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It’s easy to talk about games in terms of gameplay, graphics, and mechanics, but when a protagonist can take over the story and make you feel something real, that’s what elevates a game into an unforgettable experience. These characters stand out because they’re more than pixels or voices; they’re icons in their own right. From legends of courage and loyalty to icons of complexity and wit, here’s my take on the top 13 video game protagonists, ranked.
13. Faith Connors – Mirror’s Edge
Faith’s story was unique for its time, pushing boundaries with her athleticism and resilience in a future that felt controlled and bleak. She’s a free spirit trapped in a high-tech surveillance society, and her parkour skills added an original physicality to the narrative that makes her unforgettable.
12. Ezio Auditore – Assassin’s Creed II
The journey from brash young noble to a wise Master Assassin was something we hadn’t really seen before. Ezio was relatable in his humanity and loyalty, and Ubisoft’s storytelling pulled us right into his world. He’s probably the most recognizable face of the Assassin’s Creed franchise, and for good reason.
11. Samus Aran – Metroid Series
Samus is a galactic icon. She was one of the earliest female protagonists, and her suit-up moments are legendary. Samus is tough, determined, and a pioneer for showing gamers that a hero doesn’t need to say much to be memorable.
10. Joel Miller – The Last of Us
Love him or hate him, Joel is a protagonist who forces us to grapple with what morality means in a brutal world. His story is one of survival and tough choices, and it’s his flaws as much as his strengths that make him unforgettable.
9. Commander Shepard – Mass Effect Series
Whether you played as Paragon or Renegade, Commander Shepard’s choices were our choices. Shepard embodies the spirit of a leader who rises to face impossible odds while giving us the reins to shape the journey, making them one of the most personal protagonists in gaming.
8. Arthur Morgan – Red Dead Redemption 2
Arthur’s complex, conflicted soul made Red Dead Redemption 2 feel more like an immersive novel than a game. Watching him try to reconcile his past while figuring out who he wants to be… it’s powerful. Arthur’s arc hit hard and still resonates long after the credits roll.
7. Lara Croft – Tomb Raider Series
Lara Croft is one of gaming’s most enduring icons, evolving from pixelated adventurer to a richly layered protagonist. She’s all about strength, intelligence, and defying expectations, cementing herself as a true gaming legend.
6. Link – The Legend of Zelda Series
Link is the classic hero, standing up against evil time and again to protect Hyrule. His bravery speaks volumes without words, and every game gives players that hero’s journey with a fresh twist. He’s as timeless as the land he protects.
5. Kratos – God of War Series
From vengeful demigod to haunted father, Kratos has one of the most dynamic character arcs in gaming. The 2018 God of War reboot showed his evolution and vulnerability in a way that was raw and powerful, and it set a new standard for storytelling in gaming.
4. Cloud Strife – Final Fantasy VII
Cloud’s identity crisis, haunted past, and journey toward self-acceptance are so compelling that they made Final Fantasy VII iconic. He’s complex, conflicted, and emblematic of what makes RPG storytelling so impactful.
3. Ellie – The Last of Us Part II
Ellie’s journey is intense, challenging, and unapologetically raw. Her anger, fear, and resilience make her one of the most human protagonists in gaming. The Last of Us Part II took us into some dark places, and Ellie’s story is one that stays with you.
2. Geralt of Rivia – The Witcher Series
Geralt might be a Witcher, but he’s human in all the right ways: sarcastic, stoic, and a bit of a softy under that rough exterior. His relationships, choices, and his loyalty to those he cares about make him unforgettable. Geralt’s world is vast, but it’s his character that anchors it all.
1. Arthur Morgan – Red Dead Redemption 2
Arthur’s growth, his moral complexity, and his final redemption arc create one of the most compelling and emotional narratives in gaming. He’s a reminder of how games can tell stories just as deep as any movie or book, and his impact is profound. Arthur Morgan is the kind of protagonist that reminds us why we love gaming.
These protagonists are icons not just because of what they did in their worlds but because of the impact they had on ours. Gaming lets us step into someone else’s shoes, make their choices, and feel their struggles. And these characters? They remind us that gaming isn’t just about winning; it’s about the journey.
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