Final Fantasy has had its fair share of iconic dungeons, but some cannot compare in design. As groundbreaking as the series is, it is not without some not-so-pleasant final dungeons. With tedious puzzles, overwhelming monster spawns, and simplicity in their design. Some final dungeons inFinal Fantasycan leave you with a sour taste in your mouth.
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That is not to say that Final Fantasy dungeons are bad, quite the opposite. They are filled with life, an endless amount of lore, and enough Easter eggs to make you believe it is springtime. While many fans will have their favorite dungeon, most will agree that some are absolute masterpieces, while some can be quite forgettable.
15Interdimensional Rift (Final Fantasy 5)
Sadly, Final Fantasy 5’s last dungeon before confronting Exdeath is one of the simplest and forgettable dungeons in the series. Following along with its predecessors' aesthetic design, the Interdimensional Rift uses the crystal motif, but doesn’t necessarily reinvent the wheel when it comes to dungeon design. The dungeon is a bit bland at times, and it feels like it is but a background on the set of a grander story.
Although the Interdimensional Rift has some memorable moments, especially the conversation with Gilgamesh, the dungeon lacks in certain aspects that others in the series do.
14Pandaemonium (Final Fantasy 2)
While Final Fantasy 2 is not everyone’s cup of tea, with its lackluster story and high encounter rates, its final dungeon is absolutely one for the books.
Pandaemonium is hauntingly beautiful, and it makes up for some of the slower passages in the game. With its bright violet walls, crystallized floors, and a resounding choir that belts as you progress through the corridors of this hellish castle, you will be sure to remember this dungeon and the fight against the revived power-hungry emperor.
13Orphan’s Cradle (Final Fantasy 13)
Most people will complain about how linearFinal Fantasy 13was at the start of the game. That linearity becomes almost necessary to the main party as they slowly reach their long and arduous quest to complete their focus as l’Cie. One of the more unique dungeons in the series, Orphan’s Cradle features some of the toughest and most punishing monsters in the game.
The futuristic landscape, with its shifting platforms and portals is as ominous as the end that is up ahead for the heroes in this game.
12Chaos Shrine (Final Fantasy)
Chaos Shrine, being the final dungeon of the first game in the series, is the blueprint for all the dungeons to come. Not only for future dungeons but for itself as well. Just north of Cornelia,the first town in the game,Chaos Shrine is the first and last dungeon in the game. Using the theme of time travel, the four Warriors of Light must defeat Chaos and stop the time loop once and for all.
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Although simple, Chaos Shrine is one of the best to do it. Only a few dungeons can be revisited at a later point and still feel like brand-new experiences.
11Lunar Subterrane (Final Fantasy 4)
Upon arriving at the moon on a giant flying whale, you are met with the final dungeon in Final Fantasy 4, Lunar Subterrane. While one of thebest games in the series, this dungeon does not do it justice.
This dungeon is quite different from most, mainly because of its lunar setting. The aesthetic of the dungeon sets it apart from others in the series without it being too far off the typical dungeon design that comes with any Final Fantasy game.
10Castle Zvahl (Final Fantasy 11)
In the base game, Castle Zvahl is an eerie and snow-covered castle that housed the mighty Shadow Lord during the final moments.
Since Final Fantasy 11 is a huge game that got many updates and expansions throughout the years, the definitive final dungeon in the game has changed a couple of times, but its original endpoint in Castle Zvahl still stands strong, design-wise, to this day. Without this incredible dungeon, we might not have ever gotten as much support for online Final Fantasy games as we have in the past years.
9Inside Sin (Final Fantasy 10)
The ethereal aesthetic of Inside Sin is one of the things that make this dungeon so iconic to this day. Fighting Seymour once again, and then reaching the end of the dream-like emotional journey by defeating Jecht in his Aeon form is but one of the many incredible points in this dungeon.
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Many moments in this dungeon will have you grasping at tissues. With its heartwrenching story, and its thumping, synth-heavy soundtrack that plays as you finally send Seymour, Inside Sin is one of the best dungeons inFinal Fantasy 10.
8Crystal World (Final Fantasy 9)
Kuja is one of the best antagonists in the series, so of course Crystal World would be one of the best dungeons alongside him. Like most Final Fantasy games, the final dungeon becomes an introspective piece into the main character’s psyche and Crystal World is no different.
You enter Crystal World and you, as Zidane, go through the memories of the world while trekking through an invisible path that ultimately leads you to your final encounter against the powerful sorcerer to stop him from reducing the world back to nothing.
7Sky Fortress Bahamut (Final Fantasy 12)
One of the most menacing dungeons in the entire series, Sky Fortress Bahamut sticks out of the bunch like a sore thumb. While most Final Fantasy games focus on the magical and whimsical,Final Fantasy 12relies on technology as a means of combat, making this dungeon quite a spectacle.
Reminiscent of the Death Star in Star Wars, Sky Fortress Bahamut is a massive airship equipped with an even bigger railgun that can obliterate anything in its path, except the band of sky pirates that are willing to face it head-on.
6Ultimecia Castle (Final Fantasy 8)
After traveling through time and space, you will be greeted by a holy wave of fanfare at the gates of the creepy Ultimecia Castle. In a future where Ultimecia has conquered time itself, she awaits Squall and the rest of the party in a secluded castle pulled straight out of a Resident Evil game.
The castle is not the scariest thing you’ll have to worry about though. There are many corridors infested with enemies, but the catch is, as you enter the castle, some of your abilities are locked. You can only unlock them as you defeat the difficult bosses.
