The 10 STRONGEST Final Fantasy Protagonists

10 Strongest Final Fantasy Protagonists

Welcome to MojoPlays, and today we’ll be discussing some of the toughest main characters from the “Final Fantasy” franchise. Warning, there will be plenty of spoilers ahead!

Bartz Klauser

“Final Fantasy V” (1992)

Older characters from the “Final Fantasy” franchise, such as Firion from the second entry [xref] or our first pick, Bartz Klauser, can sometimes be left out of conversations like this one. This is a shame, because Klauser’s main protagonist arc within “Final Fantasy V” has aged fairly well. The game was initially only released in Japan, but word eventually spread about Bartz’s ability to adapt to basically any combat situation. Klauser is adept with a wide variety of weapons, while his status as a Warrior of Light has enabled him with covert battle dexterity as well as the ability to utilize magic to get the job done.

Tidus

“Final Fantasy X” (2001)

Have you ever heard the old saying, “the best defense is a good offense?” Tidus from “Final Fantasy X” seems to have taken this phrase to heart. At least, if his strength as a main protagonist is anything to go by. There’s really no other way to say this: Tidus is kind of a jock. He’s already an athletic Blitzball player when we meet him, boasting a physique that’s capably impressive. Tidus leans heavily into this traditional warrior dynamic, striking head-on and worrying about his defensive capabilities later. This stands in stark contrast to another “Final Fantasy X” character such as Yuna, who prospers more as a magic-user.

Cecil Harvey

“Final Fantasy IV” (1991)

Viewers of a certain age will probably point to this “Final Fantasy” game as the one that changed everything for the North American market. It was released as “Final Fantasy II” at that point, despite the story of Cecil Harvey and Co. debuting in Japan as “Final Fantasy IV.” North American players received their first heavy dose of storyline and character building in this game, particularly when Cecil graduates from his Dark Knight persona into a heroic Paladin. The protagonist’s attack rate is already fairly high from the jump, but this transition into the light enables for increased defense, as well the introduction of some white magic.

Cloud Strife

“Final Fantasy VII” (1997)

It’s not just Cloud Strife’s massive Buster Sword that makes him a capable “Final Fantasy” protagonist. There’s also some canonical storytelling aspects that make Strife’s history in the military reflect his offensive abilities. Sure, Cloud never made it into the SOLDIER ranks, but his work in Shinra’s infantry proved his mettle. Meanwhile, Mako poisoning and Jenova cells from Sephiroth all react within Cloud’s physical makeup, which is already strong to begin with. What can we say? They call “Final Fantasy VII” a classic for a reason, and Cloud Strife absolutely remains one of the franchise’s most iconic characters.

Squall Leonhart

“Final Fantasy VIII” (1999)

You either love it or hate it: the junction system. This method of ability development was unique to “Final Fantasy VIII,” and helped boost Squall Leonhart to a spot on our list. Not that Squall needed much help, since he’s also one of the most immediately recognizable male protagonists from the “Final Fantasy” series. His attack abilities balance magic and physical attacks well, while Squall’s gunblade is perhaps only second to Cloud’s Buster Sword when it comes to that all-important “coolness factor.” Basically what we’re saying is that there’s little even the toughest bad guy can do against a leveled-up, fully-junctioned Squall with a limit break on deck.

Zidane Tribal

“Final Fantasy IX” (2000)

Don’t let Zidane Tribal’s cute, diminutive looks fool you: this lead protagonist of “Final Fantasy IX” is tough as nails. This goes double when Zidane enters his Trance-mode, which is essentially this game’s version of a limit break. Beyond this, the plot of “Final Fantasy IX” reveals that Zidane was actually created to become a life-destroying, endtime being; a Genome angel-of-death with seemingly unlimited power. These themes of purpose and destiny run through much of the game’s narrative, but Zidane’s backstory clearly underlines just how strong, and potentially dangerous, he can be.

Terra Branford

“Final Fantasy VI” (1994)

She’s built from both worlds: a human and an esper with power even she doesn’t fully understand. Terra Branford remains one of the most well-liked and easily-identifiable characters from the “Final Fantasy” universe. This isn’t only due to her iconic musical theme, either, but of her impressive strength and capabilities in battle. Magic and physical attacks come easy to Terra, since we first see her in a military capacity as a super-soldier, albeit one with her mental faculties and independence suppressed. Plus, the end-game boss fight is basically Kefka Palazzo as a living god-like being, and this scenario demands an equally capable protagonist to take up the fight.

Noctis Lucis Caelum

“Final Fantasy XV” (2016)

The “Final Fantasy” franchise has certainly come a long way since the Warrior of Light sprites from the original game. Its protagonists have also progressed in terms of innate strength, since a character such as Noctis Lucis Caelum from “Final Fantasy XV” already starts things off in a capable position. His regal heritage as a crown prince essentially ensures he has time and training at his disposal. Elsewhere, his magic use, teleportation abilities and skill with a blade make his hero’s journey just a little bit easier ... .at least compared to some other “Final Fantasy” characters.

Lightning

“Final Fantasy XIII” (2009)

The spirit of Squall Leonhart’s gunblade lives on within Lightning’s Blazefire Saber from “Final Fantasy XIII.” We don’t need no stinkin’ physics lesson to know that this weapon is cool as hell, while Lightning herself certainly knows how to utilize it in a battle situation. Lightning is also swift and efficient in combat, a skilled and cunning warrior with the ability to shift attack styles on a dime. Sure, her HP tends to be lower than other party members, but when Lightning has the devastating Army of One signature move in her back pocket, who’s going to be counting?

Clive Rosfield

“Final Fantasy XVI” (2023)

It’s a question many fans of “Final Fantasy” ask themselves, and each other, when comparing the franchise’s recent protagonists. If Lightning is in God Mode, then who can top her? Some say it’s Clive Rosfield from “Final Fantasy XVI,” although we admittedly love to play devil’s advocate. Sure, Clive may expire from his full-power sacrifice at the game’s finale (or does he?), but his in-game domination of Ifrit lends Rosfield some immensely strong pyrokinetic powers. Elsewhere, Clive is just a beast of a human specimen, boasting physical strength that’s equal to his exceptional swordsmanship.

Are there any side “Final Fantasy” characters you feel are underrated? Let us know in the comments!