Summary
As one of the pioneers of the JRPG genre,Final Fantasyhas become known for its remarkable worlds and mythologies, as each title has introduced new characters and settings for the player to explore. And within those rich, diverse settings,Final Fantasyhas also seen its fair share of amazing side quests.
Whether it’s a small, localized expedition or a more expansive, complex adventure of its own,the side quests inFinal Fantasyhave become just as fascinating as the stories in the main games. Ever sinceFinal Fantasydebuted in 1987, fans of the series have raised Chocobos, found hidden bosses, and mastered complex card games. It’s just one part of the longevity of this iconic series, as it has been a dominant force in the genre for almost 40 years.
Though most games take place in different worlds,Final Fantasy 12takes place inthe kingdom of Ivalice, where Square has done an incredible job at creating a sustained location that has also appeared in titles likeVagrant StoryandFinal Fantasy Tactics. And within this far-reaching kingdom, the world ofFinal Fantasy 12is filled to the brim with some outstanding side content.
The main bulk of side quests inFF12are the hunts, a series of exciting excursions where players seek out monsters and legendary creatures. Some of them are quite challenging, such as the long, arduous journey to defeat the mythic dragon Yiazmat. Additionally,FF12offers an in-game achievement system known as the Sky Pirate’s Den and a delightful fishing mini-game.
Seeking to cash in onFinal Fantasy 7’s immense popularity, Square created a cross-media campaign designed to build and expand on the PS1 JRPG and its world. Known as theCompilation of Final Fantasy 7, one of the best pieces of content to come out of it wasCrisis Core, a prequel thatstarred Zack Fair for the PSP. And one ofCrisis Core’s best assets came in the form of Missions, a slew of 300-plus side quests that greatly tested the player.
As they increase in difficulty and rewards gained over time, the Missions inCrisis Coreare still a joy to play and are also included in the 2022 remaster. Crisis Core also features the Seven Wonders of Nibelheim quest, where Zack collects a group of items for a boy in town, which results in the player being rewarded with the highly effective Wall Materia. Many similar quests like this exist, and one incredibly wholesome one even sees Zack helping Aerith create Flower Wagons.
Set against the backdrop of a war between child soldiers and a sorceress doomed to be defeated by them,Final Fantasy 8is still one ofthe best JRPGs on the PS1, and it came jam-packed with incredible side content and optional quests. Perhaps one of the most interesting of which is Triple Triad, an addictive, entertaining card game that can be played with numerous NPCs across the game world and with main characters.
Finding rare and powerful Triple Triad cards is a blast, while the haunting trek through Shumi Village can provide some spectacular rewards. Another highlight is the Deep Sea Research Center, where the party can obtain Bahumat, the strongest Guardian Force in the entire game. Other optional bosses include the frightening Doomtrain and Jumbo Cactuar, and completing the Centra Ruins will grant the player the Tonberry King GF. The side quests are meaty, and the rewards are excellent, showcasing the depth of this classic JRPG.
Asthe lastFinal Fantasygame to grace the PS1, this charming JRPG went back to the roots of the series and created a wonderful, brilliantly realized world full of lovable characters and a bevy of side quests. LikeFF8before it,Final Fantasy 9features an engaging card game known as Tetra Master, which can be played across the land.
Final Fantasy 9also features some harrowingfights against optional superbosses, such as Hades and Ozma. The lost Nero Family quest is also a key highlight, as players embark on a lengthy, somewhat obtuse mission that was left undiscovered for over a decade.
Final Fantasy 10was a massive leap from the 9th entry, as the series found its way onto the PS2 and was one ofthe console’s most incredible titles. Featuring voice acting for the first time and a spectacular refinement of the turn-based battles it was known for,Final Fantasy 10also followed previous traditions by hosting a selection of outstanding side quests.
Perhaps the most exciting was Blitzball, the underwater mix of basketball and soccer. This fantastic, compelling mini-game is still one of the franchise’s best side activities. Additional highlights include collecting 26 primers that allow Tidus to learn the Al Bhed language, the Monster Arena, dodging 200 lightning bolts in the Thunder Plains, and collecting all the Celestial Weapons for the party.
Developed over the course of three years, with a team of 150 people,Final Fantasy 7was a massive achievement and helped put the PS1 on the map. In addition to its epic, globe-trotting main story,Final Fantasy 7also features the absolute best selection of optional content one can find in the series. Ranging from addictive side activities to full-blown optional missions,FF7is home to a plethora of content that can be completely missed throughout the game.
The Chocobo breeding questallows the player to obtain the Knights of the Round materia, as well as take part in outrageously entertaining races with their cute little galliform birds. Ultimate Weapons can be obtained for each party member, and optional but extremely high-level areas, like the Sunken Gelnika, can be found and explored. It also includes two of the franchise’s most iconic superbosses, in the form of an underwater battle with Emerald Weapon and a desert encounter with Ruby. It is a game packed with optional content, some of which is just as enjoyable as the main campaign.
