One of the biggest changes to the Final Fantasy series was when they started making direct sequels to games. First, there was Final Fantasy 10-2, and then Final Fantasy 7 topped that idea and created a whole compilation that included movies, anime, novels, and many game spinoffs.
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 the Final Fantasy series 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.
7 Costumes – Final Fantasy 13-2
At the beginning of the HD era, companies did not know how to make exciting DLC. The horse armor in The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion has become a hilarious meme in the RPG scene. The overall sentiment can be applied to Final Fantasy too, as DLC was rough at first. However, a quick nod needs to be highlighted regarding the costume choices for Final 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 from Mass Effect to put on both Serah and Noel. Noel got an Assassin’s Creed outfit as well, which would become an even bigger crossover event in Final Fantasy 15 with story and everything.
6 Sora – World Of Final Fantasy
World of Final Fantasy was one of the oddest recent spinoffs in Final Fantasy history, which is saying something. Brother and sister Lann and Reynn venture into a foreign land wherein they meet heroes, villains, and monsters from across the Final Fantasy universe. Cloud from Final Fantasy 7 is one example.
Battles would play out a bit like Pokemon wherein the two siblings could capture monsters to add to their party. Now, the aforementioned Final Fantasy characters were around for story and summon purposes only; they were never true party members. That’s where Sora comes in from Kingdom Hearts. He was a free piece of DLC that became a summonable hero in battle, which was hype for fans of that series.
5 Chrono 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 Fantasy was released on the 3DS in 2012 and had a ton of music from the Final Fantasy games included. There was some DLC too, but it was mostly related to more Final Fantasy tracks.
Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call, the first sequel, expanded the DLC scope to add in music from Square Enix’s greater library. Chrono Trigger has to be the coolest inclusion as a legendary RPG. However, the inclusion of tracks from Xenogears, Bravely Default, and The World Ends With You were also amazing. The fun continues with the latest entry, Theatrhythm Final Bar Line, as well.
4 Wanderer Of The Rift – Stranger Of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin
Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin was 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 first Final Fantasy wherein 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. Between Trials of the Dragon King, Wanderer of the Rift, and Different Future, the middle child is the 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.
3 Episode Prompto – Final Fantasy 15
Final Fantasy 15 took a long time to come out. It was first announced as Final Fantasy Versus 13 in 2006 and would have been a part of the Final Fantasy 13 universe. 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 the Metal Gear Solid series. There is stealth action aplenty in this DLC episode and it is the one worth playing.
2 Comrades – Final Fantasy 15
Since Final Fantasy 15’s expanded universe was so huge, it would be a shame not to include one more DLC pack for it. Final Fantasy 15: Comrades was at first added to the main game but then it eventually broke off as a free-to-play experience.
It is a bit like Monster Hunter wherein players could team up with others online to tackle big monsters. These missions were short in scope, so don’t mistake Final Fantasy 15: Comrades for Square Enix’s answer to Monster Hunter World. That would come in the form of Final Fantasy Explorers on 3DS which is another fun multiplayer-based Final Fantasy game.
1 Episode INTERmission – Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade
Final Fantasy 7 Remake came 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 with several new updates, such as a photo mode.
PS5 players were also treated to Episode 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, but Episode INTERmission also raised the bar for Final Fantasy DLC going forward.