Buzz
It’s a well-known fact that female video game characters are seldom recognized for their bravery and depth. More often than not, you’ll stumble upon rankings highlighting the most alluring female characters rather than those who demonstrate true grit. Moving beyond the usual focus on physical appearance, I decided to spotlight some of the most inspiring female characters in modern gaming—individuals who embody resilience and serve as genuine role models, rather than being reduced to mere stereotypes. So, without delay, let’s shine a light on these remarkable characters.
10. Zelda/Sheik The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Zelda has evolved significantly since her debut in the series (and, of course, it’s worth noting that the games are named after her, not the protagonist, Link). In Ocarina of Time, Zelda broke away from her earlier portrayal as a classic damsel in distress. By adopting the disguise of Sheik, a seemingly male member of the Sheikah clan, she became entirely unrecognizable, providing crucial assistance to an unsuspecting Link. Another of Zelda’s personas, Tetra, further defied the stereotypical princess image, portraying her as a bold and spirited pirate who plays a vital role in aiding Link throughout his quests.
9. April Ryan The Longest Journey
Although April Ryan is initially introduced in a dream sequence wearing underwear (despite the limited graphics quality of the time), she emerges as a well-rounded and relatable character. An ordinary art student thrust into the magical realm of Arcadia, her sharp wit and sarcastic remarks inject energy into the occasionally slow-paced point-and-click adventure—a trait typical of the genre. However, in the sequel, Dreamfall, April undergoes a dramatic shift, becoming notably brooding and melancholic (even renaming herself Raven, which feels overly dramatic). This change detracts from her initial charm and appeal.
8. Hildegard von Krone Soul Calibur IV
Hilde stands out as one of the few female characters in the Soul series who isn’t overly sexualized. Courageous, resilient, and principled, she dedicates herself to preserving her family’s legacy. Her armor is functional and practical, and even her alternate outfit—a slightly less practical dress—maintains a sense of modesty and sophistication. Interestingly, director Katsutoshi Sasaki referred to Hilde as the “most captivating” female character in the game, proving that allure doesn’t require revealing attire (or perhaps he simply grew tired of the usual emphasis on physical attributes).
7. Lara Croft Tomb Raider
My feelings about Lara Croft are somewhat conflicted. On one hand, she is widely regarded as one of the earliest iconic female protagonists in gaming. On the other, her image became heavily sexualized over time, with frequent appearances in revealing outfits across video game magazines and media. However, Lara was originally inspired by strong characters like Tank Girl, with creator Toby Gard aiming to challenge the typical portrayal of women in games at the time. As a trailblazer who paved the way for more female leads, Lara undoubtedly earns her spot on this list. She’s tough, brilliant, and formidable, and her methods are undeniably effective. Moreover, the upcoming Tomb Raider reboot promises to deliver the most authentic and grounded depiction of Lara to date—putting Duke Nukem Forever to shame.
6. Samus Aran The Metroid series
The lead character of the Metroid series was designed as a woman almost as an afterthought, drawing inspiration from Ridley Scott’s 1979 film, Alien. As a former soldier and bounty hunter, Samus is almost always clad in a heavy suit of power armor—far from a conventionally attractive outfit—and she effortlessly handles every challenge the game throws her way (with the help of power-ups, of course). However, since the first game, there’s been a tradition of rewarding players who finish the game with images of Samus out of her armor, wearing minimal clothing. This arguably undermines the dignity of her otherwise strong and empowering portrayal.
5. Commander Shepard Mass Effect
Saving the galaxy is no easy task. While the male version of Shepard is typically featured in most Mass Effect promotional materials, many fans argue that femShep (as she’s fondly called) is the better iteration. Voiced by seasoned actress Jennifer Hale, Jane Shepard is just as formidable as her male counterpart (after all, even death can’t hold her back). Although BioWare deserves credit for aiming for gender equality, the fact that the male Shepard is often prioritized and considered the default version is somewhat disappointing.
4. Jade Beyond Good & Evil
Despite its initial release going largely unnoticed, Beyond Good & Evil introduced a protagonist, Jade, who deserved far more recognition. Working as a photojournalist to support her guardian Pey’j’s orphanage, Jade is pulled into a resistance movement fighting against a brutal and corrupt military regime. A skilled martial artist and athlete, Jade is a force to be reckoned with, and few obstacles can stand in her way as she pursues justice (those who try often end up on the wrong end of her staff).
3. Alyx Vance Half-Life 2
Alyx Vance is a strong, independent character whose capabilities are showcased naturally, without being overbearing. Her expertise in hacking and engineering, combined with her combat skills, makes her a reliable ally. The sections of Half-Life 2 where she accompanies you are far less frustrating than typical co-op companion sequences (no names mentioned to avoid a lengthy rant). With her upbeat personality, sharp wit, and practical attire, Alyx is someone you’d want by your side in Ravenholm—or anywhere else, for that matter. Additionally, Dog, the massive robot she modified from its original three-foot size, is one of the coolest robotic characters in recent gaming. Who else would play fetch with a roller mine? Absolutely brilliant.
2. The Boss Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
The Boss, known for her gender-neutral name, is a legendary figure in the American military, credited with founding and leading the Cobra unit and revered as the 'mother' of the US special forces. Though portrayed as the game’s antagonist, she possesses a depth of character and unwavering honor rarely seen in other characters. Her gender never limited her—even during pregnancy, she remained active on the battlefield. Her reputation was immense, and her influence extended to many characters in the game, even after her death. Big Boss admitted that killing her, his mentor, felt like destroying a part of himself.
1. Jennifer Tate Primal
Voiced by Hudson Leick (known for her role as Callisto in Xena: Warrior Princess), Jennifer “Jen” Tate is a resilient and determined character. After growing up in various foster homes, she works as a waitress at the start of the game, saving money to attend university. Her life takes a dramatic turn when her boyfriend, Lewis, is abducted by a servant of Abaddon, the embodiment of Chaos. Jen steps up to rescue him and protect her world. Despite her cynicism and occasional temper, Jen has a good heart. The game’s writing skillfully balances her tough exterior with genuine emotional depth, making her both relatable and endearing. It’s also refreshing to see a female character taking on the role of rescuer, breaking away from traditional gender norms.
