Choose by the experience you want, not by the Roman numeral: most numbered Final Fantasy games tell self-contained stories, while a few are direct sequels that should be played in order. Start with your preferred combat, setting and play style, then check which version runs on your system and whether you can try a demo or free trial first.
Do you need to play Final Fantasy games in order?
Usually, no. The numbered mainline entries generally tell separate stories, so you can begin with the world and style that interest you. The important exception is a game that continues another game’s story: play Final Fantasy X before X-2, for example, and treat VII Rebirth as a continuation of VII Remake. The PlayStation guide to Final Fantasy identifies these as sequels; Square Enix’s series index gives individual premises for the numbered games.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
FINAL FANTASY RESONANCE - PlayStation 5 | $49.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
FINAL FANTASY I-VI Collection Anniversary Edition - 2024 (NSW) | $45.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE | $32.45 | Buy on Amazon |
That makes the entry number a poor starting rule. Instead, decide whether you want action combat or more party control, what kind of fantasy setting appeals to you, and whether you want a complete single-player story or an ongoing online world.
Choose by the kind of game you want
| If you want… | Consider… | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| A cinematic story and hybrid combat | Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade | Square Enix presents it as an entry point for newcomers. It is the first game in a multi-game remake project, and a free demo is available. |
| Action-oriented combat | Final Fantasy XVI | PlayStation describes its combat as action-oriented. Check platform and edition availability for your system. |
| A classic fantasy atmosphere | Final Fantasy IX | PlayStation describes it as a deliberate return to series elements such as crystals and a medieval European fantasy motif. |
| To configure how party members behave | Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age | Its Gambit system lets you set party behavior. |
| An ongoing online adventure with other players | Final Fantasy XIV Online | It is an MMORPG, not a self-contained single-player entry. Its North American Free Trial has no playtime limit through level 80, but restricts some social and trading features. |
| Two connected games in one collection | Final Fantasy X / X-2 HD Remaster | Play X first; X-2 is its direct sequel. |
This is a preference-based shortlist, not a ranking of quality. For more premises to compare, consult Square Enix’s series index and the PlayStation series guide.
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- Cinematic pixel art - What if FINAL FANTASY had continued to push the limits of pixel art? The first FINAL FANTASY to join the HD‑2D lineup, FINAL FANTASY RESONANCE delivers a visually striking experience that feels both nostalgic and new, enhanced by dynamic camera angles and pixelized 3D models that make every moment more dramatic and immersive.
- A return to the familiar - A classic RPG adventure unfolds in a world filled with beloved FINAL FANTASY elements—airships, crystals, espers and moogles woven into the fabric of the story, and so much more.
- Strategic turn-based battles - Exploit enemy weaknesses to stagger them—breaking their defenses to seize extra turns and gain the upper hand with powerful Resonance attacks in cinematic battles shaped by smart choices.
- FINAL FANTASY legends - Bolster your team with Visions, echoes of beloved FINAL FANTASY characters, who fight alongside you with unique skills and abilities for deep party customization.
- Hours of side content to discover - The world is full of secrets, including the wandering swordmaster Gilgamesh, a Colosseum with deadly monsters and rewards to match, the Chamber of Arms with formidable foes sealed within legendary weapons, and a showdown with Ultima Weapon.
Understand the combat before you commit
Combat varies enough that it can be a better deciding factor than setting. XVI is the most straightforward pick in this shortlist if you specifically want action-oriented fighting. The VII Remake approach combines action with command-based elements. In XII: The Zodiac Age, Gambits let you configure how the party responds, which can suit players who enjoy planning behavior as much as directing individual actions. These distinctions are described in the PlayStation guide.
Decide whether you want a standalone story or a longer commitment
For a mostly self-contained starting point
Most numbered mainline games can be approached on their own. IX is a fit if its classic fantasy presentation appeals to you; XVI if you want action combat; and XII: The Zodiac Age if party configuration sounds engaging. You do not need to begin with the first game in the series.
Rank #2
- 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.
For the Final Fantasy VII remake story
VII Remake Intergrade is the first entry and VII Rebirth is the second, so starting with Rebirth means entering a continuing story. Square Enix announced Final Fantasy VII Revelation as the third entry, with an April 8, 2027 release date in its September 3, 2026 announcement. Release plans and editions can change; check the current listing before buying. See Square Enix’s Revelation release-date announcement.
For a shared online world
Final Fantasy XIV Online is designed as an MMORPG for shared-world and party play. Square Enix’s North American Free Trial page says it can be played without a playtime limit through level 80, but trial accounts cannot use some features, including the market board, trading and Free Companies. The same page reported over 30 million accounts worldwide as of October 7, 2026; that publisher-reported total includes free-trial accounts across Japan, North America, Europe, Oceania, China and South Korea, and is not a count of unique active players. Check the North American Free Trial page for current terms and restrictions.
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Rank #3
- Immerse yourself in the city of Midgar like never before, with improved textures, lighting, and background environments
- Players can switch between two game modes: "Graphics Mode" prioritizes 4K high-resolution graphics; "Performance Mode" prioritizes smooth action at 60 frames per second
- Capture and share your memorable moments from the game with a fully customizable “Photo Mode”
- Players can enjoy immersive battles by using the DualSense PlayStation 5 controller with its haptic feedback integration
- Play the brand-new episode featuring Yuffie and experience new combat and gameplay additions
Check platform, edition and demo availability
Do not assume a game is available on every system just because it has a recent port. Availability and edition names vary by game and platform, and publisher announcements do not guarantee that a particular regional retailer has every format in stock. Confirm the current store listing for your system before purchase.
- VII Remake Intergrade: Square Enix’s January 23, 2026 announcement lists Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, PlayStation 5 and PC. The free demo’s save data can transfer to the full game. See the Intergrade platform and demo announcement.
- VII Rebirth: Square Enix’s June 5, 2026 announcement lists Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, PlayStation 5 and PC. The Switch 2 and Xbox demos include Chapters 1 and 2 and transfer progress. See the Rebirth platform and demo announcement.
- XVI: Square Enix announced digital Xbox Series X|S and Xbox PC availability on June 9, 2025, as a Complete Edition or as the base game and DLC separately. The Xbox demo supports save carryover. See the Xbox announcement for XVI and VII Remake.
The demo and platform details above are tied to those announcements; verify the current store page for your region and chosen edition.
Quick Recap
A simple way to make your choice
- Pick your preferred play style. Choose action, hybrid action and commands, party behavior planning, or an online world.
- Check whether the story continues another game. Play X before X-2; begin the remake project with VII Remake Intergrade before VII Rebirth.
- Match the setting to your taste. Use the official Square Enix game premises and PlayStation guide to compare the entries rather than choosing by number.
- Confirm your platform and edition. Check the current regional store listing, especially when choosing between a base game, collection or edition that includes additional content.
- Try a demo or trial when available. The cited VII Remake Intergrade and VII Rebirth announcements describe demos; the North American XIV trial is a way to sample the online game, subject to its restrictions.
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.
