8 of the best dragoons and spear-users in Square Enix games
Spear-wielders are a mainstay of Square Enix games. Let’s celebrate some of our favorites with some pointed remarks…We’ve previously looked out some of our favorite White Mages, beloved Black Mages, and fist fighters in Square Enix games. Today, we’re taking a look at another common fighting style: spear users!
Whether they’re a classic FINAL FANTASY dragoon with their signature Jump attacks, or a versatile warrior who uses the weapon for precision and power, each of these awesome characters has thrust their way into our hearts.
Jade - DRAGON QUEST XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition
To her friends, Jade is a steadfast ally, with a protective nature and a wry sense of humor. To those who oppose her… well, they don’t oppose her for long.
Jade may primarily be a martial artist, but she can wield a spear with uncommon skill. Her many techniques let her hit multiple foes at once, deliver critical hits, attack with elements and much more!
The flexibility of her skillset makes her capable of bringing the pain, whatever the foe or situation.
Of course, as a martial artist Jade has training beyond spears - she’s also skilled with claws and has a real talent for fisticuffs too. I guess her name’s appropriate because all that talent’s enough to turn you green with envy!
Kimahri - FINAL FANTASY X HD
Kimahri may not be the most vocal of characters, but he’s great at getting his point across. Especially when that point is at the end of a long stick.
This Ronso guardian is a strong and flexible fighter. While most of the party in FINAL FANTASY X lean towards specific roles and functions in combat, especially in the early hours of the game, Kimahri’s upgrade path lets you mold him into the warrior you want him to be. Plus his Lancet ability, which lets him learn enemy skills, gives him even more versatility in the field.
That flexibility stands in stark contrast to his personality. Kimahri presents himself as stoic and guarded, but that gruff exterior hides a heart as warm as his fur. He cares deeply about his companions and will rush to protect them against anyone that threatens them.
He may worry about his status among the rest of his species, but as far as we’re concerned, he’s the ultimate Rons-bro!
Jack - STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN
What? We’re including Jack… again? Well, all together now… he’s a Jack of all trades!
Jack is able to take on multiple spear-wielding jobs, including lancer and dragoon. He’s a dab hand at them too - the range afforded by the big pointy weapon lets him jab and break enemies before they get close enough to lay a finger, tentacle, or chef’s knife on him.
Depending on the specific job, he can hurl his spear at foes from afar, jump into the air and spike down from above and much more. It’s a technical weapon for those who like their fights to be about precision, rather than chaos.
And we all know how Jack feels about chaos…
Riesz - Trials of Mana
Riesz wears a lot of hats. She’s a princess, a doting sister and, most impressively, Captain of the Amazon Guard.
She commands enormous respect from her warriors - not because of her position as daughter of the king, but due to her abilities as a warrior. Despite her young age, Riesz is a ferocious fighter who uses a spear with as much skill as someone twice her years.
She uses those skills to protect others with near-total commitment. The only thing she values more than her kingdom is her little brother Elliot, who she’s helped raise since her mother passed away.
Sure would be a shame then if something were to happen to him…
Cid - FINAL FANTASY VII
Despite FINAL FANTASY VII not having defined ‘jobs’ in combat, Cid retains many of the elements of the classic FINAL FANTASY dragoon, He uses a spear, and has access to jump attacks via his Limit Breaks - he even shares a surname with the series very first dragoon in the series, FINAL FANTASY II’s Ricard Highwind (big shoutout to the OG!)
But Cid brings his own distinct style to combat, using his affinity for airships, high explosives and a temperament best described as ‘prickly’ to find imaginative ways to devastate foes.
In fairness, he has a reason to be embittered. Once he was to be the first man in space - but faulty technology and Shinra’s abandonment of the project have left that dream in tatters. But after meeting Cloud and company, he finds a new purpose and proves himself to be a strong, reliable ally.
So much so, that when Cloud is indisposed, he takes over as team leader!
- Get FINAL FANTASY VII on Switch
- Get FINAL FANTASY VII on PS4
- Get FINAL FANTASY VII on Xbox One
- Get FINAL FANTASY VII on Steam
Freya - FINAL FANTASY IX
Poor Freya endures her fair share of tragedy. She loses the love of her life to absence and amnesia, her hometown of Burmecia is destroyed and she fails to stop the devastation of its neighbor Cleyra. Yeah… it’s a lot.
So with all of that, it’s a testament to her inner strength that she’s able to stay focused and positive. Freya is a Dragon Knight, a highly skilled warrior who uses her spear and agility to deliver a lot of very pointy pain to her foes.
That sharp mind is demonstrated throughout the rest of FINAL FANTASY IX too. She provides useful guidance throughout the adventure, is able put personal grudges aside for the sake of the bigger picture and is willing to kick Zidane’s butt when he deserves it.
All said, she’s a brilliant character and we Jump for joy whenever she’s in the party.
- Get FINAL FANTASY IX on Switch
- Get FINAL FANTASY IX on PS4
- Get FINAL FANTASY IX on Xbox One
- Get FINAL FANTASY IX on Steam
Estinien - FINAL FANTASY XIV Online
Estinien has become a real fan-favorite, though we can’t imagine why…
What Estinien lacks in social graces, he more than makes up for with his abilities as a dragoon.
This spear-wielding warrior bears the title of the Azure Dragoon and is greatly admired for his combat prowess. He’s less adept at being in the spotlight as he hates politics and parties and won’t mince words when dealing with others.
Although he began a little cold and brusque, Estinien has grown over the course of the FINAL FANTASY XIV Online saga so far. Initially driven wholly by revenge, his adventures alongside the Warrior of Light have helped him find perspective.
While he remains stoic and direct at times, his personality has softened, and he’s become a trusted ally throughout many adventures.
Kain - FINAL FANTASY IV pixel remaster
Looking for a character that encapsulates everything awesome about dragoons? This is Kain - and he’s able.
Kain follows in the footsteps of his father Ricard Highwind - a spear-wielding warrior who died while Kain was still very young (shoutout to the OG again!).
Adopted by the King of Baron, he grew up alongside the game’s protagonist Cecil, and formed a strong bond with the hero. But tensions simmer beneath the surface of the friendship - the two also share a strong rivalry, which is only exacerbated by Kain’s hidden feelings for Cecil’s lover Rosa.
This comes to a head when Kain is put under the influence of the evil Golbez - and betrays and even battles his former comrade.
But despite these unfortunate events, Kain is a good man at heart - and an exemplary warrior. His physical strength and diverse skillset make him an invaluable addition to the team - particularly in boss battles, where he can really deal some damage!
And let’s be honest: that armor looks awesome, right?
Those were just a few of our favorite spear-slinging heroes, but we’re sure you have suggestions of your own. Why not let us know your ideas on social media: