Even in a world filled with consoles, ways to play, and a booming industry, few game franchises can reach the status of the Final Fantasy series. It remains a long and storied video game franchise that dates back to the original Nintendo.
The hallmark that separates the series from the rest is the creator's attention to detail when crafting their characters, from Cloud, Tidus, Tifa, Auron, and even Squall; they all remain memorable and compelling characters to this day. In this list, we'll be taking a look at the ten strongest female Final Fantasy characters that have appeared throughout the series.
10 Lulu (Final Fantasy X)
Lulu's growth as a character stands out as one of the most important in Final Fantasy X. She begins her story as a devout follower of Yevon, living and dying by its teaching. She is cold and callous, especially after the passing of her lover Chappu.
Throughout the story, she develops into a strong and heartwarming character, who must overcome her religious beliefs in order to save her friend from her ritualistic sacrifice, and free the world from Sin. And when it comes to combat, she is no slouch, touting some of the most impressive magical abilities in the series.
9 Garnet (Final Fantasy IX)
The heir to the grand kingdom of Alexandria, Princess Garnet, remains one of the strongest characters in the franchise. Her powers as a summoner rank among the greatest of the series, with her abilities only becoming stronger when she is in her trance form.
Overcoming her troubled backstory following the death of her mother, washing ashore in Alexandria, and being used as a replacement to the recently deceased princess, only lends itself to her strength. Her growth from a weak princess to a brawling badass earns her a place on the list.
8 Rydia(Final Fantasy IV)
Much like Garnet, Rydia overcomes a troubled backstory as a child driven by the death of her mother and being the last member of her race. The thing that makes her so powerful is her exceptional summoning abilities, coupled with her black magic.
Throughout the series traditional summoners were white magic users, but Rydia manages to use both abilities at an advanced level. She is a must-use party member throughout her entry in the series.
7 Yunalesca (Final Fantasy X)
We are introduced to Lady Yunalesca as somewhat of a saint in Final Fantasy X, being the first summoner to actually defeat sin. But after meeting her, we quickly begin to see the evil of her way, even sacrificing her husband as a tribute to become the Fayth.
She becomes an extremely difficult boss to defeat, especially because most players were not prepared to fight her. She also takes on another physically imposing form in Final Fantasy X-2.
6 Ultimecia (Final Fantasy VIII)
Ultimecia is the first female antagonist to appear in the Final Fantasy franchise and is the main antagonist in Final Fantasy VIII. Her ultimate goal is to compress all time and space and making herself a living god.
When it comes to magical abilities she some of the most powerful in existence, being able to manipulate the minds and will of others, and she can even give life to subconscious thoughts and inanimate objects. With her powers of manipulation coupled with her incredible black magic abilities it's hard to ignore her place on this list.
5 Beatrix (Final Fantasy IX)
Beatrix is the commanding general, and most trusted warrior of the all-female army of Alexandria. She remains renowned throughout Gaia for her military exploits under the Queen, and strikes fear in the hearts of armies and men alike.
She remains loyal to the kingdom of Alexandria and shows no mercy to anyone who threatens the kingdom, even the queen herself. Beatrix is known as the best swordsman in the continent, and she has to power to completely obliterate your party with a single blow, so tread lightly when you're going up against her.
4 Lightning (Final Fantasy XIII)
Lightning, otherwise known as the female Cloud, remains one of the strongest leads in Final Fantasy history. She's the first female to be the definitive lead in a Final Fantasy title.
She is a master swordsman and marksman with knowledge of black magic and even develops the powers and ability to face off against immortal beings. She remains one of the most popular characters in the franchise, even spawning multiple spinoffs of her initial entry.
3 Terra (Final Fantasy VI)
Terra begins her journey as an indoctrinated slave, whos is half human and half Esper, and manages to overcome her struggles and turn into a hero. Her resolve to ignore her tortured past, and instead of using her powers for revenge or in anger, she uses them to make the world a better place.
Terra's also an incredibly strong party member, with high magic stats and physical abilities. She is often considered the first female protagonist of a mainline final fantasy title, but the creators insist there is no main protagonist.
2 Aerith (Final Fantasy VII)
When it comes to supporting party members and healers, Aerith is probably one of the greatest of all time. No matter how short her appearance, her white magic abilities remain some of the most powerful in the franchise, especially her final limit break.
As the last living Cetra, she has the weight of the world on her shoulders, dodging the Shinra and Sephiroth, and does it all with a smile on her face. She manages to see the light in all dark situations, even in her death.
1 Yuna (Final Fantasy X)
Yuna stands out at the top of this list for what she accomplished during her time. Not only is she one of the strongest summoners in the franchise, but she is also one of the most powerful magic wielders. She managed to almost single-handedly destroy Sin, and free the world from the 1000 year plague of Yevon.
The fact she wasn't even 21 years old and saved the planet from imminent destruction on two different occasions, only adds to her case. She grew from a quiet reserved island girl and evolved into a gun-toting pop idol.