8 Best Final Fantasy Sequels Of All Time

It's not exactly common for Final Fantasy games to get true sequels, but as the past four decades have proven, it's not exactly rare either. In fact, it's increasingly common for mainline games to get a sequel, or at least DLC, that continues the stories from the original mainline title. And while we've seen a number of sequels in the past, some are definitely better than others.

By sequels, we don't mean spin-offs, although there have been some excellent Final Fantasy spin-offs in the past. We mean actual sequels like Final Fantasy X-2 rather than something like Final Fantasy Tactics or Dissidia. We're also not counting DLC (sorry, FF15 and FF16). To rank these, we looked at user and critic scores, as well as our own times spent with these incredible RPGs.

8 Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13

Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13 is the third entry in the FF13 saga. Much like the other games with the FF13 moniker, this one got mixed reviews from people who played it. And, yes, its story is confusing at times and seemingly random at others. It also has a clock countdown (kinda like the one in Majora's Mask), which not everyone was happy about, especially considering that running out of time will restart the game (you'll keep items and other goodies though).

That being said, the combat is actually pretty fun, and if you go into the game with reasonable expectations, it's really enjoyable. There's a good bit of fan service in Lightning Returns, and if you've never seen how this trilogy ends, then you owe it to yourself to give this one a try sometime.

7 Final Fantasy 4: The After Years

Final Fantasy 4 is a classic that stands out as a milestone for the series. It's where the franchise really leaned into narrative and characterization. Final Fantasy 4: The After Years is a good follow-up that just can't get out of the original game's shadow. Ignoring the complaints over pricing when the game landed on the Wii, or the performance issues on the GBA, The After Years offers an enjoyable experience.

Fans of FF4 will definitely want to play it, but the combat can get tedious at times. The protagonist, Cecil's and Rosa's son, doesn't have the same charm as his parents, but the cast isn't bad by any means. The After Years is one of the best Final Fantasy sequels out there, but there are still a few that outshine it.

6 Final Fantasy XIII-2

I was a bit skeptical at first when I heard of Final Fantasy XIII-2, but I was pleasantly surprised. The game has incredible combat, and the decision to mostly follow Lightning's younger sister, Serah, pays off. New characters like Noel grow on you, and running around with a moogle is always going to add to the fun factor.

Final Fantasy XIII-2 is by no means a masterpiece, but it makes a lot of improvements from the mainline Final Fantasy 13 while also giving us some memorable moments. It also has one of the most ridiculous final boss chains of any FF game, so you'd better come prepared. It's better than Lightning Returns, and arguably better than the original FF13, depending on what you like in your combat and world-building.

5 Final Fantasy 12: Revenant Wings

After saving Ivalice, Final Fantasy 12: Revenant Wings sees protagonist Vaan finally getting to live out his sky pirate dreams. Along for the ride are Penelo, Balthier, and Fran. Released on the DS, Revenant Wings' gameplay and graphics feel more like Final Fantasy Tactics than FF12, but any chance to revisit Ivalice again is welcome.

The story doesn't have quite the same stakes or emotional impact as the mainline game, but it's got a solid narrative that will surprise you. You'll laugh and maybe even cry. The combat and gameplay are where this entry trule shines. Final Fantasy 12: Revenent Wings is a near-perfect RTS RPG for a handheld console that would honestly be right at home on a newer console like the Switch 2.

4 Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7

Zack plays a pivotal role in the original Final Fantasy 7, even if we don't get to see much of him. The original Crisis Core was incredible but found a smaller audience thanks to its release on the PSP. Now, you can check out the remaster of Crisis Core on just about any modern system, and it comes with a host of quality-of-life upgrades too.

Crisis Core is necessary reading for fans of FF7, but it also happens to be one of the best Final Fantasy sequels (or I suppose prequels, in this case) ever. It not only helps fill in some plot gaps from the mainline game, but it also makes the world of FF7 a richer - and sometimes more horrifying - place.

3 Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is in weird territory since it's a sequel but also a remake. However, there are enough changes in this game to label it a sequel to FF7 Remake more than anything else. It's still cinematic like its predecessor, but there are massive, open areas to explore and tons of side content (maybe TOO much side content) available to try out.

Fans of the original FF7 should find plenty to enjoy here, but FF7 Rebirth succeeds most when it's delivering a new experience that builds off FF7 Remake. It's probably the most ambitious FF sequel of all time — at least, until FF7 Remake Part 3 comes out.

2 Final Fantasy X-2

It might be jarring in tone to go from Final Fantasy 10 to X-2, which sees Yuna going from savior to pop sensation within the first few seconds. Leaving behind the summoner's staff for two pistols, Yuna and the Gullwings go across a more light-hearted Spira now that Sin has been vanquished once and for all.

The game uses a points system for completion, has a killer job system thanks to Dress Spheres, and replaces the sometimes slow turn-based combat of FF10 with a faster-paced ATB (active time battle) system. It's a polarizing game at first, but it's incredibly fun and still has what might be the coolest job system in any Final Fantasy game.

1 Final Fantasy Tactics Advance

Final Fantasy Tactics Advance may be one of the few sequels that outshines (or at least meets the expectations of) its predecessor. There's no denying the first FF Tactics is a masterpiece, but Tactics Advance improves on gameplay mechanics, combat, graphics, and storytelling. If you can get over the snowball-fight intro, which some folks complain makes the tone feel too much like a kid's game, then you're in for a spellbinding adventure.

FF Tactics Advance still has some of my favorite characters in any Final Fantasy game, and the dilemma faced by Marche over his brother Doned hits home all these years later. Now that we have Ivalice Chronicles, a remaster of Final Fantasy Tactics Advance feels in order so a new generation can experience this incredible Final Fantasy sequel.