Summary
- Rinoa Heartilly charms fans with her role in helping Squall show vulnerability.
- Rydia of Mist's tragic story endears her to fans for her growth and power.
- Sabin Rene Figaro's suplex move on the Phantom Train makes him a fan favorite.
There are many reasons why fans love every Final Fantasy game, with the main cast of characters doing most of the heavy lifting. Fans love how well-realized and lovable these personalities are, making it easy to be invested in their efforts to save the world.
Final Fantasy: 5 Characters Who Make The Biggest Sacrifices
These characters in Final Fantasy have made great and admirable sacrifices.
Some of these characters are written immaculately, to the point where trying to pinpoint any reason to hate these people is contrived at best. As a result, it's easy to see why these characters are the best part of their respective Final Fantasy games.
8 Rinoa Heartilly
The Only Party Member In The Game That Fans Can't Bring Themselves To Hate
Final Fantasy 8
- Released
- February 11, 1999
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
Rinoa is Squall's love interest and the biggest reason why the protagonist manages to show his vulnerabilities. Rinoa refuses to give up on him and helps him open up whenever he starts receding into his shell.
Given how fans love to hate on Final Fantasy 8, it's impressive how there are no complaints centering around Rinoa's character. Not only is she a powerful character, but the bond she shares with her dog, Angelo, makes her even easier to like.
7 Rydia Of Mist
It's Hard To Hate A Character Who's Received The Short End Of The Stick Time And Time Again
Final Fantasy 4
- Released
- July 19, 1991
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
Fans can't help but feel for Rydia from the very moment they encounter her in Mist. Cecil and Kain were fooled into unleashing bombs in her village that killed her mother, causing her to unwittingly channel her summoning powers and bring Titan to wreak havoc on the duo.
Even after warming up to Cecil, she is taken by Leviathan and assumed to be dead, only for it to be revealed that she was honing her talents with the eidolons in their world. This helps her transform into a powerful Summoner and Black Mage who is a must-have in the party if players want to unleash havoc on their foes.
6 Sabin Rene Figaro
Suplexing A Train With This Character Is Enough To Establish Him As A Fan Favorite
Final Fantasy 6
- Released
- October 11, 1994
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Fantasy Violence, Partial Nudity
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Sabin may have a fun personality, but he's one of the few Final Fantasy characters who has become a fan favorite courtesy of his moveset in battle. Players will almost always use Blitz with this character, since it lets them unleash powerful physical attacks for serious damage.
8 Final Fantasy Characters Who Betrayed Their Friends
For one reason or another, these Final Fantasy characters made the fateful decision to betray their friends.
The most hilarious way players can use their martial arts techniques is by suplexing the Phantom Train, making for an iconic visual. It's one of the most well-known running gags in the series and has single-handedly turned Sabin into a universally beloved party member.
5 Yuna
A Summoner With A Heart Of Gold
Final Fantasy 10
- Released
- December 17, 2001
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Mild Blood, Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
Yuna is one of the most powerful summoners in the entire series, and this is just one of the many reasons why fans love this character. She's a selfless heroine who was willing to lay down her life if it meant stopping Sin.
It's not until Tidus enters her life and refuses to give up on her that she decides to go against destiny and save Spira for good. Her bravery and poise make her an easy character to like in one of the best Final Fantasy games of all time.
4 Gilgamesh
Arguably The Most Likable And Entertaining Antagonist In A Final Fantasy Game
Final Fantasy 5
- Released
- December 6, 1992
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Mild Fantasy Violence, Partial Nudity
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
It takes some serious comedic chops to turn a recurring villain into one of the best characters in Final Fantasy history. With his infectious charm and goofy antics, it's easy to see why fans love to square up against Gilgamesh time and time again in Final Fantasy 5.
It helps that he plays a major role in some of the game's most memorable set-pieces, with the Battle at the Big Bridge being an obvious mention. Ultimately, his whipping out Excalipoor was one mistake too many, with Exdeath banishing his underling to the void in unceremonious fashion.
3 Zack Fair
This Character Boasts A Ton Of Charm And Is Loyal To His Friends
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 Reunion
- Released
- December 13, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen due to Blood, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Most fans only knew about Zack Fair as the SOLDIER who valiantly laid down his life to save a mako-poisoned Cloud. This is why Crisis Core was such an important game, allowing players to become familiar with his lovable personality.
Final Fantasy: 8 Fights The Heroes Should've Lost
These Final Fantasy fights seemed doomed from the start, but somehow, the heroes managed to pull it through against all odds.
His zeal to perform better, coupled with his innate heroism, made it clear why he was such a natural hero. He was the SOLDIER Cloud modeled himself after, even though this character was obsessed with Sephiroth when he tried to join this elite group of Shinra's best fighters.
2 Aerith Gainsborough
A Sweet Flower Girl With Immense Healing Powers Who Deserved Better
Final Fantasy 7
- Released
- January 31, 1997
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Blood, Fantasy Violence, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes
- Genre(s)
- RPG
From the very moment Cloud crashed into Aerith's church, she was nothing but supportive of him. She didn't complain even a bit when he ruined her flowers and decided to accompany him on an adventure for the ages to stop Shinra in its tracks.
It turned out that trouble followed Aerith because of her half-Cetra origins, but she never let this dampen her smile. This ultimately leads to a shocking moment where Sephiroth impales Aerith, leading to the death of a beloved party member no one hated.
1 Vivi Ornitier
Fans Will Shed A Tear For The Narrator Of The Tale
Final Fantasy 9
- Released
- July 7, 2000
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Violence, Mild Language
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
To this day, there's something about Vivi's tale that will make fans shed a tear. He's the narrator of Final Fantasy 9, with his boyish charm making him an easy character to like as he channels his magical powers to save the world.
The Black Mage was always curious about his past, only to receive a horrid answer that his lifespan was criminally limited compared to other races. However, he never stopped being a hero and stopped both Kuja and Grand Necron from destroying the world, even if he wouldn't be alive to appreciate the fruits of his labor.
- Creation Year
- 1987
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Creator
- Hironobu Sakaguchi
- Latest Release
- Final Fantasy 16
- Creator(s)
- Hironobu Sakaguchi