One of the biggest changes to theFinal Fantasyseries was when they started making direct sequels to games. First, there wasFinal Fantasy 10-2,and thenFinal Fantasy 7topped that idea and created a whole compilation that included movies, anime, novels, and many game spinoffs.
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Another big change for the series was when it got to the HD era. At this point, DLC was starting to become a thing. The early games in theFinal Fantasyseries struggled with creating meaningful DLC, but as time has gone on, the series has also seen some cool stuff. Let’s take a look at the games that have done it the best. In this breakdown, the MMOs will not be covered since their expansions are bigger than a small drop in the bucket compared to DLC packs.
7Costumes – Final Fantasy 13-2
At the beginning of the HD era, companies did not know how to make exciting DLC. The horse armor inThe Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivionhas become a hilarious meme in the RPG scene. The overall sentiment can be applied toFinal Fantasytoo, as DLC was rough at first. However, a quick nod needs to be highlighted regarding the costume choices forFinal Fantasy 13-2.
They were expensive but sometimes it is okay to nerd out when crossover events happen, even if it’s just through costumes. Players could buy the N7 Armor fromMass Effectto put on bothSerah and Noel. Noel got anAssassin’s Creedoutfit as well, which would become an even bigger crossover event inFinal Fantasy 15with story and everything.
6Sora – World Of Final Fantasy
World of Final Fantasywas one of the oddest recent spinoffs inFinal Fantasyhistory, which is saying something. Brother and sister Lann and Reynn venture into a foreign land wherein they meet heroes, villains, and monsters from across theFinal Fantasyuniverse. Cloud fromFinal Fantasy 7is one example.
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Battles wouldplay out a bit likePokemonwherein the two siblings could capture monsters to add to their party. Now, the aforementionedFinal Fantasycharacters were around for story and summon purposes only; they were never true party members. That’s where Sora comes in fromKingdom Hearts. He was a free piece of DLC that became a summonable hero in battle, which was hype for fans of that series.
5Chrono Trigger Music – Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call
Rhythm games have existed for decades and by the 3DS’ lifecycle, Square Enix realized they needed to cash in on this genre.Theatrhythm Final Fantasywas released on the 3DS in 2012 and had a ton of music from theFinal Fantasygames included. There was some DLC too, but it was mostly related to moreFinal Fantasytracks.
Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call, the first sequel, expanded the DLC scope to add in music from Square Enix’s greater library.Chrono Triggerhas to be the coolest inclusion as a legendary RPG. However, the inclusion of tracks fromXenogears,Bravely Default, andThe World Ends With Youwere also amazing. The fun continues with the latest entry,Theatrhythm Final Bar Line, as well.
4Wanderer Of The Rift – Stranger Of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin
Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Originwas a collaboration between Square Enix and Koei Tecmo. They got their Team Ninja developers working on a Soulslike clone that would reimagine the story of the firstFinal Fantasywherein players would inhabit the Four Warriors of Light. Since it launched in 2022, there have been extensive free updates as well as bigger expansions.
There were three expansions altogether and the campaign is now done. BetweenTrials of the Dragon King,Wanderer of the Rift, andDifferent Future, the middle child isthe best one. Gilgamesh is just one of the coolest side villains in the series and his battle theme song, “Battle on the Big Bridge” will get the blood pumping guaranteed.
3Episode Prompto – Final Fantasy 15
Final Fantasy 15took a long time to come out. It was first announced asFinal Fantasy Versus 13in 2006 and would have been a part of theFinal Fantasy 13universe. Eventually, it got rebranded and would come out in 2016. Square Enix was seemingly not satisfied with just giving fans this long-awaited promise after a decade, so they launched an absolute blitz of media. This included a CG movie, an anime mini-series, and several game spinoffs.
It even got four DLC episodes that explored the characters of Prompto, Ignis, Gladiolus, and Ardyn. There were more character episodes planned but they were eventually canceled. Of those four, Prompto has the coolest DLC, especially for players that also like theMetal Gear Solidseries. There is stealth action aplenty in this DLC episode and it is the one worth playing.
2Comrades – Final Fantasy 15
SinceFinal Fantasy 15’sexpanded universe was so huge, it would be a shame not to include one more DLC pack for it.Final Fantasy 15: Comradeswas at first added to the main game but then it eventually broke off as a free-to-play experience.
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It is a bit likeMonster Hunterwherein players could team up with others online to tackle big monsters. These missions were short in scope, so don’t mistakeFinal Fantasy 15: Comradesfor Square Enix’s answer toMonster Hunter World. That would come in the form ofFinal Fantasy Explorerson 3DS which is another fun multiplayer-basedFinal Fantasygame.
1Episode INTERmission – Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade
Final Fantasy 7 Remakecame out at exactly the right time when the pandemic was first ramping up in April 2020. It helped ease those worried about the deadly disease with a remake of one of Square Enix’s most beloved games. Then, in 2021, Square Enix released the game on PS5 withseveral new updates, such as a photo mode.
PS5 players were also treated toEpisode INTERmission, which was all about Yuffie. She was on a secret mission to infiltrate Shinra while Cloud and the others did their thing in the main game. It not only made the remake better with its inclusion, butEpisode INTERmissionalso raised the bar forFinal FantasyDLC going forward.
