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Do I Need to Play Anything Before Final Fantasy XV?

The short and direct answer is a resounding no, you absolutely do not need to play any other Final Fantasy game before diving into Final Fantasy XV (FFXV). Each mainline Final Fantasy title is designed as a standalone experience, boasting its own unique world, story, and cast of characters. While the franchise shares common elements and themes, these are more like familiar nods than crucial plot points necessary for comprehension. You can jump into FFXV completely fresh and enjoy it to the fullest. Now that the main question is answered, let’s dive deeper into the specifics.

The Beauty of Final Fantasy’s Anthology Nature

The Final Fantasy series is renowned for its anthology format. This means each numbered entry is a self-contained narrative. Unlike some other franchises that rely on long-running stories spanning multiple games, Final Fantasy presents fresh tales with each new release. FFXV is no exception, introducing players to a new cast, a new world, and its unique set of challenges. The game does not assume any prior knowledge of characters or events from previous titles. This makes it remarkably beginner-friendly for newcomers to the franchise.

Common Threads, Unique Stories

While the main storylines are unrelated, there are recognizable, consistent elements that are present throughout the series. Think of these as callbacks rather than essential plot points:

Summons/Eikons: Powerful beings like Ifrit, Shiva, and Leviathan often make appearances in various forms.
Chocobos: The iconic yellow birds are frequently used for transportation and feature prominently in the game’s world.
Airships: These iconic vessels appear in different designs.
Cids: A character named Cid, often a brilliant engineer or inventor, appears throughout the games.
Spells and Monsters: Classic spells like Fire, Blizzard, and monsters like Behemoth are staple elements.

These commonalities are like a shared language within the series, making each entry feel connected while not requiring players to have prior knowledge of other games. FFXV will introduce you to these themes naturally, regardless of whether you’ve played another game in the franchise or not.

Should you still consider the spin-offs?

FFXV has expanded its world with spin-off media. These include Kingsglaive, a CGI film, and Brotherhood, an anime series. Kingsglaive is a feature-length film that provides context to events happening around the start of the game, and is recommended to view before playing. Kingsglaive is set between Chapters 1 and 2 of the game and fills in important story gaps that the base game doesn’t cover. Brotherhood delves into the backstories of the four main characters. While neither is mandatory, they do add considerable depth to the game’s world and characters. It’s highly recommended to watch Kingsglaive to understand the events leading into the game’s story. There are also several character episode DLCs that further develop some characters like Gladio, Prompto, and Ignis. As for these, they can be experienced anytime after progressing through the main storyline up to specific points.

FFXV Related Content Order

For the most comprehensive experience, here is the suggested order for FFXV content consumption:

Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV: Watch this movie before starting the game.
Final Fantasy XV Base Game: Play the main game in its entirety.
(Optional) Episode Gladio: Play Gladio’s DLC for his backstory.
(Optional) Episode Prompto: Play Prompto’s DLC for his backstory.
Episode Ardyn Anime Episode: View Ardyn’s anime short before his DLC.
(Optional) Episode Ardyn: Play Ardyn’s DLC to further flesh out the villain’s history.
(Optional) Episode Ignis: Play Ignis’ DLC to learn more about his perspectives.

Final Fantasy XV For Beginners: It’s a Great Starting Point

Because it’s designed as a standalone experience, FFXV is an excellent entry point into the Final Fantasy series. There’s no need to catch up on decades of lore or complex character relationships before jumping in. The game’s story, while deep, is self-contained. Newcomers can comfortably get acquainted with the series’ signature blend of epic storytelling, diverse characters, and beautiful world design. The game introduces new players to the classic Final Fantasy themes while still feeling fresh and modern.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

To further clarify any doubts, here are 15 frequently asked questions about playing Final Fantasy XV:

Do I need to watch Kingsglaive before playing FFXV? Yes, it’s highly recommended to watch Kingsglaive before starting the game. It adds vital context to the opening events and enhances your overall experience.
Does Kingsglaive spoil the game? While Kingsglaive reveals some plot elements, it is designed to provide context rather than to spoil the entire experience. Seeing it will help you understand character motivations and the initial stakes.
Is it okay to start with Final Fantasy 15? Absolutely! FFXV is a fantastic starting point for the series, offering a unique story with no prior knowledge needed.
How is Final Fantasy 15 connected to 13? FFXV, along with Final Fantasy XIII and Type-0, is thematically connected to a subseries called Fabula Nova Crystallis Final Fantasy. However, their stories and universes are separate.
Is Final Fantasy 16 connected to 15? No. Like other mainline titles, Final Fantasy 16 is a standalone story with new characters, world, and lore, completely unconnected to FFXV.
What is the longest Final Fantasy game? Final Fantasy 11 and 14 are the longest games, with 11 clocking in over 700 hours. Final Fantasy 12 is a long single-player experience with over 90 hours to complete.
How many hours does it take to finish FFXV? The main story can be completed in about 28 hours. Completionists may spend around 95 hours to see everything.
Can you keep playing after beating FFXV? Yes, you can continue playing after finishing the main story. Post-game content includes side-quests and challenges.
What should I do early in FFXV? Early in the game, focus on exploring the world, collecting materials, and taking on hunts to get a head start on experience and ability points.
Why isn’t Final Fantasy 15 on Switch? Developers stated they couldn’t “bring out the most of the engine” on the Switch. However, a port is being looked into, though it has never been officially confirmed.
Do I need to play Final Fantasy 15 before 16? No, you don’t. Every mainline Final Fantasy game is a self-contained story.
Is Leviathan in Final Fantasy 16? Leviathan is not present in the main story of Final Fantasy 16.
Are FF9 and FF16 connected? No, each mainline Final Fantasy is set in its own separate universe. However, FF16 includes nods to characters from FF9.
Which Final Fantasy is the hardest? Final Fantasy 11 and 14 are often considered the most difficult due to their high learning curve, as well as Final Fantasy Tactics.
What level should you be at the end of Final Fantasy 15? The recommended level at the end of the game is around 45. However, you can beat the final boss regardless of level if you’ve made it there.

Conclusion: Dive in and Enjoy the Journey!

Ultimately, Final Fantasy XV is designed to be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of their familiarity with the series. It’s a standalone story that offers hours of captivating gameplay, stunning visuals, and unforgettable characters. So, if you’re curious about FFXV, don’t hesitate to jump in—you don’t need any previous experience to start your adventure. Watching Kingsglaive before starting the base game will give you the best context to the story, however. Embrace the journey, and enjoy the new world that awaits you!

Do I need to play anything before ff15?