequence of events. In case Final Fantasythings are somewhat different, as the adventures of the series are for the most part self-contained. That's not to say that there aren't direct prequels, sequels, and games sharing a universe, but that mainline entries typically have no direct relationship to each other in this way.
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The series has become synonymous with amazing games, but because of this, it can be difficult to know where to start if you're interested in playing your first game. Final Fantasy game. Fortunately, there are legions of fans willing to share their recommendations. Here are some common suggestions for getting into the main line to get you started.
Quick pick: games perfect for beginners
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If you want… |
Top pick in 2026 |
Why? |
|---|---|---|
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A classic turn-based JRPG |
Final Fantasy 9 |
An all-round great representative of the classics Final Fantasywith great combat, characters and environments. |
|
Action in real time |
Final Fantasy 16 |
The latest numbered entry leans more than usual into action territory, delivering hack-and-slash combat that's flashy and satisfying. |
|
Start From The Beginning |
Final Fantasy |
Well, it was the first. |
5
Final Fantasy 9
A timeless adventure full of references
Final Fantasy 9 released in 2000 and it's almost alarming to think how well it holds up. In fact, when the game's 25th anniversary passed without official confirmation of a remake, some fans speculated that maybe it just didn't need one. Later re-releases added much improved character models, and while the pre-rendered backgrounds were intact, the level of detail is still impressive. More importantly, the unfolding story of Zidane and his allies' battle against the conflict spreading across Gaia is unmissable.
The game was created to bring the spirit of the classic series to what was modern in the 2000s. Medieval fantasy aesthetics, airships and the strict allocation of specific abilities to specific characters play into this (for example, only the beloved Black Mage Vivi can fire). It's often listed as a must for anyone interested in JRPGs, although the slower pace of turn-based battles might be a point of contention for those familiar with action games.
4
Final Fantasy 16
The latest and perhaps the most exciting series
Naturally, without having to play in numerical order, some will simply want to start with the most recent main game in a given series. In this case it would be Final Fantasy 16which was first released as a PlayStation 5 exclusive in 2023 before coming to other systems in the following years. In terms of presentation, it's a great looking action RPG with the fantastic music the series is known for and some of the biggest set pieces, not to mention the most mature and shocking moments ever seen.
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The game's world, Valisthea, is in the grip of a devastating war and a spreading scourge dubbed the Blight. In the midst of it all, the protagonist Clive Rosfield, who was once destined to become the next ruler of Rosario, finds his destiny and understanding of himself torn apart by the attack on the kingdom and its consequences. The title follows the more recent Final Fantasy trend of action-heavy combat, with Clive able to control a number of different moves from the game's Eikons (summons). If the slow turn-based combat of the classic games put you off the series, you can be sure that you'll get the opposite here. At the same time, there are special pieces of equipment that can be used by those who may find it difficult to time attacks, blocks and dodges. Excellent entry to the main line.
3
Final Fantasy
The original game, perhaps in a more player-friendly format
While there is no need to play the games in chronological order, it still makes sense to start from the beginning. original Final Fantasy The game first hit North America in 1990, three years after its Japanese debut. As such, it would be unfair to expect it to hold up great in its NES form. But that doesn't mean you can't get started with it. Just as Final Fantasy 16's action in turn-based battles will be a big selling point for some players, it will prove to be the opposite for others. However, many fans will suggest you go for the Pixel Remaster of the first main series (pictured here).
This version made valuable changes to navigation, level grinding, and the way magic works, while fundamentally giving the player more freedom with the save system. Not all of these changes have been embraced by all players, but they certainly make the game a bit more accessible to newcomers. Elements from that first story, such as the Warriors of Light, their quest to destroy the Four Elemental Devils, the working classes, and the all-important crystals, have been cornerstones of the series for decades, and this is probably the best way to experience this debut adventure.
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2
Final Fantasy VII
A classic that started the story for many
Whether you've played any of the games yourself or not, you'll probably recognize it Final Fantasy VII was the first series experience for many players outside of Japan. It's the title that started a lifelong love for the series (and JRPGs more generally) for many of us. Its cast has become iconic, its Materia system remains one of the prettiest and most beloved means of character customization in the genre, and tragically, its central themes of humanity and its impact on a resource-guzzling planet are as relevant as ever.
Every Tifa Lockhart Final Fantasy game is playable
Aside from Final Fantasy 7 and its remake, Tifa has also been in several spin-off Final Fantasy titles.
There are certain rites of passage games that will always be recommended as essential experiences, and this is one of them. The story of the battle for the planet, against Shinra and finally against Sephiroth, is full of can't-miss moments and truly heart-wrenching sequences. Of course, all this refers to the original version of the game, because the much-worn remake project represents a completely different way to experience the adventure. As much as it may change the original plot, despite the fast-paced action RPG combat, it's also a great approach and may be more palatable to those who would find the original classic a little too creaky for current tastes. Still, this is an iconic RPG that still hasn't been surpassed for some.
1
Final Fantasy 10
The end of the Final Fantasy era, but still an excellent starting point
The original PlayStation saw some of the best releases of the series, with an impressive trio Final Fantasy 7, 8, and 9. The latter came relatively late in the system's life and, like its PS1 predecessors, went a long way towards bringing new fans of the series into the fold. So its debut on Sony's next console had to be quite the spectacle, and it certainly was.
Final Fantasy 10 was a transformative game. Some newbies to the series might find it a little primitive to simply read in dialog boxes, and here was the game that introduced voice acting. It also implements turn-based battles in a similar way, but with the ability to switch characters during them, they were much more dynamic than before. The very way Tidus and company travel through Spira has also changed, without the classic world map. All of this lent the title a more cinematic, high-octane quality, albeit without losing sight of the importance of tinkering with character stats and abilities (in this case via the Sphere Grid). An amazing game in its day, boasting an HD remaster that still looks great. More importantly, it's a moving, utterly compelling story about the threat of Sin, Yuna's critical journey and the devoted friends who walk it with her, and protagonist Tidus' journey from Blitzball ace to hero. It's one of the best stories in the Final Fantasy games. Speaking of Blitzball, what a minigame!
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