Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about final fantasy video games.
What is Final Fantasy?
Final Fantasy is a long-running Japanese role-playing video game franchise that began in 1987. Each mainline entry tells a standalone story with new characters and worlds, connected primarily by shared design philosophies and a numbering system rather than a continuous plot.
Who created Final Fantasy?
The series was conceived by Hironobu Sakaguchi while working at Square, a small Japanese studio in the mid-1980s. He originally chose the title as a last-ditch effort, expecting it to be the company's final game before bankruptcy.
Which Final Fantasy should a newcomer play first?
Final Fantasy VII (1997) is the most commonly recommended entry point due to its cinematic storytelling and cultural impact, though Final Fantasy X (2001) is also a strong starting choice for its linear narrative. Many players also jump straight into Final Fantasy XIV, the free-to-play MMO, to experience the series' world without committing to a full single-player campaign.
Why are the games numbered, and do the numbers matter?
The numbering simply marks the mainline releases in order of publication, starting with the original 1987 title. There is no overarching plot connecting them, so the numbers carry no narrative significance beyond identifying which installment a player is discussing.
Who is the most iconic villain in the series?
Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII is widely regarded as the franchise's most recognizable antagonist, known for his silver hair, massive sword, and tragic backstory. Other frequently cited villains include Kefka from Final Fantasy VI and the Garlean Empire's leadership in Final Fantasy XIV.
What is Final Fantasy XIV?
Final Fantasy XIV is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game developed by Square Enix that launched in 2010 and was fully rebooted in 2014. Unlike the single-player mainline titles, it features a persistent shared world, ongoing story expansions, and a free-to-play base tier.
Who composes the Final Fantasy music?
Nobuo Uematsu composed the scores for the first five mainline games and remains the series' most celebrated composer. The franchise has since featured a rotating roster of composers, but orchestral and chiptune arrangements of Uematsu's themes remain central to the brand's identity.
What happened to Square, the original developer?
Square merged with rival publisher Enix in 2003 to form Square Enix, which now develops and publishes the entire franchise. The merger was partly driven by the commercial success of both companies' flagship RPG series, Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest.
What is the job system in Final Fantasy?
The job system is a recurring mechanic that lets players assign characters to specialized roles such as Warrior, Mage, or Thief, each with unique abilities and stat profiles. It first appeared in the 1987 original and has been reinterpreted across the series, most notably in Final Fantasy XIV and the job-switching structure of Final Fantasy V.
Are there spin-off or sub-series beyond the numbered mainline games?
Yes—the franchise includes numerous sub-series like Tactics, Crystal Chronicles, Type-0, and Versus, as well as standalone titles such as Final Fantasy XV and the Kingdom Hearts crossover series. These entries share the Final Fantasy name and some design DNA but tell completely separate stories with their own characters and settings.