Out of the many classes featured in the Final Fantasy series, the Dragoons are perhaps the most iconic. Usually clad in dragon-like armor, the Dragoons wield spears and occasionally ride on dragons or are accompanied by a small dragon companion. Their signature ability is the Jump attack which sends the Dragoon high in the air and crashing down on their enemies.
Being one of Final Fantasy's key pillars, Dragoons have appeared throughout the series' storied history. Their presence has been felt as early as Final Fantasy II with Ricard Highwind, and as recently as Final Fantasy XVI with Dion Lesage. With so much representation, a handful of Dragoons stand out as fan favorites.
10 Ricard Highwind (Final Fantasy II)
Ricard Highwind is the last Dragoon of Deist who joins the party against the Empire in Final Fantasy II. Ricard is the first instance of a Dragoon in the series, though he lacks the class' now signature Jump ability. He does however have the class' signature dragon-like armor, and he rides atop a wyvern.
Due to the Dragoons not being fully established yet, Ricard can't perform many abilities fans strongly associate with the class. However, as the character who brought the class into Final Fantasy, Ricard is considered a legend among the class' fans. His surname "Highwind" is often used as the surname of many notable Dragoons.
9 Llyud (Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings)
Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings is a real-time strategy game serving as a sequel to Final Fantasy XII. The game brings new allies to Vaan and crew, including the Dragoon Llyud. As a member of the winged Aegyl race, Llyud can fly across the battlefield making him a useful ally.
Being the Dragoon class, Llyud wields the iconic Jump and Lancet attacks associated with the class. Though he doesn't look the part of a Dragoon, his wings are well-suited to the use of these abilities. While he's far from the most iconic Dragoon, he's a popular character for Revenant Wings fans.
8 Kimahri Ronso (Final Fantasy X)
When imagining a Dragoon, people likely don't imagine a character who looks like Kimahri Ronso from Final Fantasy X. Being a member of the Ronso tribe, Kimahri has an awesome, beastly appearance that helps him stand out. With his massive physique, Kimahri wields his assortment of large spears with ease.
Though he might not have the armor or connection to dragons that many Dragoons do, Kimahri can use their signature Jump attack. In an interesting twist, Kimahri also has the ability to copy enemy attacks like a Blue Mage. This unique merging of classes makes Kimahri an interesting, if non-traditional, Dragoon.
7 Oerba Yun Fang (Final Fantasy XIII)
While Final Fantasy XIII is a contentious entry in this storied franchise, Oerba Yun Fang has been a character even the game's critics have loved. Her excellent design, snarky personality, and connection to series mainstay Bahamut have helped her to rise above the game's negative reputation.
Another thing Oerba has going for her is her strong connection to the Dragoon class. Though she's not explicitly referred to as such, her limit break is called "Highwind" and behaves very similarly to the Dragoon's Jump. The fact that she can ride atop Bahamut himself has helped her fans see her as an honorary Dragoon.
6 Dion Lesage (Final Fantasy XVI)
The warrior Prince of the Holy Empire of Sanbreque, Dion Lesage is the leader of the Empire's elite force of Dragoons. Despite being a Prince, Dion is not shy about appearing on the battlefield himself and wields a spear like his fellow Dragoons. He is also the Dominant of Bahamut, which allows him to transform into the legendary King Of Dragons.
Dion is a beloved character for his great design and for being genuinely heroic among Final Fantasy XVI's oppressive sense of moral ambiguity. He also won many fans for being a very rare example of an explicitly gay Final Fantasy character. With his ability to become Bahamut, Dion is the envy of Dragoons across the whole franchise.
5 Aranea Highwind (Final Fantasy XV)
With a last name like "Highwind," Aranea is clearly intended to be Final Fantasy XV's Dragoon. Though she's a significantly more high-tech version, her large spear and her habit of jumping into the air and crashing down on her enemies all fit the bill. While she first appears as an enemy, she quickly changes sides once she realizes who the true villains are.
Fans absolutely loved Aranea for her incredible design, badass fighting skills, and fun personality. They also loved how she brought the classic role of a Dragoon into Final Fantasy XV's more modern setting without sacrificing any of its essentials. It's little wonder that she got an expanded role in some XV's DLC and spinoff novel.
4 Freya Crescent (Final Fantasy IX)
Being one of the series' most popular entries, Final Fantasy IX is home to one of the most popular Dragoons. Freya Crescent hails from the Burmecian race of humanoid rat people, tying her with Kimahri for the most unique-looking Dragoon. Though the game's English translation calls her a Dragon Knight instead of a Dragoon, the similarities are clear as day.
With her cool design and excellent damage potential, Freya is one of Final Fantasy IX's most beloved characters. What helps her stand out among other Dragoons is her Trance form that lets her jump into the air and hover there. She then rains spears down upon her enemies and is completely immune to damage until her meter runs out.
3 Cid Highwind (Final Fantasy VII)
Cid Highwind is notable for being not just a "Highwind," but a "Cid" as well. Cid is a recurring character in almost every Final Fantasy game, and the one featured in Final Fantasy VII is a huge fan favorite. Though not an official Dragoon, Cid's choice of weapon and jump-based attacks are enough for many to consider him one.
Aside from appearing in arguably the most popular game in the franchise, Cid is popular for his grumpy personality, hilarious dialogue, and ability to outswear even Barret. In spite of this, Cid is a brilliant scientist and is beloved for providing the party with an airship. He's so reliable that the party even elects him as their temporary leader.
2 Estinien Varlineau (Final Fantasy XIV)
Ask any Final Fantasy XIV player who their favorite character is, and many will respond with Estinien Varlineau. Being an Azure Dragoon of Ishgard, Estinien definitely has the looks and skills of a Dragoon. Though he started out as a minor character, Estinien received an expanded role starting with Heavensward.
Aside from his awesome appearance and battle prowess, fans love Estinien for his dry sense of humor and blunt way of speaking. He also has some of the coolest moments of the game, such as when he destroys the firing mechanism for a massive Garlean cannon. Estinien is so iconic that his English voice actor voiced a Dragoon boss in Final Fantasy XVI.
1 Kain Highwind (Final Fantasy IV)
When Final Fantasy fans think about Dragoons, there's a good chance they're imagining Kain Highwind from Final Fantasy IV. With his purple, dragon-themed armor, Kain is considered to be the ideal of what a Dragoon should look like. Kain has served as the blueprint for all subsequent Dragoons, with many emulating his looks, his mannerisms, and even his poses.
Kain is one of Final Fantasy IV's most popular characters, appearing in spinoffs almost as frequently as Cecil and Golbez. He struggles with both his loyalty and jealousy for his best friend Cecil, which makes his arc incredibly compelling. With his awesome design, impressive abilities, and fantastic writing, Kain is considered the quintessential Dragoon by many fans.