Few RPG franchises have reached a level of notoriety like Final Fantasy. In its more than thirty-year history, fifteen numbered entries and countless spin-offs have made their way into fans’ hands. Given the nature of the genre, each mainline game is beefy, as the following list shows.

One might expect the later games to be the longest in general; while this is mostly true, a few surprising exceptions show up. This also will not be including the two MMORPGs, Final Fantasy 11 and Final Fantasy 14. The genre’s structure makes those titles essentially endless. Sequels will also not be taken into account, as the focus will be on the main numbered entries.

Howlongtobeat.com will be used as a reference to calculate the average length of each game’s main story.

14 Final Fantasy (17 1/2 Hours)

Unsurprisingly, Final Fantasy’s introductory title is also the most straightforward. The story is basic and the game’s progression is simple. Players increase stats through leveling up and purchase better equipment in new towns.

Despite the primitive structure, 1987’s Final Fantasy retains an irresistible charm worth revisiting today. In some ways, the main story’s short length makes the game more accessible in this day and age.

13 Final Fantasy 4 (23 Hours)

Often seen as a highlight of the 2D entries, Final Fantasy 4’s shorter length than most of its predecessors is due in large part to the increased focus on the story. Events are more streamlined and players spend less time wandering the world map as the game clearly indicates where players need to go to continue the story.

12 Final Fantasy 2 (25 Hours)

Final Fantasy 2 tried to switch things up by linking stat progression to the number of times a character engages with a certain ability, similar to the Elder Scrolls franchise.

The formula does not always work, however, and encourages the player to hurt their own party to grind stats. Sequels quickly abandoned this system.

11 Final Fantasy 15 (28 Hours)

The most recent entry also manages to be one of the shortest, at least if one beelines through the story. The first several chapters are open and filled with side quests, so a player’s time may vary during these sections.

This gives the impression that the title will be absolutely massive, but the last handful of chapters eschew the open-world and pass by relatively quickly.

10 Final Fantasy 3 (30 Hours)

Western gamers had to wait well over ten years to play Final Fantasy 3 when it finally received a remake on the Nintendo DS. While 1987’s Final Fantasy let players pick a class, players could switch between them in Final Fantasy 3, a recurring feature for the series.

Its job system was nowhere near as developed as some later entries in the series, but Final Fantasy 3 marked an important step in the franchise’s development.

9 Final Fantasy 5 (32 1/2 Hours)

As the second to last 2D entry in the franchise, Final Fantasy 5 is often overshadowed by Final Fantasy 6. Don’t ignore it, however, as it is a completely worthwhile adventure. The job system is particularly fantastic, even if the same cannot be said about the rather forgettable story.

Final Fantasy 5 didn’t make its way to the United States until a PlayStation port came out in 1999.

8 Final Fantasy 7 Remake (34 Hours)

One could argue Final Fantasy 7 Remake as more of a spin-off than a mainline entry. However, it has a certain prestige on par with the main series because it is a remake. Additionally, the gameplay feels like a natural extension of the active time battle system of the numbered entries. Whatever faults Final Fantasy 15 had with its combat were remedied by Final Fantasy 7 Remake.

Just like Resident Evil 2 and 3’s remake feels like a sequel in terms of gameplay despite retelling an old story, so does Final Fantasy 7 Remake feel like a new mainline entry in terms of gameplay. It also helps that the story is radically different than the original Final Fantasy 7.

7 Final Fantasy 6 (35 Hours)

Even when compared to the legendary 3D titles, fans consider Final Fantasy 6 to be one of the best RPGs ever made.

Final Fantasy 6’s structure and the story’s mid-game twist were revolutionary for its time, bucking the typical JRPG structure. Kefka also remains one of the series’ most menacing antagonists.

6 Final Fantasy 7 (37 Hours)

The first foray into 3D for Final Fantasy was revolutionary not only for its design, but also for popularizing JRPGs in the West. The genre was mainly seen as a niche beforehand, but Final Fantasy 7 went on to become one of the best-selling PlayStation games, only being topped by Gran Turismo.

Even though Final Fantasy 7 Remake came out recently, the original is still well worth playing.

5 Final Fantasy 9 (39 1/2 Hours)

The last PlayStation title also returned to a classic aesthetic after the more science fiction-themed worlds of Final Fantasy 7 and 8.

Despite Final Fantasy 8’s average runtime of 40 hours, one weapon, the Excalibur II, is only obtainable if players reach the final dungeon within twelve hours. An incredible feat, though this is made easier in modern re-releases with the ability to skip cinematic and disable random encounters.

4 Final Fantasy 8 (41 Hours)

Final Fantasy 8’s runtime is also malleable depending on how much time one spends engaging in Triple Triad, the optional card game. The final dungeon is also tough, forcing many players to grind to get through it.

The Junction System, while innovative, does slow down combat, as players spend most battles using their turns to draw spells from enemies over and over again. Fortunately, this is made less of a problem with the re-release’s ability to speed up gameplay. 

3 Final Fantasy 10 (46 Hours)

Square came into the PS2 with a bang. Final Fantasy 10 sports gorgeous graphics and one of the most well fleshed-out worlds of any Final Fantasy.

It also became the first title in the series to earn itself a sequel, Final Fantasy 10-2. Even though it lacks a traditional world map, it still comes packed with plenty of endgame content.

2 Final Fantasy 13 (48 1/2 Hours)

Many bemoaned this game’s linear design and straightforward leveling system which was dictated by story progression. Final Fantasy 13 opens up at about thirty hours of gameplay, but a lot of people checked out before then.

Final Fantasy 13 story may be all over the place, though the characters are compelling and memorable.

1 Final Fantasy XII (60 1/2)

Final Fantasy 12 goes out of its way to feel epic. Players cross large zones on foot, giving the one the impression they are truly traversing a whole continent. The gameplay also changes things up, eschewing the traditional random encounters for visible enemies found roaming in the overworld.

While the original release featured some rather slow combat, the International Zodiac Job System version allowed the game’s speed to be doubled.