Square Enix’s Final Fantasy series offers amazing characters that makes us be in awe. The stories in each game have their own twists and turns that make us laugh or cry. While Final Fantasy is known to be the most popular JRPG of all time, the last genre we think for this series is romance, unless you think of a certain tenth entry to the series.
Romance is a hard subject to tackle because love itself is complicated. It can make or break two people. Yet, Final Fantasy manages to bring us great couples that fans would draw fan art of, write fanfiction and adorable cosplay. That said, the couples in the games are done exceptionally wonderful or left us wanting more.
When it comes to the couples that hurt the games, we mean that they either left pity on us or feel a bit off, but most of the couples have tragic upbringings which saddens us greatly. In rare cases, some couples should just remain friends. Then there are couples who just scream beautiful. They are the couples that we aspire to be or develop over time in the games once their love blossoms.
Some choices are obvious, but then there are others that might leave you questioning. No matter anyone’s opinion, there is something to see in the couples that will appear on this list. Get ready to experience joy and sadness from these entries regarding ten Final Fantasy couples that hurt the games and ten that saved them.
20 Hurt: Looks Are Deceiving
Character and story wise, there is nothing specifically wrong with Zidane and Garnet. Their adventure is excellent and the two go through a lot together despite Zidane being assigned to technically kidnap Garnet. Like some fans, they can’t get behind the characters looking younger than compared to Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy VIII.
Both Zidane and Garnet are sixteen, but the game’s art style makes them look like kids, which can fool those who have never seen Final Fantasy IX. If you can manage to overlook the childish art style of this game, then you will certainly experience an amazing and engaging one.
19 Saved: Not What You Expect
Even though these two were already together in Final Fantasy X and its sequel, it’s amazing how Wakka and Lulu have a realistic relationship. There are fans who will go on and on at how these two are not meant to be or they don’t fit together.
Maybe that is the point of their relationship.
They might as well be opposites attracted and it is all good. When you reach the conclusion of Final Fantasy X-2 with the true ending, you will get a glimpse of Lulu holding her son Vidinia. It seems that their relationship is there to stay.
18 Hurt: Love Can Be Cruel
Before Celes, Rachel was the first woman Locke loved. The fact that he took to Mt. Kolts to essentially find an engagement ring, Rachel made the choice to save Locke and take the fall in her place. Not only did she lose her memory, but a year later, a raid from Gestahlian Empire took her life.
Like Locke, our hearts were broken from this loss.
The fact that she was revived for a bit to tell Locke to give his love to another, it just made us feel sad for them. Even though Rachel couldn’t live on, she could at least watch Locke from above with another girl in his life.
17 Saved: Intriguing Duo
There are so many ways to describe why Cecil and Rosa from Final Fantasy IV make such a fantastic couple. Cecil has arguably the best character progression in any series, changing from a Dark Knight to a Paladin. Rosa, on the other hand, is kind and gentle, but will go to certain lengths to protect the people she cares about.
Kain’s betrayal was a tough path in their journey and the game showcases how emotions are incredibly powerful in one’s thinking. It was tough since he along with Cecil and Rosa were in a love triangle. In the end, Cecil and Rosa are one of the strongest couples in the Final Fantasy series.
16 Hurt: Just Won’t Cut It
From looks alone, Vivi and Quina seem to be compatible with each other, but according to Vivi himself, he would not want to be married to Quina. For a relationship to work, two people need to have something in common that they enjoy or can relate to. Some will see these two looking adorable together, while others will just pass it off and focus on the main quests of the game. Plus, Vivi ends up having an offspring no matter who he ends up with, so it’s possible that Quina might not be the canonical partner for him after all.
15 Saved: Through Thick And Thin
Final Fantasy Tactics remains one of the greatest games in the series due to its slight departure but fantastic gameplay. The characters themselves are also memorable and fun. Delita and Ovelia are an interesting item and are a joy to watch. This couple shares a beautiful scene together and the voice acting adds to how perfect it is.
Without giving away the ending, let’s just say that their love seems too good to be true. Despite how it ends, Tactics handles this game wonderfully and it’s no wonder why many fans consider this game to be one of the best in the series.
14 Hurt: Fake Love
You know how workplace romances can get very messy? Well, Lucrecia and Hojo from Final Fantasy VII shows that to a huge extent. First off, Lucrecia ends up rejecting Vincent’s feelings in favor for Hojo, who has no intentions of being romantic. He is so dedicated to his work that once he and Lucrecia end up having a baby, who is Sephiroth mind you, decides to experiment on him.
Lucrecia never even got to hold her son.
She really got herself into a huge mess when she is the one who ends up giving birth to someone who would end up nearly destroying Gaia. Great job, you two.
13 Saved: Developing Overtime
One of the few canonical pairings in Final Fantasy VII, these two are shown to not get along at all. It was unfortunate that Cid treats Shera the way he does at first because of his dream of space flight being ruined. Cid is a unique party member in the game, so seeing his flaws is very refreshing.
Even if he never gets a chance to live out his dream, he ends up forgiving Shera and they managed to get together at the end of the game. This is one of the best character developments a Final Fantasy character can have.
12 Hurt: 23 Tiny Wishes
Now this might be confusing as to why this couple hurt the games they are in. They actually don’t, but it hurts us since we know what their fates will be. Crisis Core explored their relationship and they are honestly just meant for each other. We, alongside with Cloud, cried over the passing of Zack, and for Aerith, knowing what happened to him was just the start of this tragedy. Aerith’s tiny wishes rolled into one big wish makes us wish that they got to spend more time together. We hope that these two are safe and happy in the afterlife, because they truly deserve it.
11 Saved: Love After Loss
Final Fantasy VI started the golden age for the series. Some fans claim that this entry is arguably the best due to its amazing story, characters, and of course, the psychotic villain Kefka. The romance, while not exactly well known compared to future installments, feature a strong couple.
Locke and Celes represent that love is still possible to find after losing someone. Locke lost Rachel, who he loved so much, but when Celes came into his life, the two formed a sweet and somber romance that gave hope. Even after the world was destroyed by Kefka, these two managed to make it through with their allies together.
10 Hurt: Dark Revenge
If we are being honest, Final Fantasy X ended perfectly. It was sad, but it felt complete. So, when the sequel came out, we were actually surprised to have a villain who wants to reunite with his lost love.
Lenne and Shuyin are a tragic couple without a doubt.
Battling Shuyin helps Yuna accept the loss of Tidus and it brought great character development for her. However, fans can get the true ending where Tidus is brought back to life, making that moment feel pointless. Other than that, it was at least satisfying to see Lenne and Shuyin reunite after Yuna, Rikku, and Payne defeat the latter.
9 Saved: True Dedication
Even though Fran and Balthier are not canonically together, these two do work together due to their great chemistry. They would risk their lives for each other and we can’t help but admire that. Not to mention, it also helps two different species get along, and that is to be taken in a general way.
Balthier and Fran show us that when the going gets tough, putting your trust in someone you are close to will prevail in the end. If Final Fantasy XII were to get the sequel treatment (though it is not possible at the moment), it would be great to see these two get closer.
8 Hurt: Forming A Forbidden Feeling
Poor, poor Vincent. Being serviced to look over the Jenova Project in Nibelheim, he ended up falling in love with a scientist named Lucrecia Crescent. However, due to finding out Vincent’s late father, Grimoire Valentine, is related to him, Lucrecia distanced herself from Vincent.
And then she ended up being involved with the creation of Sephiroth.
While Vincent’s game, Dirge of Cerberus, does expand on Vincent’s time with her, it makes our head hurt to see Lucrecia do idiotic things. It’s no wonder that she crystallized herself in the end. Vincent deserved better and he is just too good for Lucrecia.
7 Saved: Battle Sweethearts
At first, once you play Final Fantasy VIII, it was a bit concerning on how Squall was giving people the cold shoulder before anyone could be given a chance. However, one girl managed to get closer to him and her name is Rinoa.
Before Final Fantasy X, this couple left an impact on fans for a long time.
Their relationship is believable and strong, and it is no wonder why a lot of fans love Rinoa and Squall. From the two dancing, Rinoa hugging Squall on the flower field, to them kissing at the end of the game, these two helped pave the way for more romance in the Final Fantasy series.
6 Hurt: Is That It?
Final Fantasy XV offers a thrilling experience to those who have or never played a Final Fantasy game before. Before the game’s release, we were given a lot of exposure to Noctis and Luna since they are to be wed and are very important to the story. Once we got to play the game, there just wasn’t enough of their relationship.
If you add up the game’s story, Luna only appears in the game for less than an hour. We know they care about each other greatly, but it just wasn’t enough. Once Luna’s DLC episode comes out next year, hopefully we will see more of her character and relationship with Noctis.
5 Saved: Hearts Growing Fonder
As much as the romance could have been a lot better in Final Fantasy XV, the main point of the game is about Noctis’s journey with Ignis, Prompto, and Gladio. Despite the limited screen time we see of Noctis and Luna together, there is chemistry between the two.
Once Noctis makes it to Altissia, seeing him and Luna reunite felt genuine and not sappy at all.
Thanks to Ardyn ruining everything, it was satisfying to see Noctis finally defeat him after his ten-year slumber. The ending to this long-awaited game pulled at our heartstrings and seeing the two kiss made us sigh while tearing up.
4 Hurt: Torn Apart For So Long
Final Fantasy XIII is such a polarizing game. Some love the game and its characters while others hate it with a burning passion. This game does get some things right, but it also gets stuff very wrong. The romance in this game is subdued, but as much as we think Serah and Snow are sweet for each other, they do not have the strongest writing.
It also doesn’t help that Final Fantasy XIII-2 has to be made to add in more intense drama for the characters. If you recall the ending, you probably know what we mean. Maybe in the end of Lightning Returns, the two can finally get the happy ending they deserve.
3 Saved: 1000 Embraces
Even if you are a casual fan of the Final Fantasy series, then you will hear how much Tidus and Yuna are regarded as the best couple in the franchise. Unlike any typical romance, Tidus and Yuna do not start off falling for each other, because that would be too easy.
Their romance defines Final Fantasy X.
Even with the sad, but complete ending for the game, we couldn’t help but cry when Tidus leaves Yuna and the gang. Say what you want about Final Fantasy X-2, but those who manage to get the true ending will be very happy to see the two reunite in a sweet embrace.
2 Hurt: A Tragic End
If there is one person who both Cloud and Aerith lost, it is Zack. Both he and Cloud end up falling in love with the sweet flower girl and who can blame them? It was Aerith who managed to give Cloud happiness and hope.
This couple is just adorable, but sadly tragic as well.
It was cruel of Sephiroth to take Aerith’s life while praying to the Planet. It was even devastating that Cloud stood there witnessing her slowly perishing. Do we even have to mention Cloud placing her body in the water with Aerith’s theme playing? Where are the tissues?
1 Saved: Together Through It All
Ever since the beginning of Final Fantasy VII, we can already tell how much chemistry Tifa and Cloud have, and it is incredible. Despite Cloud having feelings for Aerith, Tifa still treats the Cetra kindly.
Once Aerith met her end thanks to Sephiroth, it helped Cloud and Tifa get closer.
Thanks to the other media that center around Final Fantasy VII, we get to see more of Cloud and Tifa before and after the events of the main game. They have been friends since childhood and after all they have been through, these two have always stayed at each other’s side no matter what.
