The Ultimate Ranking of Final Fantasy Protagonists: October 2023

WARNING: This Feature includes spoilers for the mainline Final Fantasy series. In addition to its renowned music and storytelling, Final Fantasy is famous for its iconic Summons, destructive villains, and memorable protagonists. These heroes have left a lasting impact on video game history, whether due to their appearance or their impressive combat abilities. However, not all of Final Fantasy's main heroes are equally renowned or strong compared to their counterparts in the series.

The selection of each hero was based on their popularity among Final Fantasy fans, as well as their impressive battle skills and relatability through their stories. To keep things concise and fair, and considering the vast number of job options and customization available in Final Fantasy 11 and Final Fantasy 14, the player characters from these games were not included. Hence, only the protagonists from the mainline, single-player Final Fantasy games were taken into account.

S-Tier

Cloud Strife (Final Fantasy 7 and Final Fantasy 7 Remake): Arguably the most recognizable character in the Final Fantasy franchise, Cloud Strife and his iconic Buster Sword have become synonymous with the series for over twenty years. As a testament to his popularity, Cloud has even made appearances in the Super Smash Bros. series. However, beneath his brooding exterior, Cloud possesses a complex backstory. Due to experiments involving Jenova cells conducted by Professor Hojo, Cloud's memories became intertwined with those of his SOLDIER friend, Zack Fair. While his story reached its conclusion in the original game, the expansive Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth holds the potential for surprising new developments for the "ex-SOLDIER."

Squall Leonhart (Final Fantasy 8): Squall Leonhart, the skilled user of the unique and effective gunblade, holds the position of top SeeD at Balamb Garden, a renowned institution for mercenaries. Although his aloof and introverted demeanor may alienate his comrades, Squall's simple black attire has become a popular choice for cosplay enthusiasts. Additionally, Squall can maximize the power of his sword swings by firing his gunblade and unleashing his "Renzokuken" Limit Break. With the ability to Draw and Junction magic from enemies to enhance his own capabilities, Squall proves to be one of the most versatile and formidable fighters in the series. Despite the challenges posed by time compression and the game's somber conclusion, Squall successfully fulfilled his mission and even managed to crack a rare smile along the way.

A-Tier

Clive Rosfield (Final Fantasy 16): Despite being the latest installment in the series, Final Fantasy 16 quickly made Clive Rosfield a beloved character among fans. His popularity can be attributed to his fiery Eikonic powers as Ifrit, his striking red and black attire, and his compassionate nature towards others, even in the face of his own tragic circumstances. Voice actor Ben Starr's performance added an extra layer of humanity to Clive, drawing from his own personal experiences in the recording booth. While Final Fantasy 16 may not be one of the most challenging games to play on the PS5, Clive's flashy combat style and extraordinary Eikonic abilities are some of the best the series has ever seen. The potential impact of any future Final Fantasy 16 DLC remains to be seen, but it could further enhance these outstanding qualities.

Terra Branford (Final Fantasy 6) emerged from one of the finest JRPGs on the SNES, facing numerous challenges from oppressive forces who sought to exploit her magical abilities. This was a consequence of Terra being a rare half-human, half-Esper hybrid, granting her inherent magical prowess. Initially coerced into servitude by the Gesthalian Empire, Terra's liberation by Locke and The Returners set her on a profound voyage of self-discovery, where she embraced her powers to aid her comrades. Transformed into an Esper, Terra's magic surpassed all others and played a pivotal role in the battle against Kefka. Although Kefka's defeat marked the end of magic and the Espers, Terra's affection for others enabled her to sustain her humanity and reconstruct the world.

Zidane Tribal (Final Fantasy 9): Initially, Zidane may come across as nothing more than a thief and a womanizer. However, beneath his playful and lively persona as a member of the Tantalus theater troupe, he is driven by an inherent virtue of helping others without needing a reason. Despite his occasionally overwhelming and perverse adolescent behavior, Zidane with his monkey tail undergoes significant character growth and becomes one of the most selfless protagonists in the Final Fantasy series, regardless of his origins. Possessing dual knives and bladed staves, Zidane's Trance mode unleashes formidable damage, compensating for his average defensive capabilities. While rumors of a Final Fantasy 9 remake persist, only time will reveal when Zidane will once again captivate fans.

Tidus (Final Fantasy 10): As an outsider in an unfamiliar world, Tidus initially presents himself as a confident and vibrant rising Blitzball star from his hometown, Zanarkand. However, when his world is attacked by Sin and he is transported to the distant land of Spira, Tidus's life takes a dramatic turn. Forced to rapidly mature and adapt to his new reality, Tidus often vents his frustrations and complains, much to the dismay of both his companions and certain Final Fantasy fans. Nevertheless, his natural agility and skilled swordplay make him a worthy Guardian of Yuna on her quest to vanquish Sin. Although Tidus and Yuna ultimately experience a heart-wrenching separation, creating one of the most sorrowful moments in the Final Fantasy series, Tidus remains an unforgettable protagonist in the franchise.

Lightning (Final Fantasy 13): Despite being born as Claire Farron in a futuristic world governed by the divine Fal'cie, the woman known as Lightning eventually ascended to her own godlike status by the end of her epic journey. While her strong-willed and direct tsundere personality, which she exhibited while caring for her sister Serah, has divided Final Fantasy fans, there is no denying Lightning's formidable combat skills. With her Blazefire Saber and loyal Eidolon Odin by her side, she effortlessly vanquished countless adversaries. Although her tale continued in two more games, some fans initially grew tired of Lightning's prominence once Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13 was released. Nevertheless, her incredible battle prowess and remarkable strength remain unrivaled.

​​​​​B-Tier

Cecil Harvey from Final Fantasy 4 was one of the initial protagonists in the series to change jobs, going from being a Dark Knight to a Paladin. Initially resenting his power as a Dark Knight, Cecil's quest to avenge his kingdom and protect the world from the menacing sorcerer Golbez made him leave behind his dark past. While Cecil is formidable in both roles, it is his Lunarian ancestry and the revelation of his connection to Golbez that ranks as one of the most surprising plot twists in Final Fantasy lore.

Vaan (Final Fantasy 12): Hailing from the war-ravaged city of Rabanastre, Vaan, a young orphan, longed to free the kingdom of Dalmasca from the grip of the Archadian Empire. With dreams of becoming a sky pirate and flying his own airship, Vaan finds himself caught up in a web of political intrigue that threatens to tear apart the land of Ivalice. Though somewhat naive and immature, Vaan's street smarts and proficiency with weapons and armor allow him to stand against Emperor Vayne and the Archadians in this legendary PS2 RPG.

Noctis Lucis Caelum (Final Fantasy 15): Set in a world where magic and technology coexist, Noctis is the rightful crown prince of the fallen kingdom of Lucis. While embarking on a journey to meet his promised bride, Lunafreya, Noctis and his companions face betrayal as the Empire of Niflheim seeks to eliminate his father, King Regis. Despite his initial social awkwardness and questionable fashion choices, Noctis's mastery of the Royal Arms and ability to summon powerful beings known as Astrals enable him to fight against the impending darkness caused by the Starscourge and its accompanying daemons. Ultimately reclaiming the throne from the usurper Ardyn, Noctis sacrificed his own life to bring light back to the world of Eos, granting others the opportunity to awaken and live without fear.

C-Tier

Warriors of Light (Final Fantasy): The original Final Fantasy game introduced the concept of the Warriors of Light, although players had the freedom to name their party. Despite lacking distinct personalities, the Warriors of Light could choose from six different Jobs, with the ability to further upgrade their skills. Unfortunately, the simplistic plot and gameplay of the first game, even with its remakes, have caused the original Warriors of Light to be overshadowed by later heroes.

Firion (Final Fantasy 2): Firion becomes the first protagonist in the Final Fantasy series to have a backstory, albeit a brief one. As part of the Wild Rose Rebels, Firion joins the fight against the powerful Palamecian Empire after their attack on his village, Fynn. Alongside his adopted siblings Maria, Guy, and the missing Leon, Firion perseveres with the help of guest party members like Minwu and Josef. However, the unique cause-and-effect system that determines character power in FF2 ultimately proves to be an unsuccessful experiment in the series.

Onion Knights, known as the titles bestowed upon a young and courageous quartet of would-be heroes in Final Fantasy 3, were renamed Luneth, Arc, Refia, and Ingus in the 2006 Nintendo DS remake. Regardless of their names, these Onion Knights had a vast array of Job options, including being the first iteration of Summoners who could call upon the iconic Summons that have become a staple of the Final Fantasy series.

Bartz Klauser, accompanied by his loyal Chocobo named Boco, is a natural-born adventurer who roams the vast overworld of Final Fantasy 5 with the freedom of the wind. However, his carefree nature led him to the crash site of a meteor where the amnesiac Galuf emerged. With the unexpected addition of the princess named Lenna and the pirate captain named Faris, Bartz found himself part of a ragtag group of Warriors of Light determined to unravel the mystery behind the breaking Crystals in their world. Despite the versatility of Bartz's various Jobs in Final Fantasy 5, his lackluster personality often paled in comparison to both the other members of the party and the villains they faced.