Final Fantasy is a series that has encapsulated a wide breadth of fantasy worlds over its many installments, introducing a huge group of characters. Due to the fantasy nature of this series, it’s unsurprising that many of these characters are non-human.
This fantasy element has given the creative minds behind the Final Fantasy series the freedom to explore non-human characters, making sure they have unique personalities and interesting character designs that stand apart from their human, or even humanoid, counterparts. The non-human characters are often the most unique, as they’re unlike anything in the real world, helping you to immerse yourself in the series’ vibrant worlds by providing a new point of view.
10 Would Make An Adorable Pokemon: Tama (World Of Final Fantasy)
Tama is a playable Mirage in World of Final Fantasy, and Lann and Reynn's navigator companion. This adorable fox-like Mirage has a bright appearance - adorned with bows, a crown, and colorful stars on her tail.
She has a talkative personality and provides you with entertainment throughout the game as she travels alongside Lann and Reynn. She’s a valuable companion and a helpful partner in battle, making her an important character during your journey. Her colorful, non-human design is perfect for a game aimed at a younger audience that emulates the likes of Pokemon by allowing you to fight using monsters.
9 The Frog Lover: Quina Quen (Final Fantasy 9)
While Quina isn’t the most well-developed character in Final Fantasy, they definitely bring a new aspect to the series, largely because of their non-human characteristics. As a Qu, they use eating to categorize life’s more abstract questions, resulting in some brilliant quotes like: “World only have two things: Things you can eat and things you no can eat.”
Due to the non-human appearance of Quina, they have one of the most memorable designs in the game. Their attire is similar to that of a chef to reflect their love of eating, and they have a large tongue that hangs from their mouth. They use forks in battle and can use Eat to consume enemies and learn Blu Mag spells. They might be a divisive character, but they’re unlike anything else in the series.
8 I’m Sharpening My Knife, Kupo: Mog (Final Fantasy 6)
Mog is the first playable moogle in the Final Fantasy series, and the originator of the name Mog - which is now a common name for moogles. This cute mascot character learned how to speak from Ramuh, and is able to join your party if you decide to recruit him.
Originating from Narshe, he has the same adorable appearance as his fellow moogles, with white fur, batlike wings, and a pom-pom attached to his head via an antenna. You won’t want to miss out on recruiting this cute Dancer to your party.
7 Resident Cat Girl: Y'shtola Rhul (Final Fantasy 14)
Y'shtola Rhul is a Seeker of the Sun Miqo'te Conjurer. She has an interesting design with brown patterns on her face and animalistic features, such as her catlike ears and tail, which sets her apart from the human characters. Her standout design has resonated with a lot of fans, leading her to become one of the faces of Final Fantasy 14.
With such a great design, it’s clear to see why she’s featured in spin-off titles like Dissidia Final Fantasy NT and Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call. Although not the main character of Final Fantasy 14, she’s definitely paved the way when it comes to non-human characters and has left her mark on the series.
6 More Than Just A Stuffed Toy: Cait Sith (Final Fantasy 7)
Cait Sith is one of the weirder characters that have featured in the Final Fantasy series and a strange contender for the best non-human character, as he’s technically being controlled by a human - Reeve Tuesti. First encountered in the Gold Saucer working, he’s later revealed as a traitor controlled by Reeve. Although, he shows remorse for his actions and eventually becomes a helpful ally.
Despite differing responses from fans, you have to admit a remote-controlled plush cat riding a robotic moogle is something you’ve never seen before. He briefly appeared in Final Fantasy 7 Remake, and it’ll be interesting to see what approach Square Enix takes with his character in the next installment.
5 Kindhearted Warrior: Kimahri Ronso (Final Fantasy 10)
A playable character in Final Fantasy 10, Kimahri is a part of the Ronso tribe and a protector of Yuna. In comparison to other Ronso, he’s smaller and has a broken horn on his forehead, causing him great shame.
This proud warrior has protected Yuna since she was a child, and is very loyal to her despite his quiet and mistrusting personality. He deserves as much love as his human teammates, as he offers you an alternative perspective as a Ronso - valuing strength and honor. He might look intimidating because of his anthropomorphic, muscular appearance, but he can be kindhearted, shown by his loyalty to Yuna.
4 Quiet And Mysterious: Fran (Final Fantasy 12)
Fran is a playable character in Final Fantasy 12 and Final Fantasy 12: Revenant Wings, and a Viera - a humanoid race of people with pointed feet and long ears who age slowly once they reach adulthood. Despite the reclusive nature of the Viera, she left her homeland, losing many of her talents as a Viera and becoming Balthier's partner aboard his airship.
Fran’s character is one shrouded in mystery, mostly because of her stoicism. Regardless, she stands apart from her human teammates because of her unique design and her partnership with Balthier. It would be great to see her story developed in a future installment.
3 Here, Kitty: Nanaki (Final Fantasy 7)
Nanaki, or Red XIII, is a non-human playable character in Final Fantasy 7. He stands out in an already incredible cast of characters thanks to his unique design and touching backstory. The game never specifies what species he is, but he appears to be a lion or wolf-like animal who lives for a long time.
Hailing from Cosmo Canyon, Nanaki’s father, Seto, sacrificed himself to stop the Gi tribe. But Nanaki resented his father, believing that he ran off. When Nanaki discovers the petrified body of his father, he vows to follow in his footsteps to become a great warrior - a promise he definitely fulfills, as he becomes a strong comrade to you as you protect the planet.
2 Searcher Of Love: Freya Crescent (Final Fantasy 9)
Final Fantasy 9 features lots of interesting non-human characters because of its ties to the series’ traditional fairy-tale elements. One such non-human character is the Burmecian Freya, a Dragoon who’s loyal to her people and does everything in her power to protect them from Queen Brahne.
Freya has become a popular character because of her resilience and the tragic circumstances she faces throughout the game. It’s revealed that she left Burmecia to search for her estranged love, Sir Fratley. Unfortunately, she finds Sir Fratley, only to discover that he’s suffering from amnesia and has forgotten her. She’s rightfully devastated by this revelation but remains true to her values and fights to protect Gaia.
1 His Memories Will Be Part Of The Sky: Vivi Ornitier (Final Fantasy 9)
Vivi is one of the most beloved characters in Final Fantasy, and it’s clear to see why - this little Black Mage has one of the most impactful storylines in the series. With a design influenced by the Black Mage job class, Vivi develops as a character throughout Final Fantasy 9, eventually becoming confident and coming to terms with his shortened lifespan to help his friends.
What makes him such a great character is his stylized design and his kindhearted nature, striving to help his friends despite his personal struggles. He’s not only strong because of his magical abilities, but because of his willingness to live despite these hardships, which is something that’s resonated with many fans of the series.