Do you need to play previous Final Fantasy games before FF16?
Find out if you need to play previous Final Fantasy games before FF16 in this guide, alongside some suggestions regarding what entries to play after too.
You might be wondering if you need to play previous Final Fantasy games before FF16, and you're certainly not alone. Operating as the latest mainline entry into the long-running Final Fantasy series, FF16 can seem quite daunting for many players who are wanting to jump in but haven't touched any of the prior games.
The game has taken further steps into the action genre, with a combat system more reminiscent of Devil May Cry than the classic turn-based style of old. This has, in turn, brought a fair amount of attention to the game from camps who might not have otherwise been interested, but with that obviously comes concerns about continuity.
Thankfully we've got all of the details you'll need in the rest of this guide, so if you were wondering if you need to play previous Final Fantasy games before FF16, all you need to do is keep reading to find out.
- Find out if your Final Fantasy 16 demo save progress carries over with this handy guide.
Can you play Final Fantasy 16 first?
Thankfully, you can play Final Fantasy 16 with no issues if you have never touched the series otherwise. As is the case for every mainline Final Fantasy game, there are no continuous plotlines or recurring characters that you have to worry about missing out on, and you are free to experience a story to its completion.
The only instances where this has not been the case are when mainline games in the series have had direct sequels - X-2, VIII-2, Lightning Returns - or any spin-off games like the ones that arrived post-Final Fantasy VII.
The only things you might be slightly missing out on if you are playing Final Fantasy 16 as your first game within the series is any recurring monsters or subtle nods. For example, the Morbol boss - which is the game's first tough foe - has appeared in nearly every Final Fantasy game prior, and things such as Chocobos, Moogles, and more might seem a little more special if you had played any of the other games.
However, you are certainly not missing out on anything major if you play Final Fantasy 16 first, and this could be an excellent gateway into the rest of the series if you've never had the chance before.
- You might need a little help deciphering the Final Fantasy 16 difficulty options, so look no further than our guide for all of the answers.
Do you have to play all the Final Fantasy games in order?
You do not need to play the Final Fantasy games in order, as they can be approached at any point within the series that takes your fancy. This is perfect if Final Fantasy 16 is your first foray into the games, as you have a wide range of options to choose from.
Considering that most of the Final Fantasy games are now available on modern platforms, you have no excuse not to jump into the rest of the games and explore the wonderful worlds and vast stories on offer.
- Take a look at our list of the best Final Fantasy games ranked to see our personal picks.
What is the best Final Fantasy game to play after FF16?
The best Final Fantasy game to play after FF16 is Final Fantasy 7 Remake, as it has a similar action combat style while integrating some turn-based elements too. This is also an excellent choice as we still have Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and the unnamed third entry of the trilogy to look forward to, so you can enjoy those at their release.
Beyond this, Final Fantasy 15 would also be a great choice if you're looking for a more open-world approach to the series, however, we definitely recommend that you give the turn-entries a go as well.
Final Fantasy 6 is our choice for the best in the series, but if you're looking for a similar setting, then picking either Final Fantasy 4 or Final Fantasy 5 is your best bet. Furthermore, any of the options between 8 and 12 are great to pick, and the Final Fantasy 13 trilogy is a bit of a dark horse that we're fond of too.
Finally, if you're wanting something completely different from a gameplay perspective that captures a lot of the same world, then Final Fantasy 14 is your best bet. This is an MMO which might turn some players off, but it offers one of the best Final Fantasy experiences that you can get.
So, that should answer all of your questions if you were wondering if you need to play previous Final Fantasy games before FF16, with a few suggestions on what to venture into after as well.
Now that you're hooked on the Final Fantasy series though, make sure to check out our dedicated game page for all of the latest news and guides.
About The Author
Harry Boulton
Harry is a Guides Writer at GGRecon, having completed a Masters of Research degree in Film Studies. Previously a freelance writer for PCGamesN, The Loadout, and Red Bull Gaming, he loves playing a wide variety of games from the Souls series to JRPGs, Counter-Strike, and EA FC. When not playing or writing about games and hardware, you're likely to find him watching football or listening to Madonna and Kate Bush.
