Unlike a lot of other classic Jobs in the series, there are no iconic representations of Samurai in the Final Fantasy series. For example, Cecil from Final Fantasy 4 is both a good example of a Dark Knight and a Paladin while Zidane is a great Thief from Final Fantasy 9. There are a few characters that sort of have Samurai traits but they are not as overt.
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Sephiroth from Final Fantasy 7 uses a long katana but he’s no noble warrior. Auron uses techniques called Bushido in Final Fantasy 10 and there’s also a Summon that Yuna uses, Yojimbo, that has Samurai-like vibes. Beyond named characters though, what Final Fantasy games have good Samurai Jobs to inhabit?
6 Final Fantasy 5
The First In The Series
Final Fantasy 5
- Released
- December 6, 1992
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
Final Fantasy 5 was not the first game to include a Job system players could swap between but it was the first to include ways to cross-class. When players progressed enough in one Job, they could bring abilities over. One of the best abilities was tied to the Ninja, Dual-Wield, which allowed players to equip a weapon in each hand.
Another first for Final Fantasy 5 was the inclusion of Samurai which unlocked after getting to the Earth Crystal. Even though Samurai are basically Eastern warriors with heavy armor traditionally, they have good evasive skills in the game along with a solid attack power. Samurai also had the unique ability to throw money, Gil, at enemies which would later be combined into most Throw commands in later Final Fantasy entries.
5 Final Fantasy 10-2
Give These Girls Credit
Final Fantasy X-2
- Released
- November 18, 2003
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
Final Fantasy 10-2 was a direct sequel to the first game that whittled the party to just three characters. Yuna and Rikku were joined by the new character, Paine, and a twist on the Job system was formed via Dresspheres. Most Dresspheres were obtained throughout the story but some were hidden away.
The Samurai in Final Fantasy 10-2 is another version that excels at attacking. Like Final Fantasy 5, it has a money-throwing technique called Spare Change, which is useful in a pinch. Their costumes look a bit like they’re trying to pay homage to Auron, and overall, it’s an okay Job.
4 Final Fantasy 12
Don’t Laugh At The Name
Final Fantasy 12
- Released
- October 31, 2006
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Alcohol Reference, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Partial Nudity, Suggestive Themes
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
Final Fantasy 12 has a Job-like system but characters do not put on a traditional garb when changing between roles. Instead, players can move icons around a skill tree called the License Board. Each area of the board is dedicated to a traditional Job from the franchise like Black Mage and there’s also a Zodiac sign attached.
A Bushi is the Samurai equivalent which is tied to Aquarius. The Bushi excels at katana-based combat and it’s a good role to give someone like Basch who is built like a warrior in the group. Without the traditional costume, the Bushi lacks flair next to other entries but Final Fantasy 12 still belongs on the list.
3 Final Fantasy 14
One Of Many Eastern promises
Final Fantasy 14
- Released
- August 27, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen - Language, Mild Blood, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Genre(s)
- MMORPG
Final Fantasy 11 and Final Fantasy 14 share a lot of the same Jobs as each are the only two MMOs in the series. While their Job listings begin small, each new expansion brings new gameplay elements and Jobs to the table. They both got Ninja Jobs, for example, along with another Japanese influenced Job: Samurai.
Samurai unlocked in Final Fantasy 11’s first expansion, Rise of Zilart, which is also when Ninjas and Dragoons were unlocked. Final Fantasy 14 fans had to wait until the second expansion, Stormblood, to play as a Samurai which is also when players got to create Red Mages. Samurai in Final Fantasy 14 are a bit stronger with more abilities and equipment as opposed to its predecessor’s version.
2 Final Fantasy Tactics
Strategic Samurai Squad
Final Fantasy Tactics
- Released
- June 20, 1997
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Mild Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Tactical, RPG
Final Fantasy Tactics requires leveling up Jobs to create new ones. It can be one of the biggest thrills of the game: discovering new Job unlocks after leveling up. To get a Samurai, players have to level up a character’s Knight, Monk, and Dragoon Jobs and those have requirements too.
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Now, the Samurai of Ivalice are more like magical warriors than straight-up offensive swordsmen. They call upon the spirits of their katanas to unleash attacks like Ashura which can slice an event with a concentrated slash attack. It’s a cool twist on a classic Job and it’s one of the more special versions.
1 Stranger Of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin
Action-Based Prequel Combat
Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin
- Released
- March 18, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin was a collaboration between Koei Tecmo’s Team Ninja and Square Enix. Team Ninja made two of the most celebrated Soulslikes outside of FromSoftware, Nioh, which featured samurai prominently. Coincidently, Samurai is also a Job in Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin, and the game overall is a Soulslike but one aimed at beginners.
Getting new Jobs required players to level up others and Jack, the protagonist, could become a Samurai after progressing into the Ronin Job. Besides Jack, Jed can become a Samurai along with the other Japanese inspired Job, Ninja. Samurai are strong attackers in the game with some decent katana-based skills.
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