One of the most common tropes found in modern video games is the incorporation of a story that pits the forces of good against the powers of evil. A game that features this eternal conflict will usually place the player in the shoes of a good-willed and relatable character as they set out to vanquish the powers of darkness through the use of the power of light.

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Though the power of light is primarily associated with the forces of good, its uses are not always confined to one particular mindset. It can be harnessed by both heroes and villains, making it one of the most powerful forces to be reckoned with in all of gaming. These are some of the most iconic characters to have wielded it over the years.

10 Lunafreya (Final Fantasy 15)

Final Fantasy 15: Lunafreya Nox Fleuret holding trident

Though the character of Lunafreya is short-lived, she is arguably the most powerful light wielder in the entire Final Fantasy series. As one of the last Oracles on the planet, Lunafreya has the power to repel the Starscourge: a plague-like event that can engulf the entire world in an endless night.

Not only is Lunafreya capable of harnessing light to combat her foes, but she also uses its divine properties to assist those who are in need. Gifted with the power to heal the injured and cure the diseased, Lunafreya's abilities make her both a frightening adversary and an incredibly powerful ally.

9 Harry Potter (Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone)

Harry Potter Casting Lumos In The Philosopher's Stone PS2

Harry Potter is perhaps the noblest character present in the wizarding world. As the boy who lived, it is prophesized that Harry will vanquish the forces of evil once and for all. Driven to do what is right, Harry will stop at nothing to protect those who he holds dear.

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Harry's portrayal in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone presents him as a gifted wizard with a knack for learning new spells quickly. Upon beginning his studies at Hogwarts, Harry learns to cast Lumos, a powerful spell that shoots light from the tip of his wand to both illuminate an area and reveal its hidden secrets.

8 Princess Zelda (The Legend Of Zelda)

Princess Zelda falling in the second trailer for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2

Zelda is a recurring main character in The Legend of Zelda series, with each of her portrayals attempting to showcase her core values. Following the story of Link, as he searches for a way to defeat the evil Ganon, Zelda is destined to reveal herself to him and eventually fight by his side.

Zelda's powers are not just limited to the power of light, but her ability to harness this terrifying power is arguably the most notable weapon in her arsenal. By utilizing both light arrows and light magic, Zelda cements herself as the most powerful Sage in the series.

7 Spiritia Rosenberg (Rosenkreuzstilette)

Spiritia Rosenberg Rosenkreuzstilette

The story of Rosenkreuzstilette documents the journey of Spiritia Rosenberg: a kind-hearted and morally compelled young woman. Once an instructor for the Imperial Army, Spiritia returns to her hometown to briefly escape her past, and, in doing so, she uncovers a sinister plot.

Spiritia is an extremely skilled magic-wielder and often uses her abilities to harness the power of an ethereal substance known as mana. Her utilization of the Seelegewehr ability permits her to transform mana into a powerful light-based projectile weapon that's capable of eradicating anybody who is foolish enough to oppose her.

6 Ashrah (Mortal Kombat: Deception)

Ashrah In Armageddon

Though Ashrah's design may present her as graceful and cordial, her origins would suggest otherwise. Disguised as an endearing young woman, Ashrah is revealed to be a demon from the Netherrealm: a frightening domain reminiscent of the Underworld.

Often seen changing her allegiances, Ashrah can utilize both light and darkness during combat, with her Heavenly Light move being one of her most spectacular. By using this ability, Ashrah conjures an orb of light before swiftly projecting it at her enemies. Her methods highlight the dangers behind the improper usage of the power of light.

5 Aerith Gainsborough (Final Fantasy 7)

Aerith Final Fantasy 7 Remake

As a descendant of the Ancients, Aerith Gainsborough is gifted with an array of unique abilities. The powers passed onto her by her ancestors permit her to harness the powers of light as a means of defeating her enemies and preserving the planet.

As the only person on Gaia capable of wielding the Holy Materia, Aerith holds the only means of defeating Sephiroth and halting his sinister plans of world domination. Her heavy reliance on the power of light has led to her becoming one of the most iconic characters in gaming history.

4 Eraqus (Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep)

eraqus Kingdom hearts Birth by sleep

The Kingdom Hearts franchise houses what could easily be the most unique story of light triumphing over darkness. Though these powers are initially opposed, each entry in the series reveals a key detail about the dangers of relying too much on one of these forces.

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Devoting his life to the power of light, Eraqus is arguably the most powerful Keyblade Master in the series. Though he states that a balance between light and darkness must exist, his loyalty to light often clouds his judgment. Eraqus relies too heavily on the light, which ultimately results in his downfall.

3 Rahm Kota (Star Wars: The Force Unleashed)

Juno Eclipse speaking with Rahm Kota in The Force Unleashed

Before the events of Order 66, Rahm Kota was a Jedi Master who fought alongside the Jedi Order during the Clone Wars. Since then, Kota's faith in the Force has been shaken due to the eradication of his Jedi companions, but never once does he opt to use the power of the Dark Side.

During Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, Kota is presented as one of the most powerful Jedi remaining in the galaxy. In the hope of finally defeating the Empire, Kota joins forces with the Dark Side user, Galen Marek. With both of their powers combined, they become an incredibly powerful pair.

2 Kuon Sumeragi (Daemon Bride)

Kuon Sumeragi in Daemon Bride

Daemon Bride is a fighting game that takes place in a 2D world and showcases a frightening clash between light and darkness. Set in the school of Kyoritsu Stella, its pupils are given contracts that shape their motives and personalities depending on what they receive.

Those who receive the Contract of Demon will use their newly obtained powers to achieve their own goals, while the recipients of the Contract of Angel will attempt to use their heavenly abilities to save a damaged world. The character of Kuon Sumeragi is arguably the most powerful Angel present in the game, as evidenced by his utilization of the power of light as a means of destroying his demonic foes.

1 Alan Wake (Alan Wake)

alan wake 2 light mechanics survival-horror remedy

Following the story of a talented fiction writer of the same name, Alan Wake attempts to document the life of a writer who lacks inspiration. To escape the clutches of writer's block, Alan decides to venture to a small town in Bright Falls in the hope of reclaiming his passion for writing once more.

While staying in Bright Falls, Alan is pursued by the Taken: a hoard of shadowy figures hellbent on ending his life. To combat these monsters, Alan must shine his flashlight at them to expose their weaknesses. Though his harnessing of light is more literal than most other light-wielding video game characters, the strength that it provides him is incontrovertible.

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