Final Fantasy games have produced some great female characters over the years, but today we'll be ranking the best of the best.
The Final Fantasy franchise is one of the most famous in the gaming industry and has been around since the first game was released in 1987. It now has 15 main games, as well as numerous sequels, spin-offs, remakes and remasters.
The games are often praised for their world-building, emotional stories, memorable characters, and addictive gameplay, which is why the franchise has a lot of fans. A host of beloved characters have emerged over the years, although surprisingly, some of the franchise's best female characters aren't necessarily the leading ladies. Check out these stunning female characters from the Final Fantasy franchise.
Updated November 27, 2020: During the PS5 demo earlier in the year, players got their first glimpse of their favorite franchise's next numbered game, Final Fantasy 16. Understandably, fans are eagerly awaiting the release of this title and the new characters that will accompany them on their next adventure. ...
The characters in the Final Fantasy franchise are some of the most memorable in the games, especially the many female characters that deserve recognition. Here are more of the very best female characters in the series.
15. Chantotto (Final Fantasy 11)
Chantotto is one of the NPCs from the first MMO series - Final Fantasy 11. As a black magician, she is largely associated with the questline of the quest "Black magician", and was originally her only function. However, her personality grew, and she became one of the main NPCs in the general storyline, as well as the main feature of the A Shantotto Ascension expansion.
She is distinguished by her trademark laugh and unique manner of speaking; in English she speaks rhyme, and in the Japanese version she speaks formal Japanese. Chantotto is a fan favorite, so it should come as no surprise that she is one of the characters in the Dissidia series and also appeared in an episodic event in Final Fantasy 14.
14. Sera Farron (Final Fantasy 13 / 13-2 / Lightning Returns)
Sera is the sister of the protagonist of Final Fantasy 13 Lightning, and it was she who served as the main reason for the beginning of Lightning's adventures, who hopes to save her sister from the fate of becoming l'Cie. Interestingly, in the second game of the Final Fantasy 13 series, Sera became the main character, although in the third and final game, Lightning regained her role as the main character.
While Sera may be a forgotten character in the first game, which is understandable since she rarely appears on screen, she more than makes up for this in Final Fantasy 13-2 and proves that she deserves to be one of the best female characters in the franchise.
13. Y'shtola Rul (Final Fantasy 14)
Like Shantotto, Y'shtola is one of the NPCs of the next MMO in the Final Fantasy 14 franchise. Although she was originally a sorceress, she later became a sorceress, essentially a black magician, although she has some unique abilities.
Y'shtola puts her mark on the game's storyline, with many memorable scenes where she kicks her ass and proves she deserves to be a fan favorite. In the Dissidia series, she is another favorite representing their Final Fantasy.
12. Aranea Highwind (Final Fantasy 15)
Aranea Highwind may have been just a side character in Final Fantasy 15, but she certainly made her mark on Final Fantasy fandom as her character simply exudes stunning beauty. As a dragoon, she is not only a worthy warrior, but also possesses magnificent armor that matches the Dragoon's signature style.
She acts as a boss that players must defeat, but is also a temporary party member in the later stages of the game. Her popularity with fans has earned her participation in many of the franchise's spin-offs, mostly in mobile games.
11. Beatrix (Final Fantasy 9)
In Final Fantasy 9, Beatrix is the general of Alexandria, and in this capacity she serves as Garnet's mother, Queen Bran. The player first encounters her as an enemy, although Beatrix later becomes a temporary party member.
Beatrix is unwaveringly devoted to Alexandria and its people, making her a truly admirable character. She can also use white magic in combat, as well as the Seiken ability, which gives her sword skills additional offensive damage, similar to Steiner's Sword Art.
10. Fran (Final Fantasy 12)
A playable character in Final Fantasy 12 and Final Fantasy 12: Revenant Wings, Fran is the most iconic character of the two games as she belongs to the Viera race. It's not often that a franchise offers such a diverse cast of players in terms of appearance and race, so the appearance of Fran's enigmatic character was very welcome.
Although she is more reserved, Fran still exudes determination and can quickly silence anyone with a stern look. She is very skilled with weapons and is a very valuable party member in combat.
9. Selfie Tilmitt (Final Fantasy 8)
Final Fantasy 8 has had a few decent female characters, but Selfie is arguably the best of them all. This cheerful girl manages to balance between a frivolous character and more serious scenes, as well as offer comic relief without making it unpleasant for the players.
The selfie is immediately sympathetic, and players often forget that she's going through the worst heartache in the game, as of all the Gardens, it is her home in Trabia that has been destroyed. The scene when Selfie visits her friends' graves and talks to them is absolutely heartbreaking.
8. Freya Crescent (Final Fantasy 9)
Freya is one of the companions that players encounter during the storyline of Final Fantasy 9. She is a Burmetian, a race of anthropomorphic rats living in Clare and Burmetia. Freya is a stunning female character who has moved away from the familiar dragoon look used in the franchise and instead has a unique outfit.
Freya's touching spin-off story of her seeking her long-lost love but discovers that he does not remember her is just one of the many sad interludes woven into the storyline of Final Fantasy 9.
7. Lulu (Final Fantasy 10 / 10-2)
Lulu is one of Yuna's guardians in Final Fantasy 10 and one of the playable party members. Fans were immediately captivated by her rather cold gothic style and austere personality. Despite appearing in the sequel to Final Fantasy 10-2, Lulu was relegated to being a minor NPC who had recently become a mother, instead of being part of Yuna's little "Charlie's Angels" company.
6. Lunafreya Knox Flereth (Final Fantasy 15)
Despite the fact that Lunafreya became famous as the heroine of Final Fantasy 15, fans felt that she was given surprisingly little screen time in the game. Despite the fact that it seemed to the players that Lunafreya barely had time to flash, she is still one of the most intriguing, and therefore the best female characters in the series.
Perhaps Lunafreya represents one of the few instances where the protagonist pushes the game forward and “saves” the hero, rather than the hero rescuing her. Fans were bitterly disappointed when the Lunafreya DLC episode was canceled along with several other episodes.
5. Terra Branford (Final Fantasy 6)
Terra is one of the characters in Final Fantasy 6, all of whom share a "lead role". Terra is arguably the most diverse character in design, with her hair sometimes being green or blonde, and her outfit changing depending on whether it's an official artwork, FMV, a sprite, or the game she appears in.
She is one of the best female characters thanks to her character development from a soldier of the Gestalian Empire to a member of the resistance, as well as her immense strength, which makes her a formidable force to be reckoned with.
4. Rydia (Final Fantasy 4)
Rydia is one of the playable characters in Final Fantasy 4 and also appeared in Final Fantasy 4: The After Years. This green-haired beauty is a summoner and one of the most notable characters in the game.
What makes her stand out among the best female characters in the franchise is that players see her transform from a young, fearful girl to a strong, independent woman.The game provided Rydia with a well-thought-out storyline and showed her development in terms of relationships with other people, as well as improving her abilities.
3. Rikku (Final Fantasy 10 / 10-2)
Rikku is the life and soul of Final Fantasy 10 and its sequels to Final Fantasy 10-2, she is so happy and cheerful that it's hard not to fall in love with her free-spirited nature. Her lighthearted nature is made all the more attractive when players see that she is branded as Al-Bhed, which makes Rikku even more ferocious than previously thought, as she is still able to smile in the face of difficulties.
Additionally, Rikku is caring and loyal enough to try to save Yuna from her fate, and eventually accompanies Yuna on her quest, becoming the final guardian.
2. Tifa Lockhart (Final Fantasy 7)
Tifa is one of the playable characters in Final Fantasy 7 and also appears in several spin-offs of the game. Although she is often overshadowed by Aerith, Tifa has many fans who happily claim that she is the best female character in the game.
While Tifa can be shy, she is an absolutely strong woman who can handle herself. Tifa is also very caring towards others, despite not revealing herself often, which makes her a very lovable character.
1. Lightning Farron (Final Fantasy 13 / 13-2 / Lightning Returns)
Lightning from Final Fantasy 13 was a refreshing change of pace for Final Fantasy players as a real female protagonist appeared for the first time in the series. While some fans may argue that Terra from Final Fantasy 6 was the first female main figure, Square Enix's Motou Toriyama stated that every Final Fantasy 6 character was supposed to be a main character, which is why Lightning is the first true female main figure.
Additionally, Lightning changed the pace of the game as she was not some "girl in trouble" relying on others to save her or help her, she was a hero. Her courageous, tenacious personality has proven popular enough to merit two sequels.
