Navigating the World of Final Fantasy Tactics: A Character Ranking

Alright, let’s be real. Final Fantasy Tactics is a stone-cold classic, but with so many characters to recruit and train, it can feel like you’re drowning in a sea of potential party members. Who’s worth the time investment? Who’s going to be carrying your team through those brutal random battles? Don’t worry, we’re here to break it all down and help you assemble the ultimate squad. Forget the spreadsheets; we’re keeping it fun and focused on dominating Ivalice.

Understanding Character Tiers in Final Fantasy Tactics

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of specific units, let’s clarify what we mean by character tiers. We’re not just talking about raw stats here (though those certainly matter). We’re considering the whole package: job access, ease of training, unique abilities, and how well a character slots into different team compositions. Think of it like building a basketball team: you need more than just five point guards; you need roles filled for maximum synergy.

Factors Influencing Tier Placement

Several key factors dictate a character’s placement on our tier list. First, job access is crucial. Can the character quickly access powerful jobs like Ninja, Samurai, or Calculator? Or are they stuck grinding through Squire and Chemist for what feels like an eternity? Second, consider a character’s initial skillset. Some characters start with useful skills that give them a head start, while others require significant investment to become effective. Finally, their compatibility with different playstyles impacts their value. A character who excels in a specific niche might be less valuable overall than a more versatile unit.

The S-Tier: The Gods of Ivalice

These are the characters who define power in Final Fantasy Tactics. They are either incredibly strong right out of the gate or have access to game-breaking abilities that can trivialize even the toughest encounters. Investing in these units is almost always a good idea, and they form the backbone of many successful playthroughs. They’re the Lebron Jameses and Michael Jordans of the FFT world; you build your strategy around them.

Orlandeau (aka "TG Cid")

Let’s be honest, no FFT tier list is complete without Orlandeau. This guy is straight-up broken. With access to the Holy Sword skills right from the start, he can annihilate enemies with his devastating attacks. He’s like the cheat code Square Enix accidentally left in the game. Seriously, his “Thunder God” form makes him almost unstoppable. His only real downside is joining late in the game, but even then, he can single-handedly turn the tide of battle.

Agrias Oaks

Agrias is another powerhouse, boasting the powerful Holy Knight skillset. Her abilities like Stasis Sword and Holy Explosion offer excellent damage and crowd control, making her a valuable asset in any party. Plus, she joins relatively early, giving you plenty of time to level her up and unlock her full potential. Think of her as the Swiss Army Knife of the Holy Knight class, offering a diverse range of offensive and defensive capabilities.

The A-Tier: Top-Tier Performers

These characters are consistently strong and reliable throughout the game. They might not be as overwhelmingly powerful as the S-Tier, but they are still excellent choices for any team. They often have access to strong jobs, useful abilities, and well-rounded stats. These are the reliable workhorses of your team, consistently delivering solid performance and contributing to your success.

Mustadio Bunanza

Don’t let his starting job fool you; Mustadio is a hidden gem. His initial Gunner abilities are useful for disabling enemies with abilities like Leg Shot and Arm Aim. But the real value comes from his access to the Mediator class, which can be used to quickly recruit powerful monsters, including dragons and chocobos, or even permanently buff characters with Accumulate/Tailwind early on. The Mediator class also makes him an effective damage dealer as well with the gun. A smart Mustadio player is a scary one.

Beowulf Cadmus

Beowulf is another strong magic user who can inflict status effects and deal significant damage. His unique job, Templar, gives him access to powerful spells like Shock and Sleep, which can cripple enemies and turn the tide of battle. He’s particularly effective against enemies with high physical defense, making him a valuable asset against heavily armored foes. Plus, he’s a cool-looking character, and who doesn’t want a cool-looking team?

The B-Tier: Solid Choices with Specific Strengths

These characters are decent picks, especially if you’re playing with specific strategies in mind. They may excel in certain roles or have access to useful abilities, but they often require more investment to reach their full potential. They may be late bloomers or characters that need a bit more training. Think of them as niche specialists who can shine in the right circumstances.

Ramza Beoulve

As the main character, Ramza is required for story battles, so you’ll inevitably invest in him. His Squire abilities are useful early on, and he eventually gains access to the unique class “Hero” that can use abilities from other classes. However, he’s not overwhelmingly powerful compared to the S and A tiers, and his effectiveness largely depends on how you choose to build him. He can be a powerful all-rounder, but requires effort to get there.

Reis Duelar

Reis, the dragon tamer, is an interesting character with unique abilities. She can transform into a powerful dragon, dealing significant damage and boasting high HP. However, her dragon form limits her access to other jobs, making her a less versatile choice compared to other characters. She also joins relatively late, requiring significant investment to catch up. The trade-off is between immense power and versatility.

The C-Tier: Niche or Underwhelming

These characters are generally less desirable due to their limited job access, underwhelming abilities, or reliance on specific strategies. They’re not necessarily *bad*, but there are usually better options available. Using these characters can be a fun challenge for experienced players, but they’re not recommended for beginners. Think of them as characters who require significant creativity and investment to make work.

Lancers

While technically a class, the “lancer” unit usually doesn’t stand out. The Jump skillset is cool, but difficult to master given the timing and the cost of buying the abilities. Once you get a ninja, there is no real reason to use lancer unless there are other strategies involved.

Chemists

A staple of the Final Fantasy series, the chemist in FFT struggles due to the limitations of abilities that heal. Due to range constraints and the abilities being weak in general, their value is diminished compared to other units.

General Tips for Character Development

Beyond specific character tiers, here are a few general tips to keep in mind when building your Final Fantasy Tactics team. First, focus on diversifying your job classes. A team of all Knights might be strong defensively, but they’ll struggle against magic users. A balanced team with melee fighters, ranged attackers, and magic users is crucial for tackling a variety of enemies. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, and prepare for all eventualities.

Second, don’t be afraid to experiment with different job combinations. Some of the most powerful strategies involve combining abilities from different jobs to create unique and powerful characters. For example, a Ninja with the Monk’s Counter ability can become a deadly melee fighter. Third, always consider equipment when building your characters. The right weapon or armor can significantly boost a character’s stats and make them much more effective in battle. And don’t forget about accessories, which can provide valuable resistances or status immunities. Equip your heroes with the best gear and watch them thrive.

Final Thoughts on the Character Tier List

Ultimately, the “best” characters in Final Fantasy Tactics are subjective and depend on your playstyle and preferences. This tier list is just a starting point, and you should feel free to experiment with different characters and strategies to find what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to try out underutilized characters or unconventional job combinations – you might be surprised at what you discover. The beauty of Final Fantasy Tactics lies in its strategic depth and the freedom it offers to create your own unique team and playstyle. So, go forth, experiment, and conquer Ivalice!

FAQ

Is Orlandeau really *that* good? I feel like he makes the game too easy.

Yes, Orlandeau is ridiculously overpowered. He can essentially solo entire battles with his Holy Sword skills. If you’re looking for a more challenging experience, you might want to limit his use or avoid recruiting him altogether. It’s a matter of personal preference, but be warned: once you experience the Thunder God, it’s hard to go back!

What's the best way to recruit monsters using Mustadio?

Mustadio’s Mediator skills are key for monster recruitment. Lower a monster’s HP to critical levels, then use the “Invite” ability. The success rate depends on the monster’s level and your Mediator’s skill level. Higher-level monsters are harder to recruit. Also, certain monsters are simply unrecruitable, so consult a guide if you’re unsure.

Are there any classes that are always bad, no matter what?

While most classes have their uses, some are undeniably weaker than others. For example, the Chemist is often considered underwhelming due to the limited effectiveness of potions in the late game. However, even seemingly “bad” classes can be viable with the right setup and strategy. Experiment and see if you can find a way to make them work!