The world is recovering from the recently ended Fifty Year War. Unemployed knights of the war are turning to thievery and rebellion. The world is now unbalanced, with rogue factions appearing everywhere. In addition, King Atkascha has fallen ill and grows closer to death. With his daughter, Ovelia, and his son, Orinas, as the only heirs, Ivalice is on the verge of civil war between two factions: Prince Goltana and Duke Larg, both of whom are fighting for the throne in this time of crisis. The ensuing war becomes known as the infamous Lion War.

You are Ramza Beoulve, son of the legendary Balbanes Beoulve, a hero of the Fifty Year War. Your father has enrolled you in the Gariland Academy, a school renowned for its prestige. A great force is at work as you fight against the Death Corps, and as the Lion War slowly begins behind the scenes. After a serious accident at Fort Zeakden, you, Ramza, are thrust directly in the center of the largest war in Ivalice history.

As your journey continues, you slowly learn about the malevolent forces that are truly at work here. The fabled Zodiac Braves of legend are said to be returning at the hand of the High Priest, Marge Funeral, but not all is as it seems. You can no longer trust even history itself...