20 Jaw-Dropping Final Fantasy Locations That Put Our World to Shame
the most beautiful final fantasy places
It is not any secret to long-time fans of the Final Fantasy series that Square puts a lot of detail into their environments (and if you are new to the series, you are in for a treat). From underwater temple ruins like Baaj Temple, to intricately designed shadow puzzles in Desert Palace, they have consistently taken our breath away. Even older franchise favorites utilize the system’s graphics capabilities to the max and produce an immersive experience unlike any other.
But what makes an environment beautiful? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, certainly, and fans will no doubt have opinions one way or another. It is also easy to say that “Final Fantasy [insert roman numeral here] has the best environments because [insert graphics or other favorite reasoning here].” That’s all well and good, but there is more to it than that. What we did was pick areas that were not only gorgeous (it is pretty unfair to compare Super Nintendo graphics to the PlayStation 4), but also unique in design. We picked areas that allowed players to wander around and be taken with the architecture and level of detail put into each pixelated or high definition tree, places that really made you stop and taken in your surroundings, and environments that have made our jaws drop in some form of awe.
Above we have gathered 20 of the most beautiful places that exist in the main Final Fantasy series. And yes, we could have included the spinoffs and offshoot games like Crystal Chronicles and Tactics, but then we would have been here four hours, (and you don’t want that, do you?)
Let us know how we did! Did your favorite place make it onto our list? Is there an area that we missed that you think should have made it? Drop us a line and leave a comment below!
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Al'Taieu (Final Fantasy XI)
Hope of the Celestial Capital, Al' Taieu's crystal-esque design and mesmerizing glow causes us to really take a a moment and drink it in.
Zanarkand Ruins (Final Fantasy X)
Pyreflies haunt the ruins of the once bustling city that never slept. It's chilling to actually see once you're there, but no less stunning.
Altissia (Final Fantasy XV)
Whether you're first introduced to Altissia in the main story or during the Moogle Chocobo Carnival, Altissia is wonderful to explore, if not a little troublesome with all of those gondolas. (Although it is a nice way to allow yourself the relaxation of watching the boys chat among themselves whilst you admire the bridges over the waterways and on the water storefront.) There's even a fishing spot and monster arena you can only reach by gondola!
Yaschas Massif (Final Fantasy XIII)
Home to the ruins of the only city that was technologically advanced in Gran Pulse, Yaschas Massif is jaw dropping in its own right, complete with large, lush plains, and balloon plants (that's what they really are, aren't they?)
Bhujerba (Final Fantasy XII)
The Sky City, Bhujerba, is unique in the sense that it's a literal city in the sky. Complete with its own mines, palace, and lush forest (that you never get to explore, only look at from afar), Bhujerba has earned its spot on this list, despite Ondore's lies.
Terra (Final Fantasy IX)
We can't praise the environments of Final Fantasy IX enough, if we're being honest. Terra is home to the blue light Zidane keeps mentioning throughout the game, the only memory of where he came from. Just check out this bridge that literally looks like a strand of DNA, and those flat mushroom trees! We don't think we would live here, per se, but it's definitely pretty to admire from afar.
Castle Pandemonium (Final Fantasy II)
It's literally the fortress of Hell, complete with crystal pillars and pink and purple walls that look like pentagonal death stomachs. Yeah, we said it.
Sylph Cave (Final Fantasy IV)
Home to fairy-like creatures called Slyphs, this cave is designed to actually harm you as you make your way through. Hope you have a float spell handy, otherwise you'll be in for a world of hurt. Also it's another green area with pretty waterfalls and we're kind of suckers for that.
City of the Ancients (Final Fantasy VII)
Seashell houses! Glowing white trees! Dead girlfriends in the water! (Don't act spoiled; it's been 20 years.) There's something eerie and ethereal about the City of the Ancients, and with good reason. This place is the last of most things beautiful in Gaia.
Sunleth Waterscape (Final Fantasy XIII)
Sunleth Waterscape is what we imagine getting lost in a dream looks like. Lush plants, vibrant flowers, and crystal clear waters make it feel like you're wandering through some forbidden, fantastical land.
Cleyra (Final Fantasy IX)
You wouldn't think that such beautiful greenery and waterfalls would be encased in a sandstorm! Cleyra is easily one of the most unique and memorable areas of Final Fantasy, despite how little time you actually get to spend there.
Northern Cave (Final Fantasy VII)
Northern Cave has some unique and interesting scenery, from mossy grass caverns to pits pulsing with the aura of the lifestream, this area is certainly one of the most qualified to be the final boss arena.
Disc of Cauthess
The Disc of Cauthess is truly a site to behold. The way it glows during the night and stands as a prominent reminder of how Eos was almost destroyed really gives perspective on what how beautiful danger can be.
Macalania Woods (Final Fantasy X)
Ice woods with pyreflies and crystal pathways and home to some pretty unique fiends, Macalania Woods is the perfect blend of nature and surreal.
Eorzea (Final Fantasy XIV)
Housing six different city-states and ranging several different climates, Eorzea definitely has a vast sense of wonder and beauty.
Lifespring Grotto (Final Fantasy)
A place for men and mermaids to coexist, the Lifespring Grotto takes shades of blue to a whole new level of beautiful. There's something harmonic about the 20 floors of water and ruin that we can't quite put our fingers on.
Eruyt Village (Final Fantasy XII)
It's filled with bunny people!
It's also a very sacred land blessed by the Gods and the natives are a little less than pleased that you're there. Take it all in and enjoy the detailed wooden carvings and architecture while you can.
Great Salt Lake (Final Fantasy VIII)
It's not snow. It's salt. The saltiest lake. Despite its snowy appearance, it's one of the coolest areas to explore in the game, filled with dinosaur bones... and salt... Let's be real. It's all the salt from the players that wanted this game to be good.
Figaro Castle (Final Fantasy VI)
It's a castle. Nothing special right? Stone walls, royal red carpets, the standard decor. But it moves underground like an underground airship! A sandship!? Either way, definitely cool as far as mechanics go, and it really isn't a bad looking castle.
Esthar (Final Fantasy VIII)
Esthar is the futuristic city hidden to the naked eye just beyond the Great Salt Lake. Its cool tones and modern architecture really make it stand out from most other areas in the game.
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Twinfinite Staff
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