Video games are incredible. Not only have they introduced audiences around the world to countless fantastical worlds and unique characters, but they also stand out from other audiovisual media. They allow players to explore those worlds firsthand by either taking control of said characters or directly interacting with them (when they are NPCs).
The video game industry is the home of some of the most iconic, impactful, well-written, and popular fictional characters of all time. Among them, the following are often considered the best in the history of this medium. It’s important to point out that this is a relatively short list in the grand scheme of things and, as a result, it can’t include every great video game character ever created.
55 Upcoming Games With Strong Female Protagonists
These upcoming video games hold a lot of promise when it comes to strong, independent female protagonists.
Mario
The Literal Face Of Gaming
Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2
- Released
- October 2, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Everyone / Mild Fantasy Violence
- Genre(s)
- Platformer, Adventure
A list of the best video game characters can’t be complete with Nintendo’s very own Mario, the lovable mustachioed plumber that single-handedly saved console gaming in the 80s. He’s the Mickey Mouse of video games but, unlike Disney’s iconic mascot, Mario is still loved and respected by audiences of all ages around the entire world.
Nintendo actively puts a lot of care into ensuring that Mario's more recent releases (like Super Mario Odyssey and Super Mario Bros. Wonder) are of an extremely high quality. But more than that, Mario himself is an all-around simple but charming main character. He can effortlessly star in all sorts of video game genres, which has expanded his universal appeal.
The Legend of Zelda's Link is nearly as iconic as Mario, and he was only left out to avoid doubling-down on Nintendo's prime mascots.
Samus Aran (Metroid)
The Best Female Main Character In The Industry
Metroid
- Released
- August 6, 1986
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E for Everyone: Mild Fantasy Violence
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
Back in 1986, the reveal that Samus Aran, the protagonist of Metroid, was actually a woman was both mind-blowing and groundbreaking. However, Samus' continued popularity and reputation over the past thirty-nine years isn't just because she’s a woman, but because she is an interesting and complex character.
Why You Should Be Excited For Metroid Prime 4
Samus returns, finally, in first-person after decades.
Modern Metroid games (like Dread, Samus Returns, and the Prime trilogy) initially depict Samus as a tough and intimidating bounty hunter of few words. However, they reveal that she doesn’t eliminate dangerous aliens out of enjoyment, and that she cares about saving other people, which makes sense considering her tragic backstory. Her intense rivalry with Ridley and her adorable relationship with the Baby Metroid also highlight how she has always been a deep and compelling character, even in her older 2D titles.
Solid Snake (Metal Gear)
Saved The World On More Than One Occasion
Metal Gear Solid
- Released
- October 20, 1998
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Stealth
In his first two games, Solid Snake (real name: David) seemed like a generic main character, especially for a stealth game with a military setting. However, everything changed when the franchise made the jump to 3D with Metal Gear Solid. 3D graphics and voice acting allowed Hideo Kojima to showcase how charming and inspiring Snake is. For starters, he's a courageous soldier with one goal in mind: to save the world from the nuclear threat of the titular Metal Gears.
Despite his heroic aspirations and his gruff attitude, Snake can also be a goofy but lovable main character, as seen in his friendship with Otacon and his “will they, won’t they” relationship with Meryl. His heartbreaking role as “Old Snake” in Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots cemented him as a video game legend. Even though the cloned cells of Big Boss caused him to age at an accelerated pace, he still accepted on one final mission to save the world. He was even able to make amends with his estranged father, before retiring to live his final days in peace alongside his best friend.
Master Chief (Halo)
He Can Convey A Lot Without Saying Much (Or Even Showing His Face)
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
- Released
- November 11, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Violence, Blood and Gore, Language
- Genre(s)
- First-Person Shooter
Halo' s Master Chief is to Microsoft what Mario is to Nintendo: a seemingly mundane mascot that has made an enormous impact on the video game industry. Of course, he looks very cool, as his green Mjölnir armor gives him a slick and distinct look. But, like Samus Aran, he has proven to be a fascinating main character despite the fact that audiences never really get to see his face.
Also known as John-117, Master Chief overcame his gruesome upbringing and has managed to save the entire universe on more than one occasion. His personality and motivations are explored more deeply in the Halo books (most of which are solid reads). In the games, meanwhile, the more subtle side of his character can be seen in the impeccable chemistry he shares with his AI companion, Cortana, which is considered one of the best and most tragic relationships in all gaming.
Kratos (God of War)
The Most Inspirational Redemption Arc In Gaming
God of War
- Released
- March 22, 2005
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language
- Genre(s)
- Hack and Slash
Truth be told, Kratos was a terrible main character in the original God of War games set in Greece. He was a ruthless, violent anti-hero who didn’t care about anyone but himself and was dead set on taking revenge on the Greek Gods, no matter the cost. However, games like God of War 3 and Ascension planted the seeds for his eventual character development and attempt at atonement in the Norse Mythology Saga.
Every God Of War Game, Ranked
Santa Monica Studio's God of War has produced many great games. Naturally, some of Kratos' bloody PlayStation adventures are better than others.
In both God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarok, Kratos was forced to face the consequences of his actions and become a better man. This was not only to redeem himself and prevent his conflict with Asgard from ending in chaos, but also to inspire his son, Atreus, to grow up into an honorable man. He still looks and acts like a formidable warrior whenever it's necessary, but now he thinks before he acts and his close bond with Atreus is incredibly touching as a result. On top of all that, the climactic scene of Kratos confronting his old self in Ragnarok’s Vallhala DLC is one of the most bone-chilling and emotional in the series, and it proved that he has earned his redemption.
GLaDOS (Portal)
Who Doesn’t Love An Unhinged But Hilarious Villainess?
Portal
- Released
- October 10, 2007
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Genre(s)
- Puzzle
GlaDOS (which stands for “Genetic Lifeform and Disk Operating System”), is the heart and soul of the Portal duology. She’s the only character with spoken dialogue in the first game, in which she taunts and berates Chell while she’s trying to overcome her dangerous test chambers. GlaDOS’ brilliant comedic writing kept players entertained for the game’s duration, cementing her as one of the best video game antagonists of all time.
She gets even better in the sequel, where her body is transferred to a potato, and she reluctantly becomes Chell’s new ally. This not only gave her more avenues for funny dialogue, but also allows her to directly interact with the game’s new villain, Wheatley, in an entertaining rivalry. At the end of the game, when she decides to let Chell leave Aperture Science’s facilities, it becomes evident that, despite her cold and sadistic personality, GlaDOS seems to care for the heroine.
Arthur Morgan (Red Dead Redemption 2)
A Hard-Boiled Outlaw With An Unmovable Moral Compass
Red Dead Redemption 2
- Released
- October 26, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
Rockstar’s games have introduced players to countless legendary characters, like Trevor Philips and John Marston. But the protagonist of Red Dead Redemption 2, Arthur Morgan, has earned his place as the studio’s best-written and most beloved character. The audience can’t help but fall in love with him and want to see him win, even though this game is a prequel and that fate is sealed before his story even begins.
Like his colleagues, Arthur is a tough outlaw who often resorts to violence to solve his problems, but he also has stern principles that are almost impossible for him to break, which makes him a deeper and more intriguing anti-hero. Unlike most other Rockstar protagonists, Arthur is 100% aware that he’s a flawed individual. He’s actively trying to improve as a person, even if it’s not always easy. Roger Clark’s award-winning performance also contributed to Arthur Morgan’s everlasting impact and worldwide popularity.
Lara Croft (Tomb Raider)
A PlayStation And Gaming Icon Who Has Gone Through Multiple Incarnations
Tomb Raider
- Released
- November 14, 1996
WHERE TO PLAY
Alongside a few Nintendo Princesses and Samus, Lara Croft is unquestionably the most famous female gaming character of all time, and she felt like an icon from her very first appearance on the PS1. Confident, cool, and stylish, the original Tomb Raider's personality shines through her actions, wardrobe, and ambition, even if she did not change that much throughout most of her early games.
In the 2013 reboot series, Lara got a significant makeover that presented her as a more vulnerable figure, albeit one who was a survivor capable of incredible feats. Throughout multiple decades, Lara has gone through many looks, incarnations, and even cinematic interpretations; while not all of her adventures are fondly remembered, she has remained beloved.
Sonic (Sonic the Hedgehog)
The Blue Blur Has Blasted Through Masterpieces And Flops
Sonic the Hedgehog
- Released
- June 23, 1991
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Sonic Team
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
- Platform(s)
- Android, iOS, Nintendo 3DS, PC, Sega Genesis, Switch
The face of Sega and the strongest-ever competitor for Mario's throne, Sonic the Hedgehog has the most up-and-down resume in gaming. He started by appearing in a few of the greatest platformers ever, ones that are still incredible all these years later. He then seemingly transitioned well into 3D, only to hit a rough period around 2006 that has lasted ever since (with some great games, too).
Yet, even when one of his titles fails to impress, Sonic himself remains unblemished, as there is NOTHING that can diminish the Blue Blur's popularity and importance. Beyond just the games, Sonic has maybe the most dedicated fanbase in gaming, a community that has kept showering the mascot with love regardless of Sega's successes or failures.
Ezio Auditore da Firenze (Assassin's Creed 2)
A Complete, Satisfying Journey
Assassin's Creed 2
- Released
- November 7, 2009
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Ubisoft
- Platform(s)
- macOS, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
Assassin's Creed is fairly divisive nowadays, but that was not the case when Ezio took center stage during the late 2000s, appearing in three games that chronicled his journey from a brash and arrogant young assassin driven by revenge to a withered veteran desperately searching for the truth after decades of suffering and death.
Introduced in Assassin's Creed 2 and starring in two follow-up games, Ezio is still considered the definitive AC protagonist, and he set the bar so high that the franchise and Ubisoft have struggled to reach those heights again. While he might not be destined to appear in games forever like some of the most iconic gaming characters, Ezio's story is told in full, and it is pretty much unforgettable.