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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11You do not need to play every numbered Final Fantasy in sequence. Most mainline numbered games have their own premise, so a newcomer can start with a standalone entry that suits their tastes. Play in release order if you want to follow the series’ history; follow a specific project’s order when its games are connected. The clearest exception is the Final Fantasy VII remake project: start with FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE, then play FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH.
Do you need to play Final Fantasy in order?
No franchise-wide order is required. Square Enix’s North American history page lists the mainline numbered games from I through XVI separately from the many other Final Fantasy titles. The official catalog gives individual titles their own premises; taken together, those pages support treating most numbered entries as independent starting points rather than chapters in one continuous story. That is practical guidance, not a claim that no games share settings or continuity. Square Enix’s series history and game catalog are useful starting points.
Keep the scope clear: “mainline numbered games” does not mean every Final Fantasy product. The broader franchise includes spin-offs, online games, remakes, and other titles.
Which play order should you choose?
| Approach | Choose it if… | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone entry | You want to get started without committing to a long sequence. | Pick a numbered game whose combat style, age, and available edition appeal to you. This is a practical choice, not an official Square Enix ranking. |
| Release order | You want to see how the franchise changed across its history. | Choose a market and release-date scope first: worldwide original release, North American release, or a particular remake or remaster’s release. |
| Project order | You are starting a connected series or remake project. | Follow that project’s story sequence rather than treating its installments as standalone numbered games. |
How to pick a standalone Final Fantasy
Square Enix’s beginner-facing page asks, “Which FINAL FANTASY game should I play first?” but does not establish a definitive best starting game. Use these practical filters instead:
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- 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.
- Story: If you want a self-contained premise, choose a standalone numbered entry; if you want a connected narrative, begin at that project’s first installment.
- Combat: Decide whether you prefer turn-based or action-oriented combat, then check the specific game’s systems. The official sources do not rank the entries by combat style.
- Age and systems: Older games may suit you if you enjoy earlier visuals and mechanics; a newer release or remake may feel more accessible if those are a barrier.
- Platform and edition: Confirm the current platform, edition, and availability for the game you have in mind. Square Enix’s catalog is not a complete current platform matrix, and availability can change.
For the publisher’s own starting-point framing, see “Which FINAL FANTASY game should I play first?”
What order should you play the Final Fantasy VII remake project?
- Play FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE.
- Continue with FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH, which Square Enix describes as the remake project’s second game.
- Play the project’s announced third and final installment when it is released.
This sequence is specific to the remake project, not a required route through the entire franchise. Square Enix’s announcement identifies REBIRTH as the second game and describes the project as a trilogy: official announcement. The announcement reported availability across modern platforms at the time it was published; check current platform and release information before buying.
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- Universally updated 2D pixel graphics, including the iconic FINAL FANTASY character pixel designs created by Kazuko Shibuya, the original artist and current collaborator
- Additional boost features to expand gameplay options, including switching off random encounters and adjusting experience gained multipliers between 0 and 4
- Beautifully rearranged soundtrack in a faithful FINAL FANTASY style, overseen by original composer Nobuo Uematsu
- Including modernized UI, auto-battle options, and more
- Dive into the world of the game with supplemental extras like the bestiary, illustration gallery, and music player
What does “release order” mean for Final Fantasy?
Release order is useful if your goal is to follow the series’ development, but there is more than one valid list. Worldwide original release dates, North American release dates, and later remake or remaster releases are different scopes. Square Enix’s North American history is a practical backbone for that market’s history, but its full dated list also includes spin-offs, online games, remakes, and other media; it is not a chronological checklist of only the mainline games.
North American numbering adds a historical wrinkle. Square Enix records that FINAL FANTASY IV was released in North America as FINAL FANTASY II, and FINAL FANTASY VI as FINAL FANTASY III. Use the original title and specify North American release history when discussing those older localized versions, rather than assuming every region used the same numbering. See the labels on Square Enix’s history page.
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- Updated and reconstructed visuals to be far more realistic and richly textured vs the original game
- Upgraded models for each character, graphical updates for a more immersive environment
- Estimated gameplay hours: 40 to 50 per title
- Sound: Players will be able to choose between original sound and the new, re-arranged sound
How large is the series?
Square Enix’s Final Fantasy Portal Site says the first game was released in 1987 and reports more than 215 million package and download units sold. The page does not give a measurement date for the sales figure, so treat it as Square Enix’s stated total rather than a dated, independently measured count. The portal also mentions 87 titles in connection with a Guinness World Records accolade from 2017; that is part of the 2017 record, not a current title count. Final Fantasy Portal Site
Quick Recap
Best Value
- CLASSIC RPG COLLECTION: Relive the classic adventures of the first six mainline Final Fantasy games with this definitive collection for Nintendo Switch.
- PIXEL REMASTERED: Enjoy the timeless stories and iconic characters with beautifully rendered 2D pixel graphics and updated gameplay systems.
- BONUS CONTENT: Anniversary Edition includes a pixel character art sticker sheet featuring the heroes and villains from each game.
- MULTI-PLATFORM GAMING: Experience the epic RPG journeys on the go or at home with the Nintendo Switch's hybrid capabilities.
- LEGENDARY SOUNDTRACKS: Immerse yourself in the iconic musical scores that have defined the Final Fantasy series over the decades.
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- Game boosts
- - Battle assist - HP and ATB will always be maxed out, and limit breaks are available to trigger at any time.
- - no encounters - Turn on/off battle encounters.
- - speed boost (X3) - Play all scenes at 3X speed.
- the game is now Compatible with full HD (1920 x 1080) display and has implemented all new character models!
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
