Summary
One of the most engaging elements in JRPGs istracking how allies join the party as the story unfolds. These characters often carry the narrative forward with their strong personalities, shaping social dynamics and playing key roles in battles against major villains. Interestingly, it’s common in the genre for former enemies to switch sides, becoming core members of the player’s group by the middle or end of the journey.
Driven by redemption arcs or personal motives,former villains stand out in JRPGs when they bring complex backstories and strong character growth. This shift, however, is not always permanent. Many face setbacks or internal struggles, carrying the weight of their past choices. Their moral ambiguity adds layers of depth, reinforcing the emotional impact that defines some of the genre’s most memorable characters.
Spoiler warning: This text reveals the fate of several characters in their respective games.
First introduced as a commander in Niflheim’s military, Aranea Highwind is a formidable enemy who confronts Noctis and his companions in one of the game’s most memorable early fights of the JRPG. Her combat style as a Dragoon, defined by high-impact aerial attacks, makes her one of the most striking foes inFinal Fantasy 15.
After witnessing the brutality of war and the empire’s corruption, Aranea abandons her allegiance to follow her own moral code. She supports the protagonists in several missions, briefly joining theparty as a temporary, but highly effective ally. Her evolution from reluctant foe to dependable comrade makes her one of the most respected figures in this JRPG.
Atlus JRPGs often follow specific narrative beats, such as the late-game arrival of a powerful party member. InMetaphor: ReFantazio, that role is filled by Basilio, who is introduced as a hostile presence. Closely aligned with Louis from the beginning, he remains highly suspicious of the protagonist and their allies, positioning himself as a potential antagonist through much of the game’s story.
As the plot progresses and certain missions are completed, Basilio’s distrust gradually fades. The turning point comes when Fidelio, his brother, is killed while trying to protect him. Shaken and forced to face the truth, Basilio breaks ties with Louis and joins the protagonist’s team. From that moment, he becomes one of the strongest allies in the party,empowered by the brutal Berserker Archetype.
In the firstKingdom Hearts, Riku,one of the Destiny Islands trio, is drawn to the darkness after the worlds begin to fall apart. Although he once shared dreams of exploration with Sora and Kairi, he quickly becomes a major antagonist in the JRPG, even facing off against the protagonist multiple times, especially after being possessed by Ansem.
By the end of the game, Riku begins his path to redemption, helping Sora close the door to Kingdom Hearts in a pivotal moment. Over time, he joins the party in battles throughout the second and third entries in the series. His journey from corrupted rival to dependable ally makes him one of the most compelling enemy-turned-ally figures in the genre.
InDragon Quest 11,Hendrik begins as one of the main antagonists, relentlessly hunting the Luminary under King Carnelian’s command, who is, in truth, controlled by Mordegon. Convinced the hero poses a threat, Hendrik carries out his mission with unwavering resolve. But after Yggdrasil falls and Mordegon’s true identity is revealed, Hendrik acknowledges his mistake and joins the Luminary to fight the real evil threatening Erdrea.
This shift from foe to ally forms a strong redemption arc, as Hendrik reevaluates his loyalties and beliefs. Once in the party, he stands out for his defensive prowess and raw strength, becoming one of the best tanks in this JRPG, especially after completing his personal trial duringIn Search of Lost Time.
A major element behind the appeal ofPersona 5 Royallies in the dynamic between Goro Akechi and the protagonist. From the outset, the game establishes a rivalry shaped by opposing worldviews. As the story unfolds, their relationshipevolves through several turning points, featuring a series of plot twists that remain compelling even when anticipated.
At one stage, Akechi joins the Phantom Thieves, only for it to be revealed that he was responsible for multiple deaths tied to the Metaverse. This leads to one of the most engaging boss battles in the JRPG. However, due to events in the third semester, Akechi returns to the party, making him one of the few characters in the genre to shift between enemy and ally multiple times throughout the game.
One ofFinal Fantasy’s most recognizable tropes is the use of temporary party members, and Beatrix remains one of the most iconic in the series. Initially introduced as an antagonist, she serves as a top general of Alexandria under Queen Brahne. Beatrix confronts the party multiple times and is never truly defeated, showcasing her overwhelming strength in each battle.
As the story progresses, Beatrix begins to question the queen’s actions. In a key turning point, she turns against Brahne,aiding Zidane and Steiner in rescuing Garnetfrom execution in Alexandria. Players briefly control her during the city’s defense, further deepening her arc as a former enemy who changes sides out of genuine love for her kingdom.
It’s not unusual to see Bowser teaming up with Mario when he’s not busy kidnapping Peach,yetSuper Mario RPGmarks the first timeplayers watch him ally with the hero. In this JRPG, the classic villain teams up to fight the Smithy Gang, which expelled him from his own castle, leading Bowser to join Mario for convenience.
Even as part of the group, Bowser keeps a villainous pose, grumbling and calling himself the leader of the whole adventure. Though humorous, he ranks among the best tanks in the JRPG, soaking up considerable damage and adding charisma through banter and mishaps.
From the moment Magus is introduced inChrono Trigger, he is portrayed as one of the game’s major villains, responsible for much of the chaos in the Middle Ages and serving as the primary antagonist in Frog’s storyline. However, following the events in the Kingdom of Zeal, players learn more about his background, eventually leading to his unexpected offer to join the party in the fight against Lavos.
Magus does not undergo a full redemption arc, and his personality stays consistent with his villainous past. Still, his entry into the party remains one ofChrono Trigger’s greatest surprises. Watching a long-time enemy swallow pride to fight beside the protagonists turns him into an iconic anti-hero, reinforcing the classic status of the game.
