5. Serah Farron (Final Fantasy XII-2)
“Running away and leaving behind the people you care about? That isn’t love. Though you might just want to keep them safe, shutting them out of your life only hurts them more.” This is one of the many great quotes from Serah in Final Fantasy XIII-2, and while she isn’t the most prominent character in the original Final Fantasy XIII, Square Enix thought enough of her character to allow her to star in the sequel to this highly popular title. Serah always stays loyal to those around her, and as the younger sister of Lightning, she constantly searches for her missing sister long after others have given up hope of finding her. Of course, Serah is also a capable fighter as you learn throughout the course of Final Fantasy XIII-2, and she eventually makes the ultimate sacrifice to save the world while fully knowing the repercussions of her actions.
4. Tifa Lockhart (Final Fantasy VII)
Tifa is one of the most recognizable characters from Final Fantasy VII and for good reason. When we meet Tifa, she is running her own bar known as 7th Heaven. Despite her good looks, we soon realize Tifa is possibly the most capable fighters in the game as a skilled martial artist that that can pummel her opponents into submission using her fists and kicks as her only weapons. Tifa is also a very strong, independent individual that remains loyal to those she cares about, and it’s easy to understand this when you learn of her history with Cloud and how she has stuck by his side through all of his mental lapses, physical injuries and his tendency to run out on her leaving her all alone. This female Avalanche member is one tough lady that definitely deserves to be mentioned among the best in the series.
3. Lightning (Final Fantasy XIII)
Lightning is Serah’s older sister and an elite soldier whose real name is Claire Farron, and she possesses one of the toughest exteriors of any character in the Final Fantasy universe. Lightning acts as the protagonist and leader of the group of characters in Final Fantasy XIII who always keeps the group pointed in the right direction with a single goal in mind even if she comes across as a bit harsh at times. Lightning isn’t the sexiest character ever featured in the series, but she exudes the love for her sister Serah and her comrades that only a female could possess. Lightning later returns in Final Fantasy XIII-2 after saving the world of Cocoon to act in an endless battle at the end of the world known as Valhalla. Square Enix has hinted at a continuation of the Lightning saga, and that seems like a wise choice, as she is easily one of the best characters ever featured in the series with two great games to back this claim as of right now.
2. Aerith Gainsborough (Final Fantasy VII)
Aerith begins Final Fantasy VII simply known as the flower girl, but she is eventually revealed to be the most pivotal character in this legendary game. As the last member of an ancient race known as the Cetra, Aerith has an unnatural affinity for magic and a unique connection to the planet. Because of her special qualities, Aerith is never allowed to live a normal life, as she is under constant surveillance by Shinra–who would exploit her powers if they could only learn how. One of the most memorable scenes in all of gaming history stars this character being cut down in the prime of her life while making a desperate plea that would eventually save the planet. Of course, she is also known in the game for being part of the love triangle between herself, Cloud and Tifa, but her true love is revealed to be Zack Fair in the prequel Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII. Aerith is a strange character with an outgoing personality that is easy to love, and she is easily one of the best females ever featured in the Final Fantasy series.
1. Yuna (Final Fantasy X & X-2)
Yuna has to be the best character ever featured in a Final Fantasy title. Her beauty is only matched by her selflessness and ability to pick up those around her and carry their burdens on her own shoulders. Yuna is a very polite individual that always wants to believe the best in people. Her whole life has been spent becoming a powerful summoner like her father before her in order to eventually fight a final battle against the infinitely powerful being known as Sin where she would sacrifice herself to allow the world to live in peace once again. Along her journey in Final Fantasy X, she meets up with a character from another world named Tidus who she would eventually fall in love with and learn they had more in common than they ever expected. Still, Yuna continues her pilgrimage vowing to destroy Sin once and for all, and she is eventually successful. Then, Yuna picks up for a new adventure with a new style and attitude in Final Fantasy X-2 that only manages to strengthen the fans’ appreciation of this fantastic character. Yuna is a strong, loyal and loving character that deserves to top many lists, including this one.