Assassins make for great characters in video games. Although players wouldn’t want to be the target of one in real life, to be put into their shoes in the fictional world of video games can be a great joy, regardless of whether that involves putting on a black suit and tie or attaching the hidden blade gauntlets.
Video games have included assassins from all over the world and galaxy. From the countless assassins that have graced video games, there are a few characters who stand out from the crowd. These are the best assassins in gaming.
10 Nina Williams, Tekken
Nina is a rather popular character in the Tekken universe. Appearing in every Tekken title, this character was even the subject of her own game in 2005, titled Death By Degrees. Nina has been a gaming icon on the fighting scene for many years.
Nina is a cold-blooded assassin who originates from the Republic of Ireland. Her role is different per each Tekken game, but she’s always a favorite of many fans. Nina is certainly one character that nobody would want to meet in real life, even if they are fans of her fighting style and victory animations.
9 Zer0, Borderlands
To this day, not much is known about Zer0, the playable assassin class character from Borderlands 2. Despite appearing in the sequel, Borderlands 3, and even the spin-off Telltale Series, Zer0’s mystery makes him a compelling character to fans. The character speaks in haikus and hides his face and body in a suit.
All that is known about Borderlands' character Zer0 is his brilliance and dedication to the hunt for a target. Whether his foe is a mere bandit or a politician, no one is going to get in Zer0’s way, and anyone that does most likely has a death wish. His skills are legendary and one of the many reasons he became a Vault Hunter.
8 The Dragonborn, Skyrim
In Bethesda’s long-running The Elder Scrolls franchise, there are whispers throughout of a secret organization of highly trained assassins. This very group is called to through The Black Sacrament ritual. Those who receive a letter with a dark painted hand, know that their fate will forever be changed.
In the fifth Elder Scrolls title, Skyrim, players can join The Dark Brotherhood, and become a merciless assassin, who takes many deadly contracts. The Dragonborn as an assassin is quite the fierce job. The act that makes this killer so legendary is the assassination of the Emperor, Titus Mede II.
7 Travis Touchdown, No More Heroes
As the protagonist of the beloved No More Heroes series, Travis Touchdown certainly fills his boots as an American assassin. Most players relate to this protagonist due to his immature and punkish personality and love for all things collectible such as manga and video games.
Travis’ job mainly consists of being an assassin, and a pretty good one at that. After all, the only thing scarier than being hunted by a hired killer is being an assassin who is being hunted by a greater assassin. That’s where Travis comes in and brings his obnoxious charm with him.
6 Thane Krios, Mass Effect
Thane Krios is a Drell and an assassin that is rumored to be one of the most skilled, if not the most skilled, in the entire galaxy of the Mass Effect franchise. Appearing in Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3, Thane more than proves himself with a mixture of stealth, hand-to-hand combat, and an abundance of firearms.
What makes Thane so great and intimidating is his preference for the kill. Most assassins prefer the quiet approach. To keep a long-distance and take out their target with a sniper. Then, there’s Thane Krios, who would much rather be up close and personal.
5 Gray Fox, Metal Gear Solid
As Solid Snake’s comrade-in-arms, Gray Fox made his first appearance in Metal Gear and then evolved into a new era with the PlayStation release of Metal Gear Solid. His character has a special history with the protagonist Solid Snake, and as per Hideo Kojima’s genius, there are many philosophical differences and boundaries between the two.
Gray Fox received the highest commendation of the FOXHOUND unit, by being granted the codename “Fox.” This title alone is reason to fear being at the end of his sword. If that isn’t enough, then his deadly and cool exoskeleton would do the trick.
4 HK-47, Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic
There have been many bounty hunters and killers in the Star Wars franchise, but none quite encapsulated the hearts and laughter of players more than HK-47. Introduced in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, this Hunter-Killer series assassin droid needed no new ground to explore with the Force and was constructed by Darth Revan.
HK-47 is known for his intimidating skills and displays of violence, along with his dry wit and hatred for all organic life forms. He prides himself on his “primary function to burn holes through meatbags”, which just makes him all the more lovable as an assassin.
3 Agent 47, Hitman
The titular character of the Hitman franchise, Agent 47 has been a threat to many targets, political or not, for a great number of years now. 47 is a professional hitman and the former top agent for the International Contract Agency. 47 had been genetically engineered for the sole purpose of being one of the world’s leading, and greatest assassins.
If players of the Hitman franchise were to see a bald man with a barcode on the back of his head, it’s safe to say that they should walk the other way while hoping that they are not wearing a good uniform for disguise. What makes 47 so appealing is that he can blend in anywhere, and can use his environment to create satisfying and innocent kills on his targets.
2 Corvo Attano, Dishonored
In the series Dishonored, Corvo was once the Royal Protector to Empress Jessamine Kaldwin. Upon her assassination, Corvo’s failure to save her haunts his days at Coldridge Prison. That is until a mysterious note and key are left and his cell, and he can escape after being framed for the crime he did not commit.
Corvo then goes on to help The Loyalists assassinate the Empire that destroyed his life. Armed with a terrifying mask, powers from the mysterious Outsider, and sheer will, nothing will stop Corvo from saving his daughter Emily Kaldwin and bringing justice to Dunwall, whether that be through stealth attacks or a frontal assault.
1 Ezio Auditore, Assassin’s Creed
Often regarded as one of the most iconic video game characters of all time, Ezio Auditore takes his rightful place as one of the most masterful assassins ever. With a game titled Assassin’s Creed, it would be rather foolish to not have an assassin appear as an iconic character from this long-running franchise. Ezio Auditore da Firenze is that very character.
As a Florentine nobleman, Ezio’s story was told across his trilogy of games. Each with an exciting story, filled with unique assassinations of Templars and adversaries, and with the help of historically accurate friends like Leonardo da Vinci. Ezio was a brash and uncouth teen, who grew into one of the wisest and well-respected members of the Assassin order.