If there is one thing that can really make or break a playthrough of anyFinal Fantasygame, it would be the stats of each party member. Much like any other JRPG, theFinal Fantasyseries has presented characters with various specialties, withpoor stat distribution often leading to disastrous situations.
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Each stat has proven to have its own benefits and detriments, but one such stat that is extremely vital in any playthrough isdefense, also known as vitality.In any situation, both extreme and otherwise, the ability to withstand attacks remains a cherished skill, and these particular characters have it down to a science.
7Squall Leonhart (Final Fantasy 8)
WithFinal Fantasy 8’sversatile junction system, players can make any of the six playable into a defensive wall. So long asplayers know what spells to junctionto the Vitality stat, withstanding enemy attacks should be no issue at all.
But out of all six playable characters inFinal Fantasy 8,it is Squall who has the highest defense, even when excluding the Junction system as a factor. With a natural defense stat of 41, combined with already high damage output due to his Limit Break, Squall definitely has the potential to be a true force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.
6Barret Wallace (Final Fantasy 7)
Unlike the Junction System inFinal Fantasy 8, the Materia system inFinal Fantasy 7, while phenomenal in its own right, does not impact stats as directly as attaching certain spells to certain stats. But when it comes to making a character into a defensive wall, the best character for the job would be the Avalanche Leader Barret Wallace.
With a maximum defense stat of 100 at Level 99,Barret is an optimal candidate for a supportive Materia spread; he can potentially withstand enemy attacks while reliably restoring himself and his party members. In conjunction with his high strength, Barret has the potential to become one of the most versatile party members inFinal Fantasy 7.
5Umaro (Final Fantasy 6)
A rather underrated playablecharacter, Umaro is one of the last party members players may encounter inFinal Fantasy 6, particularly during the events in the World of Ruin. Despite being a late-game addition, Umaro boasts high physical stats, including his raw defense of 89, which is higher than any other party member in the game.
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In battle, Umaro is a surprisingly strong and durable party member, allowing him to go toe-to-toe with the strongest enemies inFinal Fantasy 6,such as the eight legendary dragons. Unfortunately, the only downside of using Umaro is that his actions cannot be controlled, nor does he come with any special abilities unique to himself.
4Cecil Harvey (Final Fantasy 4)
Asthe main protagonist ofFinal Fantasy 4, it is without surprise that Cecil has some of the highest stats, including defense, in the game. Even as a Dark Knight, Cecil’s stats make him a prime physical combatant, giving him an edge against similar opponents, but leaving him vulnerable to magic.
Upon becoming a Paladin, however, Cecil’s already high physical stats skyrocket, accentuated by the fact that he automatically learns the Cover ability immediately after Mount Ordeals. In fact, a common tactic in battle is to have Cecil take physical attacks for a covered party member with the Draw Attack augment before making a counterattack.
3Auron (Final Fantasy 10)
Due to the versatile nature oftheSphere Grid system, any playable character inFinal Fantasy 10has the potential to have the highest defense. But as it turns out, even when the Sphere Grid is excluded as a factor, Auron,one of the standout characters inFinal Fantasy 10,retains his highest base defense stat of 15, being one of two characters in the game to have this characteristic.
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Building off of his high defense, Auron’s Sphere Grid path is defined by its high amount of Defense and HP nodes, making him the bulkiest member of the party. For players looking to improve their party’s defense, taking them down Auron’s path may prove to be a worthwhile idea.
2Kimahri (Final Fantasy 10)
Kimahri is the otherFinal Fantasy 10character who has a base defense stat of 15, much like Auron. Though players have the option to build on his naturally high defense by taking him down Auron’s path on the Sphere Grid, following Kimahri’s original path will instead give him a balanced distribution of stats.
Being both a Dragoon and a Blue Mage, Kimahri serves as an option for players who want to fill two simultaneous roles with one character. But for players who wish to use Kimahri exclusively as a Blue Mage, capitalizing on his naturally high defense will serve them well in the long run, especially whentrying to obtain his Ronso Rage abilitiesfrom particularly strong fiends.
1Sabin Rene Figaro (Final Fantasy 6)
Umaro may have the highest raw physical stats in the game, but his late-game recruitment as well as his lack of control over his actions may be more than enough for players to put him on the sidelines. Instead, players may choose to utilize Sabin, Edgar’s twin brother who joins near the beginning of the game with a base defense stat of 53.
Befitting the Monk job, Sabin is quite the powerhouse in the early stages ofFinal Fantasy 6, withstanding attacks while making short work of enemies with his various Blitz techniques. To capitalize on his defense, players may choose to equip him with a few defense-boosting relics, namely the Mythril Glove or the Bone Wrist.
