If you want the clearest newcomer-focused starting point, begin with FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE. Square Enix calls it an ideal entry point and describes intuitive gameplay that blends action with strategic combat. It is especially suited to players looking for a cinematic, story-forward action RPG—not necessarily those who want only classic turn-based battles.
Is there a Final Fantasy game you need to play first?
No. Square Enix’s catalogue spans numbered games from FINAL FANTASY I through FINAL FANTASY XVI, and its catalogue does not establish that newcomers must complete them in numerical order. Pick based on the style of game you want rather than treating the series as a single, required sequence.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![Final Fantasy XIV Online: 60 Day Time Card [Online Game Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51bYMOf2hEL._SL160_.jpg)
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Final Fantasy XIV Online: 60 Day Time Card [Online Game Code] | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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FINAL FANTASY I-VI Collection Anniversary Edition - 2024 (NSW) | $47.72 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Final Fantasy X|X-2 HD Remaster - Nintendo Switch | $27.88 | Buy on Amazon |
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Why is FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE the clearest starting point?
Square Enix explicitly positions FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE as a newcomer entry point. Its story follows Cloud and the Avalanche group in Midgar, giving new players a defined place to begin rather than asking them to catch up on earlier numbered releases. That recommendation is publisher positioning, not an independent difficulty ranking.
The combat combines real-time action and strategic decision-making. It is a better match if you want action alongside tactical choices; if you specifically want a purely turn-based experience, this may not fit your preference.
#1 Best Overall
- Adventure awaits you beyond the horizon in FINAL FANTASY XIV.
- This product is a digital 60-Day Game Time Card for FINAL FANTASY XIV Online. It serves as a payment option that allows players to add 60 days of game time to their FFXIV account at the Standard subscription rate, subject to account limits. Both the game and game time are required to play.
- This product can be redeemed on service accounts registered with the Windows, Mac, PlayStation, or Steam versions of FINAL FANTASY XIV Online. However, it cannot be redeemed on service accounts that have only the XBOX or Nintendo Switch 2 versions registered.
What should you consider before choosing?
- Combat: Decide whether you want action-oriented play with tactical elements or are specifically seeking a classic turn-based style.
- Presentation: Consider whether you prefer modern, cinematic presentation or are open to older game design.
- Platform and edition: Check the current store listing for your system and make sure it is the edition you intend to buy. Square Enix has reported PlayStation 5 and PC availability and announced Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S versions; availability can depend on platform, region, and listing updates.
- Story commitment: The VII remake project spans multiple entries. INTERGRADE is the first entry in that project; FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH is the second. Start with INTERGRADE if you want to follow that remake story from its beginning.
Does the franchise’s size make it hard to start?
Square Enix’s current portal cites 215 million package and download units for the franchise, but that cumulative figure does not tell you which individual game is easiest or best for a beginner. The useful choice is the one that matches your preferred combat, presentation, platform, and willingness to follow a multi-entry story.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Updated and reconstructed visuals to be far more realistic and richly textured vs the original game
- Upgraded models for each character, graphical updates for a more immersive environment
- Estimated gameplay hours: 40 to 50 per title
- Sound: Players will be able to choose between original sound and the new, re-arranged sound
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.
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