Final Fantasy V (1992) is renowned for its deep and flexible Job System, allowing for endless party customization and creative strategies. The game’s lighthearted story, memorable characters, and challenging gameplay have made it a cult favorite. FFV’s legacy lives on through speedruns, challenge runs, and its influence on later RPGs. It’s a celebration of player freedom and experimentation.
1992 | Super Famicom | 26 Jobs, Infinite Builds
Final Fantasy V (1992) took Final Fantasy III's job system and perfected it to absurd levels. With 26 job classes and the ability to mix-and-match abilities, Final Fantasy V became the most customizable mainline Final Fantasy ever made.
Released on Super Famicom in Japan, it didn't reach the West officially until 1999 (PlayStation port). Western fans played fan translations on emulators, making Final Fantasy V a cult classic before its official release.
→ 26 job classes with ability mastery system
→ Mix abilities from multiple jobs for broken combos
→ Lighthearted tone compared to FF4's drama
Final Fantasy V's job system is legendary among customization enthusiasts:
The depth is staggering. Want a Geomancer who dual-wields swords and casts black magic while countering attacks? You can do that.
Four Warriors of the Crystals:
ExDeath - The villain, an evil warlock sealed in a tree who breaks free. His goal: return the world to the Void, erasing existence itself.
The story is lighter than FF4 but has emotional beats - Galuf's heroic sacrifice is one of FF's most tearjerking moments.
Base Jobs: Knight, Monk, Thief, Dragoon, Ninja, Samurai, Berserker, Hunter, Mystic Knight, White Mage, Black Mage, Time Mage, Summoner, Blue Mage, Red Mage, Beastmaster, Geomancer, Bard, Dancer, Chemist
Advanced Jobs: Gladiator, Cannoneer, Oracle, Necromancer (GBA version)
Ultimate Jobs: Freelancer (gains all mastered abilities innately) and Mime (mimics any action for free)
Mastering all jobs as Freelancer creates god-tier characters. This is where FFV speedrunners and challenge runners thrive.
Midway through the game, two worlds merge - Bartz's World and Galuf's World become one. This doubles the map size and completely changes exploration.
ExDeath's endgame plan involves opening the Interdimensional Rift, a chaotic space where reality collapses. The final dungeon is a gauntlet through the Void, fighting manifestations of past villains.
The Void became a recurring FF concept - representing nothingness, erasure, the end of all things.
Final Fantasy V's job system directly inspired Final Fantasy Tactics, Bravely Default, and countless other RPGs.
Final Fantasy V is the "gamer's Final Fantasy." The story is fun but not groundbreaking - what makes Final Fantasy V legendary is the gameplay.
Speedrunners break it with insane combos. Challenge runners impose restrictions (Four Job Fiesta, anyone?). Casual players experiment for hundreds of hours.
No other mainline Final Fantasy gives you this much freedom to build your party. Want four Mimes copying Dual-Wield Rapid Fire? Want a team of Berserkers? A Chemist who can solo ExDeath? Final Fantasy V lets you live your best broken-build life.
The customization masterpiece.