Final Fantasy is a storied RPG franchise, with its various entries being incredibly influential to both the genre and gaming in general. Its villains are only one aspect of its incredible legacy, being fantastic foils to the various main characters and their journeys.

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While many Final Fantasy villains have truly become iconic, their motivations are sometimes very basic, wanting only to cause death, destruction, and suffering wherever they go. However, some villains are slightly more reasonable, with more complex motivations than just malice and hatred. Here are some Final Fantasy villains that have some logic to their motivations.

6 Rufus Shinra (Final Fantasy 7)

The Ruthless President Of Shinra

Rufus Shinra is the vice-president of Shinra Electric Power Company, later assuming his father's position as president after his death. Calm, collected, and scheming, Rufus is a power-hungry executive who manipulates others to achieve his own ends. Though Rufus and the Shinra Company slowly lose prominence as major antagonists as Sephiroth and his actions take center stage, he and his men remain active opponents against Cloud and AVALANCHE.

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Rufus plans to use Shinra's incredible power and influence in an attempt to control the populace, using fear effectively to keep them in check. Despite this power-hungry and tyrannical nature of his, Rufus does have a conscience, and while he prioritizes the image and status of Shinra, he will move to protect the populace when necessary, such as when Meteorfall occurs.

5 Vayne Carudas Solidor (Final Fantasy 12)

The Tyrannical Ruler Seeking Absolute Power

Vayne Carudas Solidor is the son of Archadia's Emperor and an ambitious man who yearns for power. His desire for power leads him to begin manipulating events, using Venat and the power provided by it to do so. Vayne is responsible for many of the injustices and cruelties suffered by the main characters, and a worthy target for their vengeance.

Despite his tyrannical nature and manipulative scheming, Vayne is not wholly evil, nor is his hunger for power out of selfishness. He has a genuine desire to protect the Archadian Empire and his desire for power comes from that.

4 Ardyn Izunia (Final Fantasy 15)

A Former Hero Turned Twisted Tormentor

Ardyn Izunia is a mysterious man who is slowly revealed to not just be an important figure in the Niflheim empire, but also the main antagonist of the entire series. Initially coming off as an odd and eccentric man, Ardyn soon reveals himself to be manipulative, sadistic, and cruel. Ardyn frequently encounters Noctis and his allies throughout the series, helping them at some times and hurting them at others.

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However, Ardyn is not without his sympathetic side. He was once a kind and benevolent man who had the power to take on the pain of others. He was betrayed by both family and the Crystal, and slowly grew consumed by his rage, eventually giving in to revenge. Though his actions for the sake of vengeance were certainly villainous, it's hard to deny the anger and pain he felt.

3 Venat (Final Fantasy 12)

Attempted Liberator Of Humanity's Destiny

Venat is a member of the Occuria, a race of otherworldly immortal beings that watch over the world of Ivalice. The Occuria attempt to manipulate the fate of Ivalice from the shadows, granting great power to those who agree to do their bidding.

In opposition, Venat wishes to free humanity from the will of the Occuria, giving power to Vayne Solidor and the Archadian Empire to do so. While this motivation can be seen as benevolent, its actions end up aligning with the party's enemy, turning Venat into an opponent whose defeat is necessary.

2 Caius Ballad (Final Fantasy 13-2)

The World Destroyer With A Sensitive Soul

Caius Ballad was once the l'Cie guardian of the sorceress Yuel, tasked with protecting her and her ability to see the future, despite that ability ultimately killing her in the end. Forced to reincarnate over and over, Yuel lives endless lives, with her ability of foresight following her into every new life. Caius was given the gift of immortality to watch over these endless reincarnations, which would soon become a curse for him.

Tormented by having to watch Yuel's endless deaths and rebirths, Caius decides to kill Etro to free Yuel from her cycle of reincarnation. Though such an action would certainly have massive ramifications on the world as it is, Caius nevertheless persists in order to save Yuel from her endless fate.

1 Delita Heiral (Final Fantasy Tactics)

The False Hero Of The War Of The Lions

Delita Heiral was a commoner who became a knight, and childhood friend of Ramza Beoulve. Once idealistic, tragedy after tragedy turned Delita into a pragmatic and manipulative man who would do anything to achieve his goals. His change in attitude ultimately leads him to part ways with Ramza, as he now seeks to rule over the kingdom so that he can bring an end to the chaos.

Using manipulation and betrayal as his tools, Delita slowly works himself into a prominent role in the land of Ivalice, eventually marrying Princess Ovelia and becoming King. While he never directly engages Ramza in battle, his actions and motivations ultimately put him at odds with his former friend.

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