The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →For a modern first experience, start with FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE, then play FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH. Square Enix recommends those first two entries as the way to catch up before FINAL FANTASY VII REVELATION, announced for Spring 2027. If you would rather experience the original narrative first and recognize what the newer series changes, begin with the original FINAL FANTASY VII instead. Neither route is mandatory: director Naoki Hamaguchi says the Remake series is designed to welcome newcomers, and that the best order depends on personal preference.
Choose your starting point
There are two sensible answers to “Where should I start with Final Fantasy VII?” Choose the first game according to what you want from your first encounter: a contemporary entry into the unfolding Remake series, or the original game before its story is reimagined.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Start | Best suited to | What you gain | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE | Someone who wants to begin with the modern series and follow its announced sequence. | A starting point built for newcomers, followed by REBIRTH and the announced REVELATION. | REMAKE covers the party’s escape from Midgar; it is not the whole original game. |
| Original FINAL FANTASY VII | Someone who wants the original narrative and context before encountering the reimagining. | A chance to notice how the Remake series develops and changes the original storyline. | The director says the original is useful context, not a prerequisite. |
Hamaguchi has described the original storyline as “very much enshrined” within the Remake series, while also saying it is “designed very much so that even someone who’s not played the original can jump in on any of them [and] still have a really great experience.” He summarized the choice this way: “it’s down to people’s preferences. It’s not as clear cut as one way or the other.” These are compatible points: prior knowledge can add context, but the newer games are intended to work for people who do not have it. GamesRadar+ interview with Naoki Hamaguchi, September 26, 2026.
Route A: play the modern series first
- FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE
- FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH
- FINAL FANTASY VII REVELATION, when it is released
This is the clearest route if your goal is to catch up with the current Remake project. Square Enix’s newcomer recommendation is explicit: “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.” The first two steps are available games; REVELATION is upcoming, so treat it as the next announced entry rather than something you can play now. Square Enix’s announcement gives its current release window as Spring 2027 and lists PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. That is a target window and the platform list announced at the time, not a confirmed exact launch date or a guarantee that details will not change.
#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
What the first game covers
FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE is the first standalone game in the Remake project. Its story covers the party’s escape from Midgar and expands the events there beyond what the original game depicted. That distinction matters when deciding how much story one purchase or play session represents: this installment is a substantial first part, not a retelling of the original from beginning to end. Square Enix describes its scope and standalone status on the official FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE page.
The recommended modern route therefore involves following a multi-entry project rather than completing one remake and reaching the end of the original story. If you are comfortable experiencing the narrative over successive releases, start here. If you want the original story in its original form before deciding whether to continue into the newer interpretation, use Route B.
What “catch up” means here
Square Enix’s phrase “catch up” identifies the two games it recommends before REVELATION; it does not say that every related game, film, or other story is required. It also does not establish a complete chronology for every piece of Final Fantasy VII media. You can follow the announced main sequence without trying to fit every side story into a single timeline.
Route B: play the original first
- FINAL FANTASY VII, the original game
- FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE
- FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH
- FINAL FANTASY VII REVELATION, when it is released
Choose this order if you want to meet the original narrative before seeing the Remake series’ version of it. The benefit is context: when events or storytelling differ, you will have your own memory of the earlier version to compare with the newer one. Hamaguchi’s remarks support that as a reason to play the original first, while explicitly stopping short of calling it compulsory.
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.
This is a preference-based route, not the official newcomer catch-up order. Square Enix’s stated catch-up recommendation is the two modern entries, REMAKE INTERGRADE followed by REBIRTH. Playing the original first is an alternative for readers who value that context; it is not a condition for understanding or beginning the Remake series. The director’s comments on both options appear in the GamesRadar+ interview.
How to decide between the routes
- Prioritize the original narrative: begin with the original game, then move to the Remake entries.
- Prioritize a modern first encounter: begin with REMAKE INTERGRADE and continue in the announced sequence.
- Want to be ready for the announced next entry: play REMAKE INTERGRADE and then REBIRTH; those are the two games Square Enix names for catching up.
- Unsure whether you need side stories first: you do not need to add them to either recommended starting route. The available official guidance does not make them prerequisites.
The trade-off is mainly about context, presentation, and commitment. The original-first route gives you the earlier version as a point of comparison. The modern-first route starts with the newer productions and follows the order Square Enix recommends for newcomers ahead of REVELATION. In either case, remember that REMAKE covers the Midgar portion rather than the whole original story, and the modern project spans multiple entries.
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 in its guide to which Final Fantasy spinoff to play.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Because it is a prequel, it may look like the obvious first game if you sort stories by when their events occur. That is not the same as being the best first game for a newcomer. The official descriptions establish its prequel identity and Zack-focused story, but do not establish a spoiler-safe placement relative to each Remake entry or say that it belongs before the main games. The most useful approach is to treat it as extra material, not as a required opening chapter. If your aim is simply to follow Square Enix’s stated catch-up path, proceed from REMAKE INTERGRADE to REBIRTH without inserting CRISIS CORE.
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
Where the film and other stories fit
FINAL FANTASY VII: ADVENT CHILDREN is a film in the wider Final Fantasy VII story. If you want to explore beyond the games, it is a reasonable optional viewing after you have experienced the main story. That placement is editorial guidance, not an official viewing-order rule established by the sources cited here. The available statements do not provide a definitive viewing sequence covering the film and every game, novel, mobile title, or other release.
That limitation is useful rather than a reason to postpone starting. A question like “What order do I play?” can mean either “What is the announced order of the current main series?” or “What is the complete chronological order of every related story?” The first has a clear answer: REMAKE INTERGRADE, then REBIRTH, then REVELATION when released. The evidence here does not establish an official, comprehensive order for all Final Fantasy VII media. Avoid treating a fan chronology or a prequel label as an official instruction.
What to buy or play first
For the modern-first route, look for the named edition FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE; Square Enix identifies it as the first entry in its newcomer catch-up recommendation. For the original-first route, choose an edition of the original FINAL FANTASY VII. Editions, platforms, and current availability can vary, and the sources cited here do not establish a complete up-to-date worldwide availability list, so check the platform store or retailer serving your region before buying.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteSquare Enix announced a REMAKE INTERGRADE and REBIRTH Twin Pack at a US price of $59.99. That can be a convenient option if you want both games in the recommended modern order, but the figure is territory-specific and prices or bundle availability may change; compare it with current individual-game prices in your store. The original FINAL FANTASY VII also appears in a Square Enix Store FINAL FANTASY VII and FINAL FANTASY VIII remastered twin-pack listing, but check the exact platform, contents, and regional availability rather than assuming it is the right or only way to buy the original.
Rank #4
- 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
For the announced REVELATION physical editions, Square Enix’s US store page says PS5 and Xbox physical versions require an internet connection to download additional game data. It lists the Nintendo Switch 2 physical release as a Game-Key Card that requires a download and at least 130 GB of available storage. These are platform- and product-specific details from the current store listing, not universal requirements for the other games; check the listing for your selected edition and platform before ordering.
There is no need to buy a bundle or collect every related release to answer the basic starting question. The official sequence is defined by the two named modern games, while the original-first route adds the original game for readers who want that experience and context. CRISIS CORE and ADVENT CHILDREN are additional stories, not stated requirements.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Bottom line: pick the experience you want
Start with FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE if you want the modern series’ intended entry point, or with the original FINAL FANTASY VII if you want its narrative before you encounter the reimagining. Continue the modern sequence with REBIRTH; Square Enix currently lists REVELATION for Spring 2027. Add CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- REUNION or ADVENT CHILDREN only if you want optional further stories, rather than because you think they are prerequisites.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What order should I play the Final Fantasy VII Remake games?
Play FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE, then FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH, then FINAL FANTASY VII REVELATION when it releases. Square Enix names the first two as the newcomer catch-up route; REVELATION is announced for Spring 2027.
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.
Do I need to play the original Final Fantasy VII before Remake?
No. Director Naoki Hamaguchi says newcomers can jump into the Remake series and have a good experience. The original is a valid first choice if you want context for the story and its changes, but it is not a prerequisite.
Should I play Crisis Core before or after Remake and Rebirth?
CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- REUNION is a Zack Fair prequel, but its chronology alone does not establish a spoiler-safe placement. It is optional, and Square Enix’s newcomer catch-up sequence does not require it. If you want the clearest official route, play REMAKE INTERGRADE and then REBIRTH.
Is Final Fantasy VII Remake the whole original story?
No. Square Enix describes FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE as the first standalone installment, covering the party’s escape from Midgar and expanding those events. It does not retell the entire original game.
When and where is Final Fantasy VII Revelation coming out?
Square Enix has announced a Spring 2027 release window for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. That is a target window rather than an exact date, and platform details may change.
Where should I watch Advent Children in the order?
FINAL FANTASY VII: ADVENT CHILDREN is an optional film in the wider story. Watching it after experiencing the main story is a reasonable editorial suggestion, not an official viewing-order rule; there is no confirmed comprehensive order for every game and other story here.
The Bottom Line
For the modern route, play REMAKE INTERGRADE then REBIRTH, and add REVELATION when it arrives. For the original narrative and context first, start with the original FINAL FANTASY VII. CRISIS CORE and ADVENT CHILDREN are optional, not prerequisites.
Quick Recap
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.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches
