Summary

  • Female characters in action games are becoming more diverse, less objectified, and more developed over time.
  • These characters are chosen for their diverse backgrounds, strengths, and compelling character development.
  • Some notable female characters in action games include Aloy, Elizabeth, Ellie, Lara Croft, and Jill Valentine.

Action games are often renowned for epic combat and fun gameplay, but part of what makes them so great is the characters. Over the years, these characters, especially the protagonists, have been men. However, slowly but surely, more female characters have gained the spotlight over the last two to three decades.

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There are certainly not enough of them, especially representation for queer or women of color, but it’s clear the female characters are getting more diversified, less objectified, and more developed as the years go on. From iconic protagonists to underrated side characters, these are 10 of the best female characters in action games.

This selection was chosen for their diverse backgrounds, strengths, and compelling character development.

10 Aloy - Horizon

Horizon Forbidden: West

Adventure Action Engine Decima Powered by Expand Collapse

Aloy is a character who's quite literally carrying the world's weight on her shoulders. In Horizon Zero Dawn, Aloy is exiled from her tribe as an infant and raised on the outskirts of the village. There, she learns how to fight, hunt, and be resourceful.

Because of everything she knows and her significance to the plot, Aloy easily becomes the hero of both Horizon Zero Dawn and Forbidden West, selflessly throwing herself against impossible odds to save the planet and all its inhabitants, whether friend or foe.

9 Angrboða - God Of War: Ragnarok

God of War Ragnarok

Action Adventure Released November 9, 2022 Developer(s) Santa Monica Studio Publisher(s) Sony Franchise God of War Platform(s) PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 Powered by Expand Collapse

It's easy for God of War: Ragnarok to have a more serious tone, so it's great that characters like Angrboða provide an escape from the central conflict and into another realm. Though her realm has its own slew of unique problems, it's mostly a whimsical land that Angrboða explores with her magical animal friends.

Angrboða develops an important relationship with Atreus, as she reveals her unique ability to see the future. All her prophecies are unchanging, which is something she grapples with throughout the plot.

8 Elizabeth - BioShock Infinite

BioShock Infinite

Shooter Released March 26, 2013 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language, Mild Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco Developer(s) Irrational Games Publisher(s) 2K Franchise BioShock Platform(s) PS3, Xbox 360, PC, macOS, Linux Powered by Expand Collapse

You’re first introduced to Elizabeth in BioShock Infinite. Though Booker Dewitt is the only playable character in the game, Elizabeth is clearly the main character. First seeming like a damsel in distress, locked in her tower, Elizabeth proves to be the most powerful character in the whole series.

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Elizabeth can create "tears" in reality, which are openings to other dimensions. With this power, she can conjure virtually anything you need in battle. She may begin as naive, but she quickly becomes wise beyond her years.

7 Senua - Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

Action Adventure Released August 16, 2017 ESRB M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language Developer(s) Ninja Theory Publisher(s) Ninja Theory Engine Unreal Engine 4 Platform(s) PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Switch, PC Powered by Expand Collapse

Senua, from Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, is a character burdened by grief, searching for her deceased partner in Helheim, the realm of the dead in Norse mythology. Senua is a complex character struggling with visual and auditory hallucinations.

In our world today, we’d recognize this as a symptom of psychosis, but in Senua’s world, she believes it to be a curse that she names the “Darkness.” It's debatable whether this representation of mental illness is destigmatized, but the depth it offers makes her more compelling than most characters.

6 Nadine Ross - Uncharted: Lost Legacy

Uncharted 4: A Thief's End

Third-Person Shooter Adventure Released May 10, 2016 ESRB T for Teen: Blood, Language, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence Developer(s) Naughty Dog Publisher(s) Sony Franchise Uncharted Platform(s) PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 Powered by Expand Collapse

Though Nadine Ross only appears in two games, her presence in both stories is unforgettable. Originally a villain, Nadine makes her first appearance in Uncharted 4. You're introduced to her when she attacks Nathan Drake, throwing him around like a ragdoll, all while dressed up in black-tie attire.

Nadine gets a redemption arc in Uncharted: Lost Legacy as one of the two playable characters alongside Chloe Frazier. The game delves deeper into Nadine's background and history, offering greater character development than what she receives in the previous game.

5 Ellie - The Last Of Us

The Last of Us

Latest TV Show The Last Of Us Video Game(s) The Last of Us (2013), The Last of Us Part 2 (2020) First Episode Air Date January 15, 2023 Cast Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey Where to watch HBO Max Expand Collapse

As one of the main protagonists of The Last of Us series, Ellie is iconic for various reasons. Originally under the guidance of Joel, a cold smuggler turned father figure, Ellie is highly trained on how to fight, hunt, heal, and handle weaponry throughout the game.

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In the first game, she’s a scrappy 14-year-old girl with a fun vocabulary, but in the second game, she’s almost unrecognizable. After years of living in this post-apocalyptic landscape, Ellie has loved and lost too many times to count. Her experiences harden her into a relentless, unforgiving force.

4 Kitana - Mortal Kombat

Mortal Kombat 1

Fighting Adventure Released September 24, 2023 Franchise Mortal Kombat Platform(s) PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, Microsoft Windows Powered by Expand Collapse

First appearing in Mortal Kombat II, Kitana is one of the best fighters in the Mortal Kombat series. Kitana fights with two steel fans, which often cause the most brutal fatalities and epic combos.

Kitana originally believed herself to be the daughter of Shao Kahn, one of the game's primary antagonists. She eventually discovers her true identity as the princess of Edenia, recognizing that she was merely a pawn in Shao Kahn's schemes. Once she realizes this, she quickly becomes a legendary protagonist, allying herself with heroes.

3 Samus Aran - Metroid

Metroid Dread

Action Adventure Metroidvania Released October 8, 2021 ESRB T for Teen: Animated Blood, Fantasy Violence Developer(s) MercurySteam Publisher(s) Nintendo Franchise Metroid Platform(s) Switch Powered by Expand Collapse

Samus Aran is one of Nintendo’s most powerful characters. She first appeared in the original Metroid in 1986. Equipped in her heavy Power Suit, players were surprised to discover Samus’ gender by the end of the game, as many assumed she was a man.

The intergalactic bounty hunter works with the Galactic Federation to protect the vulnerable from all types of alien threats. Her Power Suit gives her incredible abilities that make her unbeatable in combat. Outside of her Power Suit, she continues to have impeccable agility and prowess.

2 Jill Valentine - Resident Evil

Resident Evil 3

Horror Released April 3, 2020 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language Developer(s) Capcom Publisher(s) Capcom Franchise Resident Evil Platform(s) PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S Powered by Expand Collapse

Out of all the characters to grace the Resident Evil franchise, Jill Valentine is easily one of the most impressive. As a military veteran, she’s a prime recruit for the Special Tactics and Rescue Service (S.T.A.R.S) of the Raccoon Police Department.

Jill hasn’t just survived her encounters with foes; she’s annihilated them. As a playable character in many Resident Evil games, she always perseveres, whether it’s against infected people, a pack of zombie dogs, or massive, monstrous bosses like Nemesis.

1 Lara Croft - Tomb Raider

Tomb Raider 1+2+3

Platform(s) Powered by Expand Collapse

Lara Croft is one of the most iconic characters in the history of video games, regardless of genre. The archaeologist first appears in 1996 in Tomb Raider, the first installment in the series. Following its success, the Tomb Raider series evolved into a franchise, leaving Lara Croft with more than 12 games under her belt and more to come.

Because she's been around for so long, Lara has changed in appearance and personality over the years, but she’s consistently brilliant and formidable in every game she stars in. She can be equipped with dual pistols, a bow, or pry axes and be just as skilled and intimidating.

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