Kuuderes are a character archetype in anime and manga, where a character is initially outwardly cold but turns out to be warmer and caring once you get to know them. Kuudere is an archetype is as popular as the legendary tsundere, and examples can be seen in most Japanese media.

RELATED:Most Iconic Kuudere Female Characters In JRPGs

JRPGs often feature a lot of storytelling concepts popularized in anime and manga, and the kuudere is no exception. While many kuudere characters are often female, there are quite a few male characters that feature the same personality traits. Here are some of the most well-known male kuuderes in JRPGs.

8 Erk (Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade)

Fire Emblem Erk talking to Serra

In his first few appearances, it can be easy to come away with the impression that Erk is sort of a cold person. He is curt and dry in his conversations, and is incredibly duty-minded to the point of seeming overly unemotional. With his little overall relevance in the game's plot, many players could finish the game without learning otherwise.

However, supports with certain characters reveal Erk to be much more sensitive than initially shown. While he still has trouble being open with his emotions, he is always gentle with whoever he is speaking to, and rarely gets irritable.

7 Mao (Disgaea 3: Absence Of Justice)

Disgaea Mao talking to Almaz

The main character of Disgaea 3 prides himself on being incredibly evil and delinquent, constantly breaking rules and treats others with contempt. He spits on the idea of friendship and kindness, and plans on being an Evil Overlord like his father.

However, as the game progresses and Mao continues to interact with people like Almaz and Sapphire, Mao's shell slowly begins to break, and while he still puts on a persona of being an evil demon, it's clear that he cares about his friends. Mao remains set on being Overlord, but one somewhat kinder than the last.

6 Dudley (Trails From Zero)

Trails Alex Dudley head shot

As a member of Crossbell Police Department's First Division, Alex Dudley doesn't have much time for nonsense. He's completely serious and stoic, and in his initial encounters with the Special Support Section, he treated them as amateur troublemakers who wouldn't stop sticking their head into police matters.

RELATED:Anime: Best Tsundere Characters

However, once the Special Support Section won his respect, he quickly warmed up to them. While his no-nonsense demeanor didn't disappear, he became more trusting of them and held a lot of expectations for their work. Though he was initially one of their biggest detractors, he quickly became one of the Special Support Section's biggest allies.

5 Riku (Kingdom Hearts)

Riku DLC Apperance

Of the many kids who live on Destiny Islands, Riku is one of the oldest and the most mature. He has a cool, steely demeanor, shown best when he momentarily became a follower of Ansem and gave his heart to the darkness.

However, Riku also has a caring and warm side to him only seen when he is with his close friends Sora and Kairi. While Riku has had a hard time reconciling and coming to terms with his time in the darkness, he is now a Keyblade Master who cherishes the friends around him.

4 Jusis Albarea (Trails Of Cold Steel)

Trails Jusis Albarea brandishing his sword

Of the many members of Class VII, Jusis Albarea seems the most stuck-up and unfeeling. A member of one of Erebonia's Four Great Houses, Jusis took pride in his noble heritage, though he hid a great pain within his heart.

Though initially unapproachable, Jusis found himself warming up to the other members of Class VII. Over the course of the first two Cold Steel games, Jusis went from being a solitary member who rarely interacted with others to a stalwart ally that shared in the group's camaraderie.

3 Soren (Fire Emblem: Path Of Radiance)

Fire Emblem Soren talking to Stefan

As the staff officer and strategist of the Greil Mercenaries, Soren frequently forces himself to make hard decisions that seem cruel and heartless at times. In addition, his history of being ostracized and hated for his heritage made him misanthropic and untrusting by nature.

RELATED:Most Iconic Dandere Male Characters In JRPGs

Only when he is alone with Ike, one of his closest friends and the only one he truly trusts, does Soren finally let up his facade and lay bare his emotions. While such occasions are exceedingly rare, it shows another side to someone who initially seemed cold and unfeeling.

2 Yusuke Kitagawa (Persona 5)

Yusuke Kitagawa from Persona 5

Yusuke Kitagawa's Kuudere nature can be seen in his initial encounter with the Phantom Thieves. With Ann, someone he sees as a potential model for his artwork, he is evocative and friendly, but with Joker and Ryuji, who he initially deems obstructions to his work, he is dismissive and uninterested.

However, once he becomes a member of the Phantom Thieves himself, Yusuke quickly warms up to the rest of the group. While his eccentric personality may stand out over his kuudere tendencies, it's hard to argue that his initial encounter with the Phantom Thieves doesn't evoke the archetype.

1 Cloud Strife (Final Fantasy 7)

FF7R Cloud using the Iron Blade in the Sector 5 Church

The iconic main protagonist of one of the most famous JRPGs of all time is often misunderstood as a brooding loner. His first impression does not do much to dispel this, as he is surly, sarcastic, and unfriendly to almost anyone that he speaks to.

However, as players progress through the game, they became exposed to sides of Cloud that are unexpected. While Cloud puts on a cold facade, he does care about others, and he has a side to him that is quirky and goofy. Cloud's personality is deeper than just being dark and brooding, but it takes some time to realize that.

MORE:Most Iconic Tsundere Female Characters In JRPGs