Only Final Fantasy X, X-2, VII, and VII Remake/Rebirth share direct connections via sequels or compilation elements. Most other Final Fantasy games feature entirely separate universes.
Ever pondered the intricate tapestry of the Final Fantasy universe? Many people wonder, what final fantasy games are connected? This is a question that sparks debate among long time fans, and it’s understandable why.
It might seem like a web of interconnected stories but the series primarily uses recurring themes and elements instead of direct connections. Many entries exist as standalone stories. It is important to know that only few games share direct connections.
What Final Fantasy Games Are Connected?
So, you’re a big fan of Final Fantasy, huh? Maybe you’ve played a bunch, maybe just one or two. You might be wondering, “Are these games all in the same world? Are they all part of one big story?” It’s a great question! The short answer is: mostly, no. But there are some cool exceptions and connections you might not know about. Let’s dive in and explore how these amazing games are linked (and not linked!).
The Standalone Worlds
First off, most Final Fantasy games are like their own little planets. They each have their own stories, characters, and unique worlds. Think of it like each game is a different book in a series, they might have a similar style and feel, but they are separate stories. Final Fantasy I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV, and XV – these are all mostly separate universes. For the most part, the heroes, villains, and places from one game don’t show up in another one. That’s one thing that makes each one feel so special.
Why do they do this? Well, it lets the creators get really creative. They can try out new battle systems, new kinds of magic, and new ideas for storylines. It keeps things fresh and exciting for us, the players. Each game can stand on its own and give you a complete, satisfying experience.
Common Elements, Not Direct Links
Even though they aren’t directly linked, these games share many common elements. These elements are like the glue that holds the Final Fantasy series together, even when the stories are different. You’ll often see these repeating themes:
- Crystals: Often, the worlds are powered by powerful crystals, or these crystals hold great importance. They might be protecting or corrupting the world.
- Chocobos: Those cute yellow birds, always there to help you travel, appear in almost every main series game.
- Moogles: These little fluffy guys with wings are usually found helping or selling items to the main heroes. They always bring a smile to our faces.
- Recurring Names: Names like Cid, Biggs, and Wedge pop up in different roles, sometimes scientists, sometimes engineers, sometimes just supporting characters. It’s like a fun easter egg for long time fans.
- Magic Spells: Spells like Fire, Blizzard, Thunder, Cure, and many others are a series staple, even though their use might differ between games.
- Summons: Epic creatures like Ifrit, Shiva, Ramuh, Bahamut and many others that can be summoned into battle, are seen across the main line titles.
- Job System: Different classes of characters from warriors to mages that usually comes with various skills and abilities, this is often a part of the core game mechanic.
These elements are like nods to the past, showing us that we’re still in the same universe, even if it is a separate story. It’s kind of like a secret handshake between the different games, making us feel connected even when things are not so linear.
The Connected Worlds
Now here’s where things get interesting! While most are separate, some Final Fantasy games actually ARE connected to each other. These connections can be sequels, prequels, or even just set in the same world with different stories. Let’s explore a few of these!
The Fabula Nova Crystallis Universe
First up is the Fabula Nova Crystallis universe, a collection of games that share the same mythology and often some familiar characters. Think of it as a web of connected stories and not just one straight line of games. These games are connected through their central themes, a shared mythology and some specific recurring characters. Here’s a breakdown:
Final Fantasy XIII and its Direct Sequels
The core of Fabula Nova Crystallis is Final Fantasy XIII, which tells a story involving a world called Cocoon, and the crystal gods who govern it. But the story doesn’t end there! Final Fantasy XIII-2 continues the story of Lightning and her friends, with an adventure across time. Then Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII gives the final chapter in Lightning’s arc. These are direct sequels, using the same locations and characters, so it is very much a connected trilogy.
Final Fantasy Type-0
While not a direct sequel to XIII, Final Fantasy Type-0 shares the same universe and mythology. It tells a separate story of a war between different nations, all based around the Fabula Nova Crystallis themes, and has it’s own cast of characters. You might notice some similarities to the other XIII games, but it’s meant to be it’s own story in the same universe. It’s a much darker, grittier experience than the XIII trilogy, but it really does belong here.
A Note on Final Fantasy Versus XIII
Originally planned as part of this series, Final Fantasy Versus XIII evolved into Final Fantasy XV. While there are definitely ideas and concepts from the early stages of Versus XIII that did make it to XV, the story, world and themes are different. There are no direct or indirect connections between them. They are not part of the same universe, even though they were at one point planned to be.
The Ivalice Alliance
Then there’s the Ivalice Alliance, a group of games that share the world of Ivalice. This world is home to political intrigue, different races, and a detailed history. While the main story in each of these games is independent, they all take place in the same world. The links are very much in shared locations, races, technology, and history. This is very different to the Fabula Nova Crystallis universe, which has direct story and character links between specific titles.
Final Fantasy XII
Final Fantasy XII is the cornerstone of the Ivalice Alliance, set in the kingdom of Dalmasca. It’s an epic tale of politics, war and resistance, with a grand world to explore, along with it’s deep lore and history, which forms the foundations of the other Ivalice games.
Final Fantasy Tactics and Tactics Advance
Final Fantasy Tactics and Final Fantasy Tactics Advance are also set in Ivalice (though Tactics Advance takes place in a dream version of Ivalice), they take place before or after Final Fantasy XII, and feature familiar races, locations, and lore from the main game. The tactics games follow the gameplay mechanics of a turn based strategy game, compared to the more traditional combat of XII, but still share the same locations and history.
Vagrant Story
This Playstation One game, Vagrant Story, is connected to Ivalice. It is a very dark and gothic action RPG, but it shares the same world and lore as the main games, if not explicitly referred to.
Final Fantasy X and X-2
These two titles are another example of a direct sequel. Final Fantasy X and Final Fantasy X-2 tell one complete story, with the sequel continuing the journey of some of the main cast from the first game. It explores the aftermath of the main storyline, and brings some further development for the characters and the world. Unlike the other interconnected games, this sequel is a direct continuation, and explores the characters and themes of the first game in much greater detail.
Spin-Offs and Side Stories
There are also many spin-off games and side stories in the Final Fantasy series. These are usually separate stories, but they still feature elements and ideas from the main series. These games add another layer to the Final Fantasy world and the lore that surrounds them.
- Dissidia Final Fantasy: A fighting game series that brings together heroes and villains from across the main numbered Final Fantasy games. This game brings together a celebration of the series, and features many of the iconic characters.
- Kingdom Hearts: This might be surprising to see here, but this collaboration with Disney features a number of Final Fantasy characters, including Cloud Strife, Squall Leonheart, Tidus, and Yuna, along with many others. These are not direct links, but it’s another nod to the wider universe of Final Fantasy.
- Chocobo Series: Games that feature the adorable Chocobo as the main character, in different genres, from dungeon crawlers to racing games. This gives a unique look into the world of Final Fantasy through the eyes of the series’ most adorable character.
The Beauty of Disconnection
While connections are fun to explore, the fact that most Final Fantasy games are independent is one of the series’ greatest strengths. It allows each game to be a new and exciting journey, without being bound by the past. You can jump into any game in the series and enjoy a brand new world, a new story, and a fresh set of characters. This is something that very few other franchises can do with the same level of success.
Each game has its own unique feel and identity, which lets us keep the wonder and freshness of each title. The recurring themes, elements, and names give us the comfort of recognition, but the new stories, worlds and mechanics keep us on our toes. It’s that balance that has made the series such a beloved collection of titles over the years.
The Final Fantasy series is a treasure trove of incredible stories and worlds. Whether they’re connected or standalone, each game offers something special. The connections between the titles give extra depth to the series and provide a rich tapestry of interconnected mythology. But even the standalone worlds are just as fascinating, and make the games feel fresh and unique. So whether you are a new or long-term fan, there’s plenty in this franchise to keep you excited and entertained for years to come.
Are Final Fantasy Games Connected? This is Dumb!
Final Thoughts
Many Final Fantasy games stand alone, offering unique stories and characters. However, some entries do share loose connections, such as recurring themes and names. These are not direct sequels in most cases, though.
The Fabula Nova Crystallis series, with Final Fantasy XIII, XIII-2, and Lightning Returns, presents a connected narrative. Final Fantasy X and X-2 also directly relate. So, what final fantasy games are connected? Primarily, a few specific titles form direct continuations, with most other installments existing separately.
