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5 Best Female Protagonists in Video Games

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Video games, like movies, are almost always looking to tell a story. The defining difference, however, is that video games provide us with an interactive adventure in which we frequently fill the shoes of the protagonist. That's why it's difficult not to feel more connected to the main character when you're experiencing the ups and downs of their story with them. And, because female leads are becoming more prevalent, we wanted to look back at the best female protagonists in video games whose inspired us to great lengths.

When considering who the best female protagonist in video games is, these characters' names and stories come to mind first. Not only because of their memorable adventure, but also because they are accompanied by characters who are daring, dedicated, and committed to their craft. Using it not for evil, but for justice, change, or the simple right to do good. So, if you need a character and their story to inspire you, look no further than these five, of the best, female protagonists in video games.

 

5. Faith Connors – Mirrors Edge (Series)

Some characters' motivations are so compelling that they don't need to say much to make us relate to them. Faith Connors from the Mirrors Edge series is a great example. Despite the fact that the acrobatic parkour master barely says more than a couple of sentences throughout her story, we can't help but be inspired by her intentions to work against a corrupt and malicious government. Even though they are scanning every corner of the futuristic city, Faith takes on the task of undermining them herself.

That's why, when you put yourself in her shoes, you can feel for a minute time just how focused you can be while playing as faith. Which is probably more than we usually can muster, but it's only because of this character's presence and persona that it comes out of us. We have the impression that we can make split-second decisions, find a new angle of attack, or find the quickest and most creative way to parkour ourselves out of a situation. Faith Connors is still one of video games' best female protagonists because she inspires us to do better than we thought we could.

 

 

4. Aloy – Horizon Zero Dawn (Series)

PlayStation

It's easy to see why Aloy is an inspiring and striking female video game protagonist; her heart is larger than life itself. She can't help but be driven by her desire to do good and restore peace the moment she stepped onto the screen in the first Horizon Zero Dawn. And little of her aspiration stems from her own personal incentive.  It just goes to show how selfless Aloy is, and it's because of this that the Horizon series makes it so easy to want to do good by her side.

Despite the fact that Aloy is a friendly, heartwarming presence who is easy to root for, she is not as innocent as she appears. Behind her honest intentions is a formidable warrior whom we'd ride with into any battle. Aloy is fearless when it comes to hero work, as evidenced by her record of defeating robotic monsters that tower over us in size. And her bravery only serves to highlight why she is one of video games' most noble female protagonists.

 

 

3. Samus Aran – Metroid (Series)

Female Video Game Protagonist

Samus Aran from the Metroid series was one of the first and most influential fictional characters to appear on our screens. For a long time, there have been many theories about who bears the face of the intergalactic warrior, and many people were surprised, especially during the 1980s, to see a female protagonist behind the suit in the videogame. Many people were caught off guard, but it was precisely that mystery that made her character so significant.

The reveal of her identity ignited her as the first female protagonist in video game history. And safe to say, Samus Aran is a significant character that is easily deserving of that spot. There is simply no adversary in any Metroid game who can compete with Samas Aran. She's as daring as she is cool, and she's easily one of video games' best female protagonists for her prowess and for being one of the first to do it.

 

 

2. Ellie Williams – The Last of Us (Series)

Female Video Game Protagonist

One of the most influential story-driven games of the last decade is The Last of Us. Many players couldn't help but sympathize with Joel and Ellie's adventure. We see Ellie as a young and scared, but brave and adventurous girl from the start of the first game. Then, as we progress through both games, and see Ellie grow up in this dystopic, plagued-ridden world, we can't help but sympathize with her struggle. And the unbearable weight she's always carrying throughout the first game.

However, it's Ellie's perseverance that helps carry us throughout her adventure. She always fights to her last breath, and we believe she'd even be willing to die fighting for what she believes in. Ellie's determination is so inspiring that it even constantly ignites Joel's fire to survive throughout the games. We see Ellie take on a sad and cruel story in The Last of Us series, but through it, she makes for one of the bravest female protagonists in video games we've ever seen.

 

 

1. Lara Croft – Tomb Raider (Series)

Female Video Game Protagonist

There are many female protagonists in video games who deserve to be number one, but no one fits the mold better than Lara Croft. Her portrayal in the Tomb Raider series is epic, adventurous, and about as cool as it gets. Whatever situation she is thrown into, her unwavering determination will get her out of it. Sometimes even with some lost treasure, as she is a treasure hunter first and foremost.

Lara Croft needs to write a book about mental toughness. She literally does not back down from any situation and instead confronts it head-on. That's why, after playing and experiencing the character, we can't help but feel as if we could climb a mountain, explore the jungle, or actively seek out the deepest hidden mysteries on the planet and face whatever challenge it throws at us. Lara Croft is the best female protagonist in video games, in our opinion, because she is the most inspiring.

 

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Are there other female protagonists in video games that we should know about? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!

Riley Fonger is a freelance writer, music lover, and gamer since adolescence. He loves anything video game-related and grew up with a passion for story games such as Bioshock and The Last of Us.