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You do not have to start with FINAL FANTASY I or play the numbered games in order. Square Enix presents the numbered entries as distinct adventures, with different worlds and styles of play. Choose by the experience you want—and check first whether a game is an online service or one installment in a larger story.
Do you need to play Final Fantasy in order?
No. Square Enix’s official series portal lists numbered entries from FINAL FANTASY I through FINAL FANTASY XVI, but the numbered series is not one continuous campaign. Each entry offers a distinct setting and experience, so you can start with a game that fits your interests rather than treating the numbers as a required sequence. Square Enix’s series portal is also a useful place to check franchise news.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
FINAL FANTASY RESONANCE - PlayStation 5 | $49.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
FINAL FANTASY I-VI Collection Anniversary Edition - 2024 (NSW) | $47.71 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE | $31.90 | Buy on Amazon |
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How to choose your first game
Start with the kind of play you want, then check the game’s story structure and exact platform edition before buying. The series varies; a few official examples illustrate that range, but they do not establish a complete combat guide for every title.
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FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE is one option to consider if you want a modern action-RPG. Square Enix describes it as the expanded edition of the opening game in a remake project planned as three standalone titles. It is not the complete remake saga, so choose it knowing the larger reimagining continues beyond this game. Square Enix’s announcement describes the project and edition.
#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.
Other games show that action-oriented play is not limited to that route: Square Enix describes STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN as a real-time action RPG with job customization, and CRISIS CORE –FINAL FANTASY VII– REUNION as an action RPG. Its beginner’s guide also points to spinoffs by traits such as challenging action, crafting, multiplayer and rhythm gameplay. Check each game’s listing for its particular mechanics and platform support.
If you want classic entries
The FINAL FANTASY I–VI PIXEL REMASTER collection is a way to explore six earlier games. Square Enix announced individual digital purchases and a bundle, as well as a limited physical edition, and highlighted quality-of-life upgrades. That announcement is not a promise of current stock or format availability: check your region’s live store listing for what you can buy now. Square Enix’s platform announcement records the announced options.
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.
If you want an online world
FINAL FANTASY XIV is an online MMORPG, not a self-contained offline adventure. Decide whether you want an online game, and verify the current access and service terms before committing. Square Enix’s beginner announcement is dated August 8, 2022, so its trial details should not be treated as a current offer. Read the dated announcement and confirm present terms through the current official service information.
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Two common first-purchase surprises are an ongoing online game and a multi-part remake. FINAL FANTASY XIV is an online service; FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE is the opening game in a three-title reimagining. By contrast, the fact that the numbered entries are distinct adventures means you do not need to buy earlier numbers to understand a different numbered entry. Check the product page for the specific game’s story scope before purchase.
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
Verify platform, edition and availability
Final Fantasy games do not all share the same platform support. Square Enix’s announcements, for example, list STRANGER OF PARADISE on platforms including PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC storefronts, while its announcement history for INTERGRADE includes PS5 and later expansions to Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S / Xbox on PC. Those examples are not a guarantee that a particular edition is currently sold in your region. Search the live store for the exact title, console or PC storefront, and edition; if you want a disc, verify physical availability separately.
For INTERGRADE, Square Enix announced the additional platforms on September 12, 2025; check its announcement alongside the live store listing. For PIXEL REMASTER, the December 20, 2022 platform announcement is historical information, not a current stock check.
What about the announced next release?
On September 9, 2026, Square Enix announced FINAL FANTASY RESONANCE for October 22, 2026, on PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S and PC, and said a free demo was available with save transfer. October 22 is a future date as of October 4, 2026: verify release status, demo availability and platform listings before making a purchase decision. See Square Enix’s announcement.
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A simple decision checklist
- Choose the kind of combat and play style you want; do not assume every entry works the same way.
- Decide whether you want a distinct adventure, an online service, or the opening chapter of a multi-game reimagining.
- Confirm the exact platform and edition on the store where you intend to buy.
- If choosing a classic collection or physical release, check current regional availability and stock.
- If considering a newly announced game, confirm that its release date and demo status have not changed.
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.
