Final Fantasy Villains Who Could’ve Been Heroes

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Summary

  • The best Final Fantasy villains have complex backstories and could have been heroes in an alternate timeline.
  • Memorable villains like Sephiroth and Ardyn were used by others or faced tragic pasts that influenced their descent into villainy.
  • Characters like Seifer and Kuja could have redeemed themselves if they made better choices or had a different upbringing.

As a dedicated gamer, I can attest that the Final Fantasy series stands out due to its unforgettable protagonists who consistently rise against seemingly impossible challenges in an effort to safeguard the world. Yet, it’s the formidable antagonists they encounter that truly drive their stories, testing them to their very core.

Several standout antagonists from the “Final Fantasy” series possess captivating pasts and imposing personas that leave a lasting impression. Sometimes, destiny has unfairly shaped them as adversaries, for in another reality, they might have thrived as heroes instead.

Warning: Major Final Fantasy story spoilers ahead!

8. Sephiroth

A Better Childhood And Open Communication Could’ve Led This SOLDIER To Fight For A Good Cause

  • Appears In: Final Fantasy 7, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7, Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

Among the most legendary video game antagonists ever created, Sephiroth’s flowing silver locks and extraordinary sword immediately established his iconic status upon debut. However, his slide into madness is challenging to accept, as he learns that he was merely a product of JENOVA cell experiments conducted by Shinra, rather than the son of a god as he believed.

Initially, he wasn’t explicitly evil, but he struggled to manage his feelings, which eventually led to the destruction of Nibelheim and the loss of its innocent inhabitants. This tragic incident marked the beginning of his notoriety as he transformed into a dreadful villain. Remarkably, had Shinra not manipulated him, he might have chosen the path of righteousness.

7. Ardyn Izunia

His Selfless Attempts To Absorb The Starscourge From Others Ended Up Corrupting Him

  • Appears In: Final Fantasy 15

In the game “Final Fantasy 15”, Ardyn is a captivating antagonist who seeks the demise of the world through the Starscourge menace. To avert this catastrophe, Noctis and his comrades engage in a climactic battle with him in Insomnia, a conflict that carries significant repercussions.

In the Episode Ardyn, we find a compelling portrayal of his character, revealing him as a compassionate individual deeply concerned for those touched by the Starscourge. Yet, the malevolence of the disease ultimately disqualified him from ruling, as his brother manipulated him behind the scenes. The tragic loss of his beloved only deepened Ardyn’s sorrow, pushing a once noble soul into villainy.

6. Seifer Almasy

His Rivalry Overcame His Common Sense And Made Him An Easy Target To Brainwash

  • Appears In: Final Fantasy 8

Among the characters in the series, Seifer Almasy is one of the most disliked due to his intense rivalry with Squall that often clouded his judgment. When under Ultimecia’s control, he overlooked the broader context of their struggle.

Nevertheless, despite straying from his moral path, Seifer eventually regained his sense of righteousness by rescuing the heroes in the climactic scene of the game. If only Seifer had developed a moral compass earlier, he might have reconciled with Squall and joined him on their mission to save the world.

5. Kuja

Things Could’ve Unfolded Differently For This Genome If Garland Hadn’t Used Him Like A Tool

  • Appears In: Final Fantasy 9

Initially depicted as a villain, Kuja was later manipulated by sinister forces for their own purposes. He was a Genome crafted by Garland, who eventually deemed him imperfect and chose instead to create Zidane, granting him the necessary memories to access the power of Trance.

Kuja felt deeply uncomfortable when he was ignored and underappreciated, which led to a profound bitterness not only towards others but also the world itself. Perhaps if he had experienced a happier childhood, he might have chosen to protect Gaia rather than causing its destruction.

4. Golbez

Cecil’s Brother Was Brainwashed By Zemus To Serve As A Thorn In The Heroes’ Side

  • Appears In: Final Fantasy 4, Final Fantasy 4: The After Years

Golbez is a formidable adversary who consistently obstructs the heroes and inflicts lasting damage. Yet, as the villainy of Zemus and the Lunarians comes to light, it emerges that Golbez himself has been under their manipulative control.

It’s unveiled that he is Cecil’s brother, and the two eventually mend their relationship prior to joining forces to prevent Zemus from annihilating Earth. If Golbez had managed to outwit Zemus’ mental manipulation abilities, he could have effortlessly fought for the righteous side instead.

3. Garland

A Noble Knight Who Somehow Lost His Way Because Of His Thirst For Power

  • Appears In: Final Fantasy, Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin, Final Fantasy 9

A renowned antagonist who requires no introduction, Garland is arguably the sole character in the series who was once a hero in another “Final Fantasy” game. Although he portrays an irredeemable villain in “Final Fantasy 9”, his initial legendary appearance offers room for a different interpretation.

In a past life, Garland was a chivalrous knight who fell to the temptation of power, ultimately transforming into Chaos following his defeat and temporal displacement. If he had resisted his craving for power, he might have taken a different course. The game “Stranger of Paradise” delves uniquely into Garland’s origins, reinforcing this idea.

2. Edea Kramer

Became Ultimecia’s Tool For The Majority Of The Game, Despite Serving As A Mother To The Heroes

  • Appears In: Final Fantasy 8

Edea, like many other antagonists in Final Fantasy, was controlled from the shadows. Her mind was subtly influenced by Ultimecia, causing her to act against the very children she cared for as their matriarch.

In the end, she manages to break free from the mind control and joins the group as they journey towards Esthar City. Had she escaped Ultimecia’s spell earlier, she might have brought together the heroes and enlightened them about their common past much sooner than the truth was eventually unveiled.

1. Gilgamesh

An Iconic Bumbling Antagonist With Heroic Tendencies Who Was Simply Fighting For The Wrong Side

  • Appears In: Final Fantasy 5, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Final Fantasy 6, Final Fantasy 8, Final Fantasy 12, Final Fantasy 13-2, Final Fantasy 15

Among the most cheerful and cherished party members in all of Final Fantasy series, Gilgamesh has left an indelible mark. In the game, Final Fantasy 5, he opposes the heroes initially, but it’s evident that this subordinate is far from being as malevolent as his master, Exdeath.

In the closing stages of the game, it’s noticeable when the ousted Gilgamesh reappears to aid the heroes. They are on a mission to confront Exdeath before he can annihilate the combined world. A widely accepted assumption is that this incarnation of Gilgamesh traversed various worlds, cropping up in several installments of Final Fantasy.

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2025-07-22 10:34