Ever since Final Fantasy has debuted in 1987, the series has been littered with some of the most diverse protagonists in gaming. Ranging from the almost god-like all the way through the loveable goofs, players move up and down the power scale all the time.
Power isn’t everything though, a range of skills will oftentimes make up for simple force. Also giving the player some diverse strategies to break up the gameplay, making the entire experience more involved. Not every game had a protagonist, leaving blank spots in the party and moving some lesser characters up in the rankings.
15 Vaan - FF XII
This character is definitely an interesting choice for the game studio, putting players almost in a backseat of the entire story. Vaan spends most of the game trying to figure out what’s going on around him and failing, making it frustrating at times to be stuck in his perspective.
His quickenings can be used to deal out some major damage in-game, but his teammates are capable of more damage at a faster pace. Even at level 99, when the character has the best overall stats, he only matches his sidekick for strength.
14 Firion - FF II
Firion is one of the most relatable protagonists skill-wise, an adopted orphan who rises up to hero status. 18 years old and easily seduced, he navigates his way through a corrupt Emperors plans to save the world.
His skill set is one of most balanced in the series, leaving it completely up to the player what direction to take him in. In the line up of protagonists, he falls short in the way of raw ability, which is saying a lot considering he burst through the belly of a leviathan, tough competition.
13 Luneth - FF III
This iteration of the Warrior’s of Light take on a much different path than the originals, gaining aid from others in their fight against the Cloud Of Darkness. Being in a team of 4 that eventually becomes 8 as the Warriors Of Darkness sacrifice themselves to weaken the enemy puts him in a unique position.
A strong overall character, Luneth’s combat skills will suit just about any players needs. While leveling the chosen job path it’s only his HP that will be effected permanently, making jumping through different jobs relatively low reward. Picking one lane and sticking to it is usually the most beneficial path for Luneth and so lowers the skill variation.
12 Warrior Of Light - FF XIV
Being put in the same category as Hydaelyn’s biggest heroes is a serious compliment and a well deserved one after the events of XIV. Ridding the land of Eorzea from the evil plot to destroy the land and conquer the remains. The player will have to fight with the newly reinstated Grand Companies and thwart the Garleans.
This will include taking the power of the Ultima Weapon while leading a special forces team through to victory. While the feats may fall short when held up to the other games, the characters skill level is dependent entirely on the path the player takes to the ending.
11 Tidus - FF X
While he’s handy with a sword and shield, Tidus’s skillset drifts more into the magical arena. Able to employ a variety of abilities besides the physical, even his accuracy impresses on the battlefield. He’s also able to fight underwater, a unique quality amongst the main protagonists.
Though he’s useful in many ways, Tidus doesn’t stack up very well when compared with most of the group. Mostly underpowered, even so in the immediate team he travels with, his underwater antics aren’t enough to move him close to the top of the pile.
10 The Adventurer - FF XI
While this game took on a different role and MMORPG, the protagonist still undertakes a harrowing journey that puts their skills to the test. Inevitably taking on the Shadow Lord, the leader of the Beastmen and the reason the war began in the first place.
Depending on what path the player chooses to go down, they will have to battle through Vana’diel and bring together the 3 main nations in the fight against the demonic leader. Mending governments and ultimately leading an army into war is more than enough to compete in the list.
9 Squall Leonhart - FF VIII
An orphan who was never adopted, Squall was sent into anti-sorceress taskforce training at the age of 6. Training with one of the most difficult to master weapons, the iconic Gunblade, gives him an edge over the usual swordsman on the skill side of things.
Though his company is some of the most skilled in the series, with Ellone sending people minds through time, his skills are limited to complex weaponry and combat skills. Even his social skills aren’t up to par with most of the protagonists.
8 Cloud Strife - FF VII
A mercenary with a 5-foot long blade is nothing to sneeze at, especially when he has access to the most powerful weapons in the game. A product of experimentation, his abilities surpass those of a regular human in terms of strength, speed and stamina.
Combined with his access to the most devastating weapons, his power range is boosted by raw physical ability. In terms of skill, Cloud has the best overall stats but is mostly a swordsman with some extra benefits.
7 Cecil Harvey - FF IV
A dark knight that made a 180 transition to Paladin, Cecil’s sword skills can’t be matched. He takes on the personification of Malice along with his friends in a battle that takes place on the moon, Is there much more to say?
While his sword skills are unmatched and he has mastered the power of duality, his powers still fall within a semi-human realm. Undoubtedly the most skilled on inner matters by mastering his own hatred, his combat ability is mostly limited to a sword and shield.
6 Lightning - FF XIII
Starting out as a goddess’s knight is probably the best start to any of the protagonist’s stories. This is only to come full circle as Lightning is selected as a protector of human souls and given god-like powers. Hands down the strongest character by the finale, Lightning’s skills impress by any standard.
Wielding Gunblades, her battle skills rely on speed and agility. She has massive damage-dealing potential but a delicate HP to go with it. Luckily, her stats are very balanced, giving the player freedom to take her in a variety of battle directions.
5 Noctis Lucis Caelum - FF XV
The only royal member of the list, Noctis steps it up a notch as far as gameplay. Being able to warp by throwing his various weapons, of which Notis can equip any. The power of kings also lets his store his weapons in a pocket dimension and summon them at will.
Drawing power from the elements, he can infuse the power into grenades. This makes him an incredibly versatile fighter, able to attack every type effectively. Noctis is easily one of the most skilled protagonists, able to both attack and defend in ways far different than the rest of the pack.
4 Zidane Tribal - FF IX
A creation of Garland, Zidane was created as an angel of death to cause chaos after growing into a man. A stark contrast from his personality in the series, his enhanced physical talent is a result of this.
Very skilled but in a different way to most of the squad, Zidane is an expert thief. This turns out to bring a myriad of battle-ready skills, switching from support to massive offensive ability. Detecting an item on an enemy and stealing it also allows players to quicken battles, even taking powerful items from out of your enemy’s hands.
3 Terra Branford - FF VI
Beginning the game as a soldier who is experimented on for her innate magical ability is not a bad place to start. Not even born in the human realm, her control of magic is the best in the series. An initial focus on her fire abilities quickly changes into a broad span of all offensive magic.
The only reason she is still in the human realm is that she gave up her incredibly powerful form for her love of human children. On top of all this, she can levitate and fly in Esper form making her the Final Fantasy equivalent of Criss Angel.
2 Bartz Klauser - FF V
In terms of skill, Bartz takes the throne for solo characters. He masters all jobs and can excel in all realms, including weapons. While the game leans towards his raw strength boost, his magic is potentially his highest stat with the right job mastery.
Calling him a jack of all trades is an understatement, any path the player decides to go down is his forte. He may not be close to the top of the charts in power but the carefree traveler is definitely the most versatile in terms of gameplay.
1 Warriors Of Light - FF
Not exactly an even playing field with the first game seeing as there are 4 main protagonists, the warriors of light. One character does stand tall in the story, though he’s not given a name. The player chooses the class and so determines what skill set he has, all strong in their own way.
If it’s narrowed down to the seemingly main warrior, his skills are the best in the original game and he has lots of resolve to tackle the literal form of Chaos. His skills aren’t as grand as the later protagonists but if you put the Warriors together, it creates a lethal squad.
NEXT: The 25 Strongest Final Fantasy Characters, Officially Ranked
