Take a Pink, Fluffy Stroll Through 16 Years of Final Fantasy Moogles
Moogles are one of the primary mascots of Final Fantasy, and the adorable creatures have definitely evolved over the series. They’ve been featured in every mainline entry since Final Fantasy III, as well as a host of spinoffs and other series like Kingdom Hearts. Here’s how the Moogle has evolved over the series, although note that not every single appearance of the creature is listed here.
Moogles appeared for the very first time in Final Fantasy III, although the creatures were originally made for Final Fantasy II and scrapped. The little characters were magic wielders, and bodyguards for Doga.
Final Fantasy V has a Moogle Village in Galuf’s woods, that features into a piece of the story. The creatures use telepathy to communicate, and have a horde of treasure player can get as a reward for helping them.
Once again, Final Fantasy VI features a Moogle village, this time underground. However, this time around a Moogle by the name of Mog also joins your party. Mog learned to speak the language of humans by communicating telepathically with Ramuh. Final Fantasy VI also was the first game to give Moogles squinted eyes, which would carry over for nearly the rest of the series.
The only Moogle featured in Final Fantasy VIII goes by the name MiniMog, and is one of the first Guardian Force’s you can use. It looks a bit different from the usual Moogles, and is also featured as a Triple Triad card.
Moogles play a hugely important role in Final Fantasy IX, tying directly into the story at points and even functioning as the save points for the game. Moogles record your adventure, and there’s also a minigame called Mognet that has you sending letter back and forth between Moogles. A Moogle by the name of Stilzkin, is a wandering salesman that pops up throughout the game.
Moogles actually aren’t featured anywhere in the world or lore of Final Fantasy XIII. However, one of the shops in the game, Moogleworks, does feature the character emblazoned upon their logo.
Moogles are one of the most prominent races in Final Fantasy XII, one of many in the world of Ivalice. The game’s world is an expansion of the Ivalice seen in Final Fantasy Tactics, and Moogles are generally crafty, mechanically savvy, or skilled in magic characters. There are many Moogles you’ll meet along your journey.
The same Mog from XIII-2 comes back for Lightning Returns, this time as the leader of the Moogle Village deep in the Jagd Woods. There are also a bunch of different Moogles that inhabit the village and come out at night. There’s even a set of DLC equipment for Lightning, that’s Moogle themed in its visual design.
In both of the Tactics Advance games, like in Final Fantasy XII, Moogles are one of the most prominent races of Ivalice. Your closest friend and adviser in the first Tactics Advance was a black magic wielding Moogle named Montblanc. You can also have quite a few of the creatures in your party, and they specialize in magical or mechanical based jobs.
Moogles will once again return for Final Fantasy XV, but not as living creatures. Instead, Noctis will be able to use Moogle dolls in battle to distract enemies. These cute guys will take a beating for you, when you’re in a pinch.
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Moogles
Moogles are one of the primary mascots of Final Fantasy, and the adorable creatures have definitely evolved over the series. They've been featured in every mainline entry since Final Fantasy III, as well as a host of spinoffs and other series like Kingdom Hearts. Let's take a stroll through Moogle evolution over the years, although note that not every single appearance of the creature is listed here.
Final Fantasy III
Moogles appeared for the very first time in Final Fantasy III, although the creatures were originally made for Final Fantasy II and scrapped. The little characters were magic wielders, and bodyguards for Doga.
Final Fantasy V
Final Fantasy V has a Moogle Village in Galuf's woods that features into a piece of the story. The creatures use telepathy to communicate and have a horde of treasure players can get as a reward for helping them.
Final Fantasy VI
Once again, Final Fantasy VI features a Moogle village, though this one lies underground. However, this time around a Moogle by the name of Mog also joins your party. Mog learned to speak the language of humans by communicating telepathically with Ramuh. Final Fantasy VI also was the first game to give Moogles squinted eyes, which would carry over for nearly the rest of the series.
Final Fantasy VII
Moogles are featured a few different ways in Final Fantasy VII, although they don't necessarily tie directly into the story. While at the Golden Saucer, you can see Moogles in the background, and the minigame called Mog House features them. Additionally, the Chocobo summon has a Moogle riding it, and Cait Sith rides on top of a giant toy Moogle doll. An ugly one.
Final Fantasy VIII
The only Moogle featured in Final Fantasy VIII goes by the name MiniMog, and is one of the first Guardian Forces you can use. It looks a bit different from the usual Moogles, and is also featured as a Triple Triad card.
Final Fantasy IX
Moogles play a hugely important role in Final Fantasy IX, tying directly into the story at points and even functioning as the save points for the game. Moogles record your adventure, and there's also a minigame called Mognet that has you sending letters back and forth between Moogles. Additionally, Moogle by the name of Stilzkin serves as a wandering salesman that pops up throughout the game.
Final Fantasy X
Moogles have some mention in the lore of Final Fantasy X, but their only appearance is as one of the dolls that Lulu uses in combat.
Final Fantasy X-2
Once of the dresspheres for Yuna in the game, the Mascot, takes the form of a giant Moogle suit. There's also a Moogle doll that appears in the story only for Yuna, helping her to recall memories of Tidus.
Final Fantasy XI
Moogles play a large role in Final Fantasy XI, in many different ways. First off, a Moogle resides in the player's home, functioning as a housekeeper and delivery box. They feature into the story and lore of the game as well, and even deliver patch notes, updates, and special items. Years later, a DLC pack was released focusing on political turmoil in Moogle society, called "A Moogle Kupo d'Etat."
Final Fantasy XII
Moogles are one of the most prominent races in Final Fantasy XII. The game's world is an expansion of the Ivalice seen in Final Fantasy Tactics, and Moogles are generally crafty, mechanically savvy, or skilled in magic characters. There are many you'll meet along your journey, donning a more unique form and purposeful lives than seen in previous titles.
Final Fantasy XIII
Moogles actually aren't featured anywhere in the world or lore of Final Fantasy XIII. However, one of the shops in the game, Moogleworks, does feature the character emblazoned upon their logo.
Final Fantasy XIII-2
Mog is the companion that accompanies Serah and Noelle on their journey through XIII-2. The creature has a high-pitched, squeaky voice and provides guidance and advice for the protagonists. Mog also is one of the main characters of XIII-2, and functions as a mascot for the game.
Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII
The same Mog from XIII-2 comes back for Lightning Returns, this time as the leader of the Moogle Village deep in the Jagd Woods. There are also a bunch of different Moogles that inhabit the village and come out at night. There's even a set of DLC equipment for Lightning that's Moogle themed in its visual design.
Final Fantasy XIV
Similarly to Final Fantasy XI, Moogles feature prominently in the world of XIV. In the original version of the game, Moogles resided in the Twelveswood and played into parts of the story. Once A Realm Reborn hit, the Moogles started playing a more active role in society in general, although they were only visible to the protagonist at first. Moogles also function as mail deliverers in many cases.
Final Fantasy Tactics
Moogle was one of the very first summons available to players after obtaining the Summoner job. In the original game, characters would occasionally even say "Kupo" when summoning it.
Final Fantasy Tactics Advance Series
In both of the Tactics Advance games, like in Final Fantasy XII, Moogles are one of the most prominent races of Ivalice. Your closest friend and adviser in the first Tactics Advance was a black magic wielding Moogle named Montblanc. You can also have quite a few of the creatures in your party, and they specialize in magical or mechanical-based jobs.
Final Fantasy Type-0
In Type-0, Moogles assume the role of Class Advisers and Leaders at Academia. Each class at the school, including yours, has an assigned Moogle that provides them with lessons, intel, and instructions. The fun part is that in Type-0, Moogle is actually an acronym, standing for "Military Operation Organization Guidance Logistics Expert."
Crystal Chronicles Series
Moogles have a much different design in the Crystal Chronicles series, as they're shorter, stubbier, fatter, and don't have any arms. In the first game they're scattered around dungeons, stamping player's cards and letting them play minigames. You can also paint a Moogle in another minigame. They'd assume similar roles in subsequent Crystal Chronicles titles.
Dissidia and Dissidia 012
In the first Dissidia, Moogles provide the daily Mogent for the fighting game, giving players daily objectives and bonuses/rewards. There's also a Moogle summonstone that can be used in battle. In Dissidia 012, the creatures return with a larger role, running shops on the open world map.
Theatrythm Series
In the Theatrythm games, Moogles are NPCs that players can run into on event maps. Running into one will reward you with a treasure chest.
Mobius Final Fantasy
In the newest mobile game, Mobius Final Fantasy, Mog is the companion that leads Wol through the world of Palamecia. Mog looks very similar to the other Mog from the XIII games, and is beholden to a prophecy about the Warrior of Light.
World of Final Fantasy
World of Final Fantasy has Moogles scattered throughout the game, featuring into portions of the story. They're also Mirages that you can capture and use as members of your party.
Final Fantasy XV
Moogles will once again return for Final Fantasy XV, but not as living creatures. Instead, Noctis will be able to use Moogle dolls in battle to distract enemies. These cute guys will take a beating for you when you're in a pinch.
About the author
Hayes Madsen
A connoisseur of all things RPG related, and always looking for the artistic expression in gaming. His love of Gundam is only matched by his love of Pizza. Playing Games Since: 1991 Favorite Genres: RPGs, JRPGs, Strategy,