In a recent community post, Square Enix themselves shared their favorite characters among the iconic Final Fantasy job: Black Mage, including Black Mages from other Square Enix series. It’s no surprise who ended up high on the list!
When you hear the words “Black Mage,” what do you think of? Most think of sorcerers and sorceresses, some think of wizards with pointy hats, others think of robed, hooded figures with glowing eyes. One thing is for sure, the Final Fantasy series made the term iconic among RPGs both Square Enix and otherwise.
Earlier this year, Square Enix’s news site shared an article discussing their favorite White Mages in the series, featuring loved characters such as Yuna, Aerith, Garnet, Eiko, and even entries from Dragon Quest XI and Octopath Traveler. Jack, from Stranger of Paradise also makes the list somehow.
Now, they’ve released an article for the more destructive side of spellcasting, and listed their favorite Black Mages in an article throughout multiple series. The list includes Veronica from Dragon Quest XI, Vivi from Final Fantasy IX, and of course…Jack, from Stranger of Paradise again. He just keeps showing up!
That said, a more familiar face for our readers made it near the of the list. Y’shtola herself is second only to Vivi, with the writer having this to say for his reasoning:
Y’shtola hasn’t always walked the path of black magic – when we first meet her in FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn, she’s a healer all the way.
But during the Shadowbringers expansion, the cultured conjurer undergoes an unexpected career change and becomes a black magic-casting sorceress instead.
Whichever role she uses, Y’shtola has a curious and insightful nature, and a commitment to justice that serves her well as one of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn. She’s one of the most steadfast allies to the Warrior of Light and has steered them right through many adventures.
She can hold her own in battle too, and thanks to the Trust system, which lets you play through Shadowbringers and Endwalker dungeons solo with prominent NPCs from the story instead of fellow players, you can also take advantage of her incredible destructive abilities!
So, that begs the question; who’s your favorite Black Mage in FFXIV? Is it Y’shtola, or someone else? Are there any other jobs or classes you’d like to see articles about, from Square Enix? Let us know in the discussion below!
