Final Fantasy Resonance features eight recruitable party members, each joining the player's roster upon reaching a specific point in the main story campaign. Unlocking all available characters is essential for broadening strategic options, even though only four can participate in combat at any given time.
All characters in Final Fantasy Resonance earn experience and mastery points after battles, regardless of whether they are in the active party. This design choice simplifies character progression and allows players to develop their entire roster effectively. Each character is designed with a specific role in mind, with pre-determined stat progression that favors certain playstyles. For instance, Sakura excels as a caster due to her high magic attack attribute.
Players will encounter and recruit the following characters as they progress through the game:
Rain, a Sentinel, joins in Chapter 1 - Trailing the Truth. He serves as a strong physical damage dealer and the primary tank.
Lasswell, a Breaker, also joins in Chapter 1 - Trailing the Truth. His abilities focus on staggering enemies and dealing ice damage.
Fina, a Medic, is available from Chapter 1 - Trailing the Truth. She is capable of healing allies and is the only character who can summon espers.
Lid, a Commando, joins in Chapter 2 - Eternal Blue. She is a capable staggerer with access to a powerful physical damage skill.
Nichol, a Synergist, becomes available in Chapter 3 - Wardens of the Aquapolis. He can provide party buffs and can also function as a healer.
Jake, a Commando, joins in Chapter 4 - Banner Oath. He is a potent damage dealer.
Archwitch Fina, a Saboteur, joins in Chapter 5 - Scars of Time. She specializes in dark-based spell attacks and debuffing enemies.
Sakura, a Commando, also joins in Chapter 5 - Scars of Time. She can deal significant elemental magic damage, amplified by her ability to buff her spells.