When you think of Square Enix, Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest usually come to mind, wouldn’t you agree? These are undoubtedly the studio’s flagship franchises.
But this prominent Japanese company wasn’t built on RPGs and spiky hairstyles alone. There was a time when Square also acted as a publisher and owned widely recognized intellectual properties, although many might not be aware of it.
Currently, the organization is undergoing a realignment to redefine its market role, emphasizing its most successful series like the ones mentioned earlier, while still exploring innovative possibilities with smaller-scale projects.
This revised strategy has proven advantageous, and the following list of Square Enix’s ten best-selling games of all time (as of this writing) highlights this. It affirms that Final Fantasy still reigns supreme, even with occasional setbacks along the way.
This list includes ports and some remastered versions, but not complete remakes. Please note that sales figures may vary, as the company hasn’t publicly released all sales data.
10
Final Fantasy XIII
8 Million
Despite its reputation for linearity, a female Cloud-like character, and an auto-battle combat system, Final Fantasy XIII was a commercial success. It even catapulted Lightning into a Louis Vuitton campaign.
Compiling accurate figures required careful consideration. I hope you’ll accept Final Fantasy XIII‘s sales numbers, keeping in mind the methodology.
The last official update from Square, released in 2017, indicated over 5 million copies sold on PS3, over 2 million on Xbox 360, and further sales on Xbox One via backward compatibility.
Additional data from VGInsights and PlayTracker suggests approximately 1 million Steam sales, bringing the total to over 8 million. While its sequels saw slightly less success, each still exceeded a million sales. A remastered collection would be welcomed.
9
Dragon Quest XI
8.5 Million
Since Dragon Quest XI launched on both PS4 and Nintendo 3DS, I’ll combine the sales figures for both platforms. Square Enix themselves announced that Dragon Quest XI is the top-selling title in the series, with 8.5 million units shipped.
While “shipped” isn’t the same as “sold,” both translate to profits for Square Enix. “Shipped” depends on retailers selling the copies, but considering its 2025, we can assume nearly all shipped copies have been sold.
Unsurprisingly, Dragon Quest XI refines the JRPG formula pioneered by the original game in 1986. Its narrative maintains a lighthearted tone with more serious moments that suit the characters well.
The combat is a traditional turn-based system, delivered with a modern and dynamic feel.
Dragon Quest XI is a standout JRPG and an excellent entry point for newcomers. If you don’t enjoy the Luminary’s journey, other JRPGs may not satisfy you either.
8
Final Fantasy X
8.6 Million
The original Final Fantasy X for PS2 performed incredibly well at launch. It was crucial in helping Square recover after the underperformance of the “Spirits Within” film, paving the way for the Square-Enix merger.
The “Final Fantasy X” series, including the original PS2 game, its sequel, and the remaster, has collectively sold over 20 million copies. However, this entry focuses on the original PS2 sales. The 8.6 million figure relates to the original PS2 Final Fantasy X.
The journey of Tidus, Yuna, and her companions introduced a traditional turn-based system, maintaining the fantastical and youthful nature of the narrative while addressing emotional and profound themes. I can still remember crying as much as Final Fantasy X did in the ending scene!
The direct sequel, Final Fantasy X-2, also enjoyed solid sales, likely due to the original’s success. If you haven’t experienced Final Fantasy X because of random encounters or turn-based combat, give it a chance. The RPG offers much more than a simple laughing scene might imply.
7
Final Fantasy IX
8.9 Million
Square Enix is commemorating the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy IX in 2025, prompting fervent speculation about a possible remake. While a remake would be great, I’ll remain skeptical until I see official visuals.
Alongside the anniversary, Square has disclosed details regarding sales figures. On a website dedicated to the anniversary, they stated that the ninth installment in the Final Fantasy series has amassed combined shipments and digital downloads exceeding 8.9 million worldwide.
Having solid sales numbers without having to depend on shady data from unreliable sites is great. Interestingly, upon launch, Final Fantasy IX scored higher with critics than FFVII and FFVIII, though its sales were initially lower than both of its predecessors.
Sakaguchi aimed to restore the franchise to its original roots with a more medieval and fantastical ambiance contrasting to the more modern style of previous entries. Regardless of how that impacted sales at the time, it has become one of Square Enix’s best-selling releases. Final Fantasy IX Remake, we’re waiting.
6
NieR: Automata
9 Million
I would have thought you crazy if you told me NieR: Automata had reached 9 million units sold, but it’s true. The game has even surpassed the sales of most Devil May Cry titles.
Square Enix declared the milestone in December of 2024. This is a pretty incredible achievement. I hope you, the reader, are among those buyers. NieR: Automata is simply a great game!
At first glance, it may resemble just another hack ‘n slash with a reticent android and her talkative partner, as well as a logical robot assistant.
Progressing through the game, we are drawn into deep, human themes expressed through androids and machines. Hopefully these sales lead to a new entry in the NieR saga!
5
Space Invaders
9.072 Million
Finding out that Square Enix owns the Space Invaders IP was one of the most shocking thing while researching this article. Yes, it’s the same classic featured in arcade scenes of old movies. The same one that spawns worldwide championships!
Space Invaders was developed by Taito. Square purchased the company in 2005, and along with it came the rights for the legendary title.
It sounds a bit like cheating, in a similar vein to Xbox boasting a 51% YoY revenue surge mainly due to the Activision Blizzard purchase. I mean, you own something, and all that matters is pleasing shareholders.
It is amazing that Space Invaders is featured as one of Square’s best-selling titles. The original 1978 shoot ’em up helped the industry after a 1977 crash. The most amazing thing is how the game sold 9 million units in its day. It remains the highest-grossing game ever when adjusted for inflation.