Best Castles In Final Fantasy, Ranked

Key Takeaways

Castles are iconic in Final Fantasy, having a trove of beautiful and epic builds built throughout the series.
Recent entries have moved away from castles, but FF16 brings them back in a more realistic and grounded fashion.
Key castles in FF history include Castle Cornelia, Figaro Castle, Baron Castle, Alexandria Castle, and Ultimecia Castle.

As a seasoned fantasy enthusiast with a penchant for grand castles and intricate lore, I find myself captivated by these iconic fortresses from the beloved world of Final Fantasy. Each one showcases unique architectural marvels, hidden secrets, and an air of mystery that leaves me yearning for more.

As a gamer, I can’t help but marvel at the grandeur of castles in the world of Western fantasy fiction, especially in the Final Fantasy series. With its roots deeply embedded in sword-and-sorcery lore and yarns of malevolent sorcerers and rival realms, it’s only fitting that the series boasts an impressive collection of epic castles. There’s a veritable treasure trove of stunning, impregnable, and instantly recognizable fortresses to explore in the annals of Final Fantasy, whether they’re crafted from pixels or prerenders.

Regrettably, castles have lost their prominence in recent installments, such as the Lucis Caelum lineage residing in a skyscraper with a castle-like design. This shift began with Final Fantasy 7, where the series transitioned from being conventional fantasy RPGs to science fantasy RPGs. Yet, they have resurfaced in the latest title, Final Fantasy 16, though presented in a more realistic and down-to-earth style. Much like real castles, many of the grandest were constructed long ago.

5 Castle Cornelia – Final Fantasy

The Foundational Build That Started It All

Greatest feature: the original Final Fantasy castle

Fans who didn’t advance too far in the 1987 RPG “Final Fantasy” might still remember Castle Cornelia. While it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing or practical castle within the game, Castle Cornelia is undeniably one of the most iconic in both “Final Fantasy” and gaming as a whole. The artistic detail, given the limited graphic capabilities at that time, is commendable, from its intricate labyrinthine corridors to the grand throne room with its contrasting black and gold design.

In various iterations beyond the initial “Final Fantasy”, the tallest towers of the castle pierce far into the heavens, their lofty silhouette shimmering on tranquil waters that mirror them, with verdant fields draped in morning dew surrounding it all. The game “Stranger of Paradise“, set within the realm of “Final Fantasy”, presents Cornelia as if its marble walls and floors were solidified light, while its throne room appears as a frozen river of woven glass and metal threads.

4 Figaro Castle – Final Fantasy 6

An Oasis Of Steam, Stone, And Technological Marvels

Greatest feature: Steampunk in style and substance, able to move locations on the fly

Apart from being governed by Edgar, one of the top male characters in the Final Fantasy series, Figaro Castle is distinctive for blending elements from two distinct realms. At first glance, it appears to be just another grand structure set on a desert landscape due to its intricate architecture. However, upon closer examination, it reveals an unusual blend – its towers are crowned with industrial fans, and instead of a traditional dungeon, its lower levels house machinery.

All the cogs and fans aren’t just for show. This steampunk work of wonder houses some of the most advanced technology in Final Fantasy 6‘s world. Best of all, and quite useful to a structure created primarily to protect its inhabitants, Figaro Castle has the ability to dig down underground and travel under an entire mountain range to the Kohlingen region at a moment’s notice, making it effective even against explosives or total enemy encirclement.

3 Baron Castle – Final Fantasy 4

A Classic With All The Fixtures Of A Grand Fantasy Stronghold

Greatest feature: stunning views, fully furnished with labs, dungeons, and comfortable living quarters

As a seasoned traveler with a keen interest in history and architecture, I can attest that Baron Castle, nestled along the coastline, is truly a sight to behold. Having traversed numerous lands and castles, I must say that this one stands out as an epitome of classical elegance. The castle’s unique location on an island, connected by an impressive bridge, adds a touch of enchantment to its allure.

Similar to many impressive fantasy castles, Baron Castle harmoniously combines awe-inspiring exterior with practical facilities for its lord and the inhabitants of the neighboring realm. It encompasses a library and research areas for both light and dark magic users, a dismal dungeon, hidden tunnels, towers reaching for the heavens, and the lingering spirits of its previous dwellers.

2 Alexandria Castle – Final Fantasy 9

A Fairytale Fortress WIth Its Own Guardian Angel

Greatest feature: fairytale design, deep-rooted secrets below, in-house guardian eidolon

In homage to the original Final Fantasy series, Final Fantasy 9 delves deep into classic fantasy motifs, showcasing breathtaking fortresses that are architectural wonders in their own right. The game’s use of pre-rendered maps adds to this awe-inspiring effect. Ipsen’s Castle, Lindblum, the residence of Regent Cid Fabool IX, and many other locations display exceptional design quality. Yet, Alexandria Castle surpasses them all with its enchanting beauty, towering spires, and intricate architecture, making it a standout among these grand structures.

A titanic crystalline sword rises from its center, shining skyward as if toward prosperity. The structure is built upon eras of secrets, including an expansive deep dungeon, a labyrinthian catacomb, and a forgotten station of an ancient network of tunnels, Gargan Roo, built from the World Tree that connects the continents. Most impressively of all, Alexandria is protected by one of the largest summons in Final Fantasy, Alexander, a being so powerful in Final Fantasy 9 that he was not made available to the players (as being able to elicit the help of a city-dwarfing entity might have a little overpowered).

1 Ultimecia Castle – Final Fantasy 8

The Ultimate Gothic Stronghold For The Ultimate Evil Sorceress

Greatest feature: sprawling, gothic, ornate spaces, giant land-chains, and convenient portals to various locations across the world

Mystery practically drips from its gothic walls and furnishings, and the power of its mistress seeps into every room, courtyard, and passageway. This castle, which only appears during the final act of Final Fantasy 8, is chained to the planet by gargantuan chains. Its staircases, rails, and walls appear eerily twisted in each of its beautifully prerendered areas. Ultimecia Castle stands in contrast to the bright, futuristic setting of the rest of the game, making it a fitting final stage for the time-displaced SeeD members in their confrontation against sorceress Ultimecia.

The soft yellow light of its million candles mingles with the palpable must of its forgotten past, creating an unforgettable atmosphere rich with old magic. Cobwebs and machine pullies sit silently in Ultimecia Castle’s dark depths. A clock tower rises into the night sky alongside a grand cathedral dedicated to an unknown god. The ghosts of the past and future share their domain with experimental abominations drawn from every evil corner of the world. This mix of old and new is no accident. Every anachronistic corner whispers of time compression, a looming hint of the reality-bending sorcery that governs the place.

2024-08-24 10:33