Final Fantasy Characters Who Died Too Quickly in Their Games

Summary

Some Final Fantasy characters meet untimely deaths that shock players and often come too soon in the story, impacting the emotional depth of the game.
From Aerith in FF7 to Vivi in FF9, beloved characters die in ways that leave fans mourning and feeling unsatisfied with the narrative.
Major figures like Cid and Benedikta in FF16 meet tragic fates that occur too soon, robbing the story of potential depth and impact.

The “Final Fantasy” game series is a legendary collection of high-quality Japanese Role Playing Games (JRPGs) that are immersive and hard to pull away from. Ranging from intricate turn-based games to expansive open-world titles with real-time battle systems, this franchise consistently strives to innovate and stay current in the present era.

Characters in many “Final Fantasy” games are fun to engage with, frequently leaving a lasting impression whenever they get their moment in the spotlight. This is why some deaths in “Final Fantasy” games can be tough to process, particularly if they happen unexpectedly early on and catch players off guard.

8. Aerith Gainsborough

Just When She Comes Into Her Own Toward The End Of Disc One, She Dies

Final Fantasy 7 is an epic video game played across several discs for the PlayStation 1, featuring Cloud and his companions as they embark on an extraordinary journey. Interestingly, one of the characters, Aerith, demonstrates her ultimate Limit Break ability before Disc One concludes, which might seem strange to some players.

As a gamer, I must confess, it’s because Aerith is about to bid permanent farewell from our party before Cloud and the gang venture into the Temple of the Ancients. In one scene that leaves many of us teary-eyed, Aerith encounters a tragic end at Sephiroth’s hands. This parting comes far too soon for most players, myself included.

7. Lunafreya Nox Fleuret

Dies Before She Can Have A Meaningful Impact As A Character

In the game Final Fantasy 15, the romantic interest, Luna, doesn’t have enough meaningful moments with the protagonist, Noctis. Apart from a few disconnected flashbacks and odd letters, there are not many instances where players can witness their interaction.

Initially, I thought they’d find their way back to each other, and the bond between Luna and me (Leviathan) would only grow stronger. But then, Ardyn showed up and mercilessly took Luna’s life after a fierce fight with Leviathan’s final form. That moment left me stunned, and many of us fans felt that Luna should have shared more moments with Noctis to make her death hit harder emotionally.

6. Shadow

Can Die Earlier Than Intended If Players Don’t Wait For Him On The Floating Continent

In many Final Fantasy games, a unique aspect is that the player has control over one death – Shadow’s selfless act provides an opportunity for escape from the Floating Continent. Yet, when it’s time to depart, the ninja seems absent, leading most players to believe he will eventually catch up once they have left the Floating Continent itself.

Instead, waiting for five seconds on the timer gives players the opportunity to save Shadow from an untimely demise. Delaying recruitment will enable him to engage in a last fight against Kefka in the World of Ruin, eventually meeting his end at the collapsing tower and reuniting with his friend in the afterlife.

5. Cidolfus Telamon

A Beloved Character Who Deserved More Time In The Spotlight

As a dedicated gamer, I must admit that Final Fantasy 16 is an unflinching, adult-oriented game that leaves no room for the faint of heart. The heart-wrenching loss of the captivating Cid, who rallies a resistance against the oppressive forces that unfairly target Bearers worldwide, is just one example of the game’s hard-hitting emotional impact.

Despite the surprising turn of events, it’s hard for many fans not to wish that character Cid had been given more screen time before his departure. This sentiment is shared by many regarding various characters in the game, underscoring potential pacing concerns within the storyline of Final Fantasy 16.

4. Vivi Ornitier

His Lifespan Is Criminally Short When Compared To That Of A Human

Many might find it unusual to encounter Vivi in the game, as his impact on gameplay is hardly noticeable. Yet, it’s within the narrative that Vivi’s departure leaves a profound sense of sadness.

Despite the fact that the heroes successfully saved the world and found a happy ending for themselves, Vivi, the Black Mage, dies too soon due to his limited lifespan. This tragic turn of events is particularly poignant since Vivi serves as the storyteller in “Final Fantasy 9” and watches as the other party members celebrate their success.

3. Jecht

A Husk Of His Former Self By The Time Tidus Meets Him

In the game Final Fantasy 10, it’s initially believed that Tidus will encounter his father and find the resolution he has long sought. However, as the narrative unfolds, it is disclosed that Jecht was part of a former Summoner’s group, assisting Braska in fulfilling his mission.

In the story’s concluding stages, Jecht, though technically alive in his Aeon form when Tidus meets him, doesn’t linger for much longer. Eventually, Yuna’s summon, Yevon, fully takes control of Jecht, compelling him to battle Tidus and their companions. After they defeat him, Tidus and Jecht share a brief conversation before the latter vanishes, merging with the Farplane. It would have been touching if there were more scenes for this character to spend time with his son before the game ended.

2. Regis Lucis Caelum

Died Too Quickly In An Anticlimactic Manner

Final Fantasy 15

In “Final Fantasy 15,” there’s no arguing with the fact that it carries a lot of emotional depth, but its narrative delivery can feel rough around the edges. This becomes apparent right from the start, as Noctis and his companions discover that Insomnia has been overtaken and Noctis’ father has passed away – all through a newspaper report, surprisingly.

The event might have caught players off guard if they hadn’t watched the criticized movie “Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy 15”. Numerous fans concur that Regis’ death would have been more impactful if it had unfolded gradually, allowing players to fully understand his character before the unexpected turn of events.

1. Benedikta Harman

A Compelling Villain Who Should’ve Survived For Longer

Final Fantasy 16

In “Final Fantasy 16”, several captivating adversaries are introduced, some of which garner much fan adoration. Regrettably, many of these characters meet their end rather swiftly, denying them the chance to leave a lasting impression. This issue is particularly noticeable with Benedikta, an intriguing Dominant who serves as the primary antagonist in the early stages of “Final Fantasy 16”.

Clive confronts her in a fierce showdown, only to discover that he had been the Master of Ifrit all along. Despite the thrilling nature of this battle, it ends tragically with Benedikta’s demise, depriving players of one of the most captivating and amusing antagonists in the game prematurely.

2025-04-21 13:37