Quistis Trepe is introduced in Final Fantasy VIII as a child prodigy who became the youngest instructor at Balamb Garden. Her talent and charisma quickly made her popular; she even inspired her own fan club, the “Trepies.” Though she was eventually demoted for a supposed lack of leadership, Quistis showed her strength on the battlefield, famously saving her students by taking down a giant robot spider. | © Square Enix
Ciri’s training doesn’t just come from Vesemir: her father figure, Geralt, plays a major role as well. In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, we see flashbacks of him teaching her swordplay, survival, and the discipline of a witcher. Known as the most famous witcher of all, Geralt’s unmatched skill in combat and ability to survive impossible battles make him the ultimate mentor for Ciri. | © CD Projekt
Chun-Li isn’t just the first female fighter in Street Fighter history – she’s also shown as a dedicated teacher in the lore. In Street Fighter 6, she trains young fighters in kung fu, raising Li-Fen like her own and passing on the lessons of her late father. Her patience, compassion, and respect for tradition make her one of the series’ most inspiring mentors. | © Capcom
Not every teacher guides their student toward the light. In Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, Darth Vader takes on the role of mentor, but only to mold Galen Marek into his secret Sith apprentice. After killing Marek’s father, Vader trains him in the ways of the dark side, using manipulation and cruelty to push him toward his own goals, even if it means sending him to overthrow Darth Sidious. | © Lucasfilm Games
Most Metal Gear Solid fans agree that Naked Snake, later known as Big Boss, is one of the greatest mercenaries in gaming. But the figure who shaped him most was his mentor, The Boss, a legendary soldier celebrated as the “Mother of Special Forces.” In Metal Gear Solid 3, Snake is forced to face and ultimately kill her, and the lessons she left behind continue to haunt and guide him for the rest of his life. | © Bluepoint Games
Yuna in Ghost of Tsushima earns her place as a teacher by showing Jin Sakai the harsh truth about survival. She saves his life and pushes him to see that samurai honor alone won’t defeat the Mongols. Through her, Jin learns stealth, assassination, and infiltration – skills that transform him into the Ghost and change the course of Tsushima’s fight. | © Sucker Punch Productions
Achilles Davenport serves as Connor’s reluctant mentor in Assassin’s Creed III. Though hesitant at first, he trains Connor in the ways of the Brotherhood while cautioning him against impatience and arrogance. His lessons take on deeper meaning later, as Assassin’s Creed: Rogue reveals the painful history that shaped Achilles’ teaching style and withdrawal from Assassin life. | © Ubisoft
Michael in Grand Theft Auto V isn’t your typical teacher, but he fills that role for Franklin. Seeing a younger version of himself in the ambitious street hustler, he takes Franklin under his wing and shows him the ropes of big-league crime. Their bond grows into a father-son dynamic, built on lessons in loyalty, risk, and the art of pulling off a heist. | © Rockstar Games
Raiden has always been more than a protector – he’s a mentor to fighters like Liu Kang and Kung Lao. He guides them with warnings, strategies, and the constant reminder that Earthrealm’s survival depends on their choices. Even after his darker turn, Raiden redeems himself by passing his power to Liu Kang, proving his greatest lesson was knowing when to let the next generation lead. | © NetherRealm Studios
Victor Sullivan is more than just a partner-in-crime to Nathan Drake – he’s the mentor who shaped him. After meeting Nathan as a kid, Sully took him under his wing and taught him the tricks of treasure hunting, along with some life lessons about keeping ego in check. Despite his flaws, Sully’s care and guidance helped turn Nathan into the adventurer we know. | © Naughty Dog
Vesemir stands as the wise mentor of the Witcher school, guiding generations of monster hunters. He trained Geralt in combat and survival, but his influence went far beyond technique – he was a steady source of advice and support. With Ciri, Vesemir showed his softer side, raising her like family and ultimately giving his life to protect her at Kaer Morhen. | © CD Projekt
Paarthurnax, the ancient dragon atop the Throat of the World in Skyrim, is both mentor and guide to the Dragonborn. Once Alduin’s lieutenant, he turned away from destruction to embrace wisdom and balance, offering counsel instead of conquest. Through him, players learn not just the Words of Power, but lessons about choice, restraint, and the possibility of change. | © Bethesda Game Studios
Rost takes on the role of mentor and father figure to Aloy in Horizon Zero Dawn. As a fellow outcast, he not only trains her in hunting and combat but also teaches her how to master her emotions and face cruelty with strength. His ultimate lesson comes in sacrifice, giving his life to ensure Aloy’s survival and future. | © Guerrilla Games
Kratos’ role as a teacher begins with his son, Atreus, in the 2018 God of War. Though often stern and distant, he guides the boy through survival, combat, and the harsh truths of their mythic world. Along the way, Atreus teaches Kratos just as much, reminding him of patience, compassion, and what it means to be a father. | © Jetpack Interactive
Joel isn’t a teacher in the traditional sense, but his bond with Ellie makes him one of gaming’s most memorable mentors. At first, he only shows her how to survive, handling a rifle, staying calm in danger, and learning to fight. Over time, their connection deepens, and Joel ends up teaching her more human lessons, too, like how to play the guitar, while Ellie quietly teaches him how to feel again. | © Naughty Dog
Some of the best video game characters aren’t just fighters or heroes – they’re teachers. Whether it’s passing down survival skills, guiding with wisdom, or pushing students through tough love, these mentors shape the journeys of the characters around them. Here are 15 of the most memorable teachers in gaming.
