History Characters / FinalFantasyRecurringMonsters

* MythologyGag: The primary iteration in ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIV'' is based off the centaur-mech style design from ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII'', but an earlier prototype encountered in the players' return to the Fractal Continuum uses the design from ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVI'', seen above. Additionally, its model is based on that of ''XIV'''s Behemoth, referencing ''II'''s Behemoth palette swap.

* MythologyGag: The primary iteration in ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIV'' is based off the centaur-mech style design from ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII'', but an earlier prototype encountered in the players' return to the Fractal Continuum uses the design from ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVI'', seen above.

Completing the trinity of series-wide optional bosses with Omega and Shinryu, it's often a degraded version of the former.

'''Common variants:''' Archaeosaur, Allosaurus, Earth Dragon,

* CatlikeDragons: [[http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100705165455/finalfantasy/images/thumb/1/15/Amano_Behemoth_vs._Light_Warrior.jpg/830px-Amano_Behemoth_vs._Light_Warrior.jpg The original art]] for behemoths gave the mammalian creatures dragon-like wings, but said wings didn't make their debut until ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXV''. ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXVI'' likewise features behemoths with vestigial wings, all of which is to imply that even wingless behemoths may have had them at one point, which alongside their innate magic indicates a draconic heritage.

[[folder:Goblin]]
[[quoteright:225:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Goblin_7987.png]]

'''Common variants:''' Black Goblin, Goblin Mage, Goblin Prince, Hobgoblin

Basic enemies armed with daggers.

* DeviousDaggers: They usually wield daggers.
* FixedDamageAttack: Goblin Punch is sometimes depicted this way, especially if it can be learned by a [[PowerCopying Blue Mage]]. In these cases, it will always deal damage equivalent to a player's level, or sometimes it will deal more damage if the user and their opponent are the same level.
* TheGoomba: Usually the first monster you run into. (Though the later on the series you get the more likely this is to be subverted. See below.)
* GoodOldFisticuffs: Tend to have a move called "[[SignatureMove Goblin Punch]]".
* OurGoblinsAreDifferent: Especially in ''XIII'' where they look vaguely mechanical, generally have wheels on the bottom of their feet and have a gaping hole in the middle of their torso instead of a mouth. ''XI'' has their own distinct take on Goblins which carried over to ''XIV''.
* PutOnABus: Quite common in early games, they've become more rare as the series has gone on, but [[TheBusCameBack they make a return]] in ''XIII'', ''XIV'', ''XV'', and ''XVI''.
* SignatureMove: Goblin Punch.
* UndergroundMonkey: There are frequently multiple versions of them, some of which are found much later and with respectable stats.

[[folder:Hades]]
-->'''Debut:''' ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII''

A supremely powerful caster.

* BossInMookClothing: In his ''FFV'' appearances he is the most powerful random encounter enemy in the game, even being able to cast Neo Exdeath's own Almagest spell. And since a random encounter could include more than one Hades, he is more than capable of wiping out a full team.
* DemBones: Was a skeleton in ''FFVII''.
* {{Expy}}: In his ''FFVII'' appearance he is ''blatantly'' based on the Horned King from ''WesternAnimation/TheBlackCauldron''.
* FinalBoss: A rare recurring final boss for the series, representing ''[[VideoGame/FinalFantasyXI Final Fantasy XI: Seekers of Adoulin]]'' and ''[[VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIV Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers]]''. Even before these appearances, he was originally planned to be the final boss of ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyIX'' before being replaced by Necron.
* OptionalBoss: In ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyIX'' he is an optional encounter in the final dungeon that is triggered by interacting with an unmarked and unremarkable piece of scenery that [[GuideDangIt players without a walkthrough would easily miss]]. Defeating him grants access to his synthesis shop, [[UltimateBlacksmith which provides some of the best equipment in the game]].
* SignatureMove: Has been associated with the move "Black Cauldron" ever since his ''FFVII'' appearance... How Square still haven't incurred the wrath of Disney's lawyers is anyone's guess...

[[folder:Iron Giant]]
[[quoteright:162:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Iron_Giant_5724.png]]
-->'''Debut:''' ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyII''\\
'''Common variants:''' Red Giant

Massive iron golems armed with equally massive swords.

* AnimatedArmor: They're giant armored enemies animated by magic or technology, not by a wearer.
* {{BFS}}: Always seen with one, except in ''IV'', where they traded it for an ArmCannon. Lampshaded in ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyIVTheAfterYears'', where the party comment on how [[OptionalBoss the Iron Giant]] that originated from ''Final Fantasy II'' (where they had swords, and so does this one) is different from the variants they're more familiar with.
* BossInMookClothing: A rare and dangerous encounter in ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyII'' as well as ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyV''. (and, in the case of the former game (its remakes to be specific), will have a boss theme playing when fighting it)
* TheFaceless: They often go for a FaceFramedInShadow.
* MightyGlacier: Very slow, but very powerful.
* OptionalBoss: As even more of a GiantSpaceFleaFromNowhere than [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyIII the Cloud of Darkness]].
* RedEyesTakeWarning: Their eyes glow red.
* SmashMook: Iron Giants don't really have any fancy tricks up their sleeve--they typically just alternate between hitting a single target really hard, or all targets slightly less hard with their {{BFS}}.
* SpikesOfVillainy: May have one on each shoulder.

[[folder:Kraken]]
-->'''Debut:''' ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyI''

One of the original Four Fiends, this tentacled monstrosity is sure to make life difficult for whoever crosses its multi-armed path.

* IceMagicIsWater: Often has a compliment of Blizzard spells at its disposal to go with its water theme.
* KrakenAndLeviathan: Is the Final Fantasy's variation on Kraken, which looks like a humanoid octopus in its first incarnation and either a squid or regular octopus in others.
* MultiArmedAndDangerous: It's most distinguished feature in ''1'' is how many attacks it can do in one round, making it a horrifically powerful beatstick.

[[folder:Lich]]

Once the Fiend of Earth, this undead menace has risen time and again to stalk the living.

* DemotedToExtra: Got hit the hardest of all the Four Fiends. While the rest have been relegated to non-plot important bosses, Lich is the only one who has returned as a random encounter.
* OurLichesAreDifferent: Lich has never had a soul stone and is pretty much shown to be an undead sorcerer most of the time.
* PoisonousPerson: Lich's most consistent ability is to attack with poison.

'''Common variants:''' Dark Behemoth, King Behemoth

'''Common variants:''' Garuda, Rukh

* SpellMyNameWithAnS: Their names are variably translated as Adamantoise, or Adamantortise, or just Adamant.

* SpellMyNameWithAnS: Ahriman, Allemagne, or [[BlindIdiotTranslation Veteran]].

* SpellMyNameWithAnS: Cactuar, Cactaur, Cactrot, or Sabotender.

* SpellMyNameWithAnS: Coeurl, Black Cat, Cuahl, or Torama.

* SpellMyNameWithAnS: Death Machine, [=WarMech=], Machine, or [[BlindIdiotTranslation WarMach]].

* SpellMyNameWithAnS: Goblin or Imp.

* SpellMyNameWithAnS: Iron Giant or Iron Man.

* SpellMyNameWithAnS: Malboro, Marlboro, Molbol, Morbol, Mad Oscar, or Evil Oscar.

* SpellMyNameWithAnS: Mu or Rhodox.

* SpellMyNameWithAnS: Sahagin or Water Bug.

* SpellMyNameWithAnS: Tonbery or Pub.

* SpellMyNameWithAnS: Its name has alternately been translated as Atma Weapon (in the original SNES version of ''VI'') and Ultimate Weapon (in ''VII'').

* SpellMyNameWithAnS: Zu or Zuu.

-->'''Debut:''' ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyI''

* SmashMook: Most often have purely physical attack skills, but beware the MagicKnight variants who can use some of the strongest attacks around like Meteor.

[[folder:Malboro]]
[[quoteright:285:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Malboro_2311.png]]
-->'''Debut:''' ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyII''\\
'''Common variants:''' Carrot, Great Malboro, Malboro Menace

Highly dangerous enemies made up of a giant mouth with a mass of tentacles, their Bad Breath inflicts a slew of status ailments.

* BreathWeapon: Bad Breath.
* CombatTentacles: Their melee attacks are done with their tentacles.
* ExtraEyes: Almost have more eyes than teeth.
* GiantMook: Again, depending on the game. In ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyX'' they're friggin' ''huge'', whereas in VideoGame/FinalFantasyXII, most Malboros are half the height of the player characters.
* KingMook: There are often more powerful Malboro Kings.
* ManEatingPlant: Malboros are plant-based and eager to devour your party members.
* MascotMook: One of the more iconic monsters from the franchise.
* MeaningfulName: Named after the Marlboro cigarette company (also a potential TakeThat to Marlboro). Their Bad Breath attack references the fact that said cigarettes cause, [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin well,]] bad breath. May or may not be an intentional, as their name may also be derived from the Japanese for "bad breath".
* MoreTeethThanTheOsmondFamily: Rows upon rows of razor-sharp choppers line their mouths.
* SignatureMove: Bad Breath, of course.
* SpellMyNameWithAnS: Malboro, Marlboro, Molbol, Morbol, Mad Oscar, or Evil Oscar.
* StatusInflictionAttack: The biggest danger with these creatures is their attack "Bad Breath" which tends to inflict characters with a whole plethora of annoying status ailments.
* TookALevelInBadass: They were just normal enemies initially, and fought in groups and alongside other foes. Since ''VII'' they've been upgraded to EliteMook, fought one at a time, and Bad Breath usually affects the ''entire'' party now, enabling them to cripple the party in one attack. And heaven help you if you get ambushed by one...
* WeaponizedStench: Their signature attack, Bad Breath, is this, exhaling a noxious gas that inflicts a plethora of status effects.

[[folder:Mover]]
[[quoteright:175:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Mover_2459.png]]
-->'''Debut:''' ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyV''

Small, unassuming spheres that attack in trios and combine power for their trademark Delta Attack.

* CombinationAttack: When all three are alive, they may use Delta Attack to petrify one of your characters.
* ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin: They move, and not much else.
* HappyFunBall: They're just small red orbs... and then they unleash Delta Attack.
* KillerRabbit: Aww it's a little red ball with eyeHOLY CRAP Delta Attack!?
* MetalSlime: Grant '''absurd''' amounts of gil and skill EXP, but are tough to defeat and will often ditch the fight on a whim.
* SinisterGeometry: Their Delta Attack takes the form of a triangle of energy.
* TerribleTrio: Always appear in threes, in order to perform their [[CombinationAttack Delta Attack]].
* OurZombiesAreDifferent: Classified as Undead enemies.

[[folder:Mu]]
[[quoteright:200:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Mu_9953.png]]
-->'''Debut:''' ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVI''

Cute and adorable rabbits that burrow underground.

* CuteIsEvil: They're adorable and look like something you might keep as a pet, but they're still enemies.
* TheGoomba: Usually one of the more basic enemies you find.
* KillerRabbit: Defied; they're usually about as harmless as they look.
* SpellMyNameWithAnS: Mu or Rhodox.

[[folder:Ochu]]
[[quoteright:200:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Ochu_5384.png]]
-->'''Debut:''' ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyI''\\
'''Common variants:''' Microchu

Giant plant enemies with huge mouths and vine-tentacles.

* CaptainErsatz: They're otyughs from ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'', but plants.
* CombatTentacles: Attack with their vines.
* EyelessFace: In several games, it doesn't have eyes, unlike the Malboro.
* EyesDoNotBelongThere: In a couple games where they do have eyes (most notably, their first appearance), the eyes will be on vines that, at first glance, resemble arms.
* GiantMook: They tend to tower over the party a bit.
* KillItWithFire: It takes more damage from fire, being a plant and all.
* ManEatingPlant: It's a plant and its preferred meal is your party members. Go figure.
* MookMaker[=/=]MotherOfAThousandYoung: Particularly in later appearances, Ochus will be towering boss-level foes and their offspring, Microchus, will infest the area. These Microchus are much weaker, generally innumerable in number, and can be indefinitely summoned during the boss fight against the adult Ochu.
* MoreTeethThanTheOsmondFamily: Not as many as the Malboro, but a lot.

[[folder:Omega]]
[[quoteright:300:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/FF_Omega_9880.png]]
-->'''Debut:''' ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyV''\\
'''Common variants:''' Prototype

An infamous boss built by an ancient civilization for mass destruction, a job it is well-equipped to perform.

* ArchEnemy: It varies depending on the game, but it's heavily implied that it is hunting Shinryu in most of its appearances. Other games tend to have Omega matched against other draconic beings such as [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyXII Yiazmat]] and [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIV Midgarsormr]]. In ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIV'', Omega is actually attempting to create his own arch enemy to aid in its own evolution.
* BossInMookClothing: In its first appearance in ''V'', you would undoubtedly think a roaming mech sprite from the Pyramid of Moore would be out of place. Of course, the real problem is that fact that since it's [[RoamingEnemy roaming]], it'll be hard to avoid an encounter with in order to continue on through the Rift, and the game tends to glitch and make you encounter it even if you're a space away from it. Even worse, if you miss or [[GenreBlind ignore the nearby save point]], you are VERY likely to end up unprepared to face a boss ''at least three times stronger than the FinalBoss'' ''[[YouWillNotEvadeMe that cannot be avoided when engaged]]''.
* CosmeticAward: After being defeated, Omega usually leaves behind some token of the feat that serves no purpose.
* DegradedBoss: Omega Mk.II's room in ''V'' is populated by ''several copies of the original''.
* DimensionalTraveler: Omega Mk. XII, who [[NonIndicativeName might]] be the original. The contractor who built it was supposed to make a weapon to kill [[MarathonBoss Yiazmat]], [[note]]implied because Omega only shows up once Yiazmat's hunt has been accepted,[[/note]] but during development they programmed reproductive, adaptive, and dimension-hopping abilities into it. [[GoneHorriblyWrong And then it escaped.]]
* GiantMecha: It's usually about the size of a car, but is sometimes much bigger.
* NoNonsenseNemesis:
** Generally its style of combat. No flashy cinematic attacks (if it's not solely using Wave Cannon as often as it can), no InterfaceScrew, and it doesn't particularly rely on status ailments or debuffs to enfeeble the party. Omega just hits really hard and has a lot of HP and defense.
** Omega enforces this on the player in most games. It doesn't have any elemental weaknesses or patterns to exploit and ContractualBossImmunity is in full effect, and although the player can usually come up with creative ways to offset the damage from Wave Cannon, it's still a battle of attrition that depends on how well the player can balance healing, defense, and offense.
* OptionalBoss: ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXI'' is the only entry to feature a fight with Omega as a main storyline encounter. In every other appearance it is purely optional.
* PaletteSwap: When they appear in the same game, they usually look very much the same as always, ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXII'' being a notable exception. It was said that the Omegas that appeared in ''Franchise/FinalFantasy'' series are from a same basic structure and merely improved themselves over time.
** It was also a PaletteSwap of the Prototype enemy in ''V''.
* RoamingEnemy: In ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyV''. Especially problematic in the BonusDungeon, where there are about ''a half dozen'' of them walking around the room. [[SarcasmMode What a relief!]]
* SignatureMove: [[WaveMotionGun Surge Cannon/Wave Cannon]].
* ThemeNaming: In the game where it has a variation beside the Mk. series, it usually has a name based on Greek alphabet like [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyTacticsAdvance Alpha]] and [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyTacticsA2 Upsilon]].
* UndergroundMonkey: It uses the same frame as the Mimic Queen in ''XII'' and resembles a giant Mimic while it's dormant, but it's not as skinny as them and looks more man-made.
* [[WalkingTheEarth Walking]] TheMultiverse: Much like Gilgamesh and Shinryu, it is implied that the various "Omegas" across the series are either the same entity, or copies of the original, and travel to the various worlds seeking Shinryu.
* WaveMotionGun: Its signature attack is the Wave Cannon, a non-elemental energy beam that packs a wallop.

[[folder:Sahagin]]
[[quoteright:236:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Sahagin_727.png]]
-->'''Debut:''' ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyI''\\
'''Common variants:''' Desert Sahagin, Sahagin Chief, Sahagin Prince

Aquatic enemies that act as basic water-elemental {{Mook}}s.

* DefendCommand: In ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII'' and ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyIX'', they can withdraw into their shells to block your attacks.
%%* FishPeople
* MakingASplash: They use water-elemental magics.
* ProngsOfPoseidon: They're fish people who used tridents in some games.
* SpellMyNameWithAnS: Sahagin or Water Bug.
* UndergroundMonkey: Desert Sahagins, which are fought in the desert. They also come in [[KingMook Chief and Prince]] varieties.

[[folder:Shinryu]]
[[quoteright:256:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Shinryu_Dissidia_4294.png]]
-->'''Debut:''' ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyV''

Along with Omega, one of the infamous {{Optional Boss}}es of the series.

* ArchEnemy: Though the full backstory isn't clear, it is implied that Omega was created specifically to destroy Shinryu. They often appear together in games, suggesting that one is pursuing the other.
* AscendedExtra: Got to be a major character in the backstory of ''VideoGame/DissidiaFinalFantasy''.
** AdaptationalBadass: While there's no question of its difficulty as a boss, according to ''Dissidia'', Shinryu may be one of the most powerful entities in the entire multiverse, outranking Chaos and Cosmos and who knows what other godlike beings.
* BeginWithAFinisher: In ''V'', it ''always'' opens the fight with Tsunami, an ''insanely powerful'' Water-elemental attack that hits the entire party.
* BraggingRightsReward: Apart from the [[InfinityPlusOneSword Infinity Plus One Weapons]] he tends to guard, ''V'' also gave you a [[CosmeticAward medal]] for beating him.
* ChestMonster: In ''V''. Doubles as SchmuckBait for the unprepared.
* CrystalDragonJesus: Played with -- it's never been worshipped, but it is ''literally'' a God-Dragon formed out of crystal.
* FinalBoss: Of ''[[VideoGame/FinalFantasyXI Final Fantasy XI: Heroes of Abyssea]]'', ''[[VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIV Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood]]'', and ''[[VideoGame/DissidiaFinalFantasy2015 Dissidia Final Fantasy NT]]''.
* InconsistentDub: Has also been known as "Nova Dragon" or "Lord Dragon".
* InfinityPlusOneSword: It often guards one, usually the Ragnarok.
* LonelyAtTheTop: ''Dissidia'' suggests that Shinryu wishes to witness things [[IJustWantToBeNormal "not from above, but as you do"]].
* MakingASplash: [[BeginWithAFinisher Opens most of his fights]] with a ''supremely powerful'' Tidal Wave attack. This attack can often wipe out an entire party in a single hit.
* MeaningfulName: "Divine Dragon".
* OptionalBoss: Debuted as one in ''V'', and has become a recurring one in a number of game remakes.
* OurDragonsAreDifferent: He's a serpent-like entity with wings and arms. He also abnormally powerful, the tidbits on his backstory in ''V'' state that he and Omega were so powerful than even the Legendary Weapons couldn't defeat them.
* SignatureMove: Frequently has access to other recurring beings signature moves, in addition to his own, Protostar. He is strongly associated with Tidal Wave as well, almost as much as Leviathan is.
* [[WalkingTheEarth Walking]] TheMultiverse: As with Omega, the implication is that all the Shinryus across the series are the same being travelling between worlds.

[[folder:Tiamat]]
-->'''Debut:''' ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyI''

Debuting in the original ''Final Fantasy'' as one of the Four Fiends, Tiamat has reappeared multiple times to face the player in assorted forms.

* ElementalPowers: Fitting for their multiple heads, Tiamat often has access to a full compliment of FireIceLightning attacks alongside BlowYouAway spells.
* EvilCounterpart: Often made a counterpart of Bahamut, as a nod to the ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'' shoutout permeating the original ''Final Fantasy''. In ''VIII'' this goes farther as it is a PaletteSwap that only uses a dark knockoff of Megaflare called Dark Flare.
* MultipleHeadCase: Her original incarnation is a six headed dragon and other incarnations have had variable numbers.
* OurDragonsAreDifferent: Tiamat has varied from a hydra-esque dragon, a thin eastern dragon, a stock western dragon, and even a magitek bioweapon in ''XIII''.
* PoisonousPerson: The original Tiamat from ''I'' possessed poison attacks. Incarnations vary on retaining this ability.

[[folder:Tonberry]]
[[quoteright:250:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Tonberry_5777.png]]
-->'''Debut:''' ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyV''\\
'''Common variants:''' Master Tonberry, Tonberry King

Small reptile-like creatures armed with butcher knives and lanterns, they're among the most dangerous foes in the series.

* BossInMookClothing: Tonberries usually have a good deal of health on them, can select someone to use Karma on every time that hapless character attacks, and wields a knife that can kill-stab a player in one hit.
* CuteIsEvil: The Tonberry is creepy-cute, but one of the most dangerous enemies that can be fought in the games.
* DefeatMeansFriendship: As with the Cactuar, beating one occasionally lets you summon them.
** YouKillItYouBoughtIt
* TheDreaded: Is this to experienced ''Final Fantasy'' players all over the world.
* EvilChef: Wields a kitchen knife.
* FingerPokeOfDoom: Their Chef's Knife attack is usually depicted as them just jabbed the point of their knife into their target with a cute "Doink!" sound effect... and it does several thousand damage if not just an instant kill.
* FixedDamageAttack: Depending on the game, Karma either does damage proportional to the number of enemies the target character had killed, or the number of Tonberries the party has killed.
* IncreasinglyLethalEnemy: He will usually spend several turns approaching before using its signature "Everyone's Grudge" attack, which deals damage for [[WhatMeasureIsAMook every enemy defeated so far]] to one target.
* KillerRabbit: These guys may look cute, but they are also scary, and for good reason; they pack a giant punch.
* KingMook: The Tonberry King and Master Tonberry.
* LaserGuidedKarma: Meant to be the incarnation of the concept, with a skill (usually even called Karma) that damages a foe proportional to the number of foes (or sometimes just number of Tonberries) killed.
* MascotMook: One of the most recognizable creatures from the ''Final Fantasy'' series.
* MightyGlacier: Soaks up huge amounts of damage, slowly wanders up to the heroes, and {{One Hit Kill}}s them.
* NumerologicalMotif: The numbers [[FourIsDeath four]], [[NumberOfTheBeast six]] and [[{{Cap}} nine]] are frequently reoccuring in its stats.
* OneHitKill: The Tonberry always has a Michael Myers kitchen knife on them. If you let it get close enough to you, then... *Doink*. Get your Phoenix Down ready.
* {{Revenge}}: The Tonberries are ''THE'' MoeAnthropomorphism of its concept.
* SignatureMove: Chef's Knife, as well as Karma.
* SpellMyNameWithAnS: Tonbery or Pub.
* SuperPersistentPredator: XIV has a GiantMook variation, aptly named the Tonberry Stalker. These massive creatures are slow and invulnerable, but if they spot the party, they will hound them relentlessly until the party manages to reach the next section of the dungeon.
* TookALevelInBadass: While they've always been very dangerous, in ''Final Fantasy XV'' they essentially become [[Franchise/StarWars Jedi]], surrounding their knives with large auras of dark energy and then performing brutal combos with them while leaping and spinning around.
* VideoGameCrueltyPunishment: Their Karma move makes a character take damage proportional to number of enemies he/she killed.
* WhatMeasureIsAMook: Tonberry will '''make''' you know this via Karma.

[[folder:Ultima Weapon]]
[[quoteright:241:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Ultima_Weapon_5456.png]]
-->'''Debut:''' ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVI''\\
'''Common variants:''' Omega Weapon[[note]]Not to be confused with Omega.[[/note]]

Completing the trinity of series-wide optional bosses with Omega and Shinryu, it's often a degraded version of the former.

* BadassBoast: It gets a quite impressive one in its debut:
-->"My name is Ultima... I am power both ancient and unrivaled... I do not bleed, for I am but strength given form... Feeble creatures of flesh... Your time is nigh!"
* DiscOneFinalBoss: Of ''Final Fantasy VI''. He is the last boss fought in the World of Balance.
* EnergyWeapons: A common feature of Ultima Weapon is that they can utilize energy attacks, making the PureEnergy boast all the more weighty. Party wide WaveMotionGun attacks, MacrossMissileMassacre of energy blasts, a PillarOfLight or just a palm shaped energy ball are all within Ultima Weapons arsenal.
* FinalBoss: Of ''Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn''.
* MacGuffinGuardian: The ''Dawn of Souls'' release of ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyII'' makes it the guardian of the Ultima Tome in the Soul of Rebirth epilogue. Upon its defeat, it grants the tome to Minwu for proving his strength. Uniquely, this incarnation is a PaletteSwap of the Behemoth.
* MeaningfulName: Ultima is the latin word for both "farthest" and "last". Both of which gives the clear idea that this is the greatest weapon ever made and that this is the last thing you will see before you die. It also had a double meaning in ''VI'', as it is the last being fought before the end of the current world.
* MythologyGag: The primary iteration in ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIV'' is based off the centaur-mech style design from ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII'', but an earlier prototype encountered in the players' return to the Fractal Continuum uses the design from ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVI'', seen above.
* OptionalBoss: In some of the games, such as ''VIII'' and ''X'', Ultima Weapon is an optional boss encountered in that game's bonus dungeon.
* OrganicTechnology: As its sprite should indicate.
* OvershadowedByAwesome: ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVIII'' introduced a stronger version of Ultima Weapon called "Omega Weapon." While not the same entity as Omega, they are similar in stature as {{Superboss}}es, with Omega Weapon eclipsing Ultima Weapon in power. Since then entries that feature both Weapons typically use Ultima Weapon as a WarmUpBoss to get you ready for the much more dangerous Omega Weapon. However, even in games where it is considered weaker than Omega/Omega Weapon the Ultima Weapon still stands out as a deadly opponent in its own right.
* PureEnergy: In ''VI'', it [[BadassBoast declares itself raw power given physical form.]] It's not actually boasting, and it gives it one hell of a WeaksauceWeakness: since it's made of pure power it dies if it runs out of MP, and you very probably have ManaDrain spells on hand at that point.
* SpellMyNameWithAnS: Its name has alternately been translated as Atma Weapon (in the original SNES version of ''VI'') and Ultimate Weapon (in ''VII'').

[[folder:Zu]]
[[quoteright:218:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Zu_8412.png]]
-->'''Debut:''' ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyIV''\\
'''Common variants:''' Garuda, Rukh

Giant bird enemies with massive wings.

* AirborneMook: A giant bird that flies.
* BlowYouAway: If they ''do'' have a special attack, it would be a gale-based one of some sort.
* GiantFlyer: Again, giant bird.
* GiantMook: Large bird that's probably big as a tree.
* JustEatHim: In ''Final Fantasy IX'', the Zu can swallow a party member whole, which counts as them being ejected from the battle and they won't earn any EXP or AP. It's possible to be defeated if a Zu manages to eat the entire party or the surviving ones.
* SmashMook: Generally don't have any kind of special attack, but they hit ''hard''.
* SpellMyNameWithAnS: Zu or Zuu.
* ToothyBird: Has a lot of sharp teeth.

* OvershadowedByAwesome: In its first two appearances it was a stand-alone enemy and a powerful one at that, while Omega was just Omega. Then ''VIII'' included both of them for the first time and renamed Omega to "Omega Weapon", reimagining Ultima Weapon as a lesser version of Omega. Since then Ultima Weapon is mostly just a WarmUpBoss to get you ready for the much more dangerous Omega.
** TookALevelInBadass: As of ''The After Years'' and ''Theatrhythm'' though, Ultima Weapon has begun to move back to not only being a stand-alone boss, but is given a power boost to the level of Shinryu and Omega so they form a trio of Bonus Bosses. Also, in ''X-2'' Ultima is actually ''stronger'' than Omega, having higher health and blue bullet Supernova. Even games where it is considered weaker than Omega, the Ultima Weapon still stands out as a deadly opponant in its own right.

* EvilCounterpart: Often made a counterpart of Bahamut, as a nod to the ''TabletopRPG/DungeonsAndDragons'' shoutout permeating the original ''Final Fantasy''. In ''VIII'' this goes farther as it is a PalletteSwap that only uses a dark knockoff of Megaflare called Dark Flare.

* OurDragonsAreDifferent: Tiamat has varied from a hydra-esque dragon, a thin eastern dragon and a stock western dragon.

Debut: ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyII''
Common variants: Gil Turtle, Land Turtle

Debut: ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyIII''
Common variants: Evil Eye, Floating Eye, Plague

Debut: ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyII''
Common variants: King Behemoth

Debut: ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyII''
Common variants: Balloon, Grenade, King Bomb, Purobolos

Debut: ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVI''
Common variants: Gigantuar

Debut: ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyIII''

Debut: ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyII''
Common variants: Bandercoeurl, Coeurlregina,

Debut: ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyIII''
Common variants: Iron Claw

Debut: ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyI''

Debut: ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyI''
Common variants: Bahamut, Black Dragon, Blue Dragon, Red Dragon, Tiamat, White Dragon, Yellow Dragon

Debut: ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyII''
Common variants: Black Flan, Flan Princess, Purple Bavarois, Red Marshmallow, White Mousse, Yellow Jelly

Debut: ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyI''
Common variants: Black Goblin, Goblin Mage, Goblin Prince, Hobgoblin

Debut: ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII''

Massive iron golems armed with giant swords.

Debut: ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyII''
Common variants: Red Giant

Debut: ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyII''
Common variants: Carrot, Great Malboro, Malboro Menace

Debut: ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyV''

Debut: ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVI''

Debut: ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyI''
Common variants: Microchu

Debut: ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyV''
Common variants: Prototype

Debut: ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyI''
Common variants: Desert Sahagin, Sahagin Chief, Sahagin Prince

Debut: ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyV''

Debut: ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyV''
Common variants: Master Tonberry, Tonberry King

Debut: ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVI''
Common variants: Omega Weapon

Debut: ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyIV''
Common variants: Garuda, Rukh

Alternate spelling: Zuu

* KingMook: The [[Characters/FinalFantasyRecurringSummons recurring summon Bahamut]], one of the strongest in the series, is oft stated to be the king of dragons.

* TookALevelInBadass: In ''XIII'', the ''baby'' Adamanchelid can deal a TotalPartyKill if you challenge it the first time you encounter one, and the adult Adamantortoise can do the same even to a party with maxed out Crystarium. The even stronger Long Gui and Shaolong Gui are effectively [[{{Superboss}} Super Bosses]].

* KingMook: Several games feature the King Bomb or Mom Bomb as a boss.

* LastBreathBullet: Some games will have them counter with 1000 Needles on their killer when they die.

[[folder:Dragon]]

ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin. Dragons appear through the series as powerful enemies and bosses. While dragon may also refer to larger categories of [[OurDragonsAreDifferent dragon-like creatures]], straight-up western dragons tend to be their strongest representatives.

* BossInMookClothing: If they aren't a boss outright, dragons are often among the strongest enemies encountered.
* BreathWeapon: Their most notable attacks usually involve breathing their element of choice on you.
* ColorCodedElements: A dragon's elemental affinity can often be identified via their coloration—[[FireIsRed red dragons for fire]], [[YellowLightningBlueLightning yellow dragons for lightning]], white dragons for ice, and so on.
* KingMook: The [[Characters/FinalFantasyRecurringSummons recurring summon Bahamut]], one of the strongest in the series, is oft stated to be the king of dragons.
* OurDragonsAreDifferent: Mostly stock western-style dragons, though eastern dragons, [[DinosaursAreDragons dinosaurs]], and other more bizarre variations are not unheard of.
* PlayingWithFire: In games without a large array of dragons, what few dragons there are tend to be associated with fire, using it in their attacks and resisting or even absorbing it when used against them.
* {{Superboss}}: Often a games' most powerful OptionalBoss is a dragon. Shinryu was the first such boss and gained enough notoriety from that to have his own lore.

[[folder:Flan]]
[[quoteright:210:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/FF_Flan_6687.png]]
Slime monsters that come in a wide variety of colors, they have strong physical defenses but fall easily to elemental magic.

Debut: ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyII''

* BlobMonster: They're rarely little more than globs of colored slime.
* ColorCodedElements: One can often figure out what elements they use, and what they are weak against, based on their color.
* ElementalRockPaperScissors: Flans have variable weaknesses to elemental magic.
* StoneWall: They are often highly resistant to physical attacks, but weak to magic.
* ThemeNaming: Flan-type monsters tend to be named after desserts; Pudding, Jelly, Mousse, Bavarois, and so on.
* UndergroundMonkey: Comes in ''many'' variations.

[[folder:Goblin]]
[[quoteright:225:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Goblin_7987.png]]
Basic enemies armed with daggers.

Debut: ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyI''

* HappyFunBall: They're just small red orbs.

* GiantMecha: It's usually about the size of a car, but is sometimes much better.

* DishingOutDirt: Often have access to the powerful Quake spell, and occassionaly other Earth-aspected magic.

* ColorCodedElements: A dragon's elemental affinity can often be identified via their coloration—[[FireIsRed red dragons for fire]], [[YellowLightningBlueLightning yellowdragons for lightning]], white dragons for ice, and so on.