Final Fantasy: Smartest Characters, Ranked

Final Fantasy is a series with numerous characters that have become memorable in their own right. Whether because of their strength, kindness, comedic chops, or anything else, it's easy to see why fans can't get enough of these lovable personalities. Some of the characters in the series are known for being highly intelligent, but the way they use their smarts varies quite a bit.

Some characters make sure that they use their brains for good, striving to save and better the world one step at a time with their wisdom. Other geniuses are more self-serving, preferring to concoct dastardly plans to serve their ambitions. Either way, these intelligent Final Fantasy characters do a great job of impressing players whenever they get the chance to shine.

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By  Maddie Fisher

5 Quistis Trepe

Being A SeeD Instructor At Her Age Is No Joke

SeeD is a mercenary group that is full of competent recruits, so it's easy to see why the students at Balamb Garden need proper training to ensure that they can tackle these sensitive missions without making any costly mistakes. The instructors needed to be smart and well-versed to teach these aspirants the best way to become members of SeeD. That's what makes Quistis' achievements so impressive. Despite being so young, she impressed enough people to be hired as an instructor.

While this added pressure meant that she doubted herself from time to time, there's no denying that Quistis more than justified her swift ascent to the rank of instructor. This intelligence is shown off with her Limit Break as a Blue Mage, further hammering in her quick learning skills as she uses enemies' techniques against them.

4 Balthier

A Quick-Witted Air Pirate With Street Smarts For Days

There's a reason so many people aren't happy with Vaan's position as the protagonist of Final Fantasy 12, with other characters more befitting of the role. Ashe is an obvious mention here, but another character who deserves his plaudits is Balthier. This beloved sky pirate has a silver tongue, and he oozes charisma. But after a point, players will notice how deceptively smart this character can be.

Intelligent people don't need to prove how smart they are every single time, and Balthier personifies this idea. His street smarts make him a valuable member of the party, helping them worm out of sticky situations. This, coupled with his likable demeanor, makes it clear why many players consider Balthier their favorite party member in Final Fantasy 12.

3 Ignis Scientia

The Royal Family's Advisor Is Bound To Be Intelligent

Ignis is the brains of the group in Final Fantasy 15, serving as Noctis' trusted advisor who helps him out in his times of need. His penchant for cooking and serving as the tactician of the party ensures that players can always rely on his strategies to regroup and come back tougher than ever. Along with being highly intelligent, Ignis is also loyal to Noctis and has no problems with risking his own life if it meant that his friend would be saved from Ardyn's malice.

Ignis was a gifted child who was given a special education to groom him for the role of serving as Noctis' advisor. He can be a bit too much of a perfectionist at times, but that's in character for a man who trusts his intellect. He wants to make sure that he can serve as a guiding light for his friends whenever they need his help.

2 Professor Hojo

A Mad Yet Brilliant Scientist

With his talents as a scientist, it's sad to see Hojo go down such a villainous route. He funded his twisted experiments with Shinra's endless coffers to try and create the ultimate being, carrying out cruel experiments on humans to achieve his vision. Despite how horrifying Hojo can be, his scientific pedigree is in a class of its own. The fact that he created someone as powerful as Sephiroth is a testament to his successful experiments, even if the ex-SOLDIER ended up going insane after learning the truth of his existence.

Perhaps the most surprising experiment Hojo carried out was on himself, which Cloud and company witnessed in an uncomfortable face-off against the mad scientist. Watching this man trigger an experiment to morph into a heinous monster is a shocking moment. It showed how he didn't discriminate when it came to creating the perfect being, even if he himself was a test subject.

1 Fusoya

An Old Lunarian With Boundless Magical Knowledge

It's only a given that a being that has existed around a time when the Earth was evolving would be one of the most knowledgeable characters of all time. This is precisely what makes Fusoya arguably the smartest character in the series. This Lunarian appears near the end of Final Fantasy 4 to clear up a lot of doubts both the party members and players have about the true malevolence that's been manipulating people like Golbez and Kain.

It may not be the most compelling plot twist to replace a well-established antagonist with one that comes from out of nowhere. However, Fusoya's calm explanation and worldly knowledge helps make Zemus' introduction feel relatively smooth. One look at this wizened character should make it clear just how intelligent he is, helping Cecil and the heroes in their journey to rid the world of Zemus' dark presence once and for all.

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Final Fantasy

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Creation Year

1987

Developer(s)

Square Enix

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Publisher(s)

Square Enix

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