Fabled Cartridge / JRPG Atlas / Final Fantasy IV

4th generation

Final Fantasy IV

The game that introduced Final Fantasy's Active Time Battle system, following Cecil's redemption through a tightly scripted rotating cast and one of the series' defining early stories.

Random EncountersClass SystemPixel ArtActive Time Battle (ATB)Encounter Rate ControlExplorable TownsWorld Map ExplorationFlyable World Map

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Official release platforms

SNESPlayStationGame Boy AdvanceNintendo DSPlayStation PortableWindowsPlayStation 4Nintendo SwitchXbox Series X/SiOSAndroid

Quick verdict

Should you play Final Fantasy IV?

Key strengths: Active Time Battle makes speed and timing matter while each party member keeps a sharply defined job instead of using a universal class system. Cecil's shift from Dark Knight to Paladin gives the adventure a clear personal redemption arc.

About 70 hoursA tierTurn-based

Time commitment

How Long to Beat

About 70 hours

Approximate playtime recorded for this entry. Side content, difficulty, play style and version can change the total.

See it in action

Gameplay Gallery

A selective set of official screenshots, favouring exploration, battles and story scenes where available.

Gameplay · View full image ↗

Official media sourceGamesPress ↗

Game-specific assessment

Pros & Considerations

Battles

Active Time Battle makes speed and timing matter while each party member keeps a sharply defined job instead of using a universal class system

Story

Cecil's shift from Dark Knight to Paladin gives the adventure a clear personal redemption arc

Characters

The frequently changing party keeps combat roles and story relationships moving together

Music

Themes such as the Red Wings, Battle with the Four Fiends and Theme of Love are among the series' most enduring early compositions

◇Consider

Time commitment: Long — about 70 hours by the catalogue median

Track improvements and releases

Latest Updates

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Version guide

Best Way to Play

Fabled Cartridge recommended setup

Windows / PlayStation 4 / Nintendo Switch / Xbox Series X/S / iOS / Android

Final Fantasy IV Pixel Remaster

Pixel Remaster is the default recommendation for a classic-style playthrough: it redraws the original 2D art for modern displays, adds the rearranged soundtrack and modern convenience options such as encounter toggles and EXP multipliers. It deliberately does not include every extra feature from older remakes.

Pros

Modern 2D presentation

Arranged or original soundtrack options

Encounter toggle and EXP multiplier conveniences

Cons

Does not include all bonus content from earlier remakes

Settings / notes

Use original BGM if you want the classic soundtrack arrangement
Encounter and EXP options can reduce grinding without changing the core ATB game

Availability

Available digitallyCurrent digital route available

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Compare versions

Version / way to playVersion typeWhat changes

Windows / PlayStation 4 / Nintendo Switch / Xbox Series X/S / iOS / AndroidRecommendedPixel Remaster is the default recommendation for a classic-style playthrough: it redraws the original 2D art for modern displays, adds the rearranged soundtrack and modern convenience options such as encounter toggles and EXP multipliers. It deliberately does not include every extra feature from older remakes.

Nintendo DS / Windows / iOS / Android3D remakeA fundamentally different 3D remake originally made for Nintendo DS: voice-acted event scenes, Augment ability transfer, dungeon mapping, reworked presentation and a more demanding battle balance. The later PC/mobile port adds selectable difficulty and autosave.

PlayStation PortableComplete CollectionEnhanced 2D version with widescreen art, updated translation and both Final Fantasy IV: The After Years and the exclusive Interlude chapter in the same package.

SNES (or emulate with bsnes)OriginalThe original 1991 2D release and historical ATB balance, without later remake systems or bonus scenarios.

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Purchase links

Buy Here

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SteamFinal Fantasy IV · Steam PC

Shopper-localizedWindowsDigital

Steam storefront purchase — availability and pricing are localized by Steam for your country.

Steam link · non-affiliate.

NZ$18.99