The Coziest Final Fantasy Games, Ranked

Key Takeaways

• Final Fantasy games offer a range of cozy experiences, from strategic gameplay in Tactics to casual monster hunting in 13-2.
• Some entries like Stranger of Paradise and Rebirth ease up after a few levels, offering comforting and relaxing beat-em-up fun.
• Final Fantasy 14 stands out for its casual, stress-free multiplayer sandbox experience perfect for hanging out with friends.

For a game to be considered cozy, it needs to be not only easy to pick up and play, but also somewhat comforting in its gameplay, characters, and world. Considering the Final Fantasy series switches things up for each and every entry, it has meant that, while some games are extremely intense and require a lot of focus, there are others that can be played much more casually and that can help to unwind after a long day.

Some of the games only really require one playthrough to get the full experience, but there are also a few Final Fantasy entries fans just keep coming back to for the calm, cozy, and warming experience they offer. Anyone looking for some video game comfort food ought to try out these Final Fantasy titles if they haven’t before.

8 Final Fantasy: Tactics

Tactics’ Strategic Gameplay And Lovable Characters Make For A Comforting Experience

Though the story of Final Fantasy Tactics can be pretty dark in its tone at times, the gameplay can be very relaxing due to its more strategic formula. Rather than the traditional turn-based battle system, Final Fantasy Tactics allows players to move around several characters each turn within a 3D map in a similar vein to Nintendo’s Fire Emblem. These epic battles often take quite a while to complete, but being able to carefully shift units around the screen and conjure up strategies, without having a time limit in place, makes it far less hectic than some of the mainline titles.

Tactics is also a game packed full of lovable characters who go a long way in adding a touch of joy and fun to the experience, making it easy to dive back in for an extra playthrough just to be around the gang once again.

7 Final Fantasy 13-2

Final Fantasy 13-2 Takes A Note Out Of Pokemon’s Book Of Coziness

Final Fantasy 13 was so hyper-focused on telling its narrative that it often came at the expense of the gameplay, which many people mocked as being one large linear hallway. In the sequel though, Square Enix ensured the story took a backseat to the gameplay which, this time around, is entirely based on catching monsters and using them in battle.

Similarly to a classic Pokemon game, this creates an addictive gameplay loop which is a ton of fun to partake in for hours on end due to how easy-going and relaxing it can be to seek out each and every creature. Additionally, Final Fantasy 13-2 is packed full of fanservice, from special outfits to secret enemies hailing from previous games, making for a fun, chilled experience for any longtime fans of the franchise.

6 Stranger Of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin

After Leveling Up A Few Times, Stranger Of Paradise Becomes A Relaxing Beat Em’ Up

Stranger of Paradise, an action-packed re-telling of the first game in the series, can be a little difficult to grasp at first, given how chaotic the battles can be. However, after a few levels, Jack will become so utterly strong that the game essentially turns into an arcade beat em’ up, making it easy to jump in for a quick session just to gain the satisfaction of taking down a few monsters alongside a friend.

What’s more is, that each level in Strangers of Paradise is based around areas from the series’ history. The game is essentially like an early Christmas present for Final Fantasy fans, and despite how serious it may seem on the surface, it’s secretly a pretty relaxing and comforting game once players get into the rhythm of it.

5 Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth

It’s All Too Easy To Get Lost In The Beauty Of Rebirth’s Open World

Despite Rebirth being centered around the looming threat of Sephiroth and the danger he poses to the world, much of the game is spent running through flower-filled fields, relaxing on beaches, and checking out minigames at the Golden Saucer. As a result, playing Rebirth often feels like being on a getaway holiday in a faraway land to see the sights and meet the wildlife; even if said wildlife happens to be a little dangerous.

The game does admittedly start to ramp up its tension quite considerably by the third act, but those first few hours of Rebirth still manage to feel incredibly cozy. It’s all too easy to gawk at the jaw-dropping environments and partake in some fun minigames, completely forgetting about the main story in the process.

4 Final Fantasy 10

Diving In For Another Pilgrimage With The Guardians Is Always A Heartwarming Experience

Final Fantasy 10 is based in the World of Spira where a giant colossal monster known as Sin wreaks havoc on the local population every few years. This is a pretty intense premise to start off with, but what makes Final Fantasy 10 such a comforting game to so many people is the cast of characters.

Whether it’s the plucky yet hardheaded Wakka, the stoic Auron, or the endlessly passionate Yuna, it’s simply so much fun booting the game up for another playthrough to see and speak to the guardians once again as part of another pilgrimage. Pair this with a calm and relaxing OST which is full of ambient tracks, and it results in a game that is so easy to warm up to.

3 Final Fantasy 14

A Multiplayer Sandbox Full Of Casual Stress-Free Activities To Partake In

There’s a reason why so many players have spent hundreds of hours on Final Fantasy 14, and it’s because of how fun, casual, and carefree it is as an experience. Unlike most previous titles which are single-player games, Final Fantasy 14 allows players to explore a giant sandbox alongside their friends, while leveling up gear and taking on raids along the way.

Many players though will decide to ditch the fighting altogether, meaning there are always big groups in the bars, cafés, and taverns just hanging around and chatting to one another. It’s a warm and comforting game that has stood the test of time thanks to the constant support and updates that always incentivize people to return once again to the world of Hydaelyn.

2 Theatrhythm Final Bar Line

It’s Hard Not To Warm Up To Theatrhythm’s Charming Art Style And Cozy Gameplay

While it does contain some very light RPG elements to keep in line with the series, Theatrhythm Final Bar Line is ultimately a rhythm game that features a staggering 505 music tracks from the series’ history. Additionally, Square Enix also decided to go with a chibi-esq art style for the game, giving it an infectious charm that will have any fan of the series smiling ear to ear throughout the whole experience.

The game was largely promoted as being accessible for both newcomers to rhythm games alongside veterans, meaning players can easily slide up or down the difficulty to their preferred skill level, ensuring things never become too stressful or annoying. As a lighthearted homage to the series’ history, Theatrhythm Final Bar Line is a truly heartwarming spin-off that can easily be played for hours on end without needing to break a sweat.

1 Final Fantasy 15

Driving Around With Friends While Blasting Tunes Is Always Going To Be A Cozy Experience

Final Fantasy 15 is arguably the most divisive game in the series’ history, primarily because it takes a much slower approach to its gameplay. While there are certainly many battles to be had, along with some intense story developments, much of Noctis’ journey is dedicated to driving around with his closest friends and blasting music to enjoy while on the road.

The world of 15 is also packed full of extra activities that are just as nonchalant, such as fishing and cooking up tasty meals while at camp. Final Fantasy 15 is entirely based around its comfort factor, and while it’s certainly not for everyone, those who simply want to relax in a fantasy world and enjoy the wonders on offer with a few buddies can’t go wrong with this title.