6 of the best Blue Mages in Square Enix games
What’s better than taking down a foe? Defeating them with their own abilities, that’s what! That’s the Blue Mage specialty - let's celebrate some of our favorites.Here’s a serious question: why should the monsters have all the fun?
The ferocious fiends of FINAL FANTASY can use all manner of abilities, but a special few heroes can turn those powers against them. We’re talking, of course, about Blue Mages.
There are few things as satisfying as giving your foes a taste of their own medicine, so we thought it was high time we celebrated these masters of magical mayhem.
We’ve put together a list of some of our favorites from across the FINAL FANTASY series - take a look:
Quistis Trepe - FINAL FANTASY VIII Remastered
As an instructor at Balamb Garden, Quistis is responsible for training the next generation of SeeD mercenaries. Of course, when your charges include the taciturn Squall, hyperactive Zell and rebellious Seifer, that task is easier said than done.
It’s no wonder that she doubts her abilities as a leader - doubts that are borne out as her teaching career is cut short. One thing that’s never in question, however, is her skills in battle - particularly her ability to use Blue Magic when in a pinch.
By using items that drop from fallen foes, Quistis can learn an astonishing array of skills: Micro Missiles that damage enemies, the classic Malboro Bad Breath to weaken foes with debilitating status effects, Mighty Guard to give the party a much-needed boost.
No wonder she’s got her own fan club. We’re all Trepies at heart!
Kimahri Ronso- FINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster
Of all the guardians that accompany Yuna on her pilgrimage, Kimahri is perhaps the most steadfast.
Proud and stoic, he only speaks when he has to, and typically only to those who have earned his trust. Instead, he lets his combat skills do the talking… and they at least have a lot to say.
Foremost among this vocabulary is his Lancet ability, which lets him copy abilities from fiends. Once learned, he can use these abilities as an Overdrive attack - and these various skills can really turn the tide of battle.
It just goes to show - it’s the quiet ones you have to look out for.
Quina - FINAL FANTASY IX
In FINAL FANTASY IX, Quina journeys the world on a mission of discovery… specifically to find out what everything tastes like.
In battle, the frog-loving Qu has the unique ability to use ‘Blu Mag’ - abilities that they learn by eating foes. If an enemy’s health point is low enough, they can fork them up and potentially earn a new ability in the process!
Considering the twisted and bizarre monsters in FINAL FANTASY IX, it’s enough to turn your stomach but fortunately, Quina’s is cast-iron. Their Blue Magic is varied and powerful, encompassing everything from massively damaging strikes to valuable healing magic.
Jack Garland - STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN
You could make an argument that the perennial Jack of all trades already has Blue Mage tendencies, thanks to his inherent ability to catch and store enemy attacks and use them himself.
But the second DLC expansion, WANDERER OF THE RIFT, makes it official. Jack Garland can officially adopt the Blue Mage job.
This more action-focused take on the role lets Jack learn enemy abilities and use them himself, even charging them up for extra potency. It’s a very powerful job that opens up all kinds of new options in battle and a perfect fit for STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN’s high-octane action.
Strago Magus - FINAL FANTASY VI Pixel Remaster
FINAL FANTASY VI is set in a world without magic. Well, mostly.
A very few descendants of the fable Magi still remain, hidden away from the rest of the world and unlike regular humans, they have an innate ability to use natural magic. Strago is one of these gifted few - and has devoted himself to the study of monsters and blue magic.
Don’t mistake him for a dusty old academic though - Strago’s excitable and enthusiastic, with a real thirst for adventure. He’s a quick study too - he simply has to see an enemy use a compatible skill to use it himself.
He may be advanced in years, but his powerful Lore, wealth of knowledge and bottomless love for this granddaughter Relm (also a formidable ally herself) make him a Blue Mage to be respected.
Even if he doesn’t act like it sometimes.
You - FINAL FANTASY XIV Online
So, who’s the greatest Blue Mage of all time? The candidates on this list could all stake a legitimate claim, but who could be better than you?
Or maybe you. Or even YOU. Definitely not you though (oh wait, that’s a mirror).
Blue Mage is a limited job in FINAL FANTASY XIV Online that lets your Warrior of Light harness the powers of wild creatures. Whenever you defeat certain foes, you have a chance of learning specific abilities they used in the battle.
The sheer range and quantity of spells you can acquire make it one of the most flexible jobs in the game. Want to become a devastating damage dealer? The Blue Mage job lets you do that. Prefer to tank it up with big buffs to make you burlier? There are monster abilities that do just the job. There’s a lot of freedom to experiment and build your own playstyle.
There are loads of skills to learn, and new ones are added regularly, so it’s a job you may find yourself coming back to time and time again. Perhaps the name ‘Blue Mage’ is wrong because it elicits nothing but joy.
Those were just a few of the Blue Mages we love, but what about you? We’re sure you have suggestions of your own, so let us know your picks on social media: