The Final Fantasy franchise is chock-full of endearing characters no matter the entry. Though each installment follows a similar structure, the characters spread throughout harbor some truly unique personalities and desires. Some of the most iconic video game characters ever were created as a result of this series, but the popularity of some can often overshadow the rest.
Most of Final Fantasy's main protagonists are oozing with charm and charisma, even if they feel somewhat distant at first. Their development through a game's story will usually cement them as lovable characters, resulting in some of the franchise's better side characters being all but forgotten. If given a starring role, however, these less popular personalities would undoubtedly shine.
8 AVALANCHE - Final Fantasy 7 Remake
The original Final Fantasy 7 presented the eco-terrorists known as AVALANCHE as minor characters with little impact on the game's plot, but the 2020 remake granted them much more compelling personalities and motivations. It is clear that a great deal of love went into revitalizing them as characters, so much so in fact, that many of its members have since become fan favorites.
A spinoff about AVALANCHE could reveal how the organization came to be while also showcasing how Wedge, Biggs, and Jessie managed to climb so high in its ranks. The trio's destiny is currently unknown, so it would be fascinating to see them return as main characters in their very own game.
7 Gilgamesh - Multiple Entries
Gilgamesh has played a variety of different roles throughout each of his appearances across the Final Fantasy franchise. He has displayed multiple personalities and motivations, but his most memorable depiction sees him scavenging different universes in search of the most powerful weapons.
A Gilgamesh spinoff could finally permit fans to witness how he manages to pull off these otherworldly feats, and perhaps even showcase how his lust for power came to exist. Each of his attempts to locate the famed Masamune has failed, so perhaps a spinoff could finally grant him what he seeks.
6 Ignis - Final Fantasy 15
Ignis is arguably one of the best party members present in Final Fantasy 15 due to both his fighting abilities and his cooking skills. He is a dear friend to Noctis who serves multiple roles, with his serving of delicious meals being his most iconic trait.
The Final Fantasy franchise has featured multiple spinoff games since its inception, but there is yet to be a game to focus on cooking. An Ignis spinoff could finally reveal how his culinary gifts came to be and finally allow the player experience the full extent of his approach to meal preparation.
5 Rikku - Final Fantasy 10
Rikku became a slightly more prominent figure in Final Fantasy 10-2, but Yuna's role as the game's leading protagonist sidelined her somewhat. Though it revealed a great deal more about what her life was like before the events of Final Fantasy 10, there is still much to learn about what makes her tick.
A spinoff could document her life as a persecuted Al-Bhed and how she grew to overcome Spira's oppressive regime. Doing so would permit the overall narrative to act as a commentary on racism. Though the topic was briefly explored in the original, it could definitely be expanded on.
4 Shadow - Final Fantasy 6
.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=1500&dpr=1.5)
Shadow is a mystery for most of Final Fantasy 6's duration. He shows little interest in associating with the party during their first interaction but later offers his services as an assassin on their journey. Unlike other party members, he will abandon his comrades whenever he feels like it, further elevating the mystery that surrounds him.
The player will witness brief glimpses of the elusive assassin's past as the narrative progresses, but he mostly remains an enigma. A Shadow-centered spinoff could document his early days as a sword-for-hire, or maybe even reveal how he came to possess Interceptor, his loyal Doberman Pinscher.
3 Aranea - Final Fantasy 15
Aranea was due to receive her own DLC episode in 2019, but Square Enix's change in direction led to the story's eventual cancelation. Fans were understandably disappointed by the company's decision to move on from Final Fantasy 15 because it meant Aranea's story would never see the light of day.
A spinoff, however, could finally appease fans of Aranea by revealing how she came to be. As a dragoon, she can defy gravity and perform some truly baffling feats, but where did she learn to do this? It is likely fans will never know, but it would certainly be interesting to find out.
2 Balthier - Final Fantasy 12
Though he claims to be Final Fantasy 12's leading man, Balthier spends most of his onscreen time overshadowed by his peers. He has one of the most emotional backstories out of all the game's characters but is sadly never given the time to address it as much as fans would like.
It is revealed around the halfway point of the story that his father made him a Judge of the Archadian Empire. At this point, all Judges are presented as inherently evil entities, making it difficult to imagine Balthier as part of their ranks. A spinoff could follow his time in servitude to the Archadian Empire and perhaps further flesh out the relationship he has with his father.
1 Auron - Final Fantasy 10
Auron is shrouded in mystery for the vast majority of Final Fantasy 10. He spends most of his journey across Spira merely observing his comrade's actions and offering advice when he feels they have hit a wall. His quiet and secretive nature encourages players to speculate on his origins, only to eventually learn how truly devastating they are.
A spinoff starring Auron could showcase his time as a Guardian to High Summoner Braska ten years prior to the events of the original game's story. Sadly, Final Fantasy 10 has already received a spinoff documenting Yuna's life, so it is doubtful Auron's full story will ever be revealed.