Top 5 Final Fantasy Games Without Traditional Leveling Systems

Most, though not all, Final Fantasy mainline games use some sort of experience-based system, which is traditional in most JRPGs. That said, there are several that do not, and many spin-off games also pushed the envelope. Just because a game had experience, though, does not necessarily mean that the leveling system was traditional, because additional factors can play a role, including ability acquisition, skill points, grids, and leveling based on attacks. Even job systems can use unique leveling, by shifting how a player assigns points to jobs.

That said, the five games listed bring you a unique leveling experience, for those looking for something fresh and different, while also being enjoyable games that can be played for storyline, mechanics, or just overall enjoyment.

5. Final Fantasy II

Final Fantasy II is one of the most controversial entries of the series, one that took the base mechanics of the highly successful first game and flipped them on their head. There is no leveling in the game at all. Instead, stats increase based on the actions that the characters take in battle. For example, utilizing magic more often increases the magic stats, whereas using certain weapons increases physical stats. Getting hit by enemies even increases stats. The style has really never been revisited since, but it was still a bold take on a JRPG that had its set of benefits. The game was recently part of the Pixel Remasters and is available on most modern consoles.

4. Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles

One of the most popular and successful spin-offs of the series, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles originally released for Nintendo GameCube and has since been remastered for more modern consoles. Game Rant describes the unique system. “No experience points are earned for defeating enemies. Rather, players gain bonuses by clearing dungeons, earning artifacts at the end of the many dungeons, which permanently increase either defense, magic, or strength. Further artifacts found within dungeons grant temporary bonuses until players have cleared that specific level.”

3. Final Fantasy IX

Now available on most modern consoles and platforms, with a rumored remake possibly on the horizon, Final Fantasy IX is part of the golden era stretch for the series. While IX takes a more traditional approach to experience, the creativity comes in how players earn stat boosts and abilities. Characters must equip weapons, armor, and accessories and leave them on during battle, slowly earning points towards the abilities the equipment teaches, including stat boosts. Players then “equip” these skills once they are mastered, and can switch out to new equipment. It allows players to customize within a more job-based structure, and when added to the fantastic story, makes IX one of the best entries in the series.

2. Final Fantasy Tactics

Also, potentially earning a remake or remaster soon, Final Fantasy Tactics is only really available on modern platforms through mobile, but hopefully, it will change soon. Tactics had one of the best stories of any game in the series, and stands today as the best spinoff of the series, and also one of the best tactical RPGs of all time. The leveling system does involve experience points and job points, which you assign to teach specific skills within job classes, which is fairly traditional, although it allows for great customization. What is unique is the fact that characters can gain OR lose levels, something that makes for highly strategic character optimization and progression.

1. Final Fantasy X

Final Fantasy X is often seen as one of, if not the, best entry in the series. The graphics were revolutionary at the time, and were so stunning that they still hold up today. The music was beautiful. The game added voice acting for the first time in the series. However, its greatest mechanic was probably the unique leveling system. Instead of earning experience, players earned ability points, which they could then use to customize their characters by progressing through a sphere grid that had nodes for abilities, stat boosts, and other skills, a leveling system that many still feel was the best the series ever had to offer.