How Long Would It Take to Play All Final Fantasy Games?

For fans of sprawling narratives, memorable characters, and engaging gameplay, the Final Fantasy franchise stands as a titan in the world of video games. But with so many titles spanning across multiple consoles and generations, a common question arises: How long would it actually take to play all of them? The answer, as you might expect, is complex, depending on whether you’re aiming to simply beat the main story or become a true completionist.

A rough estimate, factoring in all the mainline numbered entries, along with their spin-offs and associated games, would put you at anywhere between 1,500 to 2,500 hours or more. This wide range is due to differing gameplay lengths and the level of completion you seek. Focusing solely on the mainline Final Fantasy titles, we’re looking at approximately 687.5 hours for main story runs and 1,161 hours for completionist runs. However, the actual time commitment depends on various factors, including your skill level, play style, and the specific game you’re playing.

The numbers are, admittedly, a bit daunting. But let’s break it down further and delve into what makes these games take so long, as well as some frequently asked questions that will illuminate the path for aspiring adventurers.

Breaking Down the Time Commitment

It’s essential to understand that different types of Final Fantasy games contribute differently to the overall playtime. For instance, MMORPGs like Final Fantasy XIV and XI require hundreds of hours if you truly dedicate time to them. On the flip side, some of the older, more linear titles like Final Fantasy I, II, and even VII can be relatively shorter depending on your playstyle, the version you are playing and whether you use guides.

The HowLongToBeat website provides valuable information regarding average completion times. These figures should be taken as estimates. Some players may be much faster while others might take longer, particularly if they enjoy exploring every nook and cranny.

Story Focus vs. Completionist Runs

The primary differentiator in playtime is whether you’re focusing solely on the main story or attempting a completionist run.

• Story Focus: If you’re primarily interested in experiencing the narrative, the time to beat a Final Fantasy game can range from around 6 hours for Final Fantasy I to over 100 hours for Final Fantasy XIV. These playthroughs typically involve sticking to the main questline and skipping most side content.

• Completionist Runs: On the other hand, if you are aiming for 100% completion, which includes completing all side quests, acquiring all items, beating all optional bosses, and unlocking every achievement/trophy, the playtime can drastically increase. For some games, completionist runs can double or even triple the main story time. Final Fantasy VII, for instance, can take 36.5 hours for the main story but approximately 82 hours to achieve 100% completion.

The Impact of Different Final Fantasy Titles

The Final Fantasy series is extremely diverse, which has a considerable impact on completion times. Here are some notable examples:

• MMORPGs: Games like Final Fantasy XIV and XI are designed to be ongoing experiences. They can easily take hundreds of hours to fully explore and complete. Final Fantasy XIV, for example, requires approximately 111 hours for the main storyline and 200+ hours for dedicated play.

• Classic JRPGs: Titles like Final Fantasy IV, V, VI, and IX have main story lengths typically ranging from 30-40 hours. Completionist runs usually add an additional 20-40 hours, depending on the player and strategy used.

• Modern Final Fantasy Titles: Games like Final Fantasy XV and XIII come with different completion times, which are mainly affected by how much side content the player takes on. Final Fantasy 13, for example, is one of the shortest numbered titles, clocking in at around 48 hours.

• Pixel Remasters: The Pixel Remaster versions of the early Final Fantasy games generally reduce the time needed to complete them due to added features, such as experience and gold boosts, autosaves, and quick saves. While they offer a classic experience, players will find them significantly easier to complete. The whole Pixel Remaster bundle will take around 145 hours for the main story, and 232 hours for 100%.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To further clarify the intricacies of playing through the vast Final Fantasy universe, here are 15 frequently asked questions:

1. Which Final Fantasy game takes the longest to complete? Final Fantasy XIV is generally considered the longest, especially if you delve deep into its various updates and expansions.
2. Which is the shortest Final Fantasy game? Final Fantasy XIII is often cited as the shortest main entry in the series, with around 48 hours for the main story.
3. How long does it take to beat Final Fantasy I? For the main story, approximately 6 hours in the Pixel Remaster version. A completionist run can take between 11 to 15 hours, depending on your strategy.
4. Are all Final Fantasy games connected? No, Final Fantasy is primarily an anthology series, with each game having its own setting, characters, and plot. However, they are linked by recurring themes, mechanics, and character names.
5. Is Final Fantasy 1 a hard game? The original Final Fantasy 1 was hard on the NES. However, the Pixel Remaster version is much easier due to quality-of-life improvements.
6. Should I play Final Fantasy 1 first? You can start anywhere you like in the Final Fantasy series. There is no correct answer as each game is unique and self-contained.
7. Which Final Fantasy game is the hardest? According to many sources, Final Fantasy 14 is extremely difficult with 200+ hours for dedicated completionists.
8. How long does it take to 100% Final Fantasy VII? It takes approximately 82 hours to achieve 100% completion.
9. How many hours is Final Fantasy VI? The main story of Final Fantasy VI takes around 35 hours to complete.
10. Is Final Fantasy XIII grindy? Not really. With 2 hours of grinding at a certain point of the story, you can comfortably complete the main story.
11. What is the easiest Final Fantasy to get into? Final Fantasy XVI is considered one of the easiest entry points for newcomers.
12. Are Final Fantasy XIII and XV in the same universe? No, these universes are unrelated to each other, although common elements and themes are present.
13. How long is an hour in Final Fantasy? One in-game hour is 2.5 minutes of real time, so 24 in game hours equals one hour of real-time.
14. Was Final Fantasy VII rushed? Yes, the development of Final Fantasy VII was rushed despite its significant impact.
15. Are FFX and 7 in the same universe? According to Yoshinori Kitase, they are, although this is still debated by fans.

Conclusion

Embarking on a journey to play all Final Fantasy games is a significant undertaking. It would take a considerable amount of time to accomplish such a feat, but it’s an experience that many gamers find incredibly rewarding. Understanding the various factors affecting playtime and knowing what each game offers will help you plan your adventure effectively. Whether you’re a newcomer looking for a starting point or a veteran aiming for full completion, the Final Fantasy universe has a world to explore for everyone.