Throughout franchise history, Final Fantasy has had romantic relationships intertwined with the main story. While some are in place before the game starts, most grow during the gameplay. These are the 10 best romances in Final Fantasy.
Top 10 Final Fantasy Romances
- Cecil and Rosa
- Laguna and Raine
- Wakka and Lulu
- Noel and Yeul
- Snow and Serah
- Cloud and Tifa
- Clive and Jill
- Zidane and Garnet
- Squall and Rinoa
- Tidus and Yuna
Cecil and Rosa — Final Fantasy 4
Cecil and Rosa’s relationship in Final Fantasy 4 was the first time the franchise introduced romance in the story.
While the storyline is cliché, that of childhood friends turned lovers, the amount of work Cecil has to put forth to actually be with Rosa is what puts this relationship on the list. Not only does he defy his adopted father, the king, but he radically changes his profession and training from that of a Dark Knight to a light-based Paladin.
Laguna and Raine — Final Fantasy 8
There are a lot of romances in Final Fantasy 8, from Headmaster Cid and Edea, to Rinoa and Seifer, unpacking all the relationships could be a whole list of its own. However, Laguna and Raine is one of my favorites that the title presented.
After moving on from Julia (Rinoa’s eventual mother), he was rescued and brought back to health by Raine. Growing accustomed to the slow pace of the tiny village, he came to cherish the simple things in life and the woman who cared for him. It’s also heavily implied that they’re Squall’s parents.
Wakku and Lulu — Final Fantasy 10, Final Fantasy 10-2
Even though Tidus and Yuna’s romance was the focal point of Final Fantasy 10, the budding interest between Wakku and Lulu played out during the side quests. Originally in a relationship with Chappu, Wakku’s brother, they seemed to hate each other more than anything. They bicker and have vastly different outlooks on things, but both remain loyal to Yuna through her trials.
Their romance is brought to fruition in Final Fantasy 10-2, where we get to visit them before the birth of their child in Besaid. A less stoic, more mellow Lulu greets us, but Wakku is still a ball of nerves. Instead of worrying about Yuna, he’s now worried about being a perfect father. They’re definitely the definition of “opposites attract.”
Noel and Yeul — Final Fantasy 13-2
Yeul and Noel are part of the main story present in Final Fantasy 13-2, driving the conflict with Caius. It takes some time to learn his exact motivation, but it’s revealed that Noel is fighting with Serah to try and save the Yeul of this time.
Knowing that being able to see the future reduces the person’s life, he desperately searches for a way to save Yeul. It’s a bittersweet moment when we get to visit Noel’s village and see their interactions. It’s my favorite sorrowful and well-developed romance that isn’t over the top. Even their musical themes are similar to one another.
Snow and Serah — Final Fantasy 13 Series
So much of the Final Fantasy 13 trio of games revolves around the relationship between Snow and Serah. The fighting in the initial game begins with Serah turning to crystal and Snow looking for a way to restore her. Notwithstanding his rocky relationship with Lightning, Snow does everything in his power to save his fiancee.
In Final Fantasy 13-2, the roles are reversed, and Serah’s looking to save Snow from whatever trouble he’s in. While they fight together, Snow runs off, and we don’t see him until Lightning Returns. Filled with rage at the death of Serah, dealing with the anguish he’s feeling is a significant portion of the early game. It’s a constantly evolving relationship that rolls with the punches.
Cloud and Tifa — Final Fantasy 7, Final Fantasy 7 Remake
When people think of Final Fantasy romances, many think of Cloud and Tifa. Regardless of which game introduced you to them — Final Fantasy 7 or FF7 Remake — they’re an iconic couple engraved in the hearts of many fans. Longtime friends, Tifa never lost faith in Cloud, even when he was at his lowest. They’re close before Cloud even initiates something more, just elevating their relationship to what she always wanted it to be.
Clive and Jill — Final Fantasy 16
The latest addition to the franchise, Final Fantasy 16 offers a well-done, low-key relationship weaved into the story. Clive and Jill grew up together but ended up separated due to their differing circumstances. When they encounter each other again, Clive is willing to disobey a command just to keep her safe. From there on out, they support each other through their various problems, confront the past, and face the future together.
Zidane and Garnet — Final Fantasy 9
Hands down Zidane and Garnet are my favorite Final Fantasy couple, though I’m biased since FF9 is also my favorite game of the franchise. In the beginning, it’s reminiscent of Aladdin’s story with commoner-meet-princess vibes. It evolves, though, from Garnet relying on Zidane to growing in her own power and Zidane stopping his womanizing ways. You can see their love as Garnet’s voice returns as she sees Zidane. They say you should end up with your best friend; well, these two definitely did.
Squall and Rinoa — Final Fantasy 8
Another Final Fantasy 8 romance that deserves the limelight is Squall and Rinoa. At first, they don’t understand each other, and Rinoa was even dating Squall’s rival Seifer.
Throughout the story, however, they grow as people. It’s during that growth that they realize their feelings for each other, and nothing will stop Squall from keeping Rinoa safe — even if it means floating into space with limited air to rescue her.
Tidus and Yuna — Final Fantasy 10, Final Fantasy 10-2
No list of Final Fantasy romances would be complete without Tidus and Yuna. There’s such a focus on their relationship throughout the whole game that FF10 feels more like a romance story.
Yuna finds the courage to do as she wants, while Tidus fights to find a way to save her life. He helps her enjoy the little moments while she helps him endure the world he’s found himself in.
Their love even spawned the first direct sequel in the franchise, with FF10-2 still focusing on their romance. Yuna travels searching for clues all over the world as to where Tidus may have gone, especially after seeing someone who resembles him. There’s a whole love song cinematic. Truly, their story is one for the ages.
Those are the 10 best romances in the Final Fantasy franchise. From side characters to full-blown love stories, these relationships helped shape their games and us as gamers. For more on game romances and other titles, give the rest of GameSkinny a little exploration.
