Female heroes in video games are still a rarity. However, things have improved since the '80s and '90s, but there are still more men than women in games. The genre where female characters seem to be the strongest is RPGs, especially fantasy ones.
The easy answer as to why is because a lot of RPGs offer character customization, including gender. Silent protagonists won’t do on this list though. Every entry had to allow gamers to not only play as these women, but they also had to speak. It would be hard to discuss a character if they didn’t have character, right? From main heroines to supporting roles, these girls have it all.
Note: Sci-fi games such as Mass Effect and Metroid Prime have been excluded since they are separate from the fantasy genre.
Updated on December 27, 2021 by Mark Sammut: 2021 featured a strong roster of female characters, some of which rank among the best of all time. The fantasy genre provides an escape to alternate worlds, timelines, and struggles; they are often power fantasies that can touch upon relatable issues that hold significance to the real world. Some of these stories are told from the perspective of a female lead, and this article has been expanded to include a few more of the best fantasy games with women protagonists.
13 Zelda (Hyrule Warriors – 78)
Zelda is pretty much the damsel in distress in most games taking place in The Legend of Zelda series. Very few of them have her playable and Hyrule Warriors is the biggest standout. It’s not only her though but a bunch of female warriors as well, including alternate versions of her, like Tetra, Linkle, Impa, and even Midna just to name a few. It’s about time the women of Hyrule got something.
12 Yuna (Final Fantasy 10-2 – 85)
There are higher Final Fantasy games on this list. For example, on all platforms, Final Fantasy 9 is the highest-rated at 94. This game’s predecessor is at a 92. Why the sequel was chosen was because it exemplifies the idea of this list highlighting awesome female heroes.
In Final Fantasy 10-2, Yuna is now the main star along with her friends Rikku and Paine. The character goes in an unexpected direction following the end of the first game, although it is nice to witness a more carefree version of Yuna.
11 Shantae (Shantae And The Pirate's Curse – 86)
The Shantae games are Metroidvanias. They all star the titular Shantae in high seas adventures hopping across islands, exploring ruins, and fighting pirates. They are beyond charming and Shantae herself is just a cool heroine. Among the many games out there, this Switch port of her second adventure is the highest rated of the bunch.
10 Shionne (Tales Of Arise – 87)
Tales of Arise features dual protagonists in Alphen and Shionne, and they work incredibly well together both narratively and mechanically. The JRPG is set within a world defined by oppression, with the more powerful and advanced Rena oppressing Dahna's civilians. The Dahnan Alphen winds up teaming up with the Renan Shionne, a noblewoman who wishes to change her regime.
Shionne is a sympathetic character driven by a sense of justice. She is also an isolated figure due to a curse that causes her to hurt anyone she touches. Shionne and Alphen help each other grow as people, becoming whole in the process.
9 Kassandra (Assassin's Creed Odyssey – 87)
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey was the first game in the series to feature an optional gender for the hero: Kassandra or her brother Alexios.
Of the two, fans seemed to have clung better to the femme fatale as her voice acting had more energy behind it. This trend is continuing with Assassin’s Creed Valhalla but with a twist. Players can now swap genders at will. This can all be attributed to Kassandra’s strong and popular entry into the franchise.
8 Rivet (Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart – 88)
Introduced in Rift Apart, Rivet serves as a dual protagonist with Ratchet, receiving roughly the same amount of gameplay sections as the franchise's staple protagonist. As a character, Rivet is likable, has an interesting past that defines her personality, and complements Ratchet and Clank quite well. She is also a whole lot of fun to control, something that extends to pretty much every character in the Ratchet & Clank game.
It remains to be seen whether Rivet remains a significant part of Insomniac's series moving forward; however, considering the initial impression she made, it would be shocking if the lombax doesn't make a comeback in the future.
7 The Inquisitor (Dragon Age: Inquisition – 89)
The first Dragon Age game is at a 91. Players can choose to be a woman in that game as well, but the hero, no matter the gender, is always silent. That’s why the third game, Dragon Age: Inquisition, has been chosen as The Inquisitor actually has more input into the story. Both sexes offer powerful performances, but it’s hard not to side with the female version.
6 Jade (Dragon Quest 11 – 91)
Of the colorful cast of female heroines in the party, Jade sticks out as the strongest. As the Luminary’s somewhat adopted sister, she also has a big stake in the story. That sort of sells out the other characters because everyone has an equal footing in the plot. That’s what makes the narrative so beloved in Dragon Quest 11 even if it is a little long.
5 Lucina (Fire Emblem Awakening – 92)
Fire Emblem Awakening was the first time players could choose a gender for their player character in the West. While either version of Robin has more input into the story than past tactician roles and this makes them a compelling character, Lucina is the real star of this game. She even outshines her father, Crom. Lucina is also a time baby and that’s pretty cool.
4 Bayonetta (Bayonetta 2 – 92)
Bayonetta 2 was almost excluded from this list since it does technically take place on Earth, however, it qualifies due to having many fantastical touches and largely taking place in a fictional location. Bayonetta is an Umbra Witch known for wrecking hordes of Angels of Paradiso, and she does it all with style and grace.
In the Nintendo exclusive sequel, Bayonetta heads to the Gates of Hell to get Jeanne out of trouble, and the journey comes packed with brilliant action sequences, epic boss fights, and great music. Bayonetta is a delightful character, one that exudes confidence from every fiber of her being.
3 Princess Peach (Super Mario 3D World – 93)
Whenever Peach is playable in a Mario game, she outshines everyone around her. The reason, starting in Super Mario Bros. 2, was that she could glide. Her moveset makes her a highly engaging playable character. Like Zelda, this typical damsel in distress deserves to have a role in the spotlight. If only her sold adventure, Super Princess Peach, could get a sequel.
2 Gwendolyn (Odin Sphere Leifthrasir – 93)
Odin Sphere Leifthrasir is the HD remaster of the PS2 original. It is a gorgeous 2D action RPG from Vanillaware. It stars multiple protagonists that players need to all play through in order to get the true ending.
Of the three heroines, Gwendolyn is the more powerful character compared to Velvet and Mercedes. For those that missed this the first or second time, please, check out this underrated gem.
1 Amaterasu (Okami – 93)
Okami is another PS2 gem that was underrated at the time. It’s been re-released numerous times now, probably on everything past the PS2, minus the 3DS. However, there still hasn’t been a console sequel. The DS game was fun but more of a retread. This pup is in need of some more loving but for now, she can stand tall and proud as a female warrior. In fact, Amaterasu is a veritable deity in the world of Okami.