06 May 2024 10:30 AM +00:00 UTC

Final Fantasy Pets and Companions: 5 Furry (or Not-So-Furry) Friends You Can't Forget

Final Fantasy has existed since 1987, and the much-beloved RPG has introduced an array of characters, from the mains to companions. With its 37-year run and 16 numbered main entries released, here are the five furry and not-so-furry friends you won't forget.

Every numbered entry in Final Fantasy introduces a crew member. Of course, after being around for about 37 years, players have had their favourite party members.

These companions, whether animals or humans, have joined them through thick and thin.

Cloud Strife, Vaan, Lunafreya Nox Fleuret and many others’ journeys will never be as colourful without them.

So, check out this list and see who can be your new best friend from these companions.

Balthier – Final Fantasy XII

If Star Wars has Han Solo, Final Fantasy has Balthier.

His real name is Ffamram mied Bunansa, a playable character in Final Fantasy XII and Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings.

The sky pirate travelled Ivalice, alongside his partner Fran, on his airship called the Strahal.

The charming, roguish sky pirate met FF12’s main protagonist, Vaan, during an attempt to steal from the Royal Palace of Rabanastre.

However, when things didn’t go as planned, Balthier became involved in a conflict between political forces that led to war.

Voiced by Gideon Emry, one of the greatest English-language voice actors in the franchise, Balthier isn’t only a favourite companion; he has also become a popular ally in the game series.

Umbra – Final Fantasy XV

The character companions of Final Fantasy will never be complete without a dog.

Final Fantasy XV has introduced two main dogs, one of which is Umbra, a faithful servant of Lunafreya Nox Fleuret.

Umbra, the black spitz-type canine, and his white sister, Pryna, serve as Messengers of the Astral to the Oracle.

He delivers messages between Lunafreya and her childhood friend, Prince Noctis, by carrying the Lovers’ Notebook and traversing the world in seconds.

Thanks to his otherworldly power, these two found a way to communicate.

Vivi Ornitier – Final Fantasy IX

Vivi Ornitier is a playable character in Final Fantasy X. With a black aura surrounding his outer skin and glowing yellow eyes, his character design is one of the greatest in video game history.

Though initially appearing shy, gullible, and clumsy, he eventually gains bravery and confidence. He has become Zidane Tribal’s friend, acting as his big brother.

So, though he sometimes acts comically, Vivi has an incredible strength hiding within him, making him one of the best companions in the game series.

Moogles – Final Fantasy IX

Moggles has been a big part of Final Fantasy. They first appeared in Final Fantasy III and have been seen since, except in Final Fantasy IV.

However, the Moogles in Final Fantasy IX are extra helpful. They serve a gameplay purpose by acting as save points and hosting shops in faraway places. They, too, deliver letters through Mognet.

Two of the most notable Moogles in the game are Stitlzkin, a travelling one who sells merchandise, and Artemicion, the head of Mognet, who helps others who need assistance.

There is also Mene, the curator of the Chocobo’s Forest and Choco’s only friend who operates the Chocobo Hot and Cold minigame, and Mog, a female moogle who hangs out with Eiko.

Aerith Gainsborough – Final Fantasy VII

Who doesn’t love Aerith Gainsborough? Also known as Aeris, she is a central character in Final Fantasy VII.

She is the last of her Cetra race, making her continuously hunted by the Shinra Electric Power Company to exploit her powers.

Thankfully, she met Cloud Strife in Midgar and formed a close friendship with him, which led her to join his quest to fight Shinra and find Sephiroth.

Though acting flirty toward Cloud, she is too concerned for others.

Her unforgettable charisma has made a mark in the minds of many. So, when she faced her tragic death at the hands of Sephiroth, her demise became one of the most impactful events in all video game history.

Who among these companions is your favourite? There is so much to mention with several party members in the game, but it can't be denied that they are five of the favourites.

For more articles like this, take a look at our Features , Lists , and Final Fantasy pages.