One of the longest-running series in gaming, Final Fantasy has taken players through a huge variety of environments. From the snow-covered continent of Trabia to the arid Dingo Desert, anyone who's walked through these areas will know that the series has a special talent for making the scenery a key part of the atmosphere.

Final Fantasy 14 stands out among the rest for its visuals, even leading to screenshot competitions among fans based on who can find the most impressive area. As its views are something special, players enjoyed exploring the world just as much as they loved the epic storyline.

Updated October 26, 2023 by Paul Woodward: While Endwalker may have concluded the Hydaelyn and Zodiark story, Final Fantasy 14 is just getting started. Naoki Yoshida, the director of Final Fantasy 14, has stated that he has several more expansions in mind after Dawntrail. With so many new adventures awaiting players, it is safe to say that Final Fantasy 14 is a long way away from going into maintenance mode. It certainly looks like Dawntrail will have some beautiful locations as well, so players certainly have lots to look forward to. The team behind Final Fantasy 14 has certainly proven time and again that they can produce some truly beautiful areas in the game.

22 Il Mheg

• Expansion: Shadowbringers
• Type of Location: Fallen Kingdom
• Fun Fact: The place is also known as the "Rainbow Kingdom."

Il Mheg is a land populated by fae folk such as pixies, nu mou, fuath, and sentient amaro. Like all locations associated with magic and the fae, Il Mheg is a gorgeous land of flowers, crystals, giant mushrooms, and clear water. The homes left by its fallen kingdom are also beautiful with climbing ivy and epic stained glass windows. The cherry on top of the view is the castle itself, which sits tall on a small island in a lake. The castle even has giant fairy wings.

21 Mare Lamentorum

• Expansion: Endwalker
• Type of Location: Zone in The Sea of Stars
• Fun Fact: The name is Latin for "Sea of Lamentations."

This was an area fans were incredibly excited for when it was first teased before the release on Endwalker, and no one was disappointed once they finally arrived there in the story. It is not just a lunar surface with a view of the beautiful blue planet, as it contains caves with bioluminescent flora, floating crystals in the sky, and a blue palace that is a sight to behold both inside and out. The sky full of stars alone is worth a screenshot or two.

20 Idyllshire

• Expansion: Heavensward
• Type of Location: Town
• Fun Fact: This place was founded by goblins and treasure hunters.

Deep in the Dravanian Hinterlands, Idyllshire's unique architecture makes it one of the standout choices in the game. Taking old-school Victorian architecture and twisting it into Final Fantasy's patented style gives the place a grand feel while keeping the charm.

What's even better than being inside the city is looking at it from the outside. The massive stone tribute immediately grabs the player's attention. The structure balances delicately on thin stone pillars, giving the monolith a floating, peaceful feel.

19 Kugane

• Expansion: Stormblood
• Type of Location: Port Town
• Fun Fact: Kugane means "gold" in ancient Hingan.

Many of the buildings in Kugane use Japan's hidden roof style. This design feature takes the looks of a peaceful town and applies it to this bustling port city. Combining two qualities that players don't get to see very often helps draw people in, making it a must explore.

The archway bridges that connect the two sides decorate the centerpiece, transforming the water's edge into a lively hub that players won't find anywhere else. Not to mention, it's hard to imagine something the player won't find from the wave of merchants that line the streets.

18 Costa Del Sol

• Expansion: A Realm Reborn
• Type of Location: Zone in Eastern La Loscea
• Fun Fact: Originally, Costa del Sol was farmland but no crops grew in the salty soil, so it was all bought out by Gegeruju.

Costa del Sol is a typical beach like those seen in a postcard, with white sand and crystal clear waters. The piers have little bars with views of gorgeous sunsets. With such a scene, it is no wonder Final Fantasy 14 has an annual summer event that takes place there every year. In the shallow waters, it is common to even see fish swimming. Plenty of players put on their swimsuit glamour and pose to their hearts' content on the lovely sand and sea.

17 Ishgard

• Expansion: Heavensward
• Type of Location: City-State
• Fun Fact: 70% of the residents are Elezen.

Ishgard takes real-world historical architecture and turns the volume up. Depending on the time of day, the player might feel as though they've stepped into the world of Dracula. The city has been at war with the dragons, and it looks the part, with statues of knights and restoration projects going on throughout the game.

The contrast between day and night is stark in Ishgard. At night, the cathedral and rising towers seem intimidating, but it can look like a fairytale castle bathed in sunlight.

16 Radz-at-Han

• Expansion: Endwalker
• Type of Location: City-State
• Fun Fact: The city is the homeland of alchemy and dancers.

While it is a city-state like Ishgard, Radz-at-Han is beautiful for different reasons. What makes it stand out is its vibrant colors. Every pillar, statue, wall, and fountain is vibrant in blues, reds, yellows, and greens. Silks drape across the markets along with pink and yellow lanterns and tropical plants are potted all around.

The vivid colors are a reflection of the city's culture as it is famous for its textiles and is a trading hub of many cultures.

15 The Syrcus Tower

• Expansion: A Realm Reborn
• Type of Location: Raid Dungeon
• Fun Fact: Most enemies in the dungeon also appear in Final Fantasy 3.

As soon as players take their first steps into the dungeon, they'll have a realization. This isn't one of those calmly beautiful places, but a grand palace filled with gold. It's not shy about its glamour and will make sure everyone else knows it too.

While getting through the place can be a challenge, making it to the top and getting the full view is more than enough reward. The sun will light up the entire aqua blue floor, giving it a magical feeling.

14 The Ruby Sea

• Expansion: Stormblood
• Type of Location: Zone in Othard
• Fun Fact: The Ruby Sea is overseen by a group of pirates called The Confederacy.

The Ruby Sea's true beauty is actually under the water. Stormblood introduced swimming underwater, and the Ruby Sea was a place to show off that new way to explore Eorzea. The Ruby Sea has two settlements under the sea, one belonging to the Kojin Beast Tribe and the other to the Raen Au Ra of Sui-no-Sato.

These beautiful settlements are in safe bubbles at the bottom of the sea and feature gorgeous Doman architecture. Outside their walls, there is a lot of beauty as well in the form of reefs and fish.

13 The Ocular

• Expansion: Shadowbringers
• Type of Location: Zone in The Crystarium
• Fun Fact: Serves as the Exarch's study.

The Ocular is a small zone in The Crystarium, but one that many players have taken gpose screenshots in. The round room has a planetarium sort of aesthetic with flooring that looks as though it were a map of the stars. The crystal room is mostly blue but has archways and details of gold to give it a refined and magical look.

Players have made fan art and merchandise based on this room alone, and it serves as a gorgeous meeting place throughout the Shadowbringers expansion.

12 The Azim Steppe

• Expansion: Stormblood
• Type of Location: Plains
• Fun Fact: The Steppe is home to about fifty Au Ra tribes.

Stunning to all who see it from a distance, the home of the Xaela clan sits in the middle of sprawling grasslands, circled in stone columns. Upon closer look, the small settlement takes on a simpler vibe, a change of pace to the bustling streets of other towns.

The beautiful exterior of the Azim Stepped doesn't represent the savage lifestyle of those who live there. Within this clan, 50 are tribes locked in a battle over the vibrant land. Who would have thought that such an action-packed area can look so peaceful?

11 The Rak-tika Greatwood

• Expansion: Shadowbringers
• Type of Location: Region in Norvrandt
• Fun Fact: Was once home to an advanced magical civilization called Ronka.

The Rak-tika Greatwood is a forest of epic proportions, with trees large enough to house towns in their weaving branches. Its beauty is not in the buildings but in the natural landscape. The trees are the biggest asset to the region, but there are beautiful details such as paths of blue flowers, waterfalls, and lakes.

There is also a settlement called Fanow that is built into the trees. The vii live there and have made a pretty place to wander and take screenshots. This is also where the iconic "Civilizations" plays, which is also responsible for the La-hee meme.

10 The Hermit's Hovel

• Expansion: A Realm Reborn
• Type of Location: Zone in Outer La Noscea
• Fun Fact: The Hovel is home to a Sightseeing Log location.

Featuring the coziest of tropical vacations, the Hermit's Hovel takes the most relaxing aspects of such a trip and brings it all together. Relatively isolated, any visitors will be able to kick up their feet without worrying about another soul.

A peaceful waterfall borders the small lagoon with natural springs on either side. Even the vacant house has a soft bed and some light reading in the form of a forgotten journal, taking the player's mind away from the chaotic world that waits outside.

9 The Great Gubal Library

• Expansion: Heavensward
• Type of Location: Light party dungeon
• Fun Fact: The Library was built by Sharlayan people.

This is the sort of library book-lovers dream of if they can get past the fact that the giant abandoned library is also a little spooky. The Great Gubal Library is known to be the grandest house of knowledge in all of Eorzea, but few make the journey there since it is filled with monsters. The monsters do not detract from the beauty of the dungeon though. It is on an epic scale, with high ceilings, enormous chandeliers, and romantic candlelight.

8 Eastern Thanalan

• Expansion: A Realm Reborn
• Type of Location: Desert Region
• Fun Fact: Enemies in this location range from level 15 to 45.

A region that's rich in both history and visuals, Eastern Thanalan is home to some of the most hypnotic sights in Final Fantasy. When the glowing corrupted crystal lights up the darkness, it makes something stunning out of an otherwise sullen land.

While the rest of it isn't exactly cheerful, the eerie hints at what the place has gone through make for one of the heaviest atmospheres in the game. With graves spotted throughout the trails and filling the church cemetery, it's a place that leaves an impact.

7 The Vault

• Expansion: Heavensward
• Type of Location: Light party dungeon
• Fun Fact: This is the fortress of the Ishgardian Orthodox Church.

The Vault is up there with the prettiest churches in video game history. The very first room is mind-blowingly large and full of warm light thanks to the tall arched windows and many candles. If Ishgard were a place in the real world, this church would be a major tourist destination. While players fight enemies, this is one of the dungeons many do not mind taking their time just to look at all the detail Square Enix put into this location.

6 The Sylphlands

• Expansion: A Realm Reborn
• Type of Location: Area in East Shroud
• Fun Fact: This area is filled with poisonous mushrooms and spores.

This is another area that leads back to nature and deep into hostile territory. The views would have to be spectacular for the player to face the territorial Beastmen that guard this land.

However, the place is dreamlike. After all, the lands take their name from the fairy creatures called the Sylph. From glowing mushrooms to giant trees that illuminate the forest, wandering through the trees will be the perfect opportunity for players to take that gorgeous screenshot.

5 The Peaks

• Expansion: Stormblood
• Type of Location: Zone in Gyr Abania
• Fun Fact: This area has a five percent chance of dust storms.

The peaks of Mount Yorn don't just stand out because they sit at one of the highest points on the map. They're also unique due to their desert setting and out-of-place features. This includes a lush green tree that adds a burst of color into the stone landscape, as well as the famous boat that was carried by the great flood. Although it may not be the most lively place to visit, the Peaks definitely bring players some peace and quiet after having to scale the hazardous mountains.

4 Sohr Khai

• Expansion: Heavensward
• Type of Location: Light party dungeon
• Fun Fact: Sohr Khai was once home to the brood-sister of Nidhogg and Hrasvelgr, Ratatoskr.

The dungeon created by dragons, Sohr Kai's breathtaking appearance is mostly thanks to its airborne location. Sitting atop floating islands in the sky, only the home of the dragons could look so majestic and mysterious.

Here, the player is under some time pressure to convince dragons to fight amongst themselves. However, they'll have a few spare moments to step back and truly appreciate the towering pillars and grand architecture of this lost roost.

3 Gridania

• Expansion: A Realm Reborn
• Type of Location: City-State in the Black Shroud
• Fun Fact: Players can find a vendor who will sell them various cosmetic rewards for unlocking achievements.

Gridania is one of three cities where players will begin their journey. While Gridania feels less like a city than Uldah or Limsa Lominsa, its unique design and feel easily make it one of the most beautiful cities and locations in the game. There are only a handful of buildings in Gridania, allowing players to appreciate the beauty of this area where Gridanians live in peace with the elemental spirits. The music that plays in this area is fantastic as well.