The Best Final Fantasy Party Members Players Can’t Control

The Best Final Fantasy Party Members Players Can't Control

Key Takeaways

  • Classic Final Fantasy games have sections where players team up with uncontrollable party members for unique experiences.
  • Modern Final Fantasy games focus on single-character control in fast-paced combat, which can make battles feel one-dimensional.
  • Playing as powerful characters like Sephiroth or being assisted by characters like Aranea is a memorable experience.

As a long-time fanatic of the Final Fantasy series, I must say that the characters within these games have always been a major draw for me. From iconic figures like Cid to lesser-known gems such as Lebreau, each character adds their unique flavor to the rich tapestry of stories and worlds that Square Enix has crafted over the years.


In most games of Final Fantasy, you get to manage a varied group of characters, each offering unique abilities and vulnerabilities. This flexibility empowers players to create enjoyable party combinations in each game, making it possible to handle the majority of battles effortlessly. Yet, some titles from the original series introduce an unexpected challenge by featuring stages where you work alongside a character who isn’t directly controllable.

In most contemporary games from the Final Fantasy series, players are only able to manage a single character during action-packed battles, with the rest of the characters being computer-controlled. This design choice allows for a more streamlined gaming experience, targeting new fans who might be drawn in by the series’ modernization efforts. However, some gamers may feel frustrated by this limited control, leading to combat feeling somewhat monotonous and shallow at times. Although the decision to focus on a single controllable character is reasonable given the franchise’s ongoing modernization attempts, it can leave some players wanting more control over their team dynamics.

5 Sephiroth

Players Get A Taste Of His Power During Cloud’s Flashback

The Best Final Fantasy Party Members Players Can't Control

As a devoted fan, I must say that the flashback scene following our escape from Midgar in Final Fantasy 7 serves as a pivotal moment in the series. This part of the story subtly paints Cloud as somewhat of an uncertain storyteller, with Tifa frequently casting doubt on his version of events during their time in Nibelheim. Yet, the most thrilling aspect of this flashback sequence arrives when we, the players, get to control a young and inexperienced Cloud, who joins forces with the legendary Sephiroth to battle an awe-inspiring monster.

As a gamer, I found myself in awe during this stage, for I was faced with an opponent so formidable that issuing commands felt unnecessary. With just one strike, Sephiroth, the mighty adversary, crumbled. The sheer power on display was a testament to his character and added to the enigma surrounding him. His brief appearance before this pivotal moment only served to heighten my anticipation for the role he would later play as the game’s central antagonist, further cementing his legacy.

4 Aranea Highwind

A Femme Fatale Who Stands In Noctis’ Way Before Eventually Aiding Him

The Best Final Fantasy Party Members Players Can't Control

In many instances, Dragoons stand out as exceptional characters within the realm of Final Fantasy, and Aranea Highwind exemplifies this well. Engaging in battle against her is a grand cinematic event, requiring players to exercise caution when dodging her attacks and timing counter-moves to dodge spear thrusts. As time unfolds, it’s disclosed that Aranea’s loyalty lies solely with herself. Initially contracted as a mercenary by Niflheim, she had the ability to resist their oppressive actions and aid the heroes in their quest to liberate the world from this empire’s grip of tyranny.

As a gamer, I found myself in situations where Aranea would join my party for specific missions, offering valuable assistance. Battling alongside her was exhilarating, but unfortunately, the game designers didn’t let us control her in combat. This was quite disappointing, especially since other characters gained this ability through post-release updates. However, Aranea’s awe-inspiring presence more than made up for it, and fans were thrilled to see her aid Prompto on his path of self-exploration.

3 Cidolfus “Cid” Telamon

The Leader Of The Resistance Whose Charismatic Presence Is Abruptly Cut Short

The Best Final Fantasy Party Members Players Can't Control

Among the most iconic characters in the Final Fantasy universe, Cid stands out as one who has taken on various roles throughout the series. In Final Fantasy 16, Cid is portrayed as a rebellious leader, heading a resistance to protect the Bearers and prevent them from being continuously mistreated by the world. During Clive’s adventures, he often offers assistance and accompanies him, making it regrettable that players are unable to control him within the game.

In light of Final Fantasy 16 being classified as a character-action RPG, it’s not surprising that Cid, such an engaging personality, is controlled by AI. However, it’s disappointing nonetheless. The disappointment deepens when this rebellious leader meets his end while attempting to demolish one of the Mothercrystals, as his interactions with Clive and other characters bring a touch of humor to a narrative that can sometimes feel overly grim.

2 Umaro

A Berserker Yeti Who Serves As An Optional Party Member

The Best Final Fantasy Party Members Players Can't Control

It’s undeniable that Umaro isn’t the ideal party member in “Final Fantasy 6”, as his role as an additional member means that many players might not utilize him during the climax of the game, close to tackling its final dungeon. Nonetheless, there are instances where Umaro can prove quite useful in combat situations.

Equipped with Berserker Ring and Blizzard Orb on Umaro, he has access to four potent battle moves capable of inflicting significant damage. His basic strike is respectable, but Body Blow and Throw Ally bypass defense, dealing damage relative to Umaro’s equipment or the recipient’s defenses. Lastly, Snowstorm serves as an icy assault that targets all opponents for moderate harm, proving handy in emergencies.

1 Lebreau

A Member Of NORA Who Heals The Party

The Best Final Fantasy Party Members Players Can't Control

Although some consider Final Fantasy 13 the black sheep of the series, those who take a chance on it will discover numerous aspects to adore about this often misunderstood game. Its ambitious storyline and engaging combat system, which is more complex than commonly perceived, are just a few of the many appealing features in Final Fantasy 13, making it an innovative addition to the enduring JRPG series.

In this series, NORA stands as a rebel group, battling the cruel actions of the Sanctum. The group’s founder, Snow Villiers, is initially joined by two other characters during the early stages of the game. One of these companions is Lebreau, a crucial teammate who engages enemies with her rifle and occasionally employs the Potion command to mend the party’s wounds when needed. Her presence is particularly important for players who may find the combat system challenging at the beginning, as without her support, they might face significant difficulties in progressing through this early part of the game.

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2024-10-01 18:33