Best Final Fantasy Games Set In Classic Fantasy Worlds

Final Fantasy games are recognized as one of the most iconic franchises among JRPGs, showcasing an impressive diversity of settings. From renowned locations like Ivalice, featured in multiple titles, to unique worlds crafted for specific narratives, these environments play a crucial role in story development, providing players with a unique immersion.

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In addition to settings focused on Steampunk, such as in Final Fantasy 7, the franchise also stands out for offering some of the best Final Fantasy games set in classic fantasy worlds. These classic universes are perfect for fans of medieval-inspired environments, where they face dangerous challenges and engage in epic stories filled with high stakes to save the world.

9 Final Fantasy 14

A Medieval Fantasy Blends With Technology In This MMORPG

• World: Hydaelyn

A common element in Final Fantasy games is that they rarely strictly adhere to the traditional medieval fantasy setting. Even though many titles feature typical genre settings, there are notable deviations, such as the inclusion of technological elements. In Final Fantasy 14, for example, the world displays everything expected of a fantastical universe but also incorporates characteristics that deviate from this rule.

One of the main reasons for this is the peculiarity of the Garleans, a race unable to manipulate magic like the others. To compensate, they resort to advanced technology, creating a contrast with the setting the game possesses. Therefore, during the exploration through the MMO, it's not uncommon to encounter robots, adding a slight touch of science fiction to this predominantly fantasy-themed entry in the Final Fantasy series.

8 Final Fantasy Tactics Advance

A More Colorful View Of Ivalice

• World: Ivalice

Although also set in a kingdom called Ivalice, the setting of Final Fantasy Tactics Advance is, in fact, a medieval fantasy world created from Mewt Randell's wishes. Thus, the scenario becomes a magical and more colorful kingdom than depicted in other games set in this environment, also adopting a more childlike tone, reflecting his imagination.

Despite this tonal difference, the game maintains the essence that makes it a medieval fantasy JRPG, inhabited by various races that are also common in the franchise. Even though the story does not address common themes of Ivalice, such as disputes and political intrigues, the game still delivers a good experience for players and serves as a good entry point to the Final Fantasy’s series.

7 Final Fantasy 3

Game Responsible For The Job System In The Series

• World: World of Light

The classic setting of Final Fantasy 3, where the crystals of light choose four young individuals to restore the natural balance of the world, is similar to the previous two games, but it introduced players to a more enjoyable adventure, with satisfying gameplay innovations. Additionally, the classic setting, with kingdoms, dungeons, and mythological creatures, captured the essence of the series.

However, the biggest milestone of Final Fantasy 3 is not the setting but the introduction of a new job system, more complex than that of the first game, which became one of the main innovations of the series. This allowed players to customize character abilities by choosing different classes throughout the story, making the gameplay innovative.

6 Final Fantasy 16

Action JRPG With Some Dark Fantasy Elements

• World: Valisthea

Returning again to the medieval fantasy setting, Final Fantasy 16 brought a new perspective to the franchise, blending action JRPG combat with a dark and well-built world. The game takes place in Valisthea, a world divided by kingdoms fighting for control of the crystals. Despite having some common series tropes, the game's atmosphere marked a significant advancement in the series.

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The story centers on Clive Rosfield's path, delivering a narrative that follows his progress through different stages of his life, from childhood to adulthood, providing a perfect balance between the character's different tones. Additionally, the frenetic gameplay, despite deviating from the franchise's traditional elements, blends very well with the entire narrative and setting.

5 Final Fantasy 1

The Beginning Of The Series Is A Classic Medieval Fantasy

• World: World A

The first Final Fantasy games were deeply inspired by the Middle Ages, with Final Fantasy 1 establishing this tradition. In this title, set in the world known as World A, players take on the role of the Warriors of Light on a quest that begins with rescuing Princess Sarah from Garland, evolving to restoring the crystals' light.

Although its narrative is relatively simple, for its time, the game was considered one of the best fantasy JRPGs. It transported players to memorable medieval settings, filled with classic genre elements like mythological creatures and characteristic environments. The playable classes also offered abilities inspired by classic medieval fantasy archetypes, consolidating the foundation for the franchise's success.

4 Final Fantasy 5

Crystals, Magic, And All The Good Things In Classic Final Fantasy Game

• World: Planet R

Following the franchise's classic tropes, Final Fantasy 5 presents a story centered on elemental crystals and the natural balance they provide to the world. However, as expected in a medieval fantasy JRPG, the crystals are deteriorating. Bartz, a determined adventurer, joins other characters to prevent Exdeath, an evil sorcerer imprisoned for a thousand years, from destroying the world.

The highlight of Final Fantasy 5 is its upgraded job system, which allows players to customize characters with different classes. This mechanic offers the freedom to create strategic compositions to overcome challenges. Experimenting with different builds while exploring the game's unknown territories makes the adventure even more dynamic as the heroes seek to save the crystals from Exdeath's threat.

3 Final Fantasy 4

Epic Journey Featuring One Of The Series' Best Protagonists

• World: Blue Planet

Final Fantasy 4 is one of the franchise's most emblematic titles, featuring a rich medieval fantasy setting blended with magical technology that delights genre fans. The game combines castles, knights, and spells in a plot that explores redemption and sacrifice, establishing itself as one of the best Final Fantasy games with classic fantasy settings.

The story follows Cecil Harvey, a dark knight who, after questioning his kingdom's orders, embarks on a path to redeem himself. Along the way, Cecil faces betrayals, develops deep relationships, and uncovers secrets that shape his destiny. This emotional narrative, combined with an iconic soundtrack and memorable characters, makes Final Fantasy IV an eternal landmark in the series.

2 Final Fantasy 9

A Return To Medieval Fantasy In The Franchise

• World: Gaia

Released as a tribute to the series' origins, Final Fantasy 9 is widely recognized as one of the best Final Fantasy games. With a setting that evokes rich medieval fantasy, the game marked a return to the franchise's roots after titles that explore Steampunk environments, such as Final Fantasy 7 and Final Fantasy 8.

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The story follows Zidane and his epic adventure in a world filled with castles, magical kingdoms, and mythological creatures. This classic setting, combined with captivating characters and a deeply emotional narrative, solidifies the ninth mainline game of the franchise as one of the brightest examples of Final Fantasy medieval settings, enchanting both old and new fans with its nostalgic and well-executed charm.

1 Final Fantasy Tactics

One Of The Best Settings Ever Created In The Franchise

• World: Ivalice

The world of Ivalice is one of the most traditional in the series, bringing the main elements of medieval fantasy to the franchise, with Final Fantasy Tactics being the title that best explores this setting's potential. In this strategy JRPG spin-off, players follow the events of the War of The Lions from Ramza Beoulve's perspective.

The narrative is extremely well-crafted, full of interesting and well-developed characters, such as the protagonist and Delita Heyral, who starts as a companion but evolves into a complex anti-hero. This combination of engaging story and solid mechanics, focused on character customization, makes this title also one of the best Final Fantasy games ever created.

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