You'd think counting them would be easy. It’s right there in the name, isn't it? Numbers. 1, 2, 3... all the way up to 16. But if you’re looking for a Final Fantasy games list that actually makes sense, you have to look past the Roman numerals. Honestly, once you start adding in the sequels, the "Remakes" that are actually sequels, and the weird mobile experiments, the number jumps from 16 to over 100 distinct titles.
It's a mess. A beautiful, Chocobo-scented mess.
Right now in early 2026, the conversation has shifted. We aren't just talking about the classics anymore. We're looking at a world where Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is just hitting the Nintendo Switch 2 (as of January 22, 2026) and the Xbox Series X/S. We're looking at a fandom that’s dissecting every word from Kazutoyo Maehiro and Naoki Hamaguchi, hoping for a glimpse of the third part of the VII trilogy or the mythical Final Fantasy XVII.
The Mainline Final Fantasy Games List (The Numbers)
Let’s start with the "spine" of the series. These are the games most people mean when they ask where to start.
- Final Fantasy I through VI: These are the foundations. If you want the best way to play them today, the Pixel Remaster series is basically the gold standard. They’ve sold over 6 million copies combined as of last year, mostly because they respect the original sprites while fixing the bugs that made the NES versions a nightmare.
- The PlayStation Golden Era (VII, VIII, IX): This is where the series went global. Final Fantasy VII remains the king, with over 15 million copies sold of the original 1997 version alone.
- The Voice Acting Leap (X, XI, XII): Final Fantasy X is technically the best-seller if you lump it in with its sequel, X-2, hitting over 21 million units. XI was the first MMO, which still has servers running in 2026, believe it or not.
- The Modern Shift (XIII, XIV, XV, XVI): This is where things got polarizing. Final Fantasy XIV is a behemoth; after its Dawntrail expansion and the subsequent 7.x patches leading into 2026, it’s arguably Square Enix’s biggest money-maker. Final Fantasy XVI brought us Clive and a much darker, "Game of Thrones" vibe that still has people arguing on Reddit.
Why 2026 is a Weird Year for the List
If you’re checking a Final Fantasy games list today, you’re seeing titles that didn't exist in the same way two years ago. Take Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles. After years of rumors and "leaks," we finally saw it move units—over a million copies—and it’s revitalized interest in the tactical side of the franchise.
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Then there’s the VII "Remake" project. It’s not just a remake. It’s a trilogy that’s rewriting history. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth landed on PC and consolidated its status as a masterpiece, but the "complete" list now has to include:
- Final Fantasy VII Remake (and its Intergrade version)
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
- Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion
- Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis (the mobile gacha that tries to cover everything)
It’s exhausting to keep track of, but that’s the reality of modern gaming. You don't just buy a game; you buy into a "Universe."
The Spin-offs Worth Your Time
Most spin-offs are fluff. Let’s be real. But some are better than the main games.
- Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin: It’s "Chaos" this and "Chaos" that, but the combat is actually incredible.
- Theatrhythm Final Bar Line: If you love the music (and who doesn't?), this is basically a 100-hour tribute to the series’ history.
- Type-0 HD: It's dark, it's weird, and it has a student-led war story that feels nothing like the rest of the series.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Timeline
You don't need to play them in order. Seriously.
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Except for direct sequels (like X-2 or XIII-2), every numbered entry is a new world, new characters, and a new battle system. If you start with Final Fantasy I, you might quit because it’s a 1987 grind-fest. If you start with Final Fantasy XVI, you might find the older games too slow.
Expert tip: Start with Final Fantasy X or Final Fantasy VII Remake. They bridge the gap between "old school" and "modern" better than anything else on the Final Fantasy games list.
What's Next? 2026 and Beyond
As of January 2026, Square Enix is being cagey. We know a "new gaming experience" is being teased for reveal later this year. Some think it’s a mobile-centric title, others are praying for a Final Fantasy IX Remake—which has been the industry's worst-kept secret for years.
Naoki Hamaguchi has been vocal about wanting the VII trilogy to be "beloved for a long time," and with the third part currently in deep development, we're likely looking at a 2027 or 2028 release for the finale.
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Your Practical Next Steps
If you're looking to dive into this massive list, don't try to be a completionist. You'll burn out by the time you hit the second game's weird leveling system.
- Pick a Vibe: Want a classic fairy tale? Play Final Fantasy IX. Want a sci-fi rebellion? Play Final Fantasy VII. Want a political war drama? Go for Final Fantasy XII or XVI.
- Check Your Hardware: If you just got a Nintendo Switch 2, grab the Pixel Remasters or the newly released FFVII Remake Intergrade.
- Ignore the "Best" Lists: Everyone has a different favorite. The "best" game is usually the first one you played that actually clicked with you.
The Final Fantasy games list is always growing. Whether you're waiting for the next big reveal later in 2026 or finally tackling the 200-hour mountain that is FFXIV, there's no "right" way to play. Just jump in.
Explore the latest patches for Final Fantasy XIV to see how the world of Valisthea is being integrated through crossover content this year.
Check the digital storefronts for the Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade launch on your platform of choice to see the new technical improvements.
Keep an eye on the official Square Enix social channels toward the middle of 2026; that’s when the "new experience" Maehiro teased is expected to finally break cover.