Best Rivals In The Series

Key Takeaways

• Ultros is a relentless foe who hounds players, providing a cathartic moment when he’s defeated at the Coliseum.
• Ardyn Izunia is a charismatic villain in FF15 who reveals his evil tendencies as the game progresses.
• Kuja develops from a mysterious villain into someone with a deep connection to the hero, Zidane, adding emotion to their final battle.

Final Fantasy is a series full to the brim with some of the most memorable characters of all time. The games may lean towards certain done-to-death cliches when manufacturing personalities for these characters, but most of these people are unique enough for players to enjoy their interactions as the game progresses.

Some of the most beloved and hated Final Fantasy characters in equal measure are the rivals that stand in a player’s way time and time again. These characters either stand against the entire party numerous times or have it out for one particular hero whom they can’t wait to take out whenever the two clash.

8 Ultros

A Relentless Octopus Who’s Put In His Place Time And Time Again

An octopus that is as creepy and malicious as they come, Ultros is a villain responsible for splitting up the party in the early goings of Final Fantasy 6 before continuing to hound them throughout the World of Balance. Even when players are making their way to the Floating Continent, the monster doesn’t let up and brings his friend, Typhon, to the battle too.

Thankfully, after this encounter, Ultros becomes an attendant at the Coliseum when players reach the World of Ruin. He irritated the party numerous times in the first half of the game, which is what makes this rival’s downfall so cathartic to witness.

7 Ardyn Izunia

Reveals Himself As Noctis’ Ancestor Who Has Been Corrupted By Evil

Ardyn’s charismatic presence makes him a joy to witness whenever he appears on-screen, delivering a silky performance that compels both the heroes and players alike to believe his lies in the early going. Of course, it doesn’t take too long for this villain to show off his evil tendencies.

It turns out that this character is Noctis’ ancestor who absorbed the evil and malice from others, eventually being overpowered by this dark energy. This turns him into a symbol of hatred who plunges the entire world into a state of ruin and must be stopped in the final stages of Final Fantasy 15.

6 Kuja

It Turns Out That He And Zidane Are Soul Brothers

It’s easy to label Kuja as a cheaper Sephiroth, given how this villain appears almost randomly at times to carry out his nefarious plots without any buildup per se. However, as the game progresses, Kuja’s character develops to the point where players get to know about the link he shares with Zidane.

It turns out that both Zidane and Kuja were Genomes created by Garland to serve as Angels of Death. Kuja was labeled a failed experiment, with his “younger brother” deemed more fitting for the role. This explains the antagonism Kuja has towards Zidane, adding a ton of emotions to a final battle that’s as cinematic and engaging as they come.

5 Kain Highwind

Has It Out For Cecil But Accepts Him As A Friend Not Long After

Both Cecil and Kain serve the King of Baron, but the latter has doubts regarding the brutality of his role. Kain has no problems accepting the same, secretly resenting Cecil for being in a relationship with a woman he’d always loved.

After they split up and Cecil’s actions lead to his loyalties being questioned, it becomes easier for Golbez to manipulate Kain and set him on a collision course against his companion. Thankfully, he admits the errors of his ways and joins the heroes to make amends for his past transgressions.

4 Beatrix

Develops A Rivalry With Steiner That Blossoms To Become A Friendship

Beatrix is a powerful soldier in the all-female regiment of Alexandria and considers the Knights of Pluto to be her rival. This leads to her being rather antagonistic with Steiner, who has nothing but the utmost respect for a woman he secretly admires.

It breaks his heart to engage Beatrix in battle time and time again, which is why the sight of the duo finally teaming up later on in Final Fantasy 9 is so entertaining. It’s clear that this rivalry is a friendly one that compels both fighters to become stronger than ever.

3 Gilgamesh

This Hilarious Recurring Boss Declares Bartz As His Rival

The debut of Gilgamesh was such a roaring success that he became a mainstay in the series ever since. Despite coming across as a bumbling fool more often than not, fans can’t help but develop a liking towards this underling who is constantly targeted by Exdeath for his perceived ineptitude.

This respect goes both ways, with Gilgamesh declaring Bartz to be his rival during one of the many encounters players engage with against this boss. Watching him be dismissed brutally by Exdeath is a heartbreaking moment, which is what makes fans cheer when he reappears in the Interdimensional Rift to help the party out for once.

2 Seifer Almasy

Develops An Ugly Rivalry With Squall

From the very intro of Final Fantasy 8, it’s established that both Squall and Seifer aren’t huge fans of each other. While the former may pretend to be aloof and uncaring about this rivalry, the truth is that Seifer’s actions get under his skin more often than not.

After falling under Edea’s mind control, Seifer becomes an outlaw and stands against the party several times over the course of their adventure. His friends see the destructive path Seifer is on and help him make amends later on, leading to a sequence at the end of the game where Seifer begrudgingly helps out the heroes to stop Ultimecia in her tracks.

1 Sephiroth

The Bane Of Cloud’s Existence Who Hounds Him Every Step Of The Way

Sephiroth is one of the most iconic video game villains of all time. The sight of this imposing character with his flowing silver hair wielding one of the most ludicrous swords of all time is something that fans will remember long after they’re finished playing through Final Fantasy 7.

This SOLDIER has served as a rival to many characters across the series, with Cloud being one of the most prominent party members he’s in conflict with. The image of this villain haunts Cloud throughout his journey, and it’s only after the protagonist learns the truth of his past that he gains the strength to take out his rival once and for all.