The Strongest Dragoons In Final Fantasy, Ranked

Summary

Dragoons, often known as lancers or dragon knights, embody aspects of dragons in appearance and combat proficiency.
Different dragoons in Final Fantasy showcase variations in abilities, weaponry, and character development.
Dragoons like Kain Highwind and Estinien Varlineau have complex backstories featuring internal conflict and epic battles.

As I delve deeper into the enchanting world of Final Fantasy and its captivating characters, I find myself particularly drawn to the noble Dragoons. Their stories are as diverse as the lands they traverse, each one filled with trials, triumphs, and a deep connection with their draconian counterparts.

The life experience of these Dragoons is nothing short of extraordinary, weaving tales of power, bravery, and resilience. From Estinien Varlineau’s unyielding quest for vengeance to Dion Lesage’s complex journey as a Dominant of Bahamut, their lives are marked by adversity and growth that few can match.

Yet, it is not just their battles against evil that make these characters stand out. Their relationships with dragons – be it friendship, rivalry, or family ties – add depth and emotional resonance to their stories. The bond between a Dragoon and their eikon serves as a powerful symbol of the connection between humanity and the natural world, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, we are never truly alone.

And let’s not forget the humor these characters bring! Who can forget Estinien Varlineau’s icy demeanor or Dion Lesage’s unwavering confidence in his own abilities? They may be powerful warriors, but they still know how to keep things lighthearted and bring a smile to our faces.

In the end, I find myself awestruck by the life experiences of these Dragoons. Their stories are more than just tales of heroism; they serve as reminders that even in the face of adversity, we can forge our own paths and rise above the challenges before us. And hey, if a dragon knight can do it, then who’s to say what we can’t accomplish?

Since the debut of the dragoon character in Final Fantasy 4, the lance-carrying, high-jumping dragon knights have been a significant element in the visual identity of the Final Fantasy franchise. Their stylish appearances and moves make them stand out, yet they are relatively uncommon in the series, which only serves to enhance their enigmatic allure.

This job is often referred to as “lancer” or “dragon knight.” Those who choose this profession often incorporate elements of dragons into their attire or weapons, such as their helmets or the flaming design on their lance’s tip. Sometimes they even have a dragon as their mount or companion. The skill and aptitude of these dragoons are evaluated based on their prowess in aerial combat and how closely they embody the dragon-like image.

7. Kimahri Ronso – Final Fantasy 10

The Blue-Shaded Copycat Lancer

Kimahri, with his abilities in Final Fantasy 10, seems more suited for the role of a blue mage, who specializes in learning skills from enemies, rather than a dragoon. Yet, his primary combat move, lancet, resembles spear attacks often used by dragon knights. This is hinted at by some of his weapons, such as “Highwind” and “Kain’s Lance.

According to the blue mage character type that Kimahri embodies, he doesn’t follow a unique path on the sphere grid; instead, he functions as a sort of “template” character. As a dragoon, Kimahri excels at performing jumps, but his general lack of job specialization puts him lower in the hierarchy.

6. Cid Highwind – Final Fantasy 7

The Gritty, Skyborn Mechanic

In the realm of Final Fantasy 7, while there may be some lingering mythical beasts, the chivalrous knights or heroic dragons of yore, who once donned their armor to battle these creatures, are nowhere to be found. Instead, the figure most reminiscent of a dragoon is Cid, a mechanic armed with a lance, who shares a passion for rockets, smoke, and cursing up a storm.

In the tradition of a dragoon, Cid goes by the name Highwind. He has the power to leap into the air and use his spear for a limit break, much like a dragon might fly. However, unlike other dragon knights, he doesn’t have the typical dragon-like traits. Instead, he often adopts a worldly, non-mythical demeanor. But don’t be fooled, Cid’s story does not lack heroism. By the end of Final Fantasy 7, and beyond, his destiny intertwines with acts of bravery.

5. Aranea Highwind – Final Fantasy 15

The High-Flying Lancer Of Freedom

In Final Fantasy 15, Aranea Highwind’s authority doesn’t stop at the end of her spear. Despite holding a high rank within the Third Army Corps, she often shows contempt for those in power, particularly when their actions contradict her values, which emphasize the freedom to live as one chooses for all people.

In her role as both a dragoon and a commander, Aranea commands admiration from those around her, having proven herself to be a formidable combatant within the Army Corps. Her battles against the party, as well as her temporary alliance with them, underscore this fact. While she may not be the most intimidating dragoon in the “Final Fantasy” series, Aranea embodies the spirit of a soaring warrior, demonstrating a strong commitment to freedom and justice.

4. Freya Crescent – Final Fantasy 9

The Compassionate Dragon Knight With A Tragic Tale

As a devoted fan from Burmecia, I hail myself as the one who knows Freya Crescent – the compassionate dragoon from Final Fantasy 9. In combat and life’s lessons, she excels, demonstrating kindness and mercy in equal measure. Driven by a heartbreaking storyline within the Final Fantasy universe, Freya embarks on a quest to find her beloved, Sir Fratley, who has gone missing.

Similar to other dragon knights, Freya possesses the agility to leap into the air, evading enemy assaults and delivering substantial damage upon landing. Transformed, she nearly acquires flight, utilizing aerial attacks from above against her adversaries. Moreover, as an expert dragon hunter, she is the optimal team member to summon when encountering fire-spewing beasts.

3. Kain Highwind – Final Fantasy 4

The Dark Tip Of The Dragoon Spear

In the iconic role of a warrior adorned in armor depicting dragons, Kain Highwind, from the game “Final Fantasy 4,” significantly shaped the dragoon character type, becoming particularly influential among international audiences. Initially appearing as a somewhat friendly adversary within the party, his unique skills enable him to soar aloft with a single leap, thereby evading harm while inflicting devastating attacks on enemies.

In the game “Final Fantasy 2”, the dragoon class was introduced, but it was Kain’s powerful portrayal that truly resonated with fans of “Final Fantasy”. Caught between allegiance to his comrades and manipulation by Golbez, Kain’s actions – including his betrayal of Cecil and Rosa – were driven by internal struggle and unfulfilled affection. This added depth to his character, making his eventual return to the light all the more poignant and affecting.

2. Dion Lesage – Final Fantasy 16

The Soul Of The Dragon Incarnate

Similar to several characters in Final Fantasy 16, Dion Lesage carries a burdened past. Born as the Dominant of Bahamut and the heir of the Holy Empire of Sanbreque under mysterious circumstances, Dion rose to prominence within the Imperial Army Dragoons, eventually commanding his own Knight Dragoon Order.

As a long-time fan of the Final Fantasy series, I must say that Dion’s character in the Knight Dragoons is one that has left me both awestruck and concerned. His mastery over the holy order is undeniable, but it’s his actions as Bahamut that truly raise eyebrows.

From my years of gaming experience, I’ve come to expect a certain level of power and control from the protagonists in these games. Yet, even among this esteemed company, Dion stands out for all the wrong reasons when he transforms into Bahamut.

The destructive capabilities of Bahamut are on full display, causing chaos that is difficult to undo, even for the most powerful heroes in Final Fantasy history. It’s a stark reminder that with great power comes great responsibility, and Dion seems to have overlooked this lesson.

Despite his questionable decisions as Bahamut, I can’t deny the admiration I hold for Dion’s prowess both on the battlefield and in the sky, whether he’s in his human form or eikon form. It’s a testament to his skill and dedication that he has risen through the ranks of the Knight Dragoons.

In the end, though, I can only hope that Dion learns from his mistakes as Bahamut and finds a way to control his destructive tendencies for the greater good. His potential is immense, but it’s up to him to channel it wisely.

1. Estinien Varlineau – Final Fantasy 14

The Ultimate Dragoon Lancer

Initially appearing as a secondary character in “Final Fantasy 14”, Estinien Varlineau gained significant popularity during the “Heavensward” expansion. His appearance is reminiscent of Cain Highwind, one of the most renowned dragoons, with his golden-scaled armor, yet he possesses a unique personality – brisk and effortlessly cool – that perfectly suits his role as a dragon knight.

At first, fueled by an unyielding desire for vengeance against a dragon that had slaughtered his kin, the Azure Dragoon meticulously honed his strength to face the beast almost single-handedly. Yet, during the Dragonsong War, his connections with dragons, Nidhogg, and the relics of his sworn enemy became intricate and complex. Despite his detached and serious demeanor, Estinien consistently fought against the forces of darkness.

2024-12-29 09:20