Final Fantasy Female Characters Ranked: Who Tops the List?

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WARNING: The following tier list contains MAJOR SPOILERS for the Final Fantasy mainline series.

In various installments of the Final Fantasy series, there are numerous formidable characters, some of whom are male, like Cloud Strife and Clive Rosfield, but female characters have equally made a significant impact on fans. Although these males tend to be frequently mentioned in discussions, their female counterparts have equally left lasting impressions for distinct reasons within the Final Fantasy community.

In this ranking system, characters were categorized based on their character design, physical prowess demonstrated, and impact on the storylines of their respective games. This list encompasses both playable and non-playable characters who are all female humanoids whose actions, whether good or evil, have substantial effects on their game’s primary narratives. With a few exceptions, characters such as the Adventurer from Final Fantasy 11 and the Warrior of Light from Final Fantasy 14, known for their adaptability and extensive customization options, were not included. Additionally, summoned entities like Shiva and Garuda were typically left out of the rankings.

We limited our selection to characters exclusively from the primary series of the video game franchise called Final Fantasy, which encompasses both sequels and additional content like downloadable expansions.

S-Tier

Terra Branford (from Final Fantasy VI): Half-human, half-Esper girl named Terra embarks on a personal journey to understand humanity. Her unique abilities and Esper magic make her an outstanding character in the game, Final Fantasy VI.

As a previous commander in the Gestahlian Empire, Celes possesses the ability to harness Runic energy, enabling her to seize enemy spells and amplify her offensive capabilities. Notably, during the memorable opera sequence in Final Fantasy 6, she showcased her exceptional vocal talents.

Aerith Gainsborough (Final Fantasy 7): Aerith’s life has been marked by tragedy since her early years, as she was constantly hunted by Shinra due to being a Cetra. One of the most shocking moments in video game history unfolded when Aerith’s destiny in the Forgotten Capital was revealed.

Tifa Lockhart (from Final Fantasy 7): Tifa stands out as one of the most identifiable fighters in the Final Fantasy series. With her distinctive attire, impressive martial arts skills, and unwavering devotion to Cloud and Avalanche, she continues to be a beloved character among fans.

In the world of Final Fantasy 7, Jenova serves as the central driving force behind all the series’ events. Jenova’s unique cells have the ability to produce powerful soldiers and monstrous creatures. However, each cell strives to reunite with the main body, a key element in the grand scheme of things.

In the game Final Fantasy 8, Edea Kramer initially appears as an adversarial Sorceress, but as the story unfolds, players learn that she is not the primary villain. Once liberated from Ultimecia’s influence, Edea reverts to her former self – a compassionate and nurturing matron.

In Final Fantasy 8, it’s Ultimecia the Sorceress who sets the story in motion. Her ambition is to condense time, and with her abilities to take control of others and her vast arsenal of magical attacks, she proves to be one of the most challenging adversaries across the series.

In Final Fantasy 9, Beatrix is undoubtedly one of the most formidable adversaries encountered by Zidane and his comrades. The intensity is heightened because, even though she is fought on three separate occasions, the battles against her remain unbeatable for players.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but admire Yuna from Final Fantasy X and X-2. Her abilities as a Summoner and later a Gunner are impressive, but what truly sets her apart is her selfless dedication to Spira and the relentless pursuit of defeating Sin. She stands among the most noble heroes in the Final Fantasy universe.

In the realm of Vana’diel, Shantotto is renowned for her mastery over a wide array of potent black magic spells, spanning the full spectrum of elements. Not only does she have a knack for composing verses, but also for maintaining an unsettling air of amusement amidst destruction, earning her a formidable reputation as one of the most feared characters.

Fran (from Final Fantasy 12): Fran is Balthier’s accomplice and a highly skilled mechanic. With her Viera abilities, she has the sharpest senses among the group, and her mastery of various weapons and magical attacks make her one of the most impressive scene-stealers in the entire Final Fantasy series.

Originally named Claire Farron, Lightning is the central character in the Final Fantasy 13 trilogy. Her combat prowess and ultimate transformation into a deity have solidified her position among the most potent female protagonists within the franchise.

In the game Final Fantasy 14, Hydaelyn is a significant figure who provides the Warrior of Light with a shield against being controlled by the Primals. During the main narrative of Endwalker, Hydaelyn tests the Warrior of Light in combat.

A-Tier

As a devoted fan, allow me to share my take on describing Rydia:

I’m just like Rydia, hailing from the verdant village of Mist in another realm. Time seemed to rush for her during our shared journey through the Land of Summons, maturing her swiftly into an adult. Her prowess with dark magic and summoning mighty Eidolons grew stronger as she progressed on this magical adventure.

Yuffie Kisaragi (from Final Fantasy 7): Despite being a nimble ninja who has a knack for snatching materia, Yuffie’s loyalty to Wutai mirrors Avalanche’s objectives. In the upcoming Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Yuffie demonstrates her worth on the battlefield through her elemental Ninjutsu skills and extended range.

Rinoa Heartilly (from Final Fantasy 8): In the game, Rinoa is initially depicted as a member of the Forest Owls, a group resisting Galbadia’s administration. Later, she disguises herself as one of Squall’s SeeD comrades and eventually discovers her own Sorceress abilities.

Quistis Trepe (Final Fantasy 8): Although Squall’s Gunblade and Rinoa’s Blaster Edge are more iconic than Quistis’ whips, her Limit Breaks enable her to tap into Blue Magic, a form of magic derived from monster spells like Mighty Guard and Shockwave Pulsar.

In the game Final Fantasy 9, Princess Garnet of Alexandros XVII adopts the name “Dagger” following her escape from Alexandria. During their joint escapades, she forges a strong connection with Zidane. Her powerful Eidolons and White Magic abilities make Garnet an indispensable teammate throughout the game.

Freya Crescent (from Final Fantasy 9): Freya stands out among the party members in Final Fantasy 9 due to her unwavering loyalty to her kingdom and deep longing for a reunion with her past love. In Trance mode, her Jump attack becomes significantly stronger, placing her high on the list of formidable physical attackers.

Lulu (Final Fantasy 10): Lulu is consistently dependable and well-informed among our group. Her iconic black attire and abilities as a Black Mage place Lulu high in Spira’s list of powerful spellcasters, although mastering her Overdrive can sometimes be frustrating.

As the latest member of the Gullwings, Paine serves as a battle-hardened warrior whose past is deeply intertwined with the happenings of Final Fantasy 10’s sequel. Her somber attire stands out against the vibrant costumes donned by Yuna and Rikku.

Prishe (From Final Fantasy 11): Although she seems young, Prishe is actually quite old. Her abilities play a crucial role in the storyline of the Chains of Promathia expansion.

In the aftermath of the Dalmascan Kingdom’s conquest by the Arcadian Empire, Princess Ashelia B’nargn Dalmasca conceals herself and mobilizes a Resistance to reclaim her kingdom. Her efforts to regain the throne serve as the central narrative in Final Fantasy 12.

Character Analysis: Oerba Yun Fang (Final Fantasy 13): Fang is a warrior who fights with a lance and has a longer lifespan than she appears to have. It’s worth noting that she can be a bit unpredictable or eccentric, but her true power lies in her Eidolon, Bahamut, which makes her an intimidating figure on the battlefield.

As a gamer, I found myself stepping up as Serah Farron in the follow-up to Final Fantasy 13, where she had spent most of the game as a crystallized L’Cie. Armed with a bow and possessing magical abilities reminiscent of her elder sister Lightning, I was ready to embark on a new adventure.

Minfillia Warde, who was part of the main storyline until A Realm Reborn, played a crucial role with her bravery leading to a significant impact in the expansions of Shadowbringers and Endwalker, as she made a great sacrifice.

Or, in another way: Minfillia Warde, who initially left the main cast after A Realm Reborn, showed immense courage that had far-reaching consequences in both the Shadowbringers and Endwalker expansions, ultimately making a selfless sacrifice.

In the realm of Final Fantasy 14, Y’shtola stands out as one of the most beloved characters. Her abilities as a black mage, coupled with her aether sight that perceives beyond the visible world, make her unique. Driven by her insatiable curiosity and loyalty to the Warrior of Light, Y’shtola remains steadfast in her pursuits.

Alisaie Leveilleul (Final Fantasy 14): Though she’s occasionally confused with her twin brother Alphinaud, Alisaie stands as a formidable Red Mage in her own league. Her determination and unwavering loyalty towards the Warrior of Light are truly exceptional.

In the course of the “Endwalker” expansion, a creature resembling a bird named Meteion made its appearance. Transforming into the Endsinger, Meteion harnesses the mighty force of Dynamis, which allows her to overpower any obstacles in her path.

In the game Final Fantasy 15, Cindy serves as the head mechanic at Hammerhead Station. Despite being dedicated to her work, she is the one who takes care of and enhances the Regalia during Noctis’ travels.

B-Tier

Rosa Farrell (Final Fantasy 4): Rosa is the romantic interest of the primary character Cecil and holds the highest rank as a White Mage within Baron’s military. Despite being abducted by Golbez, she was ultimately saved and stayed by her boyfriend’s side.

In the mystical land of Mysidia, Porom, together with her twin sibling Palom, stands out as one of the most gifted magical practitioners. Unlike her impulsive brother, gentle Porom is known for her measured words and often chides Palom when he strays from proper etiquette.

Faris Scherwiz (Final Fantasy 5): Faris, the long-lost sibling of Lenna, is a blunt-speaking pirate captain who occasionally gets taken for a man. Beneath her tough facade, Faris’ unwavering loyalty to Lenna and Bartz never falters during their journeys together.

Relm Arrowny (Final Fantasy 6): Relm is Strago Magus’ adopted granddaughter and the first character in the Final Fantasy series with the ability to cast supportive spells, enhancing the strength of her comrades.

In the second part of “Final Fantasy 7”, it’s disclosed that Lucrecia is Sephiroth’s birth mother. Overwhelmed by remorse, Lucrecia isolated herself in a concealed grotto, and it was there that the protagonists learned this startling truth.

Elena (Final Fantasy 7): Elena is a determined member of the Turks, accompanying Rude and Tseng on their assignment to capture Aerith. While she shows eagerness, her lack of combat skills became evident during her initial encounters with Cloud, yet this doesn’t stop her from continuing her duties.

In the world of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Cissnei serves as the head of the Gongaga Youth Coalition and operates covertly as a Turk. Contrasting her bubbly demeanor, her combat skills and loyalty towards Zack Fair are particularly noteworthy.

Scarlet (Final Fantasy 7): As a member of Shinra’s board, Scarlet is a relentless woman who seeks to eliminate those who oppose the company. In her efforts against Avalanche, she has the ability to command various mechanical suits.

From the town of Madain Sari hails a solitary summoner named Eiko, who is easily distinguished by her bow and horn among Final Fantasy 9 enthusiasts. Similarly to Garnet, Eiko has the ability to call forth Eidolons to aid her comrades in battle.

In the realm of Final Fantasy 10 and 10-2, Rikku stands out with her cheerful demeanor and spirited attitude, which contrasts beautifully with her cousin, Yuna. As a formidable melee fighter and chemist, Rikku proves to be an indispensable comrade to Tidus and Yuna during their journey.

Oerba Dia Vanille (Final Fantasy 13): Together with Fang, Vanille appears younger than her true age due to her demeanor and character. Though opinions about her voice and behavior differ among Final Fantasy enthusiasts, Vanille plays a crucial role in Final Fantasy 13.

As a gamer, I might say: “I’m Krile, the lalafell Pictomancer from Final Fantasy 14. For quite some time, I’ve been assisting the Warrior of Light and the Scions in their adventures across various expansions. However, it wasn’t until the Dawntrail that my otherworldly origins were delved into more deeply.

In the world of Final Fantasy 14, Lyse initially appeared as “Yda,” named after her deceased sibling. Yet, Lyse’s unveiling and firm demeanor have become a subject of debate among players.

In Final Fantasy 14, Wuk Lamat stands out as the first female Hrothgar among the main characters. Similar to Lyse in her debatable nature and loquaciousness, Wuk Lamat demonstrates an impressive Warrior ability and unwavering determination to surmount challenges. This resolve sometimes echoes the resilience of the Warrior of Light, albeit to a lesser extent.

Queen Sphene Alexandros XIV (Final Fantasy 14) serves as the main adversary in Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail, an Endless simulacrum who was initially defeated in Patch 7.0. However, two iterations of her resurfaced in subsequent updates, leaving it uncertain how Queen Sphene’s latest rule will conclude.

Aranea Highwind (Final Fantasy 15): Originally employed by the Niflheim Empire, Aranea has fought alongside and against the group led by Noctis. Her proficiency with a spear and aerial attacks are a match for Noctis’ royal abilities.

Jill Warrick (Final Fantasy 16): Jill, who is the Dominant of Shiva, comes from one of the fallen Northern Kingdoms. This special status gives her control over ice magic, a power she employs to aid Clive in his mission to destroy the mothercrystals.

Benedikta Harmon (from Final Fantasy 16) describes the sly and crafty Leader of Garuda as being particularly cruel. Regardless of her skills as a secret agent, she eventually yields to her Eikon’s more primal urges and is ultimately defeated by Ifrit.

In “Final Fantasy 16,” Anabella Rosfield turns against her family and witnesses the destruction of the Phoenix Gate at the hands of the Sanbreque Empire. While she isn’t a boss character to be fought, Anabella’s deceitful plots significantly impact the narrative of this game.

C-Tier

The initial female character named, Princess Sarah from Cornelia, ends up at the Chaos Shrine under the rogue knight Garland. Although her role becomes more significant in Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin, ultimately, Sarah’s destiny remains unchanged.

In the world of Final Fantasy, Maria stands out as the first female character players can control. Accompanied by Firion and Guy throughout their journey, Maria’s significance lies not just in being a playable character but also in her versatile abilities. Initially armed with a bow and arrow, she demonstrates remarkable skill in wielding magic, eventually becoming an essential spell caster for the party.

Refia (Final Fantasy 3): The original release of Final Fantasy 3 didn’t give names to its main party, but the 2006 DS version gave each character their own name and persona. In Refia’s case, she is often seen as the maternal figure among the Warriors of Light.

The Green Abomination (Final Fantasy 3): The grotesque, green-hued entity possesses a feminine figure designed for deceit against its adversaries. Equipped with a variety of particle beam assaults, the Green Abomination was ultimately defeated by the Heroic Warriors and sent back to the underworld.

In the world of Final Fantasy 5, Princess Lenna Charlotte Tycoon shares a special connection with her wind draconian companion, named Hiryu. Yet, this affection for Hiryu and her royal position have often placed Lenna in peril during her adventures.

Krile Baldesion (Final Fantasy 5): The character basis for the same-named figure in Final Fantasy 14, Krile from FF5 is Galuf’s granddaughter. Despite acquiring all of Galuf’s abilities after his passing, Krile’s spirited and impulsive nature stands in stark contrast to her deceased grandfather.

Selphie Tilmitt (from Final Fantasy 8): Selphie is one of Squall’s team members in the SeeD unit. In combat, she uses nunchucks and her special abilities can boost our party. Although she is a spirited member of SeeD, Selphie’s sunny disposition occasionally irritates Squall.

Queen Brahne, from Final Fantasy 9, abducted Garnet from her original home and brought her up as her own child, aiming to fulfill her personal goals. However, Brahne’s insatiable desire for power led her astray, following an assault on Alexandria by the fearsome creature Bahamut.

In combat, Penelo shares the highest Magic Points (MP) and magical strength with Ashe, which makes her suitable to play as either a Red Mage or Black Mage in The Zodiac Age. However, during the main storyline of Final Fantasy 12, Penelo plays a more supporting role compared to other characters.

Colonel Jihl Nabaat (Final Fantasy 13): Jihl delightfully manipulates her opponents and employs the party as l’Cie to advance the malevolent schemes of Galenth Dysley. Once Dysley unveils his ultimate plan, he eliminates Jihl, along with the rest of the Palamecia’s crew.

In her role as an Oracle, Lunafreya possesses a unique ability to converse with celestial beings known as Astrals. Tragically, Lunafreya met her end at the hands of Ardyn following Leviathan’s destructive rampage in Altissia. However, even in death, she demonstrated her unwavering loyalty and love for Noctis, her fiancé.

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2025-02-16 01:01