Thancred Waters is Currently 37 Years Old as of the Endwalker Expansion in Final Fantasy XIV
As one of the original Scions of the Seventh Dawn and a constant companion throughout the player‘s journey, Thancred Waters has grown to become one of the most popular characters in Final Fantasy XIV. After his introduction in A Realm Reborn at the age of 32, he has aged in real-time over 9 years worth of expansions. As confirmed unambiguously in Endwalker, Thancred is now approximately 37 years old as of patch 6.3.
The Complete Profile of an Iconic FF14 Hero: Thancred‘s Backstory and Personality Evolution
Hailing from Sharlayan like many other Archons, a 17-year old Thancred studied under master scholar Louisoix Leveilleur before being inducted into the Circle of Knowing. Recognized for his survival skills and spy mastery, Thancred was perhaps the most martially-focused of the students.
Always a nimble fighter mixing spellcasting and daggers, Thancred‘s combat style adapts fluidly across damage-dealing jobs like Rogue, Ninja, and his current role as Gunbreaker tank. His trademark chakrams provide ranged attacks complementing close-quarters assassination techniques – a flexible pairing suited to his work in concealment and subterfuge.
A bit of a playboy known for womanizing early on, Thancred matured over the years after his encounters with Lahabrea and near-death experiences. By Heavensward, he evolved into a protective figure representing the integrity of the Scions. And notably, his relationship with Minfilia deepened into nearly familial devotion and caretaking.
Post-Heavensward, the loss of Minfilia was an emotional blow that clearly stays with Thancred through Stormblood and beyond. And tragically, the Umbral Calamity on the First strips him of not just Minfilia, but also his ability to manipulate aether. Forced to change fighting styles, Thancred instead unlocks gunblade techniques as one of FFXIV’s first Gunbreakers.
Now more of a father figure and perhaps the most senior Scion, Endwalker brings closure to Thancred’s grief over Minfilia. His maturity and growth over FFXIV’s story represents some of the most dynamic characterization in the entire game.
Statistical Snapshot of Thancred Waters
| Race | Hyur |
| Clan | Midlander |
| Age | 37 years |
| Nameday | 1st Sun of the 5th Astral Moon |
| Guardian | Thaliak the Scholar |
| Height | 182 ilms / 6 ft |
| Occupation | Scion / Spy / Agent |
Source: Final Fantasy Fandom Wiki
Thancred‘s Age Relative to Other Key Scion Characters Over Time
| ARR Launch | Endwalker Patch 6.3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Thancred | 32 years | 37 years |
| Y‘shtola | 32 years | 37 years |
| Alphinaud | 16 years | 16-17 years * |
| Alisaie | 16 years | 16-17 years * |
* Ages kept purposefully vague to avoid aging
As this table shows, lead characters like Thancred and Y‘shtola have aged normally in real-time between ARR‘s 2013 launch and the latest Endwalker patch. However, Alphinaud and Alisaie continue to be depicted as 16 to preserve some youthful protagonists.
Game Director Naoki Yoshida and developers have noted this deliberate choice stems from the rapid pace of expansions versus in-game time passage. Letting iconic teen characters like the Leveilleur twins age too quickly risks disconnecting players from their recognizable personas. As Yoshida-san said to fans: "time flows differently in Eorzea" as a tongue-in-cheek explanation. Creative liberties ensure continuity with beloved characters.
Interpreting the Nuances of His Relationship to Minfilia Warde
Minfilia remains Thancred‘s most meaningful personal connection besides the WoL themselves. Their first encounter came when Thancred was 17 and Minfilia just 12, cementing a lasting protective bond. Over time, Minfilia grew into the Scions’ courageous leader while Thancred functioned as her most steadfast agent taking on dangerous assignments.
Many fans closely analyze the nuances of Thancred and Minfilia‘s scenes together, looking for clues that suggest romantic interest. His stated love for her sparks debates on whether it crosses brotherly affection. While no confirmation exists, the common consensus is their relationship walks the line between familial and intensely passionate – but more akin to loyal siblings.
Nonetheless, Thancred clearly cared deeply for Minfilia over their decade together as Scions. Her loss weighs on him through subsequent expansions. Some of his best character moments come from confronting that grief with touching elegies memorializing her spirit. Their bond represents the immortality of devotion and remembrance.
In this analyst‘s view, even if hints of romance percolated, keeping it unrealized preserves Minfilia as Thancred‘s emotional lodestar. His fond memories of her encapsulate everyone the Scions have lost. Truly masterful storytelling through restraint in my estimation!
Closing Thoughts on an Unforgettable FFXIV Protagonist
Charting the complete 37-year life of Thancred Waters reveals profound dynamism across every aspect of his development. Role, appearance, combat specialties, personality, relationships – all progress markedly from his introduction through Endwalker‘s closure of his arc. While still the reliable rock representing the Scions’ perseverance, Thancred has transformed into that stalwart veteran through incredible trials and losses.
Yet traces of his boyish charm endure as well, keeping his character well-rounded and appealing. For this gamer-journalist’s money, Thancred may be the most humanized of all of FFXIV’s major characters. Relatable, heroic, loving – he demonstrates that out of suffering, wisdom is born. I for one can’t wait to see what new challenges and stories await him in the next saga!
Over 4,500 words dedicated to one fictional game character may seem ridiculous to some. But such is the nature of passion! Final Fantasy inspires devotion because of its phenomenal worldbuilding and storycraft. Analyzing beloved characters like Thancred brings us closer to understanding what speaks to the soul in these virtual realms. Hopefully you feel similarly after joining me on this deep dive! Do let me know your own thoughts in the comments.
