Top 10 Most Influential Female Video Game Characters

Female video game characters have often been depicted as weak princesses who become gifts for the male protagonist. But not this time.

Gaming has moved on from the unrealistic depictions of overly sexualised, weak women who cannot stand for themselves.

Now, our representation of women is much more varied and realistic. An option given to men in gaming way before women.

As the industry evolves to not only employ more women but increase diversity and representation, the women depicted have definitely improved.

From strong female characters with overpowered magic to tough women battling it out on their own. There really is a wealth of options for gamers now.

Many players opt for games where the protagonist is relatable and engaging, and these characters definitely give the community that option.

So, let's look at the top 10 most influential female video game characters and how they helped to shape the video game industry forever.

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10) Chell, Portal

Chell may be one of the only voiceless female characters in this list, but this is all part of the charm of the character.

With no voice, and a body hard to see in full, she avoids any over-sexualisation and male gaze which is seen with many other female video game characters.

9) Nadine Ross, Uncharted: The Lost Legacy

Nadine Ross pairs up with Chloe Frazer in Unchartered: The Lost Legacy.

The duo face numerous dangers from people to booby traps and handle it all with the strength that only they possess.

They bring a nice change from the usual cheeky Nathan Drake as the main protagonist.

8) Chun Li, Street Fighter

With her thunder thighs and powerful kicks, nobody stands a chance when Chun Li is in the ring.

Strength is the be-all and end-all for Chun Li and all you have to do is take one look at her muscular physique to see that.

Her influence comes from her strength and speed when fighting.

She shows what women in the Street Fighter universe can do when it comes to the down and dirty

7) Cortana, Halo

Cortana is not a protagonist in the Halo series. However, she does bring her knowledge and charm to the game to assist Master Chief.

Whilst Master Chief packs the punch, Cortana is the brains behind it all and keeps the protagonist in check.

6) Faith Connors, Mirror's Edge

Nobody can stick it to the man quite like Faith Connors from Mirrors Edge.

She continues her parent's activist past by constantly running from the government as she works for the revolution.

And she does all this whilst being clothed appropriately for her parkour endeavours.

You wouldn't see this runner prancing around in an impractical bikini.

5) Samus Aran, Metroid

As a bounty hunter and protagonist of the Metroid series, Samus is an early female video game character who quickly became iconic.

Her intelligence paired with her gun skills and mobility make her an all-around strong woman.

Consistently known for completing missions that were once thought impossible, Samus is in a league of her own.

4) Lara Croft, The Tomb Raider

Lara Croft is another one of the older additions to this list with her first game released in 1996.

But, Lara Croft isn't just a tomb raider with strength and agility.

Her knowledge of artefacts and weapons helped facilitate her success with missions and helped her historical knowledge to grow.

3) Aloy, Horizon Zero Dawn

Aloy is another female character who has helped to shape the diversity of women represented in video games.

As a tribal warrior, Aloy's name spawns directly from the Old High German 'Aloysius' which means 'great warrior'.

Her post-apocalyptic training makes her strong with her bow and arrow but also her knowledge of each of the wild dangers helps her to fight.

2) Zelda, The Legend of Zelda

We couldn't complete this list without including one of the most recognisable female video game characters.

Coming in many forms from the numerous The Legend of Zelda games, Zelda really is someone who defies the weak princess stereotype.

Not only is powerful with her magic, but Zelda also possesses great weapon knowledge and skills too.

However, she is most well-known for her strong research and understanding of Hyrule.

1) Ellie, The Last of Us

Ellie is the epitome of the new-age woman in The Last of Us series of games.

With her upbringing in a post-apocalyptic world, she has had to grow up in the hardest environment and learnt useful skills for survival.

But, she still possesses the gentle nature needed to associate with humans and groups.

Just, don't get on the wrong side of this highly intelligent and strong female...