Shocking Betrayals in Final Fantasy: Characters Who Turned on Their Friends

Summary

Many Final Fantasy characters faced shocking betrayals, with mind control and manipulation driving them to go against their comrades.
Characters like Kefka and Cait Sith experienced unexpected betrayals that added depth and surprise to their stories.
Seifer Almasy, manipulated by Edea, showcases a redemption arc as he helps the heroes despite his initial betrayal of SeeD.

The iconic video game franchise, Final Fantasy, remains one of the most enduringly popular today. Its compelling narrative is a significant factor that makes the captivating storyline and unforgettable characters a key element in the enjoyment of every single Final Fantasy title.

It’s quite natural that many games in the Final Fantasy series, known for their narrative depth, often include surprising acts of betrayal. Fans may find themselves utterly astonished when a trusted ally turns against their group, regardless of external factors driving such decisions.

1. Kain Highwind

Mind-Controlled And Forced To Turn Against The Party

In the esteemed collection of games known as Final Fantasy, Final Fantasy 4 stands out for its captivating narrative. The bond between Cecil and Kain, initially strained, is a significant aspect that unfolds from the start. It’s worth noting that Kain carries affection for Rosa, who is a romantic interest for Cecil.

In this scenario, Zemus’ brainwashing effortlessly takes advantage of Kain’s vulnerability, causing him to betray the party within the Sealed Cave. This unexpected incident muddies Kain’s intentions, adding a layer of complexity to his character. However, it’s heartening to observe the Dragoon acknowledge his errors upon rejoining the group and vowing to improve, rather than succumbing to emotional manipulation.

2. Leon

Manipulated By Emperor Mateus After Splitting Apart From His Friends

Initially in “Final Fantasy II”, Leon gets divided from his companions after a surprise attack by the Imperial Black Knights. Later, it was revealed that he had been taken prisoner by Emperor Mateus, who tricked him into becoming his Dark Knight.

He clashed with his party on multiple occasions before ultimately regaining consciousness and reuniting with his comrades. Instances such as these underscore the allure of Final Fantasy 2‘s engrossing narrative, which is unfortunate given that numerous players struggle to surmount the obstacles presented by its complex game mechanics.

3. Kefka

Calling Emperor Gestahl His Friend Is A Stretch, But The Duo Was Inseparable At One Point

Kefka is undeniably one of the most sinister and captivating antagonists from the “Final Fantasy” series, as this mad jester tirelessly works to scatter chaos throughout the world. It’s hardly shocking that he deceived General Leo, considering their mutual enmity ran deep.

Unexpectedly, it wasn’t assumed that Kefka would betray the Emperor he had been faithful to for most of the game. It wouldn’t be accurate to say they were friends, but it was still startling to witness Kefka abandon Emperor Gestahl without a moment’s thought, and ultimately destroy the world by meddling with the equilibrium of the Warring Triad.

4. Cait Sith

Controlled By Reeve And Operated As A Double Agent

In the game “Final Fantasy 7”, Cait Sith isn’t particularly well-liked for several reasons. One reason is his limited arsenal of powerful attacks, but it’s his half-hearted betrayal that often goes unremembered. This robotic character was actually being manipulated by Reeve from the Turks, a detail fans tend to overlook.

Cait Sith secretly gives Shinra details about the heroes, who don’t realize his true allegiance, despite being immediately surrounded by Shinra soldiers right after he joins their group. Later at the Temple of the Ancients, Cait Sith attempts to make amends by sacrificing himself, but this act falls flat because a second version of Cait Sith reappears with the heroes shortly afterwards.

5. Sephiroth

Went Insane After Learning The Truth Of His Origins And Went Berserk On Everyone Close To Him

Despite Sephiroth’s exceptional abilities, nobody foresaw his descent into madness upon discovering his Nibelheim origins. To Cloud and the rest of the SOLDIERs, he was a respected comrade and hero, which made his subsequent betrayal of their shared ideals all the more devastating.

Cloud found it unbearable to witness his role model set fire to his hometown and massacre its inhabitants. He pursued Sephiroth relentlessly, eventually managing to hurl him into the Lifestream. However, the evil influence of Sephiroth grew stronger as he attempted to summon Meteor with the intention of destroying Earth itself.

6. Master Xande

Betrayed His Fellow Students After Becoming Obsessed With Immortality

Xande was one of the disciples of the powerful magician Noah, who found Xande’s arrogant attitude off-putting. In an attempt to teach him a significant lesson, Noah bestowed upon Xande the curse of mortality. However, instead of learning from this experience, Xande became fixated and horrified by the concept of death.

His actions lead him to contradict his sensei’s lessons, clashing with companions Doga and Unei along the way. In the game, he appears to need elimination, but it’s later exposed that the Cloud of Darkness secretly controlled him, exploiting his vulnerabilities.

7. Cloud Strife

Sephiroth Managed To Manipulate The Hero Into Working Against The Party And Giving Him The Black Materia

In Final Fantasy 7, the menace of the Black Materia becomes strikingly apparent. Eventually, when Cloud obtains this potent artifact, he is tasked with choosing between delivering it to either Barret or Red XIII.

In an unexpected turn of events, I found myself confronted by Sephiroth, who deftly maneuvered me into handing over my materia against my will. This act forced me to betray my comrades and the very planet we were sworn to protect. He plunged into the Lifestream, falling into a catatonic state. It was Tifa who stepped up, helping me navigate through the tumultuous memories of our past and reclaim the identity I had lost following Zack’s tragic end.

8. Seifer Almasy

Went Against All of SeeD After He Was Mind-Controlled Into Working For Edea

It’s quite an exaggeration to consider Seifer as a friend of the heroes, but his actions against SeeD led to him distancing himself from his friends as well. This is evident when Raijin and Fujin attempt to save Seifer from his mind control by appealing to the heroes for help.

In the end, Seifer ultimately assists the heroes in accessing the last stronghold, returning the favor after they had previously guided him towards redemption. Although he may not be a particularly endearing character, audiences should acknowledge his attempts to amend his actions once compelled to turn against mankind by Ultimecia.

2025-05-04 00:41