Best Final Fantasy Quotes Of All Time

Final Fantasy 10, released in 2001 for the PlayStation 2, was the first major game in the series to feature characters speaking dialogue. Considering the original Final Fantasy debuted in Japan on the NES in 1987, this was a significant addition just over a decade later. While voice acting became a new element, the series continued to value strong writing, recognizing that impactful storytelling can be achieved through both spoken words and text.

Over the years, Square Enix has employed many talented writers, especially for the Final Fantasy series. It’s tough to pick the very best lines, but we’ve gathered some of the most memorable quotes from both the main games and spinoffs. We’ll be ranking them based on how impactful, funny, or relatable they are.

There will be some spoilers.

10. “Cloaked In Gloom And Veiled By Shadow, We Await That Fateful Day When The Warriors Of Light Arise.”

Jack Garland (Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin)

Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin is a story that takes place before the original Final Fantasy game, following Jack and his companions. As the game progresses, they discover they aren’t the heroes everyone expects – they’re stuck repeating the same events. The game culminates with Jack declaring he’ll embrace darkness to create a brighter future, a powerful moment because the game actually is the beginning of the entire series. When it was first released, many players didn’t realize Stranger of Paradise was a prequel, which made this quote particularly impactful and memorable for fans.

9. “Don’t Listen To Ondore’s Lies!”

Vaan (Final Fantasy 12)

Vaan is the main character in Final Fantasy 12, a young thief who wants to be a sky pirate. Early in the game, players control Vaan to create a diversion, getting the attention of townspeople. He’s asked to impersonate Captain Basch, a warrior who was seemingly killed in battle. Players can even make Vaan shout, “I’m Captain Basch fon Ronsenburg of Dalmasca!” as part of this disguise.

This little game and scene is enjoyable because players directly influence the dialogue. The lines are repeated, making them easy to remember – and that’s where their impact comes from. While repeating lines isn’t usually award-winning, the way Vaan says them is a big part of why they’re so well-regarded.

8. “Whatever.”

Squall Leonhart

Squall is the main character in Final Fantasy 8, and he’s known for being incredibly aloof. He famously says “Whatever” so often that other characters even anticipate it, turning it into a recurring joke. However, Squall does grow throughout the game, learning to embrace leadership and open himself up to love and friendship, a significant change from his initial dismissive attitude towards everything.

Although “whatever” became a popular internet meme, it actually fits Squall’s character well. He uses the phrase as a way to protect himself emotionally, not just as a habit or to seem cool.

7. “Nailed it, I know, Thank You…Moving On.”

Cloud Strife (Final Fantasy 7 Remake)

This humorous line comes from Cloud in Final Fantasy 7 Remake. It’s part of a funny scene where players must disguise themselves as women to get close to a powerful crime boss named Don Corneo.

Okay, so I was watching the scene in Don Corneo’s place, and it totally hit me – Tifa realizes the woman Cloud ‘rescued’ is actually someone she knows from way back when! It’s such a great moment. And then Cloud just confidently announces it, which is hilarious! I always forget he’s kind of a loner himself, kind of like Squall, so seeing him so proud of pulling off that disguise was a fun surprise.

6. “Had They Been With Their Own Kind Supping On Broth Of Bean, She Would Yet Live!”

Argath Thadalfus (Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles)

Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles is a re-released version of a beloved Final Fantasy spin-off game, now featuring an improved translation and full voice acting. A prime example of the game’s surprisingly poetic writing comes from a line spoken by Argath. After Delita’s sister dies in battle, Argath tells Ramza it wasn’t his fault – instead, he blames Delita and Tietra’s ambition to escape their humble beginnings, sarcastically referencing their simple diet of bean soup. It’s a chillingly cold remark, but delivered with exceptional quality.

5. “The Reaper Is Always One Step Behind Me…”

Shadow (Final Fantasy 6)

Shadow is a character who temporarily joins your party in Final Fantasy 6. He first appears during Sabin’s initial quest. Shadow is known for his cool and mysterious personality, and often speaks in cryptic lines. What makes him truly special – though it’s hard to capture in writing – is how he delivers those lines alongside his fantastic theme music, a memorable blend of whistling and guitar.

This quote isn’t just memorable—it perfectly captures who Shadow is as a character. It reveals he’s accepted his own mortality without being afraid. Shadow is one of the most compelling characters in Final Fantasy 6, especially considering how reserved and thoughtful he is.

4. “Guard Your Emotions First, Then Guard Your Summoner.”

Auron (Final Fantasy 10)

Auron, a character from Final Fantasy 10, is similar to Shadow in that he only speaks when he has something meaningful or insightful to contribute. A good example of this happens in Macalania Woods when Dona, a rival Summoner, goes missing. Despite the arguments between the two groups, Auron calmly sees past the conflict and gives Barthello, Dona’s protector, helpful advice. This advice essentially reminds players that trying to reason with someone who is panicking is often futile.

3. “To Hell With Looks, It’s What’s Inside That Counts.”

Zidane Tribal (Final Fantasy 9)

Zidane is the main character in Final Fantasy 9. He’s a calm and playful thief with a good heart. What makes Zidane so likable is his instant connection with Vivi, who struggles with questions about who he is.

A particularly touching moment happens right after the ship crashes in the forest, when Vivi and Zidane have a private conversation. Vivi is worried about being different – he doesn’t understand what Zidane is, where he comes from, or if others will find him strange. Zidane responds by emphasizing that Vivi’s appearance isn’t important. What truly matters is what Vivi does with his abilities. If he uses his magic to help others, he can become a hero, regardless of how he looks.

Vivi’s “How do you prove that you exist…?” is also a great quote that ties into the above.

2. “My Honor, My Dreams… They’re Yours Now.”

Zack Fair (Crisis Core)

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 tells the story of Zack, a character who only briefly appears in the original Final Fantasy 7. This game is his origin story, showing his journey as he climbs the ranks within the SOLDIER program of the Shinra Corporation. However, the story takes a tragic turn when Shinra betrays Zack and his allies. He flees with a young Cloud and ultimately sacrifices himself to ensure Cloud’s survival, fighting off countless enemies in a final, emotional stand. In his last moments, Zack entrusts his dreams and his iconic sword to Cloud, creating a deeply moving and powerful scene.

A central idea in Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 is the loss of dreams, experienced by characters like Zack and Cloud, and those around them. Therefore, Zack’s final words to Cloud feel particularly significant, bringing the story full circle. This moment also deepens our understanding of Cloud’s actions in Final Fantasy 7, and explains why he possesses the Buster Sword despite his memory loss.

1. “You Spoony Bard!”

Tellah (Final Fantasy 4)

Perhaps the most iconic line in the entire Final Fantasy series comes from Tellah, a character who briefly joins your party in Final Fantasy 4. Tellah’s motivation is finding his daughter, Anna, who he believes ran away with Prince Edward. Tragically, they discover Anna has died and Edward is hiding in fear. It’s in this heartbreaking moment that Tellah unleashes a furious tirade, deeply upset that Edward lived while his daughter perished. He also looks down on Edward for being a Bard – a class Tellah considers useless, essentially calling him ‘spoony’ as an insult, suggesting that poetry offers no help in a time of war.

This line is famously awkward for such a serious moment – it really stands out. It’s strange that such a silly phrase was used instead of something more impactful and clear. Regardless, “You Spoony Bard!” has become a beloved inside joke, even appearing as a playful reference in later Final Fantasy games – a fun wink to the audience. It’s always great to see developers having fun like that! Now, players often use the line as a way to test other fans’ knowledge of the series.

2026-01-12 06:13