Unleashing the Unrivaled: Exploring Final Fantasy's Toughest Games, Ranked by Difficulty and Time to Conquer

Highlights

Final Fantasy

games have a wide range of difficulty levels, with some being relatively easy and others being incredibly challenging.

The latest entry in the series,

Final Fantasy 16

, takes a departure from the norm by allowing players to control only one character, making the game less challenging.

It is astonishing for players to reflect on the launch date of Final Fantasy, one of the world's most popular game franchises. The series originated in 1987, making it nearly thirty-three years old. Spanning three decades with numerous games, Final Fantasy has achieved cult classic status. When it comes to JRPGs, Final Fantasy immediately comes to mind, and rightfully so.

The games have consistently advanced the genre, improving with each new release. However, there is one aspect that has not remained constant. The game difficulty varies significantly, with some being relatively easy while others pose a daunting challenge. Regardless of the level of difficulty, players can expect to be fully engrossed in these games for hours on end, witnessing captivating stories unfold before their eyes.

Updated on August 8, 2023, by Ritwik Mitra: Final Fantasy is an iconic franchise in the world of JRPGs that requires no introduction. Bursting with unforgettable characters, epic storylines, and intricate worldbuilding, these games encapsulate the entire experience seamlessly. As the times have evolved, so has the gameplay loop and difficulty of these games. The traditional turn-based combat has seemingly been replaced by a more dynamic real-time action focus, which is not necessarily a negative change. This twist adds an intriguing layer to the challenge these titles present, resulting in mixed opinions from players.

18 Final Fantasy 16 (55.5 Hours)

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18 Final Fantasy 16 (55.5 Hours)

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18 Final Fantasy 16 (55.5 Hours)

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In a bold departure from the series' usual tropes, the latest installment of Final Fantasy introduces a significant change by allowing players to control only one character. This decision defies the franchise's established norm of having a party of members. Nevertheless, the protagonist named Clive is remarkably capable, able to single-handedly overcome the majority of enemies. However, this shift does considerably reduce the level of challenge in the game.

17 Final Fantasy 6 (35 Hours)

To enhance their experience in Final Fantasy 16, players can opt for accessories that automate various actions, such as dodging and healing. However, the game's combat may lose its complexity if enemies prove too easy to defeat. For this reason, it is commonly advised to play through the game without utilizing these Timely accessories. Given the game's extensive length, it is crucial to maintain a sense of freshness and engagement in combat to prevent players from growing bored over time.

Originally released in 1994 on Famicom and Super Nintendo, Final Fantasy 6 quickly became a beloved title among fans and received widespread acclaim. However, reviewers consistently noted the game's relatively easy difficulty curve. In fact, Final Fantasy 6 is considered one of the franchise's least challenging entries, with only Final Fantasy 15 being potentially even more accessible. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the game's exceptional quality transcends its level of difficulty.

16 Final Fantasy 10 (46 Hours)

Final Fantasy 6 offers a captivating main story that takes approximately 35 hours to complete. However, players will find themselves engrossed in an array of delightful side quests and captivating subplots that can easily extend their gameplay well beyond the impressive 60-hour mark. The enchantment of the game's GBA port is amplified as it introduces additional dungeons, a plethora of new weapons, and a handful of extra Espers to discover.

Contrary to popular belief, the difficulty level of Final Fantasy games has not significantly decreased over time. Nonetheless, Final Fantasy 10 can be considered relatively easy in comparison. Despite receiving high review scores, the tenth installment in the franchise lacks the challenging aspect that the original games were famous for. While there are optional quests within the game that present some level of difficulty, the main storyline itself is relatively painless.

15 Final Fantasy 9 (39.5 Hours)

Final Fantasy 10 boasts one of the lengthiest storylines in the series, spanning nearly 50 hours. However, for those striving to obtain all the ultimate weapons and conquer the game's formidable super bosses, they should brace themselves for an even more extensive journey, with completionists typically investing a staggering 150 hours. Yet, the arduous effort is undoubtedly worthwhile, as the battles against the Dark Aeons and Penance stand out as some of the most challenging encounters ever witnessed in the franchise.

Released just one year prior to the widely popular Final Fantasy 10, the ninth installment presented a greater level of challenge than its successor. Being a PlayStation 1 title, the game's age played a role in its difficulty. Nonetheless, it remained relatively easier compared to many other games in the series. While the game featured an environment reminiscent of earlier titles, its level of difficulty was significantly lower. Exceptionally challenging scenarios were limited to the final boss encounter and a few dungeons, while the rest of the game proved to be relatively effortless.

14 Final Fantasy 5 (32.5 Hours)

With a playthrough time of approximately 40 hours, Final Fantasy 9 doesn't demand an excessive amount of time from players, especially when it comes to the main story. However, completionists should be prepared to dedicate around double that amount of time in order to obtain all the weapons and attain the necessary strength to defeat the game's optional super bosses. This endeavor can prove to be an extremely time-consuming process indeed.

Final Fantasy 5 debuted in 1992 on Super Famicom and received a lukewarm reception in comparison to other titles. One of the contributing factors was the game's excessively high encounter rate, which compounded its challenging nature. This resulted in a monotonous experience for numerous fans and reviewers alike. While the game's job system and the ability to combine skills garnered praise, its storytelling and grinding aspect faced heavy criticism.

13 Final Fantasy 10-2 (46.5 Hours)

: Final Fantasy 5 offers a relatively brief gameplay experience with a main story completion time of approximately 32 hours. In comparison to its successors in the series, this game can be considered shorter. However, a meticulous playthrough that aims for full completion can demand over 70 hours of gameplay.

Final Fantasy 10-2, the first ever direct sequel in the series, offers fans the opportunity to revisit the magnificent world of Spira. With the weight of Sin lifted after the events of the initial game, this installment brings a more lighthearted and uplifting experience that guarantees players a delightful and heartwarming journey.

Dresspheres offer a fresh take on the traditional job system, although the initial dresspheres have relatively low power and may not provide players with a sense of strength during the early stages of the game. Consequently, players may encounter difficulties during random battles later on if they do not dedicate time to grinding or optimizing their party's dresspheres.

12 Final Fantasy 7 Remake (42.5 Hours)

The success of Final Fantasy 7 Remake has been outstanding, creating immense anticipation among fans for the future chapters of the story. While the Remake presents certain formidable challenges, players who become familiar with its combat system will effortlessly overcome most encounters.

11 Final Fantasy 12 (61 Hours)

The bombastic boss battles in this game quickly lose their shine once players discover that simply using a combination of powerful attacks is enough to defeat the majority of these adversaries. However, it's worth noting that Final Fantasy 7 Remake does have its moments of challenging gameplay, requiring players to be well-prepared for these sudden spikes in difficulty.

Final Fantasy 12 was a game that perfectly complemented the cult classics of the gaming world, such as San Andreas and Resident Evil 4. It offered a unique and refreshing experience to gamers who were accustomed to playing 3D games at that time. Moreover, it introduced a much-needed level of difficulty to the franchise and the gaming industry as a whole. However, it was equally frustrating due to its repetitive nature.

10 Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13 (47 Hours)

: Final Fantasy 12 is packed with so much content that players can easily spend over 150 hours exploring the vast world of Ivalice. A significant portion of this time will likely be dedicated to defeating challenging opponents like Yiazmat. However, for players who are only interested in experiencing the game's main story, setting aside approximately 60 hours should be more realistic. This is a more manageable timeframe for most modern-day players.

The Final Fantasy 13 trilogy continues to be a topic of debate among many. These games failed to leave a lasting impression and have since blended into the background of the esteemed JRPG series.

Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13 is unrivaled within the series, excelling in both its gameplay and challenging nature. To navigate through the game, players must remain vigilant and adept in countering the numerous formidable adversaries that await Lightning.

9 Final Fantasy Type-0 (32.5 Hours)

Final Fantasy Type-0 presents a spinoff title that is exceptionally distinct and captivating. Its storyline evokes both warmth and tragedy in equal measure. The real-time combat system is a delightful experience, where the difficulty level largely depends on the player's chosen main party.

For the most part, players would typically make careful choices when selecting their main party members, opting for characters who possess a good combination of offensive and defensive abilities. However, in Type-0, there are certain characters that prove to be ineffective in combat and can be a burden for players who attempt to control these sluggish and unwieldy units.

8 Final Fantasy 13 (48.5 Hours)

Although not the pinnacle of the series, Final Fantasy 13 undeniably leaves a lasting impression. Released in 2010 on both PS3 and Xbox 360, this installment ventured into uncharted territory. Its most remarkable aspect lies in its striking visual overhaul and unique art direction. Moreover, the game presented a commendable level of challenge. Being a timing-based game, it demands mastery of its controls; without which, survival becomes an insurmountable task.

7 Final Fantasy (17.5 Hours)

Final Fantasy 13's storyline, although frequently criticized for its linear structure, is actually rich with content. Engaging in the main narrative alone can consume over two entire days of gameplay, and venturing through all of the missions in Gran Pulse can easily extend this duration far beyond the 100-hour milestone.

The inclusion of the original Final Fantasy on the list is easily understandable. Being a classic title, this game was released during a time when video game genres were undergoing rapid evolution. Consequently, the game is burdened by outdated technical aspects and also hindered by the limitations of the platform it was developed for. The amalgamation of these factors creates a highly challenging and unique experience that was unparalleled during that era.

The initial installment of

6 Final Fantasy Tactics (54 Hours)

is noticeably the briefest, which is understandable considering the constraints of the NES and the untested nature of the concept during its inception. Completing the primary storyline takes approximately 18 hours, although this duration is roughly doubled when striving for a comprehensive playthrough.

Regarded by numerous as the most exceptional spin-off within the franchise, Final Fantasy Tactics boasts an intricately crafted narrative that is complemented by its remarkable gameplay and challenging battles.

The challenges in Final Fantasy Tactics can be unexpectedly overwhelming, requiring players to carefully manage their game saves and utilize multiple slots to prevent becoming trapped in a particularly formidable battle.

5 Final Fantasy 2 (25 Hours)

With the first game's popularity stemming from its classic gameplay formula and challenging nature, it was only natural to expect the sequel to follow suit. Final Fantasy 2 takes everything that made its predecessor difficult and amplifies it. The game's leveling system was truly unique for its time, however, it now feels incredibly slow and outdated.

4 Final Fantasy 4 (23 Hours)

Final Fantasy 2, like its predecessor, is a comparatively brief game, especially when measured against modern standards. The primary storyline can be completed in just 25 hours, although the extra content extends the playtime slightly beyond the 40-hour threshold. Considering the game's challenging nature, many players may appreciate its concise duration.

Final Fantasy 4, the fourth installment in the series, stands out not only for its challenging gameplay but also for its immense popularity during its time of release in 1991. Developed exclusively for Super Nintendo, this game garnered widespread critical acclaim for its exceptional quality and captivating storyline. Considered a significant advancement for the RPG genre, Final Fantasy 4 took the difficulty level to new heights, especially on the Nintendo DS platform.

Cecil's story takes nearly a whole day to complete, although the DS version usually requires a bit more time. The DS port also includes an abundance of extra content and boasts a completionist time of 56 hours. In contrast, completing the original game as a perfectionist takes less than 40 hours.

3 Final Fantasy 3 (30 Hours)

The third installment in the series, Final Fantasy 3, takes the title for the most challenging entry. Considered the pinnacle of difficulty in Final Fantasy games, the Nintendo DS version appeals to hardcore JRPG fans with its iconic job system. Nonetheless, it must be noted that Final Fantasy III's gameplay is far from forgiving; it can be described as unforgiving and merciless. While a minority of players thrive on this level of challenge, for the majority, it may prove exasperating at best.

2 Final Fantasy 11 (93 Hours)

Final Fantasy 3 presents a considerable challenge due to its extensive duration, spanning a substantial 30 hours, surpassing the length of its two predecessors. Furthermore, players seeking to fully experience all that the game has to offer should brace themselves for an even more grueling test, as a comprehensive completionist run typically demands approximately 73 hours of arduous gameplay.

It's downright cheating to add an MMO to this list. After all, these games pretty much need hardcore challenges for the overall majority to be satisfied.

In Final Fantasy 11, a multitude of formidable bosses gradually made their appearance, capable of obliterating unprepared parties. Specific bosses, such as Absolute Virtue, required adjustments to their difficulty level due to the overwhelming obsession players had with triumphing over this immensely challenging foe!

1 Final Fantasy 14 (200+ Hours)

It is a well-known fact that Final Fantasy 14, being an MMORPG, stands as the most challenging game within the franchise. To overcome the most formidable bosses, players must assemble formidable raid parties, showcasing their strategic prowess. While the base game already offers exhilarating gameplay, the true embodiment of this game's greatness emerges through its remarkable expansions.

The challenges presented in these supplementary chapters highlight the importance of optimizing strategies for players to avoid repetitive obstacles. For those who are not experienced in MMORPGs, the game may initially be difficult to grasp, but with assistance from seasoned players, these battles can be effectively overcome.