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Is Every Final Fantasy Self-Contained? Unpacking the Myth of the Standalone Epic

The short answer is: mostly, yes. While the Final Fantasy series boasts a rich tapestry of recurring themes and iconic elements, each mainline entry (with a few notable exceptions) tells its own distinct story within its own unique world. You can jump into virtually any Final Fantasy game without needing prior knowledge of the others, making it an incredibly accessible and welcoming franchise for newcomers. The core narrative for each entry stands on its own and offers a complete, satisfying experience. However, the devil is in the details, and understanding the nuances of this “self-contained” nature is key to appreciating the true scope and depth of the series.

The Standalone Nature of Final Fantasy

The strength of the Final Fantasy series lies in its ability to reinvent itself with each iteration. Unlike many other long-running franchises that build upon established lore and characters, Final Fantasy dares to start fresh. This means:

Independent Worlds: Each game is set in a unique fictional universe. We’re talking completely different cosmologies, geographies, and cultures. Final Fantasy VII‘s dystopian Midgar is a world away from Final Fantasy IX‘s whimsical Gaia or Final Fantasy XV‘s sprawling Eos.
Original Characters: The characters you meet and journey with are unique to that particular game. While some names might be reused (like Cid or Biggs and Wedge), they are always different individuals with their own backstories and motivations.
Self-Sufficient Narratives: You don’t need to have played Final Fantasy I to understand the story of Final Fantasy XVI. Each game presents a complete narrative arc with its own beginning, middle, and end. The story in each game stands alone without the need for external context from other games.
Evolving Gameplay: Each game offers a different gaming experience through its gameplay mechanics, allowing players to explore and fight in their own ways.

This approach has allowed Square Enix to experiment with different genres, themes, and gameplay styles, resulting in a diverse and constantly evolving series that continues to attract new fans.

The Exceptions That Prove the Rule

While the vast majority of Final Fantasy games are self-contained, there are a few exceptions that deserve mention:

Direct Sequels: Final Fantasy X-2 is a direct sequel to Final Fantasy X, continuing the story of Yuna and her companions. Similarly, Final Fantasy XIII spawned two sequels: Final Fantasy XIII-2 and Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII, forming the Fabula Nova Crystallis trilogy. Final Fantasy IV: The After Years is a direct sequel following the stories of the characters of Final Fantasy IV.
Compilation of Final Fantasy VII: Final Fantasy VII is a very special case, expanding far beyond its original self. The compilation includes Dirge of Cerberus, Crisis Core, and of course, the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy. These all expand upon the world and characters of the original game.
Reimaginings & Expansions: The Final Fantasy VII Remake project isn’t just a graphical upgrade; it’s a significant reimagining of the original story, adding new plot elements and expanding upon existing ones. Final Fantasy XIV acts as a reboot of the original Final Fantasy XIV game, that was initially released.
Spin-Offs: Games like Dissidia Final Fantasy and World of Final Fantasy bring together characters from different Final Fantasy games in a crossover setting. These are primarily fan service and don’t impact the mainline narratives, however, they do bridge the gap between different games.

Recurring Elements: The Threads That Bind

Even though each Final Fantasy game tells its own story, certain elements appear throughout the series, creating a sense of familiarity and connection:

Crystals: Magical crystals often play a central role in the plot, representing power, life, or the balance of the world. While the specific nature of the crystals varies from game to game, their presence is a constant.
Summons: Iconic creatures like Ifrit, Shiva, and Bahamut appear as powerful summons that players can call upon in battle. Their designs and roles may differ, but their presence is always a welcome sight.
Chocobos and Moogles: These adorable creatures are practically mascots for the series. Chocobos serve as reliable steeds, while Moogles offer support and comic relief.
Recurring Names and Concepts: The name “Cid” is often given to a brilliant engineer or inventor. Similarly, concepts like “Lifestream” or “the Void” reappear in different forms.
Themes: Recurring themes like the struggle between good and evil, the importance of friendship, and the impact of technology on society are explored in various ways throughout the series.

These recurring elements act as Easter eggs and nods to the series’ legacy, rewarding longtime fans without alienating newcomers. They also help to solidify the idea that the worlds of Final Fantasy, while not directly connected, are still part of a larger, interconnected multiverse.

Thematic Connections and the Multiverse Theory

Some fans have proposed the idea that all Final Fantasy games exist within the same multiverse, connected by shared themes, recurring characters (like Gilgamesh), and subtle nods. While this theory is largely speculative, it adds another layer of depth to the Final Fantasy experience.

Gilgamesh: The dimension-hopping warrior Gilgamesh appears in many Final Fantasy games, often seeking powerful weapons. His presence suggests a connection between different worlds.
Shared Mythology: Certain mythological figures and concepts, such as the Warring Triad from Final Fantasy VI, may reappear in different forms in other games.
Easter Eggs and References: The games are filled with subtle references to other entries in the series, rewarding eagle-eyed players and hinting at a shared universe.

Whether you subscribe to the multiverse theory or not, the presence of these connections demonstrates the creative team’s dedication to crafting a cohesive and meaningful series. The Games Learning Society could analyze these connections and patterns across the Final Fantasy series to identify recurring themes and narrative structures. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Finding Your Starting Point

The beauty of Final Fantasy‘s self-contained nature is that you can start anywhere. But with so many games to choose from, where should you begin? Here are a few recommendations:

Final Fantasy VII (and Remake): A classic that revolutionized the JRPG genre, with a compelling story and unforgettable characters. The Remake offers a modern take on this beloved tale.
Final Fantasy X: A deeply emotional story with a beautiful world and a unique battle system. It’s also one of the few games with a direct sequel, allowing you to continue the adventure.
Final Fantasy IX: A love letter to classic Final Fantasy games, with a charming cast and a whimsical atmosphere.
Final Fantasy XIV: An incredibly popular MMO with a rich story, engaging gameplay, and a thriving community.
Final Fantasy XVI: A dark fantasy epic with a mature story and action-oriented combat. A great place to start for fans of more modern action RPGs.

Ultimately, the best Final Fantasy to start with is the one that appeals to you the most. Don’t be afraid to experiment and discover your own favorite entry in this legendary series.

Final Thoughts

While each Final Fantasy game is fundamentally a standalone experience, the series as a whole is far from disjointed. The recurring themes, iconic characters, and subtle connections create a rich and rewarding tapestry that deepens with each new entry. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, the world of Final Fantasy has something to offer everyone. So, dive in, explore, and discover the magic for yourself!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need to play Final Fantasy games in order?

No, you absolutely do not need to play Final Fantasy games in order. Each mainline entry tells its own self-contained story, so you can jump in wherever you like.

2. Are Final Fantasy games connected?

Most are not directly connected in terms of story or world. However, they share recurring elements like crystals, summons, Chocobos, and Moogles, creating a sense of familiarity.

3. Which Final Fantasy games have direct sequels?

Final Fantasy X (with Final Fantasy X-2)
Final Fantasy XIII (with Final Fantasy XIII-2 and Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII)
Final Fantasy IV (with Final Fantasy IV: The After Years)

4. Is Final Fantasy VII a standalone game?

The original Final Fantasy VII is a standalone game. However, the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII (including Crisis Core, Dirge of Cerberus, and the Remake trilogy) expands upon the story and world.

5. Are Final Fantasy XV and Final Fantasy XVI connected?

No, Final Fantasy XV and Final Fantasy XVI are not connected. They feature different characters, settings, and stories.

6. What do all Final Fantasy games have in common?

Recurring elements like magical crystals, Chocobos, Moogles, summons, and certain character archetypes (like Cid) are common threads throughout the series.

7. Is each Final Fantasy set in a different universe?

Yes, each mainline Final Fantasy game is set in its own unique fictional universe.

8. Which Final Fantasy is the best to start with?

Popular starting points include Final Fantasy VII (and the Remake), Final Fantasy X, Final Fantasy IX, Final Fantasy XIV, and Final Fantasy XVI.

9. Is Final Fantasy XIV a good starting point?

Yes, Final Fantasy XIV is a fantastic starting point, especially if you enjoy MMOs. It has a compelling story and a welcoming community.

10. Is Final Fantasy VII Remake a standalone game?

Each part of the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy is designed as a standalone experience, with self-contained narratives within the larger remake project.

11. How is every Final Fantasy connected?

While not directly connected, many fans believe the games exist within a shared multiverse, connected by recurring themes, characters like Gilgamesh, and subtle references.

12. Are FF9 and FF16 connected?

No, Final Fantasy IX and Final Fantasy XVI are not directly connected. However, players have spotted Easter eggs and references to Final Fantasy IX in Final Fantasy XVI.

13. Which Final Fantasy has the most playable characters?

Final Fantasy VI has the most playable characters, with 14 main party members and several guest characters.

14. Who is the strongest character in the Final Fantasy universe?

This is debatable, but many consider Lightning (from Final Fantasy XIII) to be one of the most powerful characters, due to her ability to defeat gods.

15. Is there an overarching story in Final Fantasy?

Not a single overarching story, but the Crystal theme is said to be the overarching theme of the series. An antagonistic force tries to make use of the Crystals’ power and the player must oppose them.

Is every Final Fantasy self-contained?