A lot of video games are defined by conflict. Whether it be large-scale wars or small-scale scuffles, most games feature some form of enemy or antagonist for the player to battle against. The confrontational nature of these games often mean that any figure that offers players assistance and tranquility is very highly valued. One such archetype that provides this is ‘the sage’.
Classically, a sage refers to a figure of great wisdom and kindness who selflessly helps others overcome strong challenges. It can be thought of as similar to the “wise old teacher” archetype. While gaming has its fair share of these, it also features a mechanical function of a sage, often being a class or character who provides support during gameplay, occasionally combined with powerful magic.
7 Emmeryn (Fire Emblem)
Fire Emblem Awakening is commonly known to be the game that saved the franchise, and remains one of the most iconic entries in the series till date. And one of the most memorable moments in that game was the sacrifice of Chrom’s sister, Emmeryn.
In an optional paralogue, she is recruitable as a unit and is revealed to have survived, but with amnesia. Her default class is Fire Emblem’s version of the sage class, so she fits both the in-game role of a sage, as well as the narrative one due to her wisdom and grace as a ruler and a guiding light for Chrom.
6 Zenyatta (Overwatch)
One of the newer entries on the list, Zenyatta hails from the world of Overwatch, where sentient machines known as ‘omnics’ are just now enjoying the benefits of having full legal rights. Zenyatta is one of the most influential omnics, due to his sage-like teachings and lectures on the nature of life.
He also takes on a supportive role during matches, healing allies and debuffing foes. His ultimate ability even sees him sprout many ethereal hands while massively healing the party, referencing Buddhist and Hindu imagery. His gameplay emphasizes support over all things, even being unable to heal himself, showing just how selflessly dedicated to the progress of others he is.
5 Deckard Cain (Diablo)
The Diablo series is one with a range of classes and characters for the player to inhabit on their campaign against the forces of hell. No matter their choices though, there will be a learned old man waiting to offer them advice and information about the world.
As the last surviving member of an ancient order of magicians, Cain is experienced in dealing with the forces of hell, and even voices many of the item descriptions in the game. He is easily the most knowledgeable human in the series, and has become quite iconic to any and all Diablo fans.
4 Raiden (Mortal Kombat)
Mortal Kombat features its fair share of monks and other pursuers of wisdom. Raiden however, has managed to retain a respected and mentorly role in the series from the very beginning. Owed in part to his status as an actual god.
Particularly, he acts as a spiritual guide and friend to the monks Lui Kang and Kung Lao, the former of which is often considered the protagonist of the series. Raiden is infamous for his fair share of failures over the years, but rarely ever forfeits his role as a wise teacher and protector.
3 Dhalsim (Street Fighter)
While Raiden is a god himself, Dhalsim is instead merely a monk, someone who’s wisdom comes from his years of religious study. He’s also one of the first and most iconic Street Fighter characters, having appeared in most entries in the series.
In canon, he’s assisted many other characters on their journeys, including Ryu and Cammy. He is a master practitioner of yoga, which aids in his peaceful way of life. He lacks any sage-like abilities mechanically, but his wisdom makes him a figure of great respect even to villains like Sagat.
2 Aerith Gainsborough (Final Fantasy)
As a core party member from one of the most iconic RPGs of all time, Aerith has a certified position in video game history. She falls on the healer/magician side of the sage identity, being FF7’s closest to a traditional white mage.
Aerith also happens to be part ‘Cetra’. The Cetra were a race in FF7 that had an enhanced connection to nature and the earth itself. Due to her heritage, she does have some wisdom that the rest of the party lacks, and was even able to command the lifestream from beyond the grave in order to save the planet.
1 Zelda (The Legend of Zelda)
There are few characters who meet literally every possible version of a sage, but Zelda is one of them. She covers the knowledge department, often being far more informed about the forces of evil than Link, and acting as a guiding force for him in several Zelda games.
She also has the magical ability, especially when empowered by her fittingly named triforce of wisdom. In certain games like Ocarina of Time, she is even explicitly one of the sages. While there are almost as many Zeldas as there are Zelda games, as a unified identity, they are the full package.