All 16 Mainline Final Fantasy Games, Ranked

The *Final Fantasy* series is huge, even if you only count the core games. Many entries try out new and different ideas, which can either make a game great or not, depending on your taste. Because each game is so unique, it’s hard to make a definitive ranking that everyone will agree on. This list of all the main *Final Fantasy* games attempts to acknowledge that everyone has different preferences. So, here’s a ranking from worst to best, keeping that in mind.

16. Final Fantasy 3

The older Final Fantasy games, especially those before *Final Fantasy 6*, often get overlooked compared to newer installments. This is likely because of their retro pixel art style, which doesn’t appeal to everyone the way the 3D graphics of *Final Fantasy 7* and beyond do. However, the main reason *Final Fantasy 3* consistently ranks lowest is its original job system. While innovative, it was quite confusing and made the game difficult to get into. The *Pixel Remaster* improved things, but when looking at the original releases, *Final Fantasy 3* doesn’t quite measure up.

15. Final Fantasy

The first *Final Fantasy* game is a solid classic, telling a familiar story of good versus evil with an interesting time loop element. However, the series has changed a lot since then, and this original game can feel disconnected from later installments, often getting lost in the shadow of more recent titles. While it’s fairly standard overall, it’s still enjoyable, particularly for fans of classic role-playing games, as it really captures the feel of that era. Like *Final Fantasy III*, the *Pixel Remaster* version makes the game more accessible than the original, but it still requires a significant amount of grinding.

14. Final Fantasy 2

Okay, so *Final Fantasy 2* definitely builds on what the first game started, but honestly, it feels a little…basic. And the ending? Ugh, it’s pretty rough. You beat the bad guy, and then things just magically resolve themselves – it’s super unsatisfying! Like the original, it’s still a fun time if you’re into those old-school RPGs, but it doesn’t really stick with you the way some of the later *Final Fantasy* games do. It’s pretty forgettable, to be honest.

13. Final Fantasy 15

The development of *Final Fantasy 15* was troubled, and that shows in the final game. It started as a different project called *Final Fantasy Versus 13*, and the released game feels like it’s built from leftover parts. While there are enjoyable moments and interesting story beats, the game often feels disjointed and confusing, with some scenes not quite fitting together. One memorable, and amusing, moment is when the four main characters are shown pushing their fancy car down the road.

12. Final Fantasy 4

Final Fantasy 4 was a major step forward for the series and remains a beloved classic. It’s a great 2D game to experience, even if you don’t typically play that style. This game was the first to truly prioritize story and character development, offering a more detailed plot and well-rounded characters compared to previous entries. Thankfully, this focus on deeper storytelling continued throughout the rest of the Final Fantasy series, establishing its reputation for compelling narratives.

11. Final Fantasy 5

While the story in *Final Fantasy V* is good, it’s not groundbreaking. It starts a bit slowly, and the threats don’t feel as urgent compared to earlier games where the world was constantly at risk. However, *Final Fantasy V* is important to the series because it features the best gameplay system up to that point, which would be further improved in later installments. The game really perfected the job system, offering a wide variety of character classes and letting players customize each character’s role and switch between classes at will. This level of customization greatly enhanced combat and paved the way for future refinements of the job system.

10. Final Fantasy 12

I’m a big *Final Fantasy* fan, but it feels like a lot of people sleep on *Final Fantasy 12*. Honestly, I think the complex political story is a big reason why it doesn’t stick with people as much as other games in the series. It spends so much time building this incredible world that the characters themselves feel a little…underdeveloped. They’re more like guides through the political mess than people I really connected with. *The Zodiac Age* version definitely improves things, but even then, the characters still needed more fleshed-out stories of their own. And the ending? It just felt really rushed, and I honestly couldn’t remember much about it after I finished playing.

9. Final Fantasy 11

Final Fantasy 11 was the first time the series tried a massively multiplayer online game, and it served as a learning experience for Final Fantasy 14. However, when it originally launched, Final Fantasy 11 was incredibly challenging. Playing alone was risky because you could lose levels – a unique feature that penalized dying players by removing their experience points. The initial raid encounters were also extremely difficult before updates made them more manageable. Despite the difficulty, many players enjoyed the game, and it’s a testament to its quality that people are still playing in the world of Vana’diel today.

8. Final Fantasy 13

Final Fantasy 13 is a bit of a divisive game. The first twelve hours are fairly straightforward, which fits the story, but some players dislike this linear start. The game opens up significantly when you reach Pulse, allowing for more exploration. While the story isn’t the series’ strongest, it’s not the weakest either. Overall, Final Fantasy 13 is a fairly average entry in the series, placing it somewhere in the middle. The real standout is Final Fantasy 13-2, which is a noticeable improvement in almost every way.

7. Final Fantasy 8

Like *Final Fantasy 13*, *Final Fantasy 8* is a fairly average entry in the series. While the main character, Squall, isn’t particularly compelling, the supporting cast is enjoyable and the story has surprisingly tragic elements. The plot features a common storytelling device: Ultimecia’s attempts to avoid her fate ironically cause it. However, *Final Fantasy 8* stands out with one of the best side games ever created: Triple Triad. It’s easy to learn and incredibly addictive. While not a top-tier *Final Fantasy* game, its strong points secure a solid middle position in the series.

6. Final Fantasy 16

Final Fantasy 16 tried some new things with its gameplay and story, and the results are mixed. The action-focused combat and unique summoning system are enjoyable, particularly for players who prefer fast-paced battles. The game also features a more mature and darker storyline, earning it a mature rating-a first for the series. The characters are well-developed and interesting, with the main character, Clive, being shown at different stages of his life. However, the game’s ending feels hurried, and the open-ended structure isn’t without its issues.

5. Final Fantasy 14

Final Fantasy 14 is the second attempt at a massively multiplayer online game in the Final Fantasy series, and it’s a success thanks to the major overhaul known as A Realm Reborn, which significantly improved the original, flawed version. The game offers hundreds of hours of gameplay, with even more content added through regular updates and expansions. While not every piece of content will appeal to all players – as seen with the recent feedback on the Dawntrail expansion – Final Fantasy 14 is a fantastic choice for MMO fans looking for a long-term commitment. Just be aware that it requires a monthly subscription, and new content releases aren’t always frequent, so it may not always feel like a worthwhile expense.

4. Final Fantasy 6

Many fans consider *Final Fantasy 6* to be the pinnacle of the 2D *Final Fantasy* games, and for good reason. The game introduces a memorable cast of characters, like Terra, each with compelling and well-developed backstories that make you care about their journey. The villain is particularly frightening – his madness stems from a past experiment, and he embraces a bleak worldview while ruthlessly enforcing his will. Combined with a deeply customizable combat system, the story and gameplay of *Final Fantasy 6* create a true masterpiece.

3. Final Fantasy 10

Similar to *Final Fantasy VI*, *Final Fantasy X* excels because of its compelling story and deep character customization, allowing players to build a team suited to their preferred combat style and ready for any challenge. The characters are complex and full of unexpected twists, and the story maintains a serious and melancholic mood. Themes of death and destiny are central, but so is the hope of defeating Sin without needless sacrifice. The game’s emotional impact and poignant ending are unforgettable, and even the music-especially “To Zanarkand”-can instantly bring those feelings back. Though it shows its age, *Final Fantasy X* was groundbreaking for its time and remains enjoyable today.

2. Final Fantasy 9

As a huge fan, I always come back to *Final Fantasy 9* because it’s just so well-rounded. It’s amazing how the game balances really serious, even dark, story moments with lighter, fun scenes – it prevents things from getting *too* heavy. I love the characters, and honestly, the music is right up there with the best in the whole *Final Fantasy* series. Even though it’s an older game, it still feels great to play today. One thing that’s different is how you learn abilities through the equipment, which makes the combat pretty straightforward – it’s a nice change of pace from some of the more complex systems in other *FF* games. Overall, it’s a fantastic game, especially when it comes to the characters and story, though some people might find the battles a little slower compared to newer titles.

1. Final Fantasy 7

It’s no surprise that *Final Fantasy 7* is considered the best in the series and consistently ranks as a fan favorite. Even before the recent remake, it was a groundbreaking game that demonstrated the full potential of the *Final Fantasy* franchise and paved the way for its 3D titles. The game features compelling characters, a richly detailed and oppressive world shaped by the actions of Shinra, and a complex villain with understandable motivations – a character who was once a hero. With its smooth combat, exciting limit breaks, and a unique blend of science fiction and fantasy elements, *Final Fantasy 7* truly stands out as a masterpiece.

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2025-09-20 22:15