Final Fantasy has been around since 1987, and with each new entry, there is a new cast of characters introduced to the gaming world. With fans eagerly awaiting more details from the upcoming Final Fantasy 16, there isn't much to do other than look back on the series and its tremendous legacy. For over 30 years fans of the series have long debated which Final Fantasy is the best one, or which characters are the best for one reason or another. This is because the series has a long-standing reputation when it comes to the detailed characters and their stories within each universe, that fans cannot help themselves from gravitating towards.
Final Fantasy's main series has always had a strong visual direction and enough variations in its gameplay that keep the series fresh. This is because every entry in the main series keeps an aspect from before, while introducing something new. Unless it's a side game or sequel, each new Final Fantasy will have new characters that add to the already staggering amount of characters within the Final Fantasy universe. With so many characters, it's easy to fall into a debate on which character is the best. As such, there's a variety of strongmans in the Final Fantasy series that are vying to be the most physically impressive and beefy characters in the mainline series.
Final Fantasy 7 | Cloud Strife
Cloud Strife is the main character of Final Fantasy 7 and makes an appearance in many off-shoot games of the Final Fantasy franchise, and even Super Smash Brothers Ultimate. Throughout every game he has appeared in, he has shown exceptional feats of strength, most notably brandishing the gigantic Buster Sword unique to Final Fantasy 7. Though he is far from the most physically intimidating, the fact he can swing a sword of that magnitude around like it's nothing means any list that compares a video game character's strength has got to include Cloud.
Final Fantasy 8 | Raijin
Raijin is a character not many fans of the series might think of, and for good reason, as he was simply a side character. Originally debuting in Final Fantasy 8, he is one of two henchmen sided with rival and antagonist Seifer Almasy. He can be fought as a boss a number of times before finally requesting the aid of Squall and the gang to save Seifer. He is the much more physically impressive character between himself, Fujin, and Seifer, and they all make an appearance as teens in Kingdom Hearts 2.
Final Fantasy 6 | Umaro
Umaro is an optional character the player can recruit in Final Fantasy 6. Being a Yeti, he naturally has an affinity to the cold. He is described as being terrifically strong, with each of his footsteps shaking the ground he walks upon. At one point during the events in Final Fantasy 6, he uses his incredible strength to smash a wall in Kefka's Tower, clearing a path for the party. Despite his limited speaking capabilities, he has a strong sense of honor and as such serves Mog and the rest of the party however they need.
Final Fantasy 15 | Gladiolus Amicitia
If pro wrestling were a thing in Final Fantasy, Gladiolus would be the Roman Reigns of Final Fantasy 15. He is one of four playable characters in Final Fantasy 15, with his own DLC that players can experience. Gladiolus has the most Strength and HP out of the four playable characters and wields Greatswords with ease, rivaling Cloud when it comes to handling big swords. Despite his large and imposing physique, he has a cheery disposition and immense love for instant noodles.
Final Fantasy 10 | Jecht
Jecht is the father of the main protagonist Tidus in Final Fantasy 10. Jecht also happens to be a star Blitzball player, leaving a lasting legacy when he disappears from Zanarkand. Not only does he brand a big sword with one hand, but he's also quite ripped in the muscular department. Before the events of Final Fantasy 10, Jecht is hired as a Guardian to Summoner Braska in order to defeat the colossus known as Sin. After Braska's pilgrimage, Jecht becomes Braska's Final Aeon and one of the final bosses in Final Fantasy 10.
Final Fantasy 10 | Barthello
Barthello might seem like an odd choice, but he is incredibly strong, making his first appearance as Summoner Lady Dona's Guardian. Much like Jecht was to Braska, Barthello swears to protect Lady Dona on her pilgrimage to defeat Sin. Though they never make it all the way through their pilgrimage, Barthello lives to protect Dona despite their split in Final Fantasy X-2. Barthello has muscles on top of muscles and at only 24, is one of the physically strongest characters of the series.
Final Fantasy 2 | Guy
Guy is another character someone may not see on a list, but he certainly belongs on this one. Also known as Gus, Guy is one of the main characters in Final Fantasy 2. He is described as being incredibly muscular and can commune with animals, as he was raised by them. Despite his lack of smarts, his overwhelming strength makes up for it. If Barthello were a playable character in the Final Fantasy series he would probably be similar to Guy.
Final Fantasy 8 | Ward Zabac
Ward made his debut in Final Fantasy 8 when the player suffers the first of many flashbacks. Ward, along with Laguna and Kiros, are Galbadian soldiers that Squall and the gang end up witnessing key events of. Ward might not seem like the strongest fella, though don't count him out as he brandishes one of the largest and most unique weapons in all of Final Fantasy, that being a gigantic harpoon. Not only that, but much like Cloud he wields the over-the-top weapon like it's nothing. Suffice to say, under the right circumstances, Ward could probably harpoon a flying Sin anchoring him.
Final Fantasy 7 | Barret Wallace
Barret Wallace is one of the beefiest characters to ever grace a Final Fantasy game. It's understandable too, as he wields a large gun with seemingly endless ammunition at the end of his arm. Leader of the eco-terrorist group Avalanche, Barret prides himself on saving the planet from Shinra. Cloud may have the Mako strength to wield his Buster Sword from time to time, but to carry and utilize a large gun-arm 24/7 requires immense strength, which Barret certainly has.
Final Fantasy 6 | Sabin Rene Figaro
Sabin Rene Figaro is one of many playable characters in Final Fantasy 6. He was a prince of Figaro until he chose to step down in favor of a life of freedom. Training as a student of martial arts, Sabin is a master of hand-to-hand combat and extremely strong, achieving many feats of strength. Not only can he hold up a collapsing house for several minutes, but he can also suplex a literal train using his Meteor Strike ability. Not just the locomotive either, but presumably every train car all the way to the caboose he flipped. Imagine Cloud and Barret jumping off the train in the opening of Final Fantasy 7 only to witness said train flipping over entirely.
Honorable mentions include Heidegger from FF7 Remake, Cid Pollendina from FF3, Yang Fang Leiden from FF4, Xande from FF3, Wakka from FFX, and Exdeath from FF5.