Summary
- Final Fantasy games balance linearity with player freedom through predetermined paths.
- Specific titles, like Final Fantasy 2, emphasize exploration and open-world gameplay.
- Games like Lightning Returns and Final Fantasy 6 promote non-linear exploration in different ways.
Final Fantasy boasts numerous compelling JRPGs that fans can get lost in. While the games pride themselves on a lack of linearity, most games in the series have a pre-determined path that players should follow if they don't want to be frustrated after getting lost or facing enemies way higher than their level.
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However, there are some Final Fantasy games that encourage players to explore and uncover secrets that will enthrall them. This focus on freedom ensures that players will love heading to distant corners of the map, especially since their efforts are usually rewarded in some form or another.
8 Final Fantasy 2
Players Can Head To High-Level Regions Of The Map Early And Be Pulverized For Their Efforts
Final Fantasy II
- Released
- December 17, 1988
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Developer(s)
- Square
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Entertainment System, Android, iOS, Nintendo Game Boy Advance, PC, PS1, PS4, PSP, WonderSwan
Final Fantasy 2 is a game that everyone loves to hate, with people rightfully considering it to be the black sheep of the series. However, once players adjust to the weird leveling system of this title, they'll uncover a game that promotes player freedom from the get-go.
From the very moment players get to control the main party, they can explore the massive world map without any limits. While a random encounter at a high-level region of the map is bound to lead to their demise, this freedom should still be highlighted regardless.
7 Final Fantasy 7
After Leaving Midgar And Getting The Airship, The World Opens Up Little By Little
Final Fantasy 7
- Released
- January 31, 1997
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Blood, Fantasy Violence, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation (Original), PC, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS4
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
The opening section of Midgar serves as a lengthy and brilliant introduction to Gaia and how Shinra is ruining the planet by siphoning its Lifestream. While this section is linear, it eases players into the game before the world truly opens up.
Once players leave Midgar, they'll explore a massive world full of unlimited opportunities to explore. While players have to complete certain sections of the main story to unlock more areas to explore, the freedom that players enjoy after their initial stint in Midgar is still unmatched.
6 Final Fantasy 16
The Game's Zones Are Small But Can Be Explored Any Time After Being Unlocked
Final Fantasy 16
- Released
- June 22, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Final Fantasy 16 may seem a bit too small at times, but the fact that players are encouraged to revisit sections of the world to complete side quests and take part in hunts is still appreciated. After unlocking Ambrosia, players will find it easier to explore the world and uncover its secrets.
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This backtracking can be rather tiresome after a point, but players who are invested in the world and its characters won't mind this all that much. Even with the regions being way smaller than fans expected, that should take nothing away from the brilliance of Final Fantasy 16.
5 Final Fantasy 8
Once Balamb Garden Starts Flying, Players Can Explore Various Corners Of The World
Final Fantasy 8
- Released
- February 11, 1999
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Final Fantasy 8 is a game that everyone loves or hates, but there's no denying that the open world wastes no time in showing its open nature once players unlock the floating Balamb Garden. The options to explore are limitless and become grander after gaining access to the Ragnarok.
With this airship, players can explore secret research locations and acquire hidden Guardian Forces to bolster their arsenal considerably. This allows Final Fantasy 8 to shine when it comes to promoting player freedom, rewarding players for exploring every nook and cranny of the world map.
4 Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13
As Open As The World May Be, Players Should Be Mindful Of The Timer Too
Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13
- Released
- November 21, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- OpenCritic Rating
- Weak
Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13 is one of the first Final Fantasy games to let players explore a truly open world with limitless potential. While there's a timer ticking down and bearing on players, the game gives players numerous options to extend and delay this timer as much as possible.
This rewards ingenious players by letting them interact with meaningful content and helping Lightning become stronger than ever. By the time players reach Bhunivelze, dilligent players who made the most of the freedom afforded by this game will be strong enough to beat this god in style.
3 Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
The Open World May Be Somewhat Phoned-in, But Promotes Exploration
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
- Released
- February 29, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Blood, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is an excellent video game that builds upon the success of Remake. By leaving the city of Midgar, players will be encouraged to explore an open world that is brimming with secrets and side quests.
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While the sandbox itself may feel a bit by-the-numbers at times, that should take nothing away from the amazing sense of exploration promoted by this game. Players will love customizing their party and scouring the world, acquiring powerful materia and items in the process.
2 Final Fantasy 15
The First Mainline Final Fantasy Game To Lean Into A Modern Open-World Approach With Interesting Results
Final Fantasy 15
- Released
- November 9, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Language, Mild Blood, Partial Nudity, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
The first truly open world Final Fantasy game had its issues, but fans can't deny that the sandbox of this game is beautiful. While the bulk of this title's gameplay revolves around combat, players who want to fight tough monsters and encounter unique foes will love exploring every nook and cranny of this world.
The side quests may be somewhat disappointing, but that should take nothing away from the amazing sense of freedom fans enjoy in Final Fantasy 15. It's a shame that the latter half of the story abandons this open world altogether, even if players always have the option of returning to this sandbox and tying up any loose ends.
1 Final Fantasy 6
The World Of Ruin Promotes Nonlinear Exploration
Final Fantasy 6
- Released
- October 11, 1994
WHERE TO PLAY
Final Fantasy 6 is hailed by many as one of the greatest JRPGs ever made, with its non-linear design being key to this reception. The World of Balance does a great job of introducing the heroes and the threat they have to deal with before things go south.
After Kefka reduces the world to a state of ruin, players control Celes and can explore the world map however they see fit, eventually acquiring the Blackjack. While it's possible to make a beeline for Kefka's tower from this very moment, players are encouraged to explore and gather the entire party before they decide to make one final attempt to stop the mad jester's reign of tyranny.
- Creation Year
- 1987
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Creator
- Hironobu Sakaguchi
- Latest Release
- Final Fantasy 16
- Creator(s)
- Hironobu Sakaguchi