There are so, so many Final Fantasy games and spin-offs to go through and, depending on the genre you like, things you prioritize, and nostalgia, many have the potential to be the “best” for you to play at any given moment. To help pin down which ones to maybe pick and pay attention to, here are some suggestions for ones that are especially notable when you’re looking for certain sorts of experiences.
Best Classic Final Fantasy Game: Final Fantasy IV
For many people FFIV is the first game that really hooked them and got them introduced to the series’ staples like job classes for characters, crystals, and a strong story. While people’s mileage may vary based on which early entry is “best,” I feel like FFIV in all its incarnations is probably the best one to hold up as an example of what the series could be known for both in the past and present. It’s available on multiple platforms since its debut on the SFC/SNES (it was FFIII outside Japan back then), and it’s most easily accessible on the PS4, Switch, PC, and mobile devices via the Pixel Remaster version now.
As honorable mentions, it feels like people should also consider FFI (multiple platforms, most recently PS4, Switch, PC, and mobile) and FFV (multiple platforms, most recently PS4, Switch, PC, and mobile).
Best Modern Final Fantasy Game: Final Fantasy VII
Like FFIV, FFVII feels like one of those tentpole entries for the Final Fantasy series. As such, it’d have to be the best “modern” one I’d recommend. With the original PlayStation entry, we have the storytelling staples, magic system elements, and gameplay features that help define installments that are more true to the original. With the PS4, PS5, and PC remake trilogy, we see the more action-RPG elements incorporated and focus on moments over larger areas and exploration. It’s a good installment to hold up as an example for people.
Those in terms of honorable mentions, FFX (PS2, PS3, PS4, Vita, Switch, Xbox One, PC) and FFXV (PS4, Xbox One, PC) are also worth checking out!
Best Multi-Entry Final Fantasy Game: Final Fantasy VII
FFVII turned into an absolute behemoth. It’s to the point that it is almost its own series, given Before Crisis: FFVII, Crisis Core: FFVII, and the remake trilogy that is doing something. If you want to really get invested in a major arc, this is the one to go for.
If you’re looking for other Final Fantasy games that don’t wrap up their stories in a single game that you should also check out, the FFXIII and FFXII sagas are two to look into. (Though you may have some trouble finding FFXII: Revenant Wings for the DS.)
Best Final Fantasy MMORPG: Final Fantasy XIV
I mean, in this case it’s at the point where you sort of have only one option? There’s FFXI, of course, but it feels like that is drawing to a close. Meanwhile, FFXIV is ten years old now, still going strong, and is about to both come to the Xbox Series X and get a Dawntrail expansion in 2024. It’s definitely the MMO tied to the series to play.
An honorable mention here to also consider is FFXI, which is available on PCs.
Best Final Fantasy Multiplayer Game: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles (GameCube)
Okay, yes, there is a more recent remaster of this game. But the real magic comes from grabbing some Game Boy Advance systems, hooking them up to a GameCube, and all going through the adventure together. Yes, you’d need to have the cords and extra systems for the optimal way to play, with everyone dictating their actions and controlling things on their handhelds.
Though if you also want to play with others, the other honorable mentions to play is FFXIV. The MMO is fantastic with friends or strangers.
Best Final Fantasy Mobile Game: Dissidia Final Fantasy Opera Omnia
Dissidia FFOO is a fantastic mobile game, and it is a shame it is shutting down. But until it does in February 2024, people can still have some time with it. It pulled in characters from every Final Fantasy entry, even spin-off games. It had them interacting. The turn-based battle system was easy to understand and featured great team options. It also had a great gacha system that only involved weapons and not characters.
As for other games to consider, both the Final Fantasy Brave Exvius and War of the Visions: Final Fantasy Brave Exvius mobile titles are two to look into.
Best Final Fantasy Puzzle Game Spin-off: Pictlogica Final Fantasy (3DS and mobile)
Jupiter is great at making nonogram games like Picross! It made Final Fantasy ones for Square Enix! They were on mobile devices and even the 3DS in Japan! You’d fill in boxes in a grid to recreate characters and scenes! But now it’s gone.
Best of the Final Fantasy Tactical Title Spin-offs: Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift (DS)
Listen, everybody knows about Final Fantasy Tactics, so I’m recommending Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift. This is an equally amazing, isometric strategy game with tons of job classes. It also builds on the first mobile “Advance” game by including the Law system that has judges determining which actions you should avoid in battles to ensure you get extra bonuses.
As some honorable mentions to also consider, Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions (PSX, PSP, mobile) is also incredible and Final Fantasy Tactics Advance (GBA) is also a lot of fun.
Best of the Final Fantasy Chocobo Game Spin-offs: Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo Tales (DS)
I loved Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo Tales, and I think others would feel the same if they tried it too. It had such a neat, pop-up book aesthetic that isn’t found in other games in the series. Plus, it was a lot of fun to collect cards for the pop-up duels, which all referenced past games. There’s a lighthearted sense of humor here, and the gameplay is shockingly sound.
As an honorable mention here, I have to suggest Chocobo’s Mystery Dungeon: Every Buddy. It’s a pretty solid Switch and PS4 roguelike.
Best of the Final Fantasy Racing Game Spin-offs: Chocobo Racing (PSX)
The original Chocobo Racing is a lot of fun! It was a cart racer with various single and multiplayer modes, including a Story mode and Tiem Attack option. The Chocobo and Moogle, as well as various other Final Fantasy icons appear. There’s even an Aya Brea cameo, and you have to love any acknowledgement of Parasite Eve.
There’s also Chocobo GP for the Nintendo Switch, which isn’t bad, but even though I enjoyed it I’m not quite sure I’d consider it an honorable mention.
