Have you ever stared at a massive shelf of video games, feeling a mix of excitement and total confusion? That’s exactly how many people feel when they look at the *Final Fantasy* series. With over fifteen main games, plus tons of spin-offs, where do you even begin an epic adventure that could last hundreds of hours?
The *Final Fantasy* franchise offers incredible stories, unforgettable characters, and amazing worlds. But for newcomers, this huge library becomes a major roadblock. Should you jump into the futuristic world of *FFVII*, the massive world of *FFXIV*, or the classic feel of *FFVI*? Picking the wrong starting point can sometimes lead to frustration instead of fun.
Don’t worry! This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down the best entry points based on what you enjoy most, whether it’s deep storylines, fast-paced action, or traditional turn-based battles. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which *Final Fantasy* game is perfect for your very first journey into this legendary universe.
Top Final Fantasy Game To Start With Recommendations
- FINAL FANTASY VI-THEMED DECK—Battle your friends with FINAL FANTASY VI’s iconic heroes, villains, and spells with the strategic gameplay of the Magic: The Gathering collectible card game
- YOU CAN’T DESTROY EVERYTHING—Fill your graveyard and revive your fallen heroes as you fight alongside Terra, Herald of Hope to restore balance to the world.
- 25 NEW CARDS plus ALL NEW ART—All 100 cards in this ready-to-play deck feature new FINAL FANTASY-themed art, including 25 Commander cards entirely new to Magic: The Gathering
- 2 FOIL LEGENDARY CARDS—Each deck includes 2 Legendary Creature cards with a shiny Traditional Foil treatment that can be played as your commander
- COLLECT SPECIAL ALT-BORDER CARDS—Each deck also comes with a 2-card Collector Booster Sample Pack containing 2 alternate-border cards of rarity Rare or higher
- THE ENTIRE FINAL FANTASY SAGA IS HERE—Step into the unforgettable stories of all 16 FINAL FANTASY core games brought to your tabletop with the strategic gameplay of the Magic: The Gathering trading card game
- CUE THE VICTORY FANFARE—Cast powerful spells, meet iconic characters, and visit familiar locales on the back of a Chocobo with cards featuring FINAL FANTASY-themed art and mechanics
- BEST BOOSTERS FOR PLAYING WITH FRIENDS—Play Boosters are the best way to discover what Magic has to offer; they're perfect for building decks, playing Limited games with friends, and are tons of fun to open
- COLLECT RARE CARDS—Each Play Booster contains 1–4 cards of rarity Rare or higher, including the possibility of special cards featuring beautiful borderless alternate art
- SHINING FOIL CARD IN EVERY PACK—Every Play Booster also includes at least 1 card with a shiny Traditional Foil treatment; in 20% of packs you’ll also get a Traditional Foil Land card
- Final Fantasy VI - The following extra features are included:
- 3X speed mode
- ability to turn battle encounters off
- battle enhancement mode
- final FANTASY VIII remastered - The following extra features are included.battle assist options (HP, ATB gauge, and limit break boosts).game speed boost (X3.no random encounters
- FINAL FANTASY XIV-THEMED DECK—Battle your friends with FINAL FANTASY XIV’s iconic heroes, villains, and spells with the strategic gameplay of the Magic: The Gathering collectible card game
- ALWAYS SEEK OUT NEW KNOWLEDGE—Be a master caster and gain control with card advantage as you band together with Y’shtola, Night’s Blessed to aid Eorzea in its time of need
- 25 NEW CARDS plus ALL NEW ART—All 100 cards in this ready-to-play deck feature new FINAL FANTASY-themed art, including 25 Commander cards entirely new to Magic: The Gathering
- 2 FOIL LEGENDARY CARDS—Each deck includes 2 Legendary Creature cards with a shiny Traditional Foil treatment that can be played as your commander
- COLLECT SPECIAL ALT-BORDER CARDS—Each deck also comes with a 2-card Collector Booster Sample Pack containing 2 alternate-border cards of rarity Rare or higher
- FINAL FANTASY VII-THEMED DECK—Battle your friends with FINAL FANTASY VII’s iconic heroes, villains, and spells with the strategic gameplay of the Magic: The Gathering collectible card game
- LET’S MOSEY—Get into gear with Cloud, Ex-SOLDIER and fight for the planet’s future as you equip weapons and raise your creature stats to 7 power or higher to break past your limit
- 25 NEW CARDS plus ALL NEW ART—All 100 cards in this ready-to-play deck feature new FINAL FANTASY-themed art, including 25 Commander cards entirely new to Magic: The Gathering
- 2 FOIL LEGENDARY CARDS—Each deck includes 2 Legendary Creature cards with a shiny Traditional Foil treatment that can be played as your commander
- COLLECT SPECIAL ALT-BORDER CARDS—Each deck also comes with a 2-card Collector Booster Sample Pack containing 2 alternate-border cards of rarity Rare or higher
- PLAY THE DECK. PLAY THE VIDEO GAME—This special Game Edition kit includes the FINAL FANTASY VII Limit Break Commander Deck, a PC download code for the original FINAL FANTASY VII video game, and an exclusive Traditional Foil promo card
- FINAL FANTASY VII-THEMED DECK—Battle your friends with FINAL FANTASY VII’s iconic heroes, villains, and spells with the strategic gameplay of the Magic: The Gathering collectible card game
- LET’S MOSEY—Get into gear with Cloud, Ex-SOLDIER and fight for the planet’s future as you equip weapons and raise your creature stats to 7 power or higher to break past your limit
- 25 NEW CARDS + ALL NEW ART—All 100 cards in this ready-to-play deck feature new FINAL FANTASY-themed art, including 25 Commander cards entirely new to Magic: The Gathering
- 2 FOIL LEGENDARY CARDS—Each deck includes 2 Legendary Creature cards with a shiny Traditional Foil treatment that can be played as your commander
- FINAL FANTASY X-THEMED DECK—Battle your friends with FINAL FANTASY X’s iconic heroes, villains, and spells with the strategic gameplay of the Magic: The Gathering collectible card game
- WHEN YOU GOT THE BALL, YOU GOTTA SCORE.—Embark on a journey to Zanarkand alongside Tidus, Yuna’s Guardian as you buff your creatures with counters and pass them around to boost team spirit
- 25 NEW CARDS plus ALL NEW ART—All 100 cards in this ready-to-play deck feature new FINAL FANTASY-themed art, including 25 Commander cards entirely new to Magic: The Gathering
- 2 FOIL LEGENDARY CARDS—Each deck includes 2 Legendary Creature cards with a shiny Traditional Foil treatment that can be played as your commander
- COLLECT SPECIAL ALT-BORDER CARDS—Each deck also comes with a 2-card Collector Booster Sample Pack containing 2 alternate-border cards of rarity Rare or higher
- Contents: 14 Cards 1-4 cards of rarity Rare of higher 3-6 Uncommon cards 6-9 Common cards 1 Land card (Traditional Foil Land replaces a Land in 20% of boosters) 1 card of any rarity is Traditional Foil; Foil Showcase Mythic Rare in 1% of boosters
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing Your First Final Fantasy Adventure
Welcome to the vast, magical world of Final Fantasy! Deciding where to jump in can feel overwhelming. This guide helps you pick the perfect first game. We focus on what matters most for a great initial experience.
Key Features to Look For in a Starting Point
When picking your first Final Fantasy game, several features really matter. These elements shape how much you enjoy the series.
1. Story Accessibility and Tone
- Standalone Stories: Most Final Fantasy games tell a complete story. You do not need to play previous ones. Look for titles known for strong, easy-to-follow plots.
- Emotional Resonance: Does the game focus on deep character friendships or epic world-saving? Pick a tone that sounds fun to you.
2. Combat System Style
Combat is central to these games. You will find different styles:
- Turn-Based (Classic): You select actions one by one. This is slower and very strategic. Good for beginners who want time to think.
- Real-Time Action (Modern): You directly control the character during fights. This feels faster and more like an action game.
3. Graphics and Presentation
While older games have charm, modern graphics offer a smoother visual experience. Newer titles generally look better, which can help new players get immersed quickly.
Important Materials (What Makes the Game Work)
In gaming, “materials” means the core components of the game design. You want these elements to be solid.
World Building and Lore
A great starting Final Fantasy builds a believable world. You should easily understand the magic system and the political situation. Rich lore pulls you in, even if you only see a small part of it in one game.
Music Score
Final Fantasy music is famous. A strong soundtrack elevates every moment—from sad scenes to exciting battles. A game with memorable music enhances your overall enjoyment significantly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all Final Fantasy games offer the same level of initial polish. Consider these factors:
Factors That Improve Quality (Go for These!)
- Modern Remakes/Remasters: Games like Final Fantasy VII Remake or Final Fantasy X HD Remaster update old mechanics. This makes them very beginner-friendly.
- Streamlined Grinding: Good starting games do not force you to fight the same weak enemies for hours just to progress. The pacing should feel natural.
- Clear Tutorials: Excellent games teach you the complex systems slowly and clearly.
Factors That Reduce Quality (Be Cautious)
- Overly Complex Job Systems: Some older games have systems that require deep study before you can play effectively. This can frustrate newcomers.
- Dated Graphics/Interface: Very old games might have clunky menus that slow down gameplay.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you like to play games. This helps narrow down the best choice.
Use Case 1: The Casual Explorer
If you prefer relaxing and enjoying the story without intense pressure, choose a title known for its strong narrative and accessible turn-based combat, like Final Fantasy X or Final Fantasy IX. These games let you explore at your own pace.
Use Case 2: The Action Seeker
If you want fast-paced battles and modern controls, look toward the newer entries. Final Fantasy XVI or Final Fantasy VII Remake offer direct, exciting combat that appeals to modern action game players.
Use Case 3: The Nostalgia Hunter (When Ready)
You might want the classic feel later. Games like Final Fantasy IV or Final Fantasy VI provide the 2D, sprite-based charm. Save these for after you understand the core themes of the series.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Starting Final Fantasy
Q: Which Final Fantasy game is the absolute best one to start with?
A: Many fans suggest Final Fantasy X (FFX). It has a great story, beautiful graphics (especially the remaster), and a very clear, turn-based combat system.
Q: Do I need to play them in number order (I, II, III, etc.)?
A: No, absolutely not. Almost every main-series game tells a completely separate story. You start fresh with each new number.
Q: Which game has the easiest combat for a beginner?
A: Generally, Final Fantasy X has the easiest-to-learn turn-based system. For action combat, Final Fantasy XV is often considered more straightforward than its newer counterpart, FFXVI.
Q: Should I start with a very old one, like FFIV or FFVI?
A: You can, but be prepared for older mechanics. They are fantastic games, but their graphics and controls are much simpler than modern standards.
Q: Which starting game is best if I love action games?
A: Start with Final Fantasy VII Remake or Final Fantasy XVI. Both focus heavily on real-time, flashy combat.
Q: Are the online Final Fantasy games (like FFXIV) good starting points?
A: They are great games, but they are Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) games. They require a huge time commitment. Start with a single-player entry first.
Q: Which game has the best music for a first-timer?
A: Final Fantasy VII (original or Remake) and Final Fantasy VIII have incredibly memorable soundtracks that define the series.
Q: Which Final Fantasy is the longest?
A: Many of the recent titles, like Final Fantasy XV and Final Fantasy XVI, are quite long. If you want a long, traditional RPG experience, FFX is also a significant time investment.
Q: What is a “Remake” versus a “Remaster”?
A: A Remaster updates graphics and sound slightly while keeping the original gameplay structure. A Remake, like FFVII Remake, completely rebuilds the game using modern technology and often changes gameplay significantly.
Q: Should I worry about the graphics if I start with an older title?
A: If you choose a modern port (like the Pixel Remasters of I through VI), the graphics are intentionally stylized and look clean. If you play the original PlayStation versions, the graphics will look very dated.