Final Fantasy has a staggering 16 games making up its main line-up of titles, and a few of those games even have their own direct sequels. There is then a staggering number of spin-offs that you can play in the Final Fantasy universe, which can be stories contained in their own world, or ones that overlap with games in the mainline. The focus on the mainline Final Fantasy games can result in players overlooking the spin-off games, and that means that you might miss out on an entry that might become your new favorite in the entire franchise.
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Some spin-offs are rather well-known, such as Kingdom Hearts, where Final Fantasy mixes with Disney to create a unique universe filled with new characters working alongside beloved characters. On the other hand, there are options outside the mainline Final Fantasy games that play like a mainline entries and offer a decent amount of content you can get through without having to dedicate an extreme number of hours. As such, if you’re looking for more from Final Fantasy and don’t know which spin-off you should check out, here are the top four to consider.
1. Crisis Core
With Final Fantasy 7 being remade, it’s a great time to play Crisis Core, especially if you’re waiting for the third part of FF7 Remake. You also have the option to play the remastered version of Crisis Core, which is available under the name Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 – Reunion. Zack has an all-new role in FF7 Remake, so it’s great to understand his story in full as it’s told in Crisis Core, which originally released on PSP. Plus, the ending makes you feel strong and heartbroken at the same time, which is its own experience.
2. Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles
Final Fantasy Tactics has been a beloved spin-off of the franchise for years, and now it’s being remastered with the title Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles. This new version will be available on September 30, 2025, which makes this the perfect time to experience it. Not only will it be easy to access for players now that it’ll be on modern systems, but it also has a classic Final Fantasy style to it, and you can choose to play the enhanced version or the classic version. You don’t want to miss out on seeing how the question of who will inherit a throne can impact so many lives.
3. Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin
Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin is an alternative prequel to the first Final Fantasy game. However, it doesn’t play like a normal Final Fantasy game, which can be a draw towards the game depending on the type of player you are. Aside from exploring the story that began the franchise, you get to experience a Soulslike gameplay, which makes this one of the more difficult games in the series. It’s a fun departure from what you expect, but it can often feel overlooked in discussions of FF games outside the main 16.
4. Final Fantasy Type-0
Final Fantasy Type-0 is another game in the franchise that doesn’t get a lot of mention. This is likely because it’s a PSP game that’s been ported to other platforms but it still has the limitations of being made for the PSP. However, if you can handle the flawed gameplay, then you have the chance to experience an absolutely heartbreaking story. With that in mind, Final Fantasy Type-0 is a great choice if you care about the narrative more than the gameplay.
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