For what seems like forever, JRPGs have introduced us to incredible settings, devastating villains, and wondrous adventures. While it’s easy to think that RPGs and JRPGs are the same, there happen to be many differences between the two, including, in some cases, the quality of the story. Much of these games’ stories have influenced countless games and left quite an impact on players and the industry as a whole.What truly makes a story awe-inspiring is the leading character. The protagonists in JRPGs demonstrate incredible heroics to protect and save their loved ones, while sometimes having to struggle with mounting internal conflict. These heroes either chose to stand up for what’s right or were thrust into a situation where they were forced to become one. There have been many amazing protagonists in JRPGs, but these ones separate themselves as being the best of the best.RELATED: The Best Hidden Quests In Final Fantasy 7, RankedUpdated April 4, 2022, by Avery Lawrence Feyrer: Due to the extremely wide range of games in the JRPG genre, there were a handful that were left out when this post was originally published. To rectify this, we've added a few more entries to highlight more iconic heroes in the JRPG genre. While there still might be a few more protagonists worthy of appearing on this list, we're confident the additions below will suffice in a more comprehensive collection of JRPG heroes.

13 Fei Fong Wong - Xenogears

fei fong wong

Fei Fong Wong might be best known for his long, black ponytail, but for people who’ve played Xenogears, they know his hair isn’t the only thing iconic about him. Fei is known as the Contact, due to him being touched by the Wave Existence, or essentially, God. Fei possesses incredible strength and abilities as he fights against a corrupt military called Gebler.

Fei’s journey in Xenogears is a brutal struggle to understand one’s destiny and place in the world. He realizes that he holds a higher responsibility as the Contact, but his love for Elly pushes him to fight against Karellen, who intended to purify the world by destroying everything. Fei eventually defeats Karellen and saves his planet and Elly.

12 Vyse - Skies Of Arcadia

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The main protagonist of Skies of Arcadia, Vyse is the son of the Blue Rogue captain Dyne. Alongside his childhood friend Aika, the pair lead a resistance against the Valuan Empire. Vyse's weapon of choice is a pair of cutlasses, making him an expert in physical attacks. On top of this, Vyse is a competent magic user, but his magic abilities are a bit limited.

Other than Skies of Arcadia, Vyse has made other appearances in video games. The Blue Rogue fighter appeared in Valkyria Chronicles and Sonic And All-Stars Racing Transformed as an optional playable character.

11 Terra Branford - Final Fantasy 6

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Arguably the best game in the series, Final Fantasy 6 follows a cast of fourteen playable characters, the most of any game in the series, as they try to quell a conflict between the Gestahlian Empire and the Returners. While the game doesn't consider a specific character as its "main character," Terra Branford is the first person you control and is always featured in the game's marketing. Terra was prisoner to the Empire at the beginning of the game, used as an experiment to further the studies of Magitek.

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Before the final showdown against Keftka, Terra was warned that they may have to destroy the Warring Triad, which also happens to be the source of all magic. Because Terra is an esper and from their world, they weren't sure what would happen to them. After Keftka was defeated, magic did leave the world, but Terra was spared and allowed to continue to live among the humans.

10 Ichiban Kasuga - Yakuza: Like A Dragon

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Throughout the illustrious Yakuza series, the main protagonist has always been Kiryu Kazuma. But in Yakuza: Like A Dragon, Kiryu is on the other side, and you assume control of Ichiban Kasuga. Known as the Rock-Bottom Dragon because of the dragonfish tattoo on his back, Ichiban possesses tremendous raw strength that allows him to excel at using various fighting styles.

In Yakuza: Like A Dragon, Ichiban is asked to take the fall of another member of Arakawa Family and is sentenced to prison for 18 years. After being released, Ichiban is completely ignored by his former family. When he tries to investigate and speak with Arakawa, he's shot in the chest and left for dead. Unlike Kiryu, Ichiban can be quite emotional and expresses himself freely, but he's just as loyal and determined to do what's right like the other Yakuza protagonist.

9 Tidus - Final Fantasy 10

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Growing up in the city of Zanarkand, Tidus lived an easy life. He was the son of famous blitzball star Jecht and was also a popular player himself as well. But on one fateful night, a giant monster called Sin attacked the city, and Tidus woke up on the shores of a world named Spira. Tidus learns that Zanarkand was destroyed by Sin one thousand years ago and tries to find a place in this strange, new world.

Tidus meets Wakka, a fellow blitzball player, but also a guardian of the summoner Yuna. He learns that Yuna’s been tasked with slaying Sin and Tidus decides to accompany Yuna on her pilgrimage. At first, Tidus doesn’t seem like the hero-type, but his contagious laugh and habit of looking on the brighter side of things is a refreshing trait.

8 Crono - Chrono Trigger

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One of the strong and silent types of heroes, Crono traveled through all periods to protect the world in one of the best JRPGs ever, Chrono Trigger. After the Millennial Fair, Crono is charged with attempting to kidnap Princess Nadia, though, Crono thought he was spending time with a young girl named Marle.

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Through Crono’s travels, he discovers the true cause of the chaos in Guardia, the evil Lavos. With the help of Marle and his friends, Crono can defeat Lavos, and while some think he and Marle perished in the fall of the Guardia Kingdom shortly after, it’s also said that they married.

7 Hero - Dragon Quest

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Throughout the Dragon Quest series, the protagonist, who’s simply referred to as “Hero,” never stays the same in each iteration. Similar to the Final Fantasy series, each Dragon Quest game presents its unique adventure and cast of characters. In some cases, the Hero may have a specific backstory, while other times their origins remain a mystery.

Currently, the most iconic of the Dragon Quest Heroes is the savior from Dragon Quest 11. The protagonist was recently added to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, along with four alternate costumes from Dragon Quest 3, Dragon Quest 4, and Dragon Quest 8. The Hero’s main weapons in battle are his trusty sword and shield.

6 Squall Leonhart - Final Fantasy 8

squall leonhart with a blazing sword in FF8.

The hero of Final Fantasy 8, Squall Leonhart, sports one of the most iconic weapons in the series in the Gunblade. Although the SeeD cadet was introduced as a cold person, he embraced his duty. He reveals throughout the game that he’s blunt and short with people in fear of getting too close to them but his view on life changed when he met Rinoa Heartilly.

Squall has appeared in other games, most notably the Kingdom Hearts series. In the Disney-Final Fantasy crossover, Squall changed his name to Leon, but fans of the popular series recognized him immediately. Squall is a natural leader and one you want to have on your side on the battlefield.

5 Red - Pokemon

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Pokemon Red introduced us to the wondrous world of pocket monsters. Even though you can change the name of the protagonist, his canonical name is Red. In the first game of the series, Red embarks on his journey to becoming the greatest trainer ever. While it’s a common misconception, Red was not based on Ash Ketchum from the anime but vice versa.

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The Pokemon Company expanded the number of pocket monsters in the Generation 2 games SIlver and Gold but also included quite the surprise. After exploring the Johto region and defeating the Elite Four, the game unlocks the previous Kanto region from Red and Blue, allowing you to collect the original badges. Once you’ve defeated the Kanto Elite Four, you’ll have one last battle against the reigning Pokemon champion: Red.

4 Sora - Kingdom Hearts

sora kingdom hearts

When it was announced that Disney and Square Enix would collaborate to create a world mixed with Final Fantasy characters and Mickey Mouse and his friends, it was met with raised eyebrows. But to their credit, Kingdom Hearts has evolved into one of the biggest video game series today. The protagonist, Sora, has also made a name for himself as one of the best heroes in JRPGs.

Sora’s unrelenting love for his friends gives him power in defeating the Heartless. Even when his best friend Riku becomes corrupted by the Heartless, Sora still tries to bring his lost friend back to the light. Sora’s popularity is so high in the gaming community that he’s constantly being brought up as a possible addition to Super Smash Bros.

3 Joker - Persona 5

Joker from Persona 5

Already incredibly popular in the JRPG community, the Persona series reached a new level of power with Persona 5. The game was bursting at the seams with color and style, but the characters were who stole the show, specifically the protagonist, Joker. While Persona 5’s main character can be called whatever you’d like, his Phantom Thieves codename is Joker.

Joker displays a cool and collected attitude, never letting the situation get the better of him. He’s more than willing to sacrifice himself for the good of not only his friends but for all of humanity. Persona 5’s success led to Joker being added to the Super Smash Bros. roster after launch.

2 Kiryu Kazuma - Yakuza

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If you’re a JRPG fan, then odds are pretty high that you’ve played or at least heard of Yakuza. The Sega series has dominated the role-playing genre with its engrossing narratives and an amazing cast of characters. While there are varying protagonists throughout the series, the one who makes the most appearances and is arguably the most iconic is Kiryu Kazuma.

The Dragon of Dojima demonstrates redeeming characteristics, even for someone who’s part of the Japanese mafia. Kiryu lives his life trying to do what is right and not take advantage of others simply because he’s able to. And though Kiryu possesses incredible loyalty to his loved ones and his yakuza family, he won’t allow corruption to take hold of Kamurocho.

1 Cloud Strife - Final Fantasy 7

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The top spot of the most iconic JRPG protagonist belongs to our blonde, spikey-haired hero Cloud Strife. The overly emotional hero from Final Fantasy 7 is easy to spot anywhere with his massive Buster Sword. In Final Fantasy 7, Cloud helps lead the activist group Avalanche in fighting against Shinra, and eventually, Sephiroth.

At first, Cloud wasn’t too interested in protecting the planet, but once he learned more about his origins and after meeting Aerith Gainsborough, Cloud’s views changed for the better. Similar to Squall Leonhart, Cloud makes a significant cameo in the Kingdom Hearts series, as he battles against his inner darkness.

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