Which Final Fantasy game features the Sphere Grid leveling system?

Final Fantasy X features the Sphere Grid leveling system. It replaces the traditional experience-level model with a network of connected nodes that improve characters’ statistics and unlock abilities.

Characters earn Ability Points by winning battles, then receive Sphere Levels that let them move across the grid. Players place different kinds of spheres on nodes to activate bonuses such as Strength, Magic, HP, and special abilities.

The system reflects each character’s intended role: Tidus follows a path focused on speed and physical attacks, Yuna develops summoning and white magic, and Auron specializes in powerful melee techniques. However, the grid eventually lets players move characters into other roles, creating unusual builds.

The International and later HD versions also include an Expert Sphere Grid. It starts characters closer together and offers greater freedom earlier in the game, though it contains fewer total nodes. Final Fantasy X-2 uses a different progression system called the Garment Grid.