Get ready to grab your controllers, folks, because we’re diving headfirst into the world of our favorite pixelated heroes! In this top list of the Best Video Game Protagonists, we’re celebrating the characters who’ve had us glued to our screens, eagerly pressing buttons to keep them alive and kicking. From the legendary Italian plumber to the mighty Dragonborn, these characters have etched their names into the gaming hall of fame and into our hearts.
But what exactly makes these virtual heroes so unforgettable? Is it their unique abilities, their dashing good looks, or simply their never-ending determination to save the world (or princess)? Buckle up, dear reader, as we embark on a whirlwind journey through gaming history, uncovering the secret sauce that has turned these protagonists into the ultimate digital champions. Ready, set, GAME ON!
Arthur Morgan (Red Dead Redemption 2)
Arthur Morgan is a member of the Van der Linde gang in the waning days of the Wild West. Throughout the game, Arthur grapples with his loyalty to the gang and his own morals, making tough choices and experiencing the consequences. His emotional journey, coupled with excellent voice acting and writing, make him a memorable and deeply human protagonist.
Samus Aran (Metroid series)
Samus Aran is a bounty hunter and one of the earliest female protagonists in gaming. Wearing a distinctive power armor suit, Samus explores alien planets, uncovers secrets, and battles various creatures in the Metroid series. Her agility, combat skills, and resilient personality have made her an enduring character in the gaming world.
Cloud Strife (Final Fantasy VII)
Cloud Strife, a former elite SOLDIER turned mercenary, wields the iconic Buster Sword and grapples with his own identity and past in the classic JRPG Final Fantasy VII. His struggle against the sinister Shinra corporation and the malevolent Sephiroth has left a lasting impact on the gaming community.
Lara Croft (Tomb Raider series)
First introduced in 1996, Lara Croft is a British archaeologist and adventurer who traverses ancient tombs and solves intricate puzzles. Lara's intelligence, agility, and combat skills paved the way for more female leads in gaming and helped redefine the action-adventure genre.
Master Chief (Halo series)
Master Chief Petty Officer John-117, or Master Chief, is a super-soldier clad in green armor, known as a Spartan. He is the primary protagonist in the sci-fi first-person shooter series Halo, taking on various alien species and protecting humanity from annihilation.
Ezio Auditore da Firenze (Ezio Auditore da Firenze (Assassin's Creed series)
Ezio is an Italian nobleman turned assassin in the Renaissance era. Over the course of three games, players experience Ezio's personal journey from a young, inexperienced fighter to a wise and skilled leader of the Assassin Order. His charm, charisma, and growth make him one of the most beloved protagonists in the series.
Ellie (The Last of Us series)
Ellie, first introduced as a young girl accompanying Joel through a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a fungal infection, takes center stage in the sequel. Ellie's emotional journey, growth, and fierce determination to protect those she loves make her a complex and deeply human protagonist.
Link (The Legend of Zelda series)
Link is the recurring hero in the action-adventure franchise The Legend of Zelda. Often clad in a green tunic and wielding the Master Sword, Link battles the forces of evil to save Princess Zelda and the land of Hyrule. Link's courageousness and his range of weapons and abilities make him an enduring protagonist.
Nathan Drake (Uncharted series)
Nathan Drake is a modern-day treasure hunter with a penchant for adventure and exploration. Drake's charisma, humor, and resourcefulness, combined with thrilling set pieces and cinematic storytelling, make him a compelling protagonist in the action-adventure genre.
Aloy (Horizon Zero Dawn)
Aloy is a skilled huntress in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by robotic creatures. Raised as an outcast from her tribe, Aloy's curiosity, intelligence, and combat abilities make her a captivating protagonist as she uncovers the truth about her world and her own origins.
Kratos (God of War series)
Kratos, initially the Greek god of war, is a powerful and brutal warrior seeking revenge against the gods who betrayed him. In the later games, Kratos embarks on a journey of redemption and growth, navigating fatherhood and confronting Norse mythology, adding depth to his character.
Leon S. Kennedy (Resident Evil series)
Starting as a rookie cop in Resident Evil 2, Leon S. Kennedy evolves into a seasoned government agent fighting against bioterrorism. With his cool demeanor and skill in taking on various mutated creatures, Leon has become a fan favorite and a staple character in the survival horror franchise.
Geralt of Rivia (The Witcher series)
Geralt is a witcher, a professional monster hunter with supernatural abilities, in a dark fantasy world inspired by Slavic mythology. Known for his signature white hair and gruff demeanor, Geralt navigates morally complex choices, relationships, and political intrigue, making him an engaging protagonist.
Commander Shepard (Mass Effect series)
Commander Shepard is the player-created character in the Mass Effect trilogy, with customizable appearance, gender, and backstory. As the captain of the spaceship Normandy, Shepard's choices throughout the series shape the story and the fate of the galaxy, making them an iconic and flexible protagonist.
Mario (Super Mario series)
Mario, a mustachioed Italian-American plumber, has become the face of Nintendo and a symbol for video games in general. Created by Shigeru Miyamoto, Mario debuted in 1981's Donkey Kong and has since appeared in a wide variety of games, showcasing his platforming skills, jumping abilities, and power-ups.
