In honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, let’s take a look at some female video game characters. There are more women in games than you might think! We started making a list of our “top ten” favorite female video game characters, but we ended up with twelve of them. These female gaming characters have not only entertained us but have also inspired us. They are memorable, iconic figures, not to be underestimated. They’re kind of listed in order, but the ranking is not totally clear-cut, as they’re ALL great!
Lara Croft (Tomb Raider)
She’s an archaeologist. She’s an adventurer. She’s known for her intelligence, athleticism, and courage. She’s just as good with books as she is with a 9mm. She’s been portrayed on screen by two Oscar-winners (Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander). She’s in the Strong Museum’s “World Video Game Hall of Fame.” She’s one of the most recognizable video game characters of all time. In the end, as IGN put it, she’s the “first lady of gaming.”
Chell (Portal)
Chell is a woman of few words, but she’s certainly persistent. This highly resourceful and quick-thinking young lady is a force to be reckoned with, as AI supercomputer GLaDOS soon finds out. (The computer itself has the voice and soul of a woman. Once you come to understand her origins throughout Portal 2, it’s hard not to feel sorry for GLaDOS – at least a little bit.)
Faith Connnors (Mirror’s Edge)
This self-confident courier from the first-person action-adventure game is one of the most inspiring video game characters of all time. She’s a parkour expert and skilled runner who fights against a corrupt government in a city where information is heavily monitored. Her athleticism and determination make her an incredible role model.
Alyx Vance (Half-Life)
Alyx is a scientist and resistance fighter against an alien invasion. Her intelligence and bravery make her an invaluable ally to the game’s main protagonist, Gordon Freeman.
Max Caulfield (Life is Strange)
Max is an 18-year-old aspiring photographer and senior at Blackwell Academy. She has all the same problems as a normal teenager, but somehow she also has the power to stop and rewind time. Don’t we all wish we had that ability! Her journey to discover the truth about her town and her own past is emotional and compelling.
Commander Shepard (Mass Effect)
This customizable character can be played as male or female. But as a female, her leadership skills and ability to make tough decisions have made her one of the most beloved characters in gaming. She’s like a one-woman army – driven, resolute, and even a little crazy when push comes to shove – as she must do the impossible to protect her friends and maintain peace in the galaxy.
Zelda (The Legend of Zelda)
Princess Zelda may not be the main protagonist, but she’s one of the most well-known female characters in video game history. After all, her name is always in the title! Zelda began as a damsel-in-distress, but with each installment in the long-lived series, she became stronger and more active in the story. Her strength lies primarily in her smarts – after all, she holds the Triforce of Wisdom.
Ellie (The Last of Us)
This girl is a survivor. When we first meet Ellie, she’s a brave but distrustful 14-year-old trying her best to survive in a post-apocalyptic America that is overrun by fungi-infected man-eating zombies – and that’s only half of her problems. As it turns out, other people are still the biggest danger after the zombie apocalypse. Ellie’s a fighter, but she also has a softer side which makes her all the more endearing. Anyone who’s experienced trauma at the hands of other people can relate deeply to this tragic but resilient character.
Clementine (The Walking Dead)
Known as Clem by most of her companions, this young survivor is the soul of Telltale’s Walking Dead series. The games follow her from the time she’s an 8-year-old kid all the way to a 16-year-old teen. Her life shows how growing up in extreme conditions shapes you, but reminds us that trauma doesn’t have to make us into monsters. She’s much more jaded by the time she’s 16, but she’s still the same nice girl deep inside her heart.
Zoey (Left 4 Dead)
Zoey is a college student with a quick wit and a sharp tongue. Her sarcastic comments and ability to handle herself in a zombie apocalypse male her a standout character.
Rose of Sharon Cassidy (Fallout: New Vegas)
This Mojave Wasteland cowgirl is one of Fallout: New Vegas’s most vocal companions, making her one of the best. Cass always has something interesting to say, even in the most unlikely situations.
Ciri (The Witcher)
Ciri is a strong-willed warrior with a tragic past. Her determination and loyalty to her loved ones make her a compelling character to follow. Having powers over space and time that enable her to teleport definitely plays a significant role in that. And while she’s only partially a witcher, she’s still one of the best fighters in the world of The Witcher.
So there you have it, some of the most well-known ladies of the gaming world! These female video game characters are iconic because of their unique personalities, abilities, and storylines. They are also known for their combat skills, intelligence, and determination to achieve their goals. They are strong, independent, and well-written characters who have left a lasting impression on gamers everywhere.
We haven’t played every game out there, so if we missed your favorite female video game character, please let us know in the comments. 🙂