As a longtime fan of the legendary Final Fantasy series, I‘m often asked by friends which games they can dive into without spending a dime. With over 15 mainline entries and countless spin-offs spanning consoles, PC and mobile, it can be hard to know where to start if you don‘t want to shell out cash upfront.
The good news is there are plenty of free Final Fantasy options available! As a gaming and streaming expert, I‘ve explored them all, and compiled this definitive guide on which Final Fantasy games you can play for free. I‘ll cover each game‘s platforms, gameplay style, limitations, and more so you can find the perfect free FF experience. Let‘s dive in!
Final Fantasy XIV – Hundreds of Hours of Free MMORPG Adventure
For my money, the best free Final Fantasy game is Final Fantasy XIV. Square Enix offers a wonderfully generous unlimited free trial for FF14 that lets you play through the entirety of A Realm Reborn and the Heavensward expansion – that‘s easily over 200 hours of content! You can play every class and job up to level 60 with no time restrictions. The story, gameplay, music and visuals rival any paid FF title.
Now, the free trial does have some social limitations. You can‘t form parties, access hero chat, join Free Companies (FF14‘s guilds), trade with other players, or use the in-game auction house. But you can still experience every dungeon, raid, quest, and feature the game has to offer solo. If after hundreds of hours roaming Eorzea you want to keep playing, you can pay to upgrade to the full game. But the free trial lets you enjoy one of the best Final Fantasy stories ever told.
If you want to squad up with friends, the Starter Edition which includes A Realm Reborn and Heavensward is only $20. Then you pay a monthly subscription fee, but unlock all social features. Think World of Warcraft but with Chocobos!
Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis – Relive the Beloved FFVII Story
As a ‘90s kid who grew up loving Final Fantasy VII and its expanded universe, I‘m thrilled we‘re getting a free episodic game covering the entire FF7 compilation. Announced for iOS, Android and other mobile platforms, Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis retells the whole FF7 story arc – the original game, Advent Children movie, Crisis Core, Dirge of Cerberus and more!
The game blends action RPG combat with visual novel-style cutscenes to recap the entire FF7 saga. Details on monetization are still vague, though I expect we‘ll see some gacha elements and microtransactions. But the key point is you‘ll be able to relive Cloud, Sephiroth, Aeris and the gang‘s journey for free as new episodes release. For FF7 fans, it‘s a dream come true!
Square Enix hasn‘t provided a release date yet beyond 2022. But Ever Crisis sits high on my most anticipated upcoming free games list!
Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius – Gacha Goodness on Mobile
If you want Final Fantasy on the go, Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius is a free mobile RPG spin-off with that addictive gacha element. It features turn-based combat and an original story and world of Lapis with nods to FF staples like Chocobos, Moogles, summons and more.
Like most gacha games, there are absolutely microtransactions here – you can summon new characters and weapons randomly using the game‘s currency. Some rare pulls are incredibly powerful. But you can experience the full story and core game for free, and there‘s a substantial amount of content without spending. Give into the gacha urge with restraint and Brave Exvius is a great mobile FF fix!
Dissidia Final Fantasy Opera Omnia – 3v3 Action Meets Gacha
Sticking to mobile, Dissidia Final Fantasy Opera Omnia is another F2P gacha game packed with legendary heroes and villains from the entire Final Fantasy universe. The gameplay distinguishes itself from Brave Exvius with a 3v3 action combat system – you tap commands in real-time to execute abilities and build combos.
The gacha elements are strong with Opera Omnia as well. Collecting rare character, weapons and summons can really amplify your team‘s power. But you‘re free to play through the story episodes and challenges with the initial characters obtained through normal progression, without spending a dime. If you want on-the-go Final Fantasy battles at your fingertips, give Opera Omnia a shot.
Final Fantasy Dimensions II – A Fresh FF Story on Mobile
Originally released as a paid mobile title, Square Enix later re-launched Final Fantasy Dimensions II as a free-to-play game. It features an original story with a fresh cast of characters unrelated to previous FF games. The combat sticks to turn-based fundamentals with the classic job system to customize your party.
Dimensions II does use a stamina system that limits your play sessions, encouraging spending to refill stamina. And there are other monetization elements like buffs and bonuses. But if you want a new mobile FF RPG with solid core gameplay and a new story to unwrap for free, Dimensions II delivers. Don‘t sleep on this lesser-known, free FF option for iOS and Android!
Final Fantasy XV Comrades – Free Online Multiplayer Action
For console players, Final Fantasy XV‘s multiplayer expansion Comrades is now completely free. You create a custom avatar, picking from four combat classes like warrior, dragoon, and mage. Then, join up to three other players online to take on quests together and explore Final Fantasy XV‘s world of Eos.
Leveling up your avatar and customizing their stats, gear and abilities with Comrades‘ RPG mechanics feels great. And experiencing XV environments like Lestallum and Hammerhead with a squad is awesome. There are microtransactions for cosmetics, but you can sink dozens of hours into Comrades for free. If you want to play a Final Fantasy game with friends on PS4/PS5 or Xbox, give FFXV Comrades a shot.
Closing Thoughts: A Final Fantasy For Every Player
Hopefully this guide gives you a great overview of the top free Final Fantasy games available across platforms. Whether you‘re a fan of old-school turn based RPGs, MMO adventures, or mobile gameplay on the go, there‘s a free Final Fantasy waiting for you!
Here are some quick closing tips based on your preferences:
- For mobile RPGs, try out Final Fantasy Brave Exvius or Opera Omnia
- Console gamers can squad up online in Final Fantasy XV Comrades
- The free trial for FF14 on PC/Mac is a must with hundreds of hours of expansive MMO content
- Fans of retro FF stories will love what Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis and Dimensions II offer
So fellow adventurers, get out there and explore a Final Fantasy world for free! Feel free to ask me any other FF questions – I‘m always happy to help fellow fans discover the perfect Final Fantasy experience for them, whether free or paid. Now if you‘ll excuse me, I need to get back to my FF14 FC…adventure awaits in Eorzea!
