One of the most enduring video game franchises of all time is “Final Fantasy,” which has been inspiring millions of gamers worldwide since 1987. Decades later, the series still makes seismic waves throughout the industry whenever a new title gets released. That longevity and continued prominence comes from “Final Fantasy” undergoing a stunning transformation to evolve with rapidly shifting audience sensibilities. Simply put, nearly 40 years after the franchise’s launch, “Final Fantasy” has largely become synonymous with RPG video games, especially those primarily produced in Japan.
With a series as extensive and prolific as “Final Fantasy,” everyone has their own favorites, but there are a handful of games that stand out. With that in mind, we’re ranking the greatest titles in the fan-favorite Square Enix series. These games perfectly encapsulate what “Final Fantasy” is all about, as it evolved through its many forms over the past several decades. Here are the five best “Final Fantasy” games of all time ranked, demonstrating how good the long-running franchise is when firing on all cylinders.
5. Final Fantasy XIV (2013)
One of the greatest comeback stories in modern gaming is the reversal of fortunes for “Final Fantasy XIV.” The original 2010 version of the online title was a game that was so bad, it was pulled from shelves in its initial form. Heavily retooled by Square Enix, the version of “Final Fantasy XIV” as we know it today was released in 2013. Initially rebranded as “Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn,” the game is an MMO that has players team up on epic quests around its magical world.
The current version of “Final Fantasy XIV” is still worth playing in 2026 and cements Square Enix’s commitment to the project and wider franchise brand. The game still receives regular updates, not only refining the overall experience but adding new content and story for players to enjoy. As of 2024, over a decade after its relaunch, “Final Fantasy XIV” boasts over 30 million subscribers worldwide as a testament to its staying power. One of the best MMOs around and still maintaining its popularity and support, “Final Fantasy XIV” stands as the pinnacle of the franchise’s foray into online gaming.
4. Final Fantasy X
More than just bringing the franchise to the PlayStation 2, “Final Fantasy X” is a title from 2001 that changed gaming forever. The game takes place in the tropical world of Spira, with the story’s protagonist being a young star athlete named Tidus, who arrives in Spira after his hometown is destroyed. Forming a party with several local heroes, including the powerful summoner Yuna, Tidus sets out to stop the rampaging monster responsible, Sin. The game returns to the turn-based combat pacing of prior entries, while refining other mechanics in the gameplay.
“Final Fantasy X” pulls the tricky feat of feeling like a back-to-the basics approach for the series’ gameplay, but also the most ambitious adventure the franchise had seen to date. 25 years later, the game is still one of the most visually sumptuous titles in the series, especially with its cinematic cutscenes. This is matched by the game’s sheer scope, with the overall story one of the series’ most epic, side quests and all. An early 2000s game that aged better than anyone expected, “Final Fantasy X” magnificently ushered the series into a new era.
3. Final Fantasy VI
The last game in the series to be released for the Super Nintendo, “Final Fantasy VI” took the franchise to new levels of sophisticated storytelling. Originally released in North America under the title “Final Fantasy III,” the 1994 game takes place in a steampunk-inspired world rather than a medieval fantasy realm like prior installments. The game features an impressive 14 playable characters to rotate through as part of the player’s party, led by protagonist Terra Branford. Terra and her allies rally to stop the maniacal Kefka Palazzo who has his own fiendish designs for the realm’s empire.
“Final Fantasy VI” feels like the title where the overall series grew up, both tonally and in terms of the scope in what a “Final Fantasy” game could be. Moving away from more conventional high fantasy aesthetics, the 1994 game expanded the story and refined the gameplay from prior titles. Moreover, the game’s big twist still packs a punch over 30 years later, underscoring how emotionally resonant its narrative truly is. A ’90s RPG that aged surprisingly well, “Final Fantasy VI” is the pinnacle of the franchise’s 16-bit releases.
2. Final Fantasy Tactics
Of all the “Final Fantasy” spin-offs released over the years, the one that looms above the rest is “Final Fantasy Tactics.” Easily among the best PS1 games ever made, the game is a tactical RPG in the style of “Fire Emblem.” Players navigate a gridded map as they outmaneuver and destroy enemy units, with characters leveling up as the battles become fiercer and more complex. The game takes place in the medieval kingdom of Ivalice, which is torn apart by a brutal civil war as the main characters work to restore peace.
“Final Fantasy Tactics” blends turn-based RPG combat and leveling mechanics with tactical action that emphasizes strategy over outright might. This combination works perfectly within the familiar “Final Fantasy” aesthetics and in bringing something new and exciting to the franchise. The game has since received an enhanced remaster for modern platforms as “Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles,” arguably standing as the definitive way to play the game. Packed with secrets and an enormous amount of gameplay depth, “Final Fantasy Tactics” is a fantastic reimagining of what the franchise can be.
1. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
The most iconic “Final Fantasy” game is “Final Fantasy VII,” and its fan-favorite story was reintroduced in style with “Final Fantasy VII Remake” in 2020. “Remake” only retold roughly one-third of the original story, with the middle installment next released in 2024. Titled “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth,” the game had protagonist Cloud Strife and his friends continue on their quest to stop the villainous Sephiroth from ravaging their world. As the group moves closer to their epic destiny, they discover the surprising nature of the multiverse and the divergent timelines paralleling their journey.
While “Final Fantasy VII Remake” was an enjoyable retelling, it was a largely linear experience in how it reimagined the story. By direct comparison, “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” goes larger than we expected in providing players with a more sweeping version of the story and its world. Similarly, the combat mechanics have been refined significantly, providing players with an engaging action RPG system. Not quite the story returning fans expected, both subverting and celebrating familiar beats, “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” is where the remake trilogy truly takes off.
