Finding the best games like Final Fantasy can be an incredibly big ask. There is a world of similar games out there, but that’s not even the main issue. The main issue tends to be that Final Fantasy as a series is so incredibly varied to begin with. It means that you’ll struggle to find a game that’s going to scratch a specific itch without knowing which Final Fantasy you’re actually looking for.
To that end, rather than giving you a list for games that are like Final Fantasy in general, we’ve gone ahead and separated them into three main categories. That way, you can find the best games like Final Fantasy no matter which one you’ve got in mind as you’re searching.
Games like Final Fantasy
This section has your bread and butter turn-based games. These aren’t all necessarily what you’d think of when thinking about the best games like Final Fantasy, but they all have a similar feeling to them. So, if you’re looking for your turn-based fix, then here you are.
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age
Our first pick is, quite possibly, the most quintessential example of what a modern-day turn-based RPG looks like. You take control of a hero who meets a group of party members and has to save the world. It’s classic stuff, but it’s set in the wonderful world of the Dragon Quest series, which means hordes of cute monsters, and alongside being an absolute monster of a game, also allows you to switch between modern and old-school graphical styles.
Buy Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition here.
Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch
Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is a stunning RPG that has all of the power of a Level-5 RPG infused with the stunning looks of Studio Ghibli’s signature style. It’s an adorable story of a boy called Oliver and his journey across a magical world as he tries to reverse the cruel hands of fate.
Buy Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch – Remastered here.
Divinity: Original Sin 2
This one sort of bridges the gap between games like Final Fantasy and games like Final Fantasy tactics, but we’re putting it in this section anyway. Divinity: Original Sin 2 is quite possibly the most perfected version of a CRPG we’ve ever had, and has you fighting your way across a torn-up world to try and solve the issue of godhood. Combat is incredibly immersive, the story is compelling, and the role-playing is almost impossible to beat.
Games like Final Fantasy tactics
Here we have the games like Final Fantasy tactics, which is still one of the best examples of a tactics RPG we’ve ever had, despite being old enough to drink and become completely disillusioned with capitalism. Well, more so than it already is.
Into the Breach
First in this section is Into the Breach. This is a roguelike tactics game where you control mechs who’ve been caught up in some time-travelling stuff and have to fight gigantic monsters to try and save humanity. This is a genuinely incredible tactics game that distils the genre down to its purest parts, and is an essential game for tactics fans as a result.
Triangle Strategy
Triangle Strategy has only just been released for Nintendo Switch, but is already one of the most faithful modern-day takes on Final Fantasy tactics going. It’s got all of the political intrigue you could want, fun and in-depth gameplay, and also the constant nagging feeling that maybe everyone is evil and there are no right choices to be made.
Fell Seal: Arbiter’s Mark
Fell Seal: Arbiter’s Mark is, in essence, an indie take on this whole thing. It’s very obviously inspired by Final Fantasy Tactics, and it’s a joy to play as a result. The combat will feel familiar, it has an amazingly in-depth job system to master, and the story is gripping from start to finish. You deserve this game, so go and get it.
Buy Fell Seal: Arbiter’s Mark here.
Games like Final Fantasy 15
Right then, this is the section with the action RPGs, because Final Fantasy isn’t the same style of game it used to be. That means this is where you’ll find the games that feel more akin to modern Final Fantasy games. It also means this is where you’ll find the games that test your reflexes and your brain.
Tales of Arise
Tales of Arise is an amazing action RPG with wonderful characters, a deeply messed up world to try and fix, and some of the most entertaining combat you could possibly hope for. Each character plays differently and the overarching story will drag you along kicking and screaming, but in a good way. Also, everyone in this game is hot, so that’s a nice bonus if it’s something you’re looking for.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
If you’re looking for the grittiest possible version of a game like Final Fantasy 15, then you’ll likely want to play The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Playing as Geralt (that dude from The Witcher Netflix series), you have to try and track down your adopted daughter Ciri, while also trying to avoid a supernatural group of riders called the Wild Hunt. It’s all very dark and gritty, so nobody is ever really happy, but it works.
Dragon’s Dogma
Until we get Dragon’s Dogma 2, Dragon’s Dogma will remain one of the best action RPGs ever made. You take control of someone who’s had their heart stolen by a dragon, literally, and has to try and get it back. On your journey to do so you’ll clamber up hydras, cling on to flying griffins, and even cut the heads off of a manticore. The class system here is incredible too, and the story is incredible.
Buy Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen here.
Resonance of Fate/End of Eternity
Resonance of Fate is an incredibly odd RPG game where you fight battles entirely using guns and grenades, and basically get rewarded for trying to look as cool as possible. It’s getting on a bit, but it’s still one of the most unique RPGs ever made, and well worth your attention, time, money, and suspension of disbelief.
