Top 10 Video Game Protagonists of 2025

Video games are all about the characters you play as. These characters become your companions, facing challenges, solving problems, and discovering new worlds. So far, in 2025, new protagonists are emerging, each with their own stories, powers, and personalities. They are diverse, relatable, and, most importantly, they are part of some really exciting games. Let’s take a look at 10 of the best video game protagonists of 2025.

10. Sam Porter Bridges (Death Stranding 2: On the Beach)

First up, we have Sam Porter Bridges from Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Played by Norman Reedus, Sam returns in this sequel, where the world is still in ruins. Sam’s character is a survivor, facing an isolation that makes his journey all the more emotional. The story explores themes of loneliness, human connection, and purpose, and Norman Reedus’ performance really brings Sam’s struggle to life. If you enjoyed the first game, you’ll definitely want to see how Sam continues his story in this eerie world.

9. The Destined One (Black Myth: Wukong)

Black Myth: Wukong brought an exciting experience to the action-adventure games in 2025. In the game, players control The Destined One. This character is based on the legendary Sun Wukong from the classic Chinese story Journey to the West. The Destined One is a powerful warrior, but it’s his inner battle with fate that makes him so interesting. As you explore the game’s world, you’ll face mythical creatures and intense battles. This makes the character and the game feel fresh and exciting.

8. Yasuke & Naoe (Assassin’s Creed: Shadows)

In Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, you get to play as Yasuke, a Black samurai, and Naoe, a skilled ninja. The two of them team up during Japan’s Sengoku period, facing political conspiracies and dangerous enemies. Yasuke’s backstory, being a foreigner in feudal Japan, adds depth to his character. Meanwhile, Naoe’s tactical mind brings a different edge to their partnership. This game mixes action, history, and powerful storytelling, making both characters unforgettable in their own way.

7. Geralt (The Witcher Series)

Geralt of Rivia is one of the most iconic video game protagonists. In The Witcher series, he is a monster hunter with incredible combat skills and magic abilities. Known for his tough attitude, Geralt spends his life protecting people by hunting dangerous creatures. Throughout the series, Geralt’s journey is filled with personal struggles, deep relationships, and difficult choices that impact everyone around him. In The Witcher 4, Ciri will take the lead as the main protagonist. Players are excited to see how her character evolves as she faces her own challenges. Fans are eager to experience a new chapter in the series, with Ciri’s growth and story at the forefront.

6. Hazel (South of Midnight)

South of Midnight introduces Hazel, a magical character on a journey through the Deep South, a place full of rich stories and supernatural creatures. Hazel is a “Weave,” meaning she has the power to use magic. Along her journey, she faces many challenges, including prejudice from the world around her. As she grows, both as a person and a magical being, players get to see her develop and overcome obstacles. Overall, Hazel’s adventure is both fun and thought-provoking, offering players an exciting experience while exploring a rich, magical world.

5. Arthur Morgan (Red Dead Redemption 2)

Arthur Morgan, the main character in Red Dead Redemption 2, is part of a gang of outlaws living in the American West. Surprisingly, Arthur is a tough and skilled gunman, but as the story goes on, he starts to question the life he’s living. He’s loyal to his gang, but he also struggles with doing the right thing. Throughout the game, Arthur’s story is about redemption, change, and the consequences of his actions. 

4. Mio & Zoe (Split Fiction)

In Split Fiction, Mio and Zoe are two aspiring writers trapped inside a machine that creates simulated worlds based on their stories. The game lets players control both characters, who have very different personalities. Mio is the thinker, while Zoe is the more adventurous one in this Video Game Protagonists. Their contrasting traits shape the game’s ever-changing environments. As the two try to escape the machine, their bond grows, and the game becomes a mix of exploration, creativity, and teamwork.

3. Joel (The Last of Us Series)

Joel is the main character in The Last of Us, and he’s one of the most memorable protagonists in video game history. He’s a tough survivor in a post-apocalyptic world, where danger is everywhere, and trust is hard to come by. Joel is a skilled fighter, but what makes him stand out is his deep, personal story. Over the course of the game, Joel forms a strong bond with Ellie, a young girl he’s trying to protect, and their journey together is filled with challenges. His actions, especially the tough choices he makes, make him a complicated character. 

2. Jin Sakai (Ghost of Tsushima)

Jin Sakai is the main character in Ghost of Tsushima, an action-packed game set in feudal Japan. He’s a skilled samurai, trained to protect his homeland and people. Now, when Mongol invaders attack the island of Tsushima, Jin must fight back to defend his home. However, as the war goes on, he faces tough decisions. Jin must choose between traditional samurai honor and using new, sneakier tactics to defeat the enemy. Ultimately, his journey is about finding a balance between who he was trained to be and who he needs to become to protect his people. His story is full of beautiful landscapes, intense combat, and deep emotional moments.

1. Alma (Monster Hunter Wilds)

Monster Hunter Wilds features Alma, a fierce hunter leading players through a massive open world filled with giant monsters. Alma is strong, smart, and a natural leader, someone you’d want by your side when the world starts falling apart. As the game’s central character, she doesn’t just lead the charge; she inspires it. Whether she’s rallying her squad before a dangerous hunt or making tough calls under pressure, Alma’s presence is commanding and reassuring.

Players will have access to a wide arsenal of weapons to take down massive, unpredictable creatures, but it’s Alma’s strategic thinking and quick reflexes that often turn the tide in battle. More than just a fighter, she acts as a mentor and anchor to the team, forming meaningful bonds with other hunters that impact both the story and the gameplay. These relationships evolve as the campaign progresses, adding emotional weight to every decision and loss.