Final Fantasy XV finally hit stores this week, and gamers the world over are throwing themselves into the expansive world of Eos and the bromance between Noctis, Prompto, Ignis and Gladiolus. But given the open-world setup of much of the game’s early phases, it can be hard to know how far along you are in terms of the main storyline. Not to worry, we’ve got the lowdown.
There are 15 chapters in FFXV (how appropriate!), and the game becomes much more linear around Chapter 9, with the story coming to a climax in Chapter 14. The end of Chapter 8 is a good time to catch up on sidequests and hunts, though you will be able to go back to them later.
The final chapter is strictly for post-game content and going back to do stuff you didn't get to do during your first visit to a given area. This means it’s possible to spend a lot more time dithering around, exploring, and doing hunts and subquests in the early hours of the game. At the end of Chapter 8 and beginning of Chapter 9, the game becomes more story-driven and linear.
Want to learn to fish, play a bunch of Justice Monsters Five and find some spiffy new equips? That’s what the early part of the game is for. So if you feel like you haven’t progressed much, relax. You’re playing the game how it was intended to be experienced. Once you jump full-bore into the main storyline, things move pretty quickly. (If you’re looking for more details about how many hours of gameplay to expect, you can find out more here.) Also, there’s lots of stuff you can go back and do once you’ve beaten the final boss, and there’s a whole lot of postgame-only content. There is very little in the game that is "missable."
Essentially, you can go fast or you can go slow. Either way, you should be able to enjoy most of what the latest entry in the Final Fantasy franchise has to offer.
What do you think of Final Fantasy XV so far? Are you eager to experience the story first? Or are you taking your time exploring and leveling up? Feel free to discuss FFXV in the comments.
Be sure to check out out Final Fantasy XV guides, too!
- Justice Monsters Five Rewards List: Every Item To Snag From The Pinball Mini-Game
- Combat Guide: Tips & Tricks For Weapons, Blitz Combos, Breaks And Royal Arms To Inflict Maximum Damage In Battle
- Ascension Tree Tips: 9 Must-Have Skills To Prioritize Early On
- Max AP Guide: How To Farm AP, Grind For Best Ascension Skills And Unlock Powerful Magic Early
- Favorite Foods List: Complete Recipes, Stat Boosts & Effects For Noctis, Gladiolus, Ignis and Prompto
- Magic Guide: Tips And Tricks For How To Use Elemancy And Craft Powerful Spells
- How To Summon Astrals In ‘Final Fantasy 15’: Summoning Ramuh, Titan, Leviathan, Shiva & Bahamut
- Outfits Guide: Attire Stat Bonuses And Buffs For Noctis And Allies’ Gear
- Flying Car Guide: Here's How To Get The Regalia Type-F [VIDEO]
- How To Fish In 'Final Fantasy 15' Skill Guide: Best Locations, Equipment And Bonuses To Level Fishing Fast
- Full List Of Trophies And Achievements [NO SPOILERS]
- Wait Mode Explained: How It Works And When To Activate It
- Report Card: Finesse, Time, Offense And EXP Bonus Explained
- Royal Arms Locations: Where To Find Tombs, Legendary Weapons In Eos' Optional Dungeons
- Royal Arms Guide: Tips And Tricks To Master Combat
- EXP Guide: How To Power Level Up Fast With Lodgings, Meals And Sidequests
- Engaging main cast of characters
- Fun, fast-paced combat
- A massive, beautiful world to explore
- The Regalia!
- Continuous updates have addressed some shortcomings of the initial release
- Major aspects of the story feel rushed or absent, particularly toward the end of the game
- Stealth sequences feel out of place
