The BEST Character From Every Mainline Final Fantasy Game

“Final Fantasy II” (1988)

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Firion, the valiant protagonist of FF2, isn't merely a central character but also the first in the series to possess a distinct name and a cohesive backstory intricately woven into the game's narrative, and yes I know there’s the whole Light Warriors thing from Final Fantasy 1, but that’s hardly a narrative, that’s a fortune cookie. Despite limitations imposed by the narrative structure and standards of its era, much about him remains veiled. Yet, two undeniable truths emerge: his remarkable prowess in armed combat and his unwavering dedication to the pursuit of freedom and peace, often at the risk of his own life. Also, he’s a sexy, sexy boy.

“Final Fantasy III” (1990)

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Another entry that is held back by its limited narrative, Final Fantasy III has an easy choice for number one, and that’s Luneth. Luneth is compelling due to his resilience, growth, and sense of duty. Initially an ordinary youth, he embarks on a journey that transforms him into a formidable hero. His loyalty to his companions and unwavering commitment to vanquishing evil make him a standout character, leaving a lasting impression on players long after their journey concludes. Without the DS remake, Luneth might have faded into obscurity like some of her predecessors, or perhaps even more so. Nonetheless, Director Hiromichi Tanaka and his team skillfully expanded upon the character and her fellow orphans without significantly altering the story's tone.

“Final Fantasy IV” (1991)

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Not only does Cecil stand out as the best character in Final Fantasy IV, but he also takes home the award for coolest character in Final Fantasy with the lamest name. Cecil Harvey stands out as one of the most intriguing characters in the early chapters of Final Fantasy lore. Beginning his journey as a Dark Knight and Captain of the Red Wings under the rule of Baron's King, Cecil's path is defined by loyalty and duty. However, his tenure as a Dark Knight becomes a burden, symbolized by his black armor, a reminder of past misdeeds committed in unwavering servitude. It's only after a decisive confrontation with one of the Four Elemental Archfiends that Cecil undergoes a profound transformation. Purged of darkness, he embraces the light and evolves into a Paladin, reflecting his newfound purity and resolve. It’s an amazing journey that had 90s kids' jaws on the floor.

“Final Fantasy V” (1992)

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Congratulations for getting this far into the video, because we’ve just hit our turning point. Every entry from here on out is wrapped in fierce debate, and as much as Bartz would also be a great choice for the best character, we’ve landed on our main girl Lenna. Gentle, compassionate, and somewhat naive, Lenna Charlotte Tycoon is the closest we have to a main character in the game. Lenna embodies the selflessness and empathy associated with the element of Water, in contrast to Bartz's representation of Wind and freedom. Notably, Lenna boasts the highest raw Magic stat in the game, making her a prime candidate for maximizing magical prowess. Balancing her abilities with her personality, Lenna is the bomb.com.

“Final Fantasy VI” (1994)

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For those who’ve been keeping up with the WatchMojo Final Fantasy lore from all the Final Fantasy content coming out, you’d know this is my favorite entry in the series, so you can without a doubt fully blame me if you don’t agree with this entry, because it’s 100% my fault. Celes Chere begins her journey as a revered general within the military ranks of the Gestahlian Empire. Even upon aligning herself with the insurgent Returners and opposing her homeland, she maintains a deep connection to her prestigious title, driven by a sense of justice. As a Magitek Knight, she harnesses magical abilities granted through infusion, complementing her proficiency in wielding swords, daggers, and maces. She’s just a top to bottom bad arse to play as. Reuniting with her allies amidst the chaos wrought by the Cataclysm, there’s no one better to navigate the transformed landscape of the World of Ruin with unwavering determination.

“Final Fantasy VII” (1997)

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This is easily the hardest entry on our list, there is no game more beloved, and no game more commented on in the whole series than Final Fantasy VII. With much debate, the internet has decided the best character is our hard hitting and heavily simped upon Tifa Lockheart. Even for non-Final Fantasy enthusiasts, Tifa remains a household name in gaming circles, particularly given the online commotion surrounding a slight alteration to her design in the FFVII Remake. Following the devastation of her hometown Nibelheim by Shinra, Tifa aligns herself with Avalanche, driven by a quest for vengeance against the oppressive mega-corporation. Renowned for her ferocious combat skills, she balances her prowess with a compassionate and nurturing demeanor, often adopting a motherly role towards her comrades, showcasing her multifaceted character beyond the battlefield.

“Final Fantasy VIII” (1999)

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“Best” is a subjective term, but many agree that Seifer Almasy is one of the best, most complicated, and well written Final Fantasy antagonists of all time; Seifer was kind of pathetic, but that’s the point. When compared to other antagonists, Seifer stands out due to his complex portrayal and intertwining dynamics with Squall. His ambitious nature and desire for recognition drive him to pursue his dreams with fervor, even if it means straying into morally gray territory. Despite his antagonistic tendencies, Seifer's loyalty to his comrades and inner conflicts lend a depth to his character that makes him VERY interesting to follow. His tumultuous relationship with Squall adds layers of tension and emotional depth to the narrative, making him one of the most memorable characters in the whole game.

“Final Fantasy IX” (2000)

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It’s tough to beat out Vivi, but the reason our Final Fantasy IX protagonist stands out is because Zidane Tribal is a refreshing departure from the typical somber protagonist archetype. As a Genome, an artificial creation, he defies constraints, embracing life with an unmatched zest - unmatched LITERALLY to this day. His demeanor exudes casual charm, outgoing energy, and a penchant for flirtation, a stark contrast to the brooding personas of characters like Cloud and Squall. In battle, his Steal skill proves invaluable, allowing players to acquire potent items and equipment by deftly pick-pocketing enemies mid-combat, adding further depth to his character both in and out of combat scenarios.

“Final Fantasy X” (2001)

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Remember when I said the entries ahead had heavy debate? This is a tough one. Tidus acts as one of the funniest fish-out-of-water-style protagonists, carrying an incredible journey on his shoulders, while Yuna holds one of the best character arcs of all time. But when it comes to our number one spot, nobody can deny Auron is one of the coolest Final Fantasy party members to ever exist. A former warrior monk who once served Yuna's father as his Guardian, Auron takes up the mantle once more to safeguard Yuna, all while fulfilling a personal promise to watch over Tidus. While delving deeper into Auron's story would tread into spoiler territory, it's safe to say that his character is WAY deeper than he looks on the outside. With his ronin-inspired appearance, no-nonsense demeanor, and mastery of the blade, Auron captivates gamers worldwide.

“Final Fantasy XII” (2006)

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This charismatic yet cunning Sky Pirate traverses the globe aboard his airship, seizing lucrative opportunities regardless of the risks involved. His daring escapades lead him to the Royal Palace of Rabanastre, where he crosses paths with the game's central characters. Despite his seemingly self-serving demeanor, he is a lot more deep and complex than he initially seems. His brash confidence masks inner vulnerabilities rooted in a tragic past. Beneath the bravado lies a surprising amount of empathy and loyalty. Vaan is also often considered as the best character, but this is our list, and we’ll DO WHAT WE WANT!

“Final Fantasy XIII” (2009)

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Is there another character more deserving of the top spot in their perspective game? Is there another character who fought harder through blood, sweat and terrible game design to have everything fighting against their ability to be considered a good character? The answer is no. Despite Lightning being the protagonist of arguably the worst entry in the whole series, she emerges as one of the best characters in all of Final Fantasy, carrying her trilogy of games on her shoulders. Great work, Lightning, you’ve earned this spot.

“Final Fantasy XV” (2016)

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Beginning the game as the weaker, smaller, and less impressive son of the epically powerful King Regis, Noctis is set up as a little bit of a combination between Cloud, Squall, and Zidane. The perfect balance of broody and wide eyed, his reaction to the world is endearing, but his growth over a game that stretches more than 10 years from his beginning to his end is better than most Final Fantasy protagonists. His connection with his friends and the way he actually uses their skills and minds to enhance his journey, and himself, is beautiful. I love him… sort of too much. He’s in my dreams.

“Final Fantasy XVI” (2023)

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YOU’RE DAMN RIGHT A CID MADE IT ON THIS ENTRY! Cid emerges as one of the most memorable iterations of the character in Final Fantasy lore. Portrayed by the talented Ralph Ineson, known for his role as Lorath in Diablo IV, Cid immediately establishes himself as a formidable figure in the game, displaying his prowess by rescuing Jill and Clive. With the mighty Ramuh by his side, he appears unstoppable, but time eventually catches up with him, and offers one of the saddest ends to a Final Fantasy character since Aerith. Despite departing the game prematurely, his memory lives on, aiding in the defeat of Ultima. Through his sacrifice, this rendition of Cid stands out as one of the most noble, effortlessly combining strength with charm.