Information about each of the characters, including their highest stats and which classes they are most effective at playing.

Vaan

Like most Final Fantasy games, the lead character of Final Fantasy XII has the best stats in the game. He has the highest Strength in the game (although Basch has similar Strength), the highest Vitality, and each of the other stats (Magick Power, Speed, HP, and MP) is also relatively high. As such, you can utilize Vaan in nearly every capacity within your party. He functions well as a tank, damage dealer, or as a mage/healer class.

IZJS/Zodiac Age: His stats are also quite high in the Japanese remake of the game, making him still one of the best characters to have in your party, no matter what job he takes. His stats don’t change in the new version of the game.

Penelo

The second character that you encounter in the game, essentially Vaan’s little sister for all intents and purposes. Her stats heavily favor the use of Magick abilities. Her Magick Power is similar to Ashe’s in that it is the highest in the game. Her HP and Strength are low, but her Speed and Vitality are not bad.

IZJS/Zodiac Age: There are no changes to Penelo’s stats in the Japanese remake of the game, and her stats are similar in the Zodiac Age.

Balthier

The “lead man” has the highest Speed stat in the game. His Strength and HP are pretty good, but not the strongest in the game, and his MP and Magick Power are pretty weak. Although Balthier starts the game equipped with a gun, you should immediately forgo using it and equip something else, as his Speed with a firearm is lackluster at best. Consider using a close-range weapon if you plan to continue using him.

IZJS/Zodiac Age: There are no changes between the original and Japanese remake of the game, and Balthier’s stats will likely be similar in the Zodiac Age re-release.

Fran

Unfortunately, the coolest-looking and most unique character in the party, Fran, has some of the worst stats in the game. None of her stats is stronger than other party members. She has very low Magick Power and Vitality, and her MP is average (with other party members having much higher). It is recommended that you do not use her in your party during a playthrough of the original PlayStation 2 version of the game.

IZJS/Zodiac Age: Fran’s stats were improved immensely in the Japanese remake of the game. All of her stats have improved, and she has the highest Vitality among the party members. These revamped stats were carried into the IZJS version, making Fran a reasonable selection for your main party once again.

Basch

It is easy to tell after you see Basch suit up in the Barheim Passage that he will most likely be the strongest of the party members, and his stats certainly reflect this. He has the highest HP and Strength (tied with Vaan) of all the party members. His other stats are mediocre at best, but his high Strength makes him an excellent damage dealer or tank if you are considering adding him to your party. His Magick Power is relatively low, so setting him up as a healer or mage would be unwise.

IZJS/Zodiac Age: Basch’s stats are the same in the Japanese remake of the game and are likely to be the same in the Zodiac Age re-release of the game.

Ashe

Ashe is another interesting character in terms of stats. She has low HP and low Vitality, so she should not be up close during battle. She does have high Magick Power and MP stats though, which make her excellent either as a White Mage, Black Mage, Red Mage, in other words, as a Magick-dealing class. She can also function quite well as a ranged damage dealer. Her MP growth is the highest in the game.

IZJS/Zodiac Age: Ashe’s Strength is also significantly increased in the Japanese remake of the game. Her Strength matches that of both Vaan and Basch, which makes her an all-around great character to choose. Her stats are likely to be similar in the Zodiac Age re-release of the game.