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If you want a modern first experience, start with FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE, then play FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH. Square Enix recommends those two entries in that order so newcomers can catch up before the announced final game, FINAL FANTASY VII REVELATION. If you would rather know the original story before seeing how the Remake series reworks it, begin with the original FINAL FANTASY VII instead. Neither route is mandatory: Naoki Hamaguchi, director of the Remake series, says newcomers can start with the newer games and that the choice comes down to preference.
Choose your starting route
The decision is about what you want from your first playthrough: the original narrative and a reference point for later changes, or a modern production that introduces the story without requiring prior knowledge. Square Enix’s official catch-up recommendation is the modern route; the original-first route is a reasonable editorial choice for readers who want context before the reimagining.
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| Route | Play in this order | Best fit if you want |
|---|---|---|
| Modern first | FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE → FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH → FINAL FANTASY VII REVELATION when released | A first encounter through the current Remake series, without beginning with the original game. |
| Original first | FINAL FANTASY VII → FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE → FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH → FINAL FANTASY VII REVELATION when released | The original narrative and context for noticing what the newer series changes or revisits. |
Hamaguchi described the original storyline as “very much enshrined” in the Remake series, and said that recognizing it can add to the experience. He also said the newer games are designed so someone who has not played the original can still jump in and have a good experience. His conclusion was that it is “not as clear cut as one way or the other.” The original is useful context, not an entry requirement. (GamesRadar+ interview with Naoki Hamaguchi, September 26, 2026)
The modern route: start with REMAKE INTERGRADE
1. FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE
This is the first game in the modern Remake sequence. Square Enix describes REMAKE as the first standalone game in the project, and its story follows the party’s escape from Midgar. It expands those events beyond the treatment they receive in the original game, but it does not retell the entire original story. Think of it as the opening installment of a larger project, not a modern edition that covers all of the 1997 game. (Square Enix’s official REMAKE page)
#1 Best Overall
- 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
The name to look for when choosing this starting point is FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE. It is the modern route’s first entry named in Square Enix’s newcomer catch-up recommendation. Do not skip ahead to REBIRTH if you intend to follow that route: Square Enix explicitly names the first two games in sequence, with REMAKE INTERGRADE first. (Final Fantasy Portal announcement)
2. FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH
Play REBIRTH after REMAKE INTERGRADE. It is the second entry in the modern sequence, and completing it brings you through the two games Square Enix identifies for catching up before REVELATION. This order is the clearest choice if you want to follow the ongoing Remake project from its beginning rather than enter at a later installment. The official announcement calls the games the “first two entries” and names them in this order: FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE, then FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH. (Final Fantasy Portal announcement)
3. FINAL FANTASY VII REVELATION, when released
Square Enix has announced REVELATION as the final entry in the Remake series, with a Spring 2027 release window. The announcement lists PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Spring 2027 is a target window, not an exact release date, and both the schedule and platform details are announcement information that may change. If you are reading later, check the official announcement for the latest details.
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For newcomers, Square Enix’s wording is unusually direct: “Newcomers and fans alike can catch up on the series before FINAL FANTASY VII REVELATION arrives by playing the first two entries, FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE and FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH.” That is the publisher’s recommended preparation; it does not say that playing the original or every side story is required. (Final Fantasy Portal announcement)
The original-first route: play FINAL FANTASY VII before the Remake games
Choose this route if you value seeing the original narrative first and want its events as a point of comparison for the newer series. Play the original FINAL FANTASY VII, then REMAKE INTERGRADE, then REBIRTH, and continue to REVELATION when it is released. The advantage is context: you can recognize material carried over from the original and consider how the Remake series changes or expands it. Hamaguchi specifically says that familiarity with the original can help players notice changes.
Rank #2
- The award-winning FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE* retells the original story up to the escape from Midgar, with breathtaking visuals, fast-paced gameplay, and additional story elements. This RPG delivers unforgettable characters, a powerful narrative, and a hybrid battle system that blends real-time action with strategic, command-based combat. It also includes FF7R EPISODE INTERmission, a side story starring Yuffie Kisaragi that offers a fresh perspective running in parallel to Cloud’s journey.
- STUNNING VISUALS - Explore Midgar like never before with stunning visuals and richly detailed environments that bring the city’s layered, industrial districts to life, all while staying true to the spirit of the original game.
- DYNAMIC COMBAT WITH STRATEGIC DEPTH -The innovative battle system combines strategic command-based gameplay with fast-paced action. Seamlessly switch between characters, harness the power of materia, summon iconic creatures, and unleash devastating limit breaks.
- ICONIC CHARACTERS, UNFORGETTABLE STORY - Follow Cloud Strife, an ex-SOLDIER turned mercenary, as he joins Avalanche to take on the Shinra Electric Power Company. Cloud and his allies Barret, Tifa, and Aerith are pulled into a battle that will decide the fate of the planet.
- EXPANDED CONTENT - FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE offers quests, mini-games, and missions set in expanded areas of Midgar. Encounter new characters and experience exciting content that adds even more depth to the story.
The trade-off is that you will encounter the story first in its original form, rather than as a new player entering through the newer games. That is not a spoiler-free guarantee or a claim that the original is the “correct” version to play first; it is simply a different way to experience the relationship between the two narratives. The Remake series is intended to be accessible to people who have not played the original, according to its director, so you do not need to complete the older game as homework.
Original-game editions and availability can vary by platform and region. Confirm which version is offered for your system before buying; the route itself does not depend on a particular edition. The official Remake sequence remains the same whether you choose to play the original first or skip it.
Where CRISIS CORE fits
CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- REUNION is an optional prequel focused on Zack Fair. Square Enix describes it as following Zack’s growth from rookie to SOLDIER 1st Class. That makes it additional story material for readers curious about Zack, not part of Square Enix’s two-game newcomer catch-up recommendation for REVELATION. (Square Enix’s spinoff guide)
A prequel takes place earlier in story chronology, but that fact alone does not make it the best first game. The available guidance does not establish a required placement for CRISIS CORE relative to REMAKE INTERGRADE or REBIRTH, nor does it provide a complete spoiler-safe order for every connected story. If your priority is the main modern sequence, follow Square Enix’s order and treat CRISIS CORE as optional. If Zack’s story interests you, add it as a separate choice rather than assuming you must start there because it is a prequel.
Where the film and other stories fit
FINAL FANTASY VII: ADVENT CHILDREN
ADVENT CHILDREN is a film in the wider FINAL FANTASY VII story. It is additional viewing, not a game in the official two-entry catch-up route. A cautious viewing choice is to save it until you have experienced the main story you chose—either the original game or the modern games available to you. That is editorial guidance for building context, not a confirmed official viewing-order rule. The sources establishing the game sequence do not give a complete official placement for the film.
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" Prioritises 4K high-resolution graphics & - "performance mode" Prioritises smooth action at 60 frames per second
- Capture and share your memorable moments from the game with a fully customisable "Photo mode"
- Players can enjoy immersive battles by using the dual sense PlayStation 5 controller with its haptic feedback integration
Other connected material
The wider FINAL FANTASY VII universe includes stories beyond the core Remake games, but the available official guidance here does not establish a definitive chronology spanning every game, film, novel, mobile title, or discontinued release. There is no need to assemble all of that material before starting. Begin with one of the two routes above, then choose additional stories based on which characters or events you want to explore. Treat any all-media timeline you encounter as a particular guide’s ordering unless it is explicitly supported by an official source.
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How to decide between the two starts
- Pick modern first if you want a contemporary entry point and would like to follow Square Enix’s stated route for catching up before the final Remake-series entry.
- Pick original first if you want to experience the original narrative before seeing how the Remake series carries it forward, revisits it, or changes it.
- Add CRISIS CORE later or separately if Zack’s prequel story appeals to you; its earlier chronological setting does not by itself settle the best play order.
- Save ADVENT CHILDREN for after your chosen main-story experience if you prefer to approach the film with more context. This is a practical suggestion, not an official chronology.
The essential distinction is scope. The original-first route gives you the original game as a reference point. The modern-first route starts directly with a newer entry designed to welcome newcomers. In either case, remember that REMAKE INTERGRADE covers the Midgar escape portion and is only the first standalone game in a multi-entry project; it is not a complete retelling of the original game. The publisher’s currently stated order for the modern series is REMAKE INTERGRADE, REBIRTH, then REVELATION when available.
Buying the games: editions, bundle, and platform details
If you are shopping for the modern starting route, search for the full name FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE rather than just “Remake.” Edition names and listings can differ by platform and retailer, and Square Enix’s newcomer recommendation specifically names INTERGRADE as the first entry. The original game also has edition differences; check the platform and included content on the retailer listing rather than assuming every version is identical. Square Enix’s store has listed a FINAL FANTASY VII and FINAL FANTASY VIII remastered twin-pack, but platform support and current availability should be confirmed where you buy.
Square Enix announced a REMAKE INTERGRADE and REBIRTH Twin Pack at a US price of $59.99 in its 2026 announcement. That gives players a possible way to purchase the first two games together, but the figure is a territory-specific announced price, not a promise about today’s retailer price or a global price. Check the current store listing before deciding whether the bundle is a better value than separate purchases.
For players planning ahead to REVELATION, the announced platforms are PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Square Enix’s US store listing describes some physical formats with extra download requirements: PS5 and Xbox physical copies require an internet connection to download additional game data, while the Switch 2 physical release is a Game-Key Card that requires a download and at least 130 GB of available storage. These product details can change and may be specific to the US listing, so verify them directly with the store for your platform and region before ordering. They are not reasons to change the story order, but they may affect which format is practical for your setup.
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- Immerse yourself in the city of Midgar like never before, with improved textures, lighting, and background environments
- Players can switch between two game modes: o "Graphics Mode" prioritises 4K high-resolution graphics o "Performance Mode" prioritises smooth action at 60 frames per second
- Capture and share your memorable moments from the game with a fully customisable “Photo Mode”
- Players can enjoy immersive battles by using the DualSense PlayStation 5 controller with its haptic feedback integration
Frequently asked questions
Where should I start with Final Fantasy VII?
For a modern first experience, start with FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE and follow it with REBIRTH. If you want the original narrative as context for the reimagining, play the original FINAL FANTASY VII first. Director Naoki Hamaguchi says either starting point can work; the better choice depends on what kind of first experience you want.
What order do I play the Remake games?
Square Enix names the catch-up order as FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE, then FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH, followed by FINAL FANTASY VII REVELATION when it is released. Square Enix has announced REVELATION for Spring 2027 on PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC; check the official announcement for changes to the timing or platform list.
Should I play CRISIS CORE before or after REMAKE and REBIRTH?
CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- REUNION is a Zack Fair prequel, but that chronological fact does not establish a required or spoiler-safe placement. It is optional extra context, not part of the publisher’s two-game catch-up order. If you want the clearest route through the Remake project, play REMAKE INTERGRADE and REBIRTH first and add CRISIS CORE separately if Zack’s story interests you.
Do I need to play the original FINAL FANTASY VII?
No. Hamaguchi says the Remake series is designed so someone who has not played the original can jump in and have a good experience. The original can help you notice what the newer games preserve or change, but Square Enix does not make it a requirement for the official newcomer route.
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No. REMAKE is a standalone first installment whose story covers the party’s escape from Midgar, expanding that portion of the original. It does not cover the entire original game; continue to REBIRTH and the announced final entry for the modern series’ next installments.
Best Value
- STUNNING VISUALS - Explore Midgar like never before with stunning visuals and richly detailed environments that bring the city’s layered, industrial districts to life, all while staying true to the spirit of the original game.
- DYNAMIC COMBAT WITH STRATEGIC DEPTH - The innovative battle system combines strategic command-based gameplay with fast-paced action. Seamlessly switch between characters, harness the power of materia, summon iconic creatures, and unleash devastating limit breaks.
- ICONIC CHARACTERS, UNFORGETTABLE STORY - Follow Cloud Strife, an ex-SOLDIER turned mercenary, as he joins Avalanche to take on the Shinra Electric Power Company. Cloud and his allies Barret, Tifa, and Aerith are pulled into a battle that will decide the fate of the planet.
- EXPANDED CONTENT - FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE offers quests, mini-games, and missions set in expanded areas of Midgar. Encounter new characters and experience exciting content that adds even more depth to the story.
- ICONIC SOUNDTRACK - The epic soundtrack has been fully remastered, with re-arranged and orchestrated tracks that dynamically respond to the action, offering an immersive, emotionally charged musical experience.
When should I watch ADVENT CHILDREN?
It is optional additional viewing in the wider story, not part of Square Enix’s official game catch-up sequence. Watching after you have experienced your chosen main-story route is a practical way to approach it with context, but that placement is an editorial suggestion rather than a stated official rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I start with Final Fantasy VII?
For a modern first experience, play FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE, then REBIRTH. Choose the original FINAL FANTASY VII first if you want its story as context for the Remake series. Director Naoki Hamaguchi says either approach can work.
What order do I play the Remake games?
Play FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE, then FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH, then FINAL FANTASY VII REVELATION when it is released. Square Enix has announced a Spring 2027 window and PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC platforms; details may change.
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CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- REUNION is an optional Zack Fair prequel, but its earlier setting does not establish a required or spoiler-safe order. For the main modern sequence, follow Square Enix’s order and consider CRISIS CORE separately.
Do I need to play the original FINAL FANTASY VII?
No. Hamaguchi says newcomers can start with the Remake series. The original is useful context for noticing changes, but it is not a prerequisite for the modern route.
Is REMAKE INTERGRADE the whole original story?
No. REMAKE is the first standalone installment and covers the escape from Midgar, expanding those events. It does not retell the entire original game.
When should I watch ADVENT CHILDREN?
It is optional additional viewing, not part of the official game catch-up order. Watching after your chosen main-story route is a practical suggestion for context, not a confirmed official viewing rule.
The Bottom Line
For the simplest modern start, play FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE, then REBIRTH, and continue to REVELATION when it arrives. Choose the original game first if you would rather know its narrative before seeing the Remake series revisit it. You do not need to complete every spin-off or watch every related story to begin.
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