Summary
Final Fantasyis a JRPG series that needs no introduction. The sheer amount of quality games present in this series is mind-boggling, with players loving the classic turn-based goodness of past games in the series. However, the modern titles also deserve to be appreciated for trying to bring something new to the table, making it infinitely clear thatFinal Fantasyisn’t comfortable withresting on its laurels. The constant zeal to improve and innovate with each new entry is a huge reason why the series has so many loyal fans.
Most new games in the series feature hunts that players can initiate to track down powerful monsters. These fights are far from easy and will push the player to their very limits as they attempt to take out these foes by any means necessary. Some hunts are scripted and play a major role in the story, while others are optional and focus on pure combat over everything else. Players who are invested in this activity will have a great time checking out some of the series' iconic hunts.
The Cactuar is one of the most iconicFinal Fantasymonsters, and a larger version of this foe has made its presence known time and time again in games likeFinal Fantasy 6and8. So, it’s nice to initiate a hunt where players tackle a Gigantuar, andFinal Fantasy 13lets players initiate the same with the 54th Cie’th Stone Mission.
Once players find Cactuars in the Archylte Steppe after triggering a cutscene, they can initiate a hunt where they must locate and defeat a Gigantuar. The B ranking of this hunt may make it seem straightforward, but the first battle will make it clear why players shouldn’t underestimate this powerful foe. With some appropriate equipment, players will be able to weather the storm of this massive Cactuar and bring it downwhile shifting their Paradigmsin a thoroughly entertaining battle.
A common complaint most people have aboutFinal Fantasy 16is the ease of its gameplay, making it downright impossible for players to lose unless they’re wilfully not paying attention. This is why the game’s hunts feel like a breath of fresh air, compelling players touse the most effective abilities at their disposal, keep the best equipment handy and gather a decent stock of healing items when things become dire. One of the toughest hunts inFinal Fantasy 16is a battle against the dreaded Behemoth King.
Given that this enemy represents one of the strongest and most legendary foes inFinal Fantasyhistory, it’s nice to see the Behemoth King get the respect he deserves. Players must be nimble on their feet and dodge whenever the Behemoth King unleashes one of its many AoE attacks. Attacks like Apocalypse can kill Clive in no time, so healing up and staggering this enemy at regular intervals is necessary to deplete its health bar and defeat the Behemoth King after a long, grueling battle.
Final Fantasy 15’s combat may be a bit too easy for its own good, with the lack of any limits imposed on restoratives ensuring that players can always heal up whenever their health is depleted. Still, the hunt where players take on Yojimbo is pretty hard, and a tougher variant of this foe exists as one of the hardest hunts players can initiate in this game.
Ayakashi is a ridiculously powerful superboss that can inflict Instant Death with two of its attacks. While these can be parried or dodged, players will inevitably need to revive their party members from time to time.Noctis himself must be controlled expertlyto avoid these insta-death moves while unleashing the strongest techniques at his disposal to beat down a foe that is tougher and more entertaining to fight than most people would expect.
Final Fantasy 12was the first game in the series toexperiment with the hunt system. As a result, selecting one of these hunts to pursue and complete in the game can feel clunky, but players who forgive the game’s dated design trappings will have a great time hunting down powerful monsters for sport. However, once players unlock the game’s Elite Marks, they’ll need to optimize their party and use the best techniques possible to take out foes that can be a nightmare to deal with.
Yiazmat may technically be the game’s ultimate superboss, but it’s far from the best hunt in this game. Instead, this accolade goes to the hunt that precedes this one, where players tackle a foe named Shadowseer. Not only is this mark quite tough to engage in battle, but it also summons Fenrir, Slyt, Pandaemonium, and Phoenix during the battle. This makes it important to set up appropriate Gambits and micro-manage the battle at times to ensure that one of the best Elite Mark hunts in the game is completed in style.
Unlike most other hunts inFinal Fantasy, the Festival of the Hunt functions asan elaborate battle royale of sortswhere players control Zidane. They are tasked with exploring Lindblum, taking on the monsters that have been released in the city to gather a decent truckload of points. It’s a fun set piece that’s intense yet charming at the same time, and this hunt leans into the former if Zidane and Freya decide to team up and beat the fearsome Zaghnol.
Fighting this foe may be optional, but players who decide to take on the challenge must get ready to bear the full brunt of the Thundara he unleashes after electrocuting himself. The duo must unleash a sustained offense to beat this foe. Even if Zidane and Freya fall to this beast, Vivi will be declared the winner anyway. The cheerful nature of the Festival of the Hunt coupled with its many unique events makes it the best protracted hunting sequence inFinal Fantasyhistory.
