Summary
- Entering combat with a party of powerful heroes is key in Final Fantasy games.
- Party chemistry is crucial alongside damage dealt by warriors for successful progression.
- Optimal party combinations vary by game, providing unique synergies and abilities.
Final Fantasy is one of the greatest video game series around, churning out numerous amazing JRPGs that are worth checking out for all kinds of fans of the genre. Almost every Final Fantasy game sees players enter combat with a party of powerful heroes, with each often bringing a unique brand of strength to the table.
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As one would expect, certain party combinations are better than others for a whole host of reasons. The damage dealt by a party as a whole is pretty important for those looking to progress through a Final Fantasy game with relative ease, but so too is the chemistry felt between each member; what's the point in a powerful party if their personalities don't shine, too?
8 Warrior, Thief, Black Mage, White Mage
Covers All Bases, Especially After The Classes Are Upgraded
Final Fantasy (1987)
- Released
- December 18, 1987
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Genre(s)
- JRPG, Adventure
The first Final Fantasy game urged players to choose four jobs from the get-go and stick with them for the long haul. This decision can be a painful one to make, but most players can rest assured that the combination of a Warrior, Thief, Black Mage, and White Mage will be enough to get them through the toughest portions of the game.
The damage dealt by the Warrior makes him a powerhouse who can be relied on in 90% of battles with ease, and the Thief is a long-term investment who becomes an invaluable member after upgrading to become a Ninja. Then there are the Black and White Mages, both of whom allow players to gain access to every available spell in the game.
7 Locke Cole, Sabin Rene Figaro, Relm Arrowny, & Shadow
Arguably The Best Combination From The Huge Roster Of Characters In The Game
Final Fantasy 6
- Released
- October 11, 1994
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Fantasy Violence, Partial Nudity
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Given the massive cast of characters in Final Fantasy 6, it's easy to see why forming the best party combination is easier said than done. However, most people argue that a party consisting of Locke, Relm, Shadow, and Sabin can carry players till the end with ease.
Sabin's physical might makes him the go-to damage dealer, Locke can steal rare items from bosses, Relm is the best magic caster in the game in terms of pure power, and Shadow's swiftness, coupled with his ability to Throw, makes him another potent attacker in the party.
6 Zidane Tribal, Vivi Ornitier, Adelbert Steiner, & Eiko Carol
Players Will Enjoy Great Synergies And Useful Abilities With This Party
Final Fantasy 9
- Released
- July 7, 2000
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Violence, Mild Language
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
Final Fantasy 9 boasts the most lovable cast of party members in the series, helping many players understand why this title is considered to be the most charming one of the lot from the very moment the characters engage in frequent banter. Compared to other Final Fantasy games, choosing the optimal party combination here is rather easy.
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It's integral for Steiner and Vivi to be together so that the former can use Sword Magic in battle, with the Black Mage's offensive potential making him a must-have. Eiko is a better White Mage than Garnet, and Zidane's thievery makes him a must-have in tough bosses if players don't want to miss out on valuable loot.
5 Cloud Strife, Barret Wallace, & Cid Highwind
Their Limit Breaks And Damage Potential Are Off The Charts
Final Fantasy 7
- Released
- January 31, 1997
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Blood, Fantasy Violence, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes
- Genre(s)
- RPG
With the materia system in Final Fantasy 7, everyone can learn all kinds of magic. As a result, the best party combination is one that can deal the most amount of damage.
Cloud can't be removed from the party, but his power is so high that most people wouldn't want to do that anyway. Barret has great offensive potential, and he can even be placed in the back row to enhance his defenses. Then there's Cid, a powerful Dragoon who has access to one of the most damaging Limit Breaks in the series.
4 Squall Leonhart, Zell Dincht, & Irvine Kinneas
After Players Acquire Aura, Every Boss Fight Becomes A Breeze With Limit Break Spams
Final Fantasy 8
- Released
- February 11, 1999
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
Just like its predecessor, Final Fantasy 8 is another game where all characters can use whatever magic they can get their hands on as long as players are diligent about using the Draw command. With Aura becoming a must-have in the latter stages of the game, it's easy to see why party members with the best Limit Breaks should be kept in tough battles.
With his best weapon, Squall can use Lion Heart to obliterate foes with ease. Zell's Duel ability can be min-maxed to deal the most amount of damage in the game. On top of that, if players stock up on Fast Ammo, then Irvine's Limit Break can also obliterate foes with ease.
3 Cecil Harvey, Rosa Farrell, Edge Geraldine, Rydia, & Kain Highwind
The Final Party In The Game Is The Best And Most Well-Rounded One Of The Lot
Final Fantasy 4
- Released
- July 19, 1991
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
Many fans are glad that this party combination is the final one that doesn't switch in Final Fantasy 4. All bases are covered with this optimal setup, letting players enjoy everyone's strengths while covering for their weaknesses.
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Cecil is a protective Paladin with access to some support magic, Rosa is a dedicated White Mage, Rydia doubles as a Black Mage and a Summoner, Edge's Ninja abilities let him act first in battle while also using Throw for major damage, and Kain's abilities as a Dragoon also make him a reliable damage dealer.
2 Tidus, Yuna, & Auron
Speed, Power, And Healing Are All Accounted For Here
Final Fantasy 10
- Released
- December 17, 2001
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Mild Blood, Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
Since players aren't penalized if they want to switch party members in the middle of combat in Final Fantasy 10, seeking the most optimal party member in this game isn't a necessity. Still, those who want to use a party that can help them obliterate tough bosses should put Tidus, Yuna, and Auron on the front lines.
Auron's physical strength is off the charts, Tidus' Time Mage abilities are critical to exploit the CTB battle system, and Yuna can use White Magic to support the party. If things look dire, then the Summoner can always call upon the might of a powerful Aeon to obliterate foes in style.
1 Noctis Lucis Caelum, Gladiolus Amicitia, Ignis Scientia, & Prompto Argentum
The Friendship Shared Between This Group Is Beautiful
Final Fantasy 15
- Released
- November 9, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Language, Mild Blood, Partial Nudity, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
The main party of Final Fantasy 15 barely changes, barring a few moments in the story, but this is perfect for the story the game wants to tell. Despite its issues, many fans can't help but resonate with the group and appreciate their friendship given the frequency of their banter.
Every fight feels great to participate in, especially with Noctis and his friends providing a ton of entertaining quips after victory. Hammering in this bond is important for the game, especially given the emotional nature of its conclusion.
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