The Definition of "Handsome"

[Zanarkand-Ronso]

and not Zero or Vrtra.

Vrtra is a Dragon, who you're getting mad at is Varshahn. Do better.
And hey, I know people who would find them both very handsome.
(I know they are the same person, but factually they go by different names)

[AwesomeJr44]

I feel like Zero isn't the absolute worst offender but I see your point. The pictures of Zero with longer hair that floated around Twitter for a bit honestly looked better imo. (They should pop up if you search "Long hair zero ffxiv" on google) Personally I don't care too much about Zero looking more androgynous (I can see why someone might though), but Varshahn's design is definitely a little off-putting to me. It just looks... wrong with it being so different compared to other male Au Ras.

Vrtra is a Dragon, who you're getting mad at is Varshahn.

This feels more like semantics than an actual point.

[ZephyrMenodora]

While there are some cultural norms (which would then require we ask, which culture?), the concept of finding someone handsome are beautiful is a bit of a personal preference thing.

I think Zero comes across feminine to me, and handsome isn't a word I'd immediately think of when seeing her. But maybe it's because of her strong vocal performer. Zero is genderless to me the same way Liara is genderless to me in Mass Effect lol.

I think Vrtra could be considered handsome in a prettier way, and the FFXVI image in a rugged way. But, I'm sure there are a variety of preferences and types of characters. A lot of people are bored of the standard video game "rugged male" protagonist, others still enjoy it.

I guess my overall point is there probably is not a consensus of the types of characters people desire. I like the variety of different types in XIV and I don't really need to find every character attractive.

[Zanarkand-Ronso]

This feels more like semantics than an actual point.

There was a point?
I wasn't even being serious, I even said they are the same person, they just go by different names XD

[Simple_Barghest]

I preferred Skiros' unhinged ranting about soy ingredients to this. At least that was funny.
If you want to say 'there are no alpha chads only beta males,' literally just be honest with yourself and the thread.

[aveyond-dreams]

A lot of people are bored of the standard video game "rugged male" protagonist, others still enjoy it.

I guess my overall point is there probably is not a consensus of the types of characters people desire. I like the variety of different types in XIV and I don't really need to find every character attractive.

That's the thing though, we don't really have that sort of variety in FFXIV these days. The closest to rugged we had was Thancred's scruff back in Heavensward or Hien, both of which have now left the story. The "rugged" cast member is missing and before anyone has the genius idea to bring up Estinien, no what those of us who like having party members like Gladio or Basch do not want to run around with some dude who has his hair in a ponytail like a middle school english teacher.

When the time came for them to start serving up new party members, what we've gotten so far is Zero, Vrtra, and in 7.0, Krile. Granted there's still a chance that they might add in the sort of character I'd like to see prior to 7.0 or in 7.0 itself but the aversion to masculine aesthetics in game has been an ongoing situation for quite a while now. Again, see the midlander beard issue, with Yoshi being surprised that people wanted that beard for themselves. It's just mindboggling how something so basic is beyond their understanding.

[RobynDaBank]

I'm sorry to be that person OP, but in the first few moments of meeting Zero I was definitely unsure if she's male or female. Her JP voice is super deep as well, so I thought I was looking at a younger, edgy boy.

Literally, here's my first reaction about her with a friend who really likes her.

[ZephyrMenodora]

That's the thing though, we don't really have that sort of variety in FFXIV these days. The closest to rugged we had was Thancred's scruff back in Heavensward or Hien, both of which have now left the story. The "rugged" cast member is missing and before anyone has the genius idea to bring up Estinien, no what those of us who like having party members like Gladio or Basch do not want to run around with some dude who has his hair in a ponytail like a middle school english teacher.

When the time came for them to start serving up new party members, what we've gotten so far is Zero, Vrtra, and in 7.0, Krile. Granted there's still a chance that they might add in the sort of character I'd like to see prior to 7.0 or in 7.0 itself but the aversion to masculine aesthetics in game has been an ongoing situation for quite a while now. Again, see the midlander beard issue, with Yoshi being surprised that people wanted that beard for themselves. It's just mindboggling how something so basic is beyond their understanding.

We still have the poster boy WoL, we had Ardbart in Shadowbringers. Brad Pitt wore his hair in a ponytail on many occasions and is still considered handsome.

There is Hildebrand / Godbert and the smith presently working on our Relic weapons.

There are the Gods we are meeting.

There are various guards from Vrtra's city who have appeared in the stories.

There are various NPCS in sidequests like the ones to open up the elephant-people tribal quests.

So, there are plenty to be found in the past and present. I still like variety, and I am someone who likes Gladio/Basch and the run of the mill "masculine" characters.

[Boblawblah]

I preferred Skiros' unhinged ranting about soy ingredients to this. At least that was funny.
If you want to say 'there are no alpha chads only beta males,' literally just be honest with yourself and the thread.

At least with Skiros, it's really obvious, but with aveyond, there's that hint that he's actually serious, which would make these threads even sadder than they already are. I actually HOPE he's just a really good troll, but either way, it's odd.

[AwesomeJr44]

I'm sorry to be that person OP, but in the first few moments of meeting Zero I was definitely unsure if she's male or female. Her JP voice is super deep as well, so I thought I was looking at a younger, edgy boy.

I didn't play it with JP voice lines but I never had any doubt that she was female even on first sight. An androgynous female, but definitely a female. Might just be me though. /shrug