Final Fantasy Characters Who Appear The Most

Highlights

Final Fantasy games feature recurring themes, gameplay mechanics, and characters to keep titles fresh yet connected.
Some iconic Final Fantasy characters, like the Magus Sisters and Typhon, have appeared in numerous mainline games and spinoffs.
Mainstays like Gilgamesh and Cid have been constants in the Final Fantasy series, with their appearances evolving over time.

As a long-time fan of the Final Fantasy series, I must say that the recurring characters in this epic saga have always been a delight to witness evolve over time. Among these familiar faces, three stand out as the cream of the crop: Biggs and Wedge, Gilgamesh, and Cid.

A good story can be hard to maintain. That’s why it’s probably for the best that each Final Fantasy game is typically unrelated to its successors and predecessors. This keeps each title fresh, but fans aren’t left completely adrift between each one, thanks to several reoccurring themes, gameplay mechanics, and characters, which help give a sense of stability between each shakeup.

Typically, you’ll find that certain characters recur in various forms and disguises across different games, and they have grown to be longstanding fixtures. Here we’ve gathered the most recognizable figures, distinct from common monsters, items, or creatures, along with their appearance statistics. These statistics are separated into two categories: main series games (numbered games and their sequels) and spin-offs (non-numbered games).

6 The Magus Sisters / Shikaree Sisters / Mageth Brothers

The Witchy Trio That Always Stick Together

Final Fantasy Characters Who Appear The Most

Mainline Appearances: 6
Spinoffs: 7
Total: 13

In essence, these characters are technically portrayed as three distinct individuals within a single entity, but they seldom appear separately. They might be perceived as one unified group due to their frequent appearances together. Across different forms, guises, and name variations, they are known as the sisters. Their unique weapons often serve as identifiers: Sandy wields a staff, Cindy carries a scythe, and Mindy brandishes a dagger. Initially appearing as antagonistic minions in Final Fantasy 4, they transform into summonable end-game aeons in Final Fantasy 10 and remain formidable frenemies in Final Fantasy 11, where they are recognized by their names Shikaree X, Y, and Z.

In Final Fantasy 16, characters known as Sandwydd, Cyndwydd, and Mindwydd are depicted like siblings. Although they don’t have a direct appearance in Final Fantasy 9, there is a statue in Alexandria honoring them for their bravery during the Lindblum war. Beyond the mainline games, this trio has also made appearances in various spin-offs such as Tactics, Brave Exvius, and Dissidia series.

5 Typhon

The Multi-Mouthed Monster Always Muscling His Way Back

Mainline Appearances: 6
Spinoffs: 13
Total: 19

As a long-time fan of the Final Fantasy series, I can’t help but feel nostalgic when I encounter familiar faces from my gaming past. One such character is the infamous two-headed monster known as Typhon, who has been causing mayhem in the Final Fantasy universe since its sixth iteration. I remember vividly battling him in Final Fantasy 6 and being terrified of his signature move “snort,” which could instantly knock out party members with a single blow.

Typhon, due to his unique design, has often been a frequent adversary, notably appearing in more than six mainline games in the Final Fantasy series. Although Typhon himself doesn’t appear in Final Fantasy 15 (his image is depicted as a fish lure), and in Final Fantasy 16 he shows up as one of Ultima’s puppets without any apparent connection to the traditional two-headed monster. The slight variation in his original Japanese name, “Teyupon” instead of “Tifon,” adds to the confusion about his identity in these games.

4 Ultros / Orthros

The Talkative, Tenacious Tentacle Trickster

Mainline Appearances: 6
Spinoffs: 14
Total: 20

Initially introduced as “Orthros” in the first installment of Final Fantasy, Ultros reappeared in a significant role in Final Fantasy 6. Throughout this game, he emerged multiple times as an adversary alongside another frequent foe. Since then, he has made occasional appearances as a distinct, lesser enemy for other teams to encounter. When he appears, his distinctive lewd and mischievous demeanor, characterized by his grinning, boastful demeanor, becomes evident.

In Final Fantasy 12, his typical humor is reduced significantly. He’ll only make an appearance when the player forms a party consisting entirely of women. Once assembled, he might steal items from the party members on occasion. This behavior echoes his inappropriate actions towards Sereh in Final Fantasy 13-2 and his odd advances towards female characters in Final Fantasy 4: The After Years, where he would criticize the male party members for their muscular physiques (which may be unappealing to him given his mostly gelatinous form).

3 Biggs & Wedge

The Cosmically Conjoined Comrades

Mainline Appearances: 10
Spinoffs: 14
Total: 24

In the world of Star Wars, Biggs Darklighter and Wedge Antilles might be less recognized compared to their popularity within the Final Fantasy community. While they made an appearance only in the episode A New Hope of the Star Wars saga, they have been a recurring element in fourteen mainline Final Fantasy games and as many spin-offs. Their debut in Final Fantasy 6 seems to be a tribute to Star Wars, but since then, these characters have become staples, often with appearances that tie back to earlier stories, such as their mention in the original story of Final Fantasy 4: Interlude.

In the initial translation of “Final Fantasy 6,” the characters were named “Wedge and Vicks,” but this was altered later. Despite occasional recurrences, these characters have been frequently referenced. For instance, in “Final Fantasy 12’s” English version, two bumbling, talkative soldiers are called “Gibbs and Deweg.” However, since they go by different names in the original Japanese version, this isn’t an official appearance. They didn’t physically appear in “Final Fantasy 13,” but it seems they shifted from mercenary work to founding a fashionable clothing store named B&W (or V&W as a nod to their original names).

2 Gilgamesh

The Rift-Tearing, Dimension-Hopping Blade Boob

Mainline Appearances: 13
Spinoffs: 23
Total: 36

Characters often return in the “Final Fantasy” series as reincarnations, guided by the crystals’ dreaming will. However, this multi-armed swordsman might be the only exception if the theory of a connected multiverse is true. At the end of the story in “Final Fantasy 5”, he fell through a rift between worlds and later appeared in the battle between Squall and Seifer in “Final Fantasy 8”. This suggests that he may have shattered the boundary separating games.

In the game Final Fantasy 4: The After Years, it appears that Gilgamesh’s character adheres to the notion that he is indeed the same individual, as suggested by his persistent fascination with Bartz from Final Fantasy 5. However, it’s important to note that Gilgamesh has made appearances in various games that deviate from his original form, which is known for traversing dimensions or stumbling across them. For instance, the character Alleyway Jack from Final Fantasy 9 seems quite different from the arrogant and self-deluded sword collector we’re familiar with, and the one-armed swordsman in Final Fantasy 15 exhibits a markedly serious demeanor, losing his characteristic wit and antics.

1 Cid

The Wizened, Tech-Savy Mainstay

Mainline Appearances 19:
Spinoffs 22:
Total: 41

Known and anticipated since the early days of the series, Cid is often associated with engineering and airships across various iterations. He can be found on either the good or evil side initially but usually switches to the good by the end, except for in Final Fantasy 12 where he takes on a more sinister “mad scientist” role, which many fans consider one of his best portrayals yet.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but appreciate Cid as the series’ enigmatic figure reminiscent of the venerable wizards from classic fantasy tales. The creator, Hironobu Sakaguchi, likened him to Yoda, praising his intelligence and wisdom. Each new game offers a delightful treasure hunt for fans, spotting this intriguing character who seems to have grown in significance with each installment. Indeed, Cid’s presence has become a cherished aspect of the series.

2024-08-13 08:34