Top 10 Best-Selling Square Enix Video Games in History

When the name Square Enix comes to mind, most people immediately associate it with iconic franchises like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. While these series undoubtedly dominate the spotlight, Square Enix’s legacy extends far beyond just role-playing games (RPGs) and their memorable characters.

The developer, well-respected in the gaming world, has a rich history as a publisher of various globally celebrated intellectual properties (IPs), even though many might not be aware of it. Currently, Square Enix is undergoing a strategic reorganization, refocusing its efforts on its most beloved franchises while also experimenting with innovative smaller titles.

This approach seems promising, as evidenced by the popularity of its games. Let’s delve into the 10 best-selling Square Enix games of all time as of now, illustrating that the Final Fantasy franchise remains robust despite encountering its share of challenges over the years.

Note that this analysis includes ports and select remasters, but excludes remakes. Additionally, since not all sales figures have been published, some numbers may reflect estimates.

10 Final Fantasy XIII

8 Million

Referred to as the “corridor simulator, ”Final Fantasy XIII often evokes mixed opinions due to its linear gameplay style and automated combat system. Nonetheless, it garnered impressive sales, with Lightning even becoming the face of a Louis Vuitton campaign.

As per Square Enix’s 2017 report, the game sold over 5 million copies on PlayStation 3 and 2 million on Xbox 360, with additional sales on Xbox One thanks to backward compatibility. By compiling data from VGInsights and PlayTracker, it’s estimated that approximately 1 million copies were sold on Steam, bringing its total sales to around 8 million units. Its sequels have also performed decently, each selling over a million copies.

9 Dragon Quest XI

8.5 Million

Dragon Quest XI made a notable entrance by launching concurrently on PS4 and Nintendo 3DS. The game has been declared the highest-selling title in the Dragon Quest series, with official sources confirming 8.5 million copies shipped, based on a press release from Square Enix.

While “shipped”refers to the units sent to retailers rather than direct sales, it’s safe to assume significant sales have occurred, particularly as interest dwindles in physical copies of older titles. With its blend of traditional turn-based gameplay and modern storytelling, Dragon Quest XI offers a perfect introduction to new players in the JRPG genre.

8 Final Fantasy X

8.6 Million

Launched on the PS2, Final Fantasy X sold exceptionally well, helping Square recover from the disappointing performance of Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within and paving the way for the merger with Enix. Although the entire series, including its sequel and HD Remaster, has sold over 20 million copies, this entry specifically reflects sales of 8.6 million for the original PS2 version.

This iconic tale featuring Tidus and Yuna is beloved for its engaging blend of traditional mechanics and emotional storytelling. It remains a standout title, even years later, and it’s worth considering for anyone hesitant about turn-based RPGs.

7 Final Fantasy IX

8.9 Million

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Final Fantasy IX has sparked speculation about a remake. Interestingly, despite receiving favorable reviews upon launch, it sold moderately compared to its predecessors. As noted on its 25th anniversary site, cumulative sales have surpassed 8.9 million units worldwide.

Hironobu Sakaguchi aimed for a return to the franchise’s roots with a medieval aesthetic, which may have influenced its reception. Regardless, FFIX now stands as a fan-favorite and a significant title in Square Enix’s history.

6 NieR: Automata

9 Million

Surprising many, NieR: Automata has sold over 9 million units, a staggering achievement for a game that marries deep narrative themes with action-packed gameplay. This total has been confirmed by Square Enix, indicating that its sales numbers are likely even higher today.

The narrative encapsulates complex themes expressed through android characters tackling human issues. The success of NieR: Automata has raised expectations for future entries in the series, making it a title worth experiencing for its profound storytelling.

5 Space Invaders

9.072 Million

Curiously, Square Enix is the owner of the classic arcade title Space Invaders, having acquired Taito in 2005. Remarkably, this iconic game has garnered cumulative sales of 9 million copies, making it the highest-grossing game ever when adjusted for inflation.

The influence of Space Invaders on the gaming industry is undeniable, having revitalized the market after the 1977 crash. Despite some regarding it as an unfair advantage, Square Enix’s ownership of this historic title contributes significantly to its overall sales figures.

4 Final Fantasy VIII

10 Million

Final Fantasy VIII exemplifies the ability to maintain momentum from a hugely successful predecessor. Although opinions vary on its gameplay mechanics, particularly the Draw system, it has registered sales of over 10 million units, with estimates suggesting it has well exceeded this number since the launch of its remastered version in 2019.

The title is often overshadowed by the acclaim received by Final Fantasy VII and IX, yet it has its own dedicated following. Even as it might not garner as much attention during anniversaries, Squall Leonhart’s journey remains memorable for many fans.

3 Final Fantasy XV

10.2 Million

As of 2022, Final Fantasy XV was reported to have sold approximately 10.2 million units, a significant feat for a relatively recent release. The title has continued to grow in sales figures, although precise current numbers are uncertain.

Despite the criticisms surrounding its overall narrative structure and gameplay mechanics, many players resonated with Noctis and his friends, relishing the emotional journey accompanied by stunning visuals and memorable music. The battle system may not have resonated with every player, but the game solidified its place within the franchise.

2 Final Fantasy VII

15.1 Million

It’s no surprise that Final Fantasy VII is one of the best-selling games, having broken the mold for RPGs worldwide and establishing a mainstream presence for the franchise. As of June 2025, it has surpassed 15.1 million units sold, factoring in various ports but excluding remakes.

This groundbreaking title was instrumental in popularizing JRPGs and remains a cherished memory for countless players. Its enduring popularity is bolstered by a vibrant modding community and the recent success of its remakes.

1 Final Fantasy XIV

16+ Million

Estimating sales for Final Fantasy XIV is complex due to its MMORPG nature, but as of 2022, Naoki Yoshida reported that the game had accumulated over 27 million registered users. Given the game’s popularity, it’s reasonable to speculate that it may have reached upwards of 30 million by now.

However, it’s important to note that “registered”users are not necessarily active players; many profit from a generous free trial. Still, if only half convert to paying users, it suggests that over 15 million players have purchased FFXIV, justifying its ranking at the top of this list.

Despite its rocky launch in 2010, FFXIV has evolved into a pillar of Square Enix’s revenue stream, especially following its surges in popularity during recent expansions. It stands as a testament to resilience and performance in the MMORPG market, warranting respect from both fans and critics alike.

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