Recommended Free Tools
For the numbered mainline series, play FINAL FANTASY I through FINAL FANTASY XVI in numerical order. Most entries tell standalone stories, so release order is a way to follow the series’ evolution—not a requirement for understanding every game.
Numbered Final Fantasy games in release order
- FINAL FANTASY
- FINAL FANTASY II
- FINAL FANTASY III
- FINAL FANTASY IV
- FINAL FANTASY V
- FINAL FANTASY VI
- FINAL FANTASY VII
- FINAL FANTASY VIII
- FINAL FANTASY IX
- FINAL FANTASY X
- FINAL FANTASY XI
- FINAL FANTASY XII
- FINAL FANTASY XIII
- FINAL FANTASY XIV
- FINAL FANTASY XV
- FINAL FANTASY XVI
This is the numbered mainline sequence presented by Square Enix’s official series page. It does not list every spin-off, remake, sequel, mobile game, or online expansion in franchise release order.
| # | 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 |
Do you need to play the games in order?
No. Square Enix says that “almost every game in the series acts as a standalone adventure with its own distinct world, characters and even gameplay mechanics.” You can start with an entry whose setting or style appeals to you; playing in sequence is most useful if you want to see how the series changed over time. The word “almost” matters: some entries are connected, so check a specific game’s relationship to others if you want to avoid starting in the middle of a story.
What counts as a release-order list?
The franchise includes non-numbered games and other media as well as the mainline numbered entries. This guide uses the numbered sequence, rather than attempting a complete chronology of every franchise release. Square Enix’s North American series history also illustrates why regional labels can complicate older lists: in North America, FINAL FANTASY IV was released as FINAL FANTASY II, FINAL FANTASY VI as FINAL FANTASY III, and FINAL FANTASY II appeared as part of FINAL FANTASY ORIGINS. Treat those Western names as regional release labels, not as a different order for the numbered series.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
A collection option for games I–VI
Square Enix’s FINAL FANTASY Pixel Remaster line covers the first six adventures. The games are available individually or together in a bundle, making it one option for playing I–VI without assembling six separate editions. It is not a complete collection of I–XVI. Check the platform, edition, format, and regional availability of a current listing, especially if you already own some of the games.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why the sequence is useful
Following I–XVI gives you a simple way to track the numbered series without assuming its worlds share one continuous plot. The official series page presents the entries in that order; Square Enix’s history page includes additional titles and regional naming context, but does not provide a complete original-release-date table for every game and territory. For a dated launch chronology, specify the territory and verify each game’s date rather than treating all historical labels as a single global timeline.
Quick Recap
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
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.
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.
