Secret character

Secret Characters, also known as Optional Characters or Hidden Characters, are playable characters that do not join the party during the playthrough of the main storyline. They are hidden as rewards at the end of sidequests. If their existence is even mentioned, it is often only vaguely hinted to.

Final Fantasy IV: The After Years

 * Calca and Brina technically constitute as secret characters. Although they're playable for the start of Rydia's Tale, the player can permanently lose both of them if they are not fixed at the end of the tale, which is not explained how to do without the use of a strategy guide.
 * Gekkou, Zangetsu, Tsukinowa and Izayoi can die during their missions in Edge's Tale, and they will never rejoin for the rest of the game.
 * Golbez can also be lost permanently if the player doesn't have him, Cecil, Rosa and Ceodore in the same party before confronting the Dark Knight on the True Moon's Subterrane.

Final Fantasy VI
At one time or another, all of the main eleven party members join the party in the World of Balance. However, in the World of Ruin, only Celes, Setzer and Edgar are required to be found in order to complete the game - all other characters can be re-recruited or not at the player's whim.


 * Mog can first be found and recruited either in the World of Balance or the World of Ruin.
 * Umaro can be seen briefly during the World of Balance, but he can only be recruited in the World of Ruin.
 * Gogo can only be recruited in the World of Ruin.
 * Shadow can only be obtained permanently if the player waits for him on the Floating Continent. Otherwise, he dies and is unobtainable for the rest of the game.

Final Fantasy VII

 * Yuffie Kisaragi
 * Vincent Valentine

Final Fantasy IX
Though s/he must join the party on disc 2, Quina Quen is obtainable on Disc 1.

Final Fantasy Tactics

 * Cloud Strife
 * Beowulf Cadmus
 * Reis Duelar
 * Construct 8
 * Byblos

Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions
NB: Although two cameo characters are added, Luso joins the party automatically.
 * Balthier

Final Fantasy Tactics Advance

 * Eldena
 * Lini
 * Cheney
 * Pallanza
 * Quin
 * Littlevili

Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift

 * Vaan
 * Penelo
 * Frimelda Lotice
 * Montblanc
 * Al-Cid Margrace

Dissidia Final Fantasy

 * Shantotto
 * Gabranth

Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy

 * Prishe
 * Gilgamesh
 * Feral Chaos