TheFinal Fantasyseries offers a number of hallmarks within each title that make players feel at home while the settings and characters change. In addition to crystallized monoliths and recognizable creatures such as Moogles and Chocobos, a host of Cid variants have dotted gameplay in nearly every title.
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Fans are also expecting a rejuvenated version of Cid Highwind fromFinal Fantasy 7to show up inSquare Enix’strilogy of remakes, but until that anticipated occasion, here are some of the best Cid variants within the Final Fantasy franchise.
10Cid (Mobius Final Fantasy)
Within the episodic RPG mobile game,Mobius Final Fantasy, dwelled a rather world-weary Cid variant that tends to fly under the radar. Since the game ended its service back in 2020, this broad-shouldered version of the engineer is but a distant memory.
Despite the game being rather forgettable, Cid’s scarred face and dead eye make him look like a battle-worn Norse god. Even though his story didn’t leave much of an impression, his aesthetic is more unique which at least earns this version a place on the list.
9Cid Kramer (Final Fantasy 8)
Another Cid variant that looks nothing like the blonde-haired engineer we’ve come to love is the Balamb Garden headmaster, Cid Kramer, whose appearance has often been compared to the late, great comedic actor Robin Williams.
Even though the actor is more commonly associated with another video game franchise through his daughter, Zelda, Williams’ charm is channeled through Cid’s wide smile and approachability in Final Fantasy 8. He earns a place in the low ranks even though he’s the ex-husband of the sorceress, Edea.
8Cid Del Norte Marquez (Final Fantasy 6)
In Final Fantasy 6, Cid appears as the genius behind Magitek and is often described as being the Albert Einstein or Oppenheimer of Final Fantasy with a long-winded name to match and one heck of a redemption arc.
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One of the more defining features of this Cid variant is his attire, which makes him look like a walking banana at the best of times. The yellow hazard suit seems to be more of a personality asset than actual protection. However, this variant’s arc combined with his ingenuity deserves to make the list in some capacity.
7Cid (Final Fantasy 10)
At least Final Fantasy 10 returned Cid’s aviator goggles to his brow, except this time around, Cid sports a bald head and an avocado-shade jumpsuit while fulfilling a leadership role within the technologically-minded Al Bhed race.
Thanks to the back-and-forth with his son, Rikku, and the character’s Fahrenheit airship that leads Yuna to Zanarkand and the party to their confrontation with Sin, this is one of the more memorable Cid variants on the list.
6Cid Raines (Final Fantasy 13)
Serving as the Brigadier General for the Guardian Corps, Cid Raines is perhaps the greatest departure from the character’s design, while flaunting more of an emoSephiroth style withintheFinal Fantasy 13story.
Even though Cid continues to man an airship within this entry as the commander of the Lindblum, Cid Raines is a much younger variant. His resourcefulness in transporting Lightning to Cocoon earns him a place in the low ranks as well–just missing out on the top spot.
5Cid Sophiar (Final Fantasy 15)
Arguably the oldest version of Cid in the franchise is his car mechanic variant withinFinal Fantasy 15. He runs the Hammerhead garage with his granddaughter, Cindy, and reminisces about his on-the-road adventures with Noctis’ father, King Regis.
Starting off the game tending to cars may seem like a downgrade for the character, but by the end of the title, we get to witness Cid’s specialty byconverting the Regaliainto an airship. Cid the car mechanic is a perfect halfway point and a variant close to fans’ hearts.
4Cidolfus Demen Bunansa (Final Fantasy 12)
This suave scientist is one of the more highly respected Cid variants in the franchise, and not just for his flamboyant fashion sense. Everything this variant says inFinal Fantasy 12sounds smarter than his previous line, and we’d definitely be on board if he staged a TED Talk.
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Standing as a scientist within the Archadian Empire, Cidolfus definitely has the most pompous name of any variant, but he also creeps on the edge of insanity as the franchise’s first Cid antagonist and awards him fourth place on the list.
3Cid (Final Fantasy 2)
Let’s take it all the way back to Final Fantasy 2, which released in 1988. This is when our favorite cameo character made his debut and dedicated his life to the cause alongside Firion and his comrades against The Emperor.
Cid’s introductory demeanor is more in line with future iterations, presenting a larger-than-life personality combined with a hard-as-nails attitude. There’s only one place for Cid’s debut on this list, and it’s a solid third ranking to honor the birth of a Final Fantasy legend.
2Cid Nan Garlond (Final Fantasy 14)
Just becauseFinal Fantasy 14is an MMORPG doesn’t mean Cid’s cameo is buried under the weight of Eorzea’s lore and exposition. On the contrary, Cid nan Garlond is a prominent character returning to his role as Magitek and airship inventor and leader of the Garlond Ironworks.
Flaunting the aviator goggles once again, Cid is the epitome of a silver fox in the online epic, sporting long silver locks and a full beard to match, and has fantastic development within the game’s expansions that make him the perfect second-place entry.
1Cid Highwind (Final Fantasy 7)
Cid Highwind’s aesthetic in the original Final Fantasy 7 title is no contest on this list, boasting a vibrant blue shirt with blonde hair and his signature aviator goggles as he pilots the Highwind across Gaia for Cloud and the iconic party.
Appearing again within the movie Final Fantasy 7: Advent Children and other games Before Crisis: Final Fantasy 7, and Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy 7, Cid Highwind is the most iconic Cid variant within the franchise, and we imagine Square Enix’s remake version will be just as good.
