Today, we're here to rank the most badass characters from video games. The premise is not that hard to understand, we're only looking for the rule of cool. Let's dive right in!
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20. Trevor Philips
Trevor is an absolute menace, whether he is armed to the teeth or in his tighty-whities. A volatile, unpredictable criminal, Trevor is driven by pure impulse, he embodies chaos and fearlessness like no other. This makes him our number 20 pick for this list. | © Rockstar Games
19. Sam Fisher
Sam Fisher, the iconic protagonist from the Splinter Cell series, earns his place as number 19 on this list for his unparalleled stealth, tactical brilliance, and deadly precision. His expertise in hand-to-hand combat, high-tech gadgets, and adaptability in high-stress situations make him a silent but deadly force.
What sets Fisher apart is his calm, cold demeanor, always staying one step ahead of his enemies, proving that sometimes the most dangerous man is the one you never see coming. | © Ubisoft
18. Ellie
Ellie from The Last of Us Part II ranks at number 18 for her incredible resilience, emotional depth, and sheer will to survive. Driven by a relentless quest for revenge, Ellie transforms from a determined young woman into a fierce, hardened warrior.
She faces unimaginable loss, moral dilemmas, and physical challenges, yet pushes forward with ruthless determination. Her combat skills, ranging from expert marksmanship to brutal melee attacks, make her a force to be reckoned with. Her immense struggle through hardship earns her a spot on this list. | © Naughty Dog
17. Sub Zero
As the Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei clan, Sub-Zero wields the power to freeze opponents in their tracks, creating deadly ice-based weapons and attacks that make him a devastating force in battle. His calm, disciplined demeanor hides the intense inner conflicts he faces, especially with his brother's death and the corruption of his clan.
Whether in single combat or against supernatural threats, Sub-Zero's lethal combination of tactical precision and raw power makes him one of the most respected and feared warriors in the Mortal Kombat universe | © Netherrealm Studios
16. Kazuya Mishima
Born into the infamous Mishima family, Kazuya embodies a fierce determination to dominate, fueled by a deep hatred for his father, Heihachi. His mastery of martial arts, combined with the power of the Devil Gene, makes him an unstoppable force in combat.
Kazuya’s willingness to embrace his darker nature – literally transforming into a devil to gain an edge – highlights his relentless pursuit of power. His mix of cold calculation and raw brutality makes him one of the most dangerous and iconic figures in fighting games. | © Bandai Namco Entertainment
15. Ketheric Thorm
If you have seen his introduction scene, then you know why he is ranked this high. Once a noble protector, Ketheric’s fall from grace leads him to embrace necromantic powers and the influence of the Dead Three.
His cold-blooded actions as a necromancer and military leader show no hesitation in sacrificing others to achieve his goals. As a master of undead forces and an unyielding general, Ketheric's transformation into a powerful and menacing villain makes him a truly formidable opponent in the world of Faerûn. | © Larian Studios
14. Agent 47
Lethal efficiency, cold-blooded professionalism, and unmatched stealth skills. These are all things that make up Agent 47, who is the perfect killing machine from the Hitman series. As a genetically-engineered assassin, 47 is a master of disguise, able to blend seamlessly into any environment to carry out his contracts with flawless precision.
His use of a wide array of weapons, from sniper rifles to his iconic fiber wire, and his ability to turn ordinary objects into deadly tools, make him a versatile and unpredictable killer. | © IO Interactive
13. Jill Valentine
Jill Valentine from the Resident Evil series ranks at number 13 for her unwavering courage, sharp tactical mind, and incredible combat prowess in the face of overwhelming odds. Jill has faced off against bioengineered horrors like the T-Virus zombies and the relentless Nemesis with grit and determination.
Her survival skills, honed through years of battling the Umbrella Corporation’s monstrosities, make her a true survivor. Jill's ability to outsmart, outfight, and outlast some of the deadliest threats in gaming – whether with a gun, explosives, or sheer ingenuity – makes her one of the most resilient and badass heroines in gaming history. | © Capcom
12. John Marston
John Marston takes the 12th spot for his blend of rugged toughness, moral complexity, and relentless determination. A former outlaw trying to leave his violent past behind, John is forced back into a world of bloodshed and chaos as he hunts down his former gang members to protect his family.
His proficiency with firearms, horse riding, and survival skills in the unforgiving Old West make him a dangerous force in any confrontation. But what truly sets John apart is his deep sense of honor and redemption, as he struggles to reconcile his violent past with his desire for a better future. His journey from outlaw to reluctant hero cements him as a legendary figure in gaming. | © Rockstar Games
11. Dante
As a half-demon, half-human warrior, Dante wields incredible power, effortlessly dispatching demons with a combination of his iconic sword, Rebellion, and dual pistols, Ebony and Ivory. His fighting style is both brutal and stylish, blending acrobatics with devastating attacks, all while maintaining a cool, sarcastic demeanor in the face of danger.
Dante's rebellious, carefree personality, combined with his deep sense of duty to protect humanity from demonic threats, makes him a charismatic and fearless badass who thrives in the heat of battle. He takes the 11th spot for his unmatched swagger, supernatural combat prowess, and devil-may-care attitude. | © Capcom
10. Samus Aran
As a highly trained bounty hunter clad in her powerful Power Suit, Samus takes on galactic threats like space pirates, deadly alien creatures, and the fearsome Metroids with relentless determination. Her versatile arsenal, including the Morph Ball, missiles, and the Arm Cannon, allows her to adapt to any situation, while her resourcefulness and resilience make her nearly unstoppable.
Samus' silent but intense persona, combined with her unyielding drive to protect the galaxy, makes her a pioneering and badass force in gaming. | © Nintendo
9. Bayonetta
Bayonetta commands incredible magical abilities, including the power to summon demons and shape reality through wicked weaves, all while expertly wielding a deadly mix of firearms and melee weapons. Her acrobatic, fluid fighting style and ability to slow time with "Witch Time" make her a force of chaos in battle.
Bayonetta's fierce, sassy personality, combined with her stylish, high-octane combat moves, makes her both a deadly and charismatic presence. She embraces her powers with fearless confidence, making her one of the most dynamic and powerful female characters in gaming. | © SEGA / Nintendo
8. Arthur Morgan
Arthur Morgan from Red Dead Redemption 2 earns the 8th spot for his rugged strength, emotional depth, and unwavering loyalty. As a senior member of the Van der Linde gang, Arthur is a seasoned outlaw, capable of taking on any challenge the harsh American frontier throws his way.
His exceptional skills in gunfights, horseback riding, and survival are matched by his ability to make tough moral decisions, often torn between his loyalty to the gang and his desire for redemption. He is the ultimate cowboy and a badass anti-hero, worthy of a high spot on this list. | © Rockstar Games
7. Solid Snake
As a clone of the greatest soldier, Big Boss, Snake carries a genetic legacy of combat excellence, but it's his own tactical brilliance and survival skills that make him truly formidable. Whether sneaking through enemy lines or taking down advanced mechs like Metal Gear, Snake's ability to outthink, outfight, and outmaneuver his enemies is unmatched.
His expert use of stealth, hand-to-hand combat, and a wide array of weapons, combined with his unwavering dedication to stopping nuclear threats, makes him a true war hero. Beneath his stoic exterior, Snake is a deeply philosophical and conflicted character, making him not just a badass, but one of the most layered figures in gaming. | © Konami
6. Lara Croft
Lara Croft from the Tomb Raider series ranks at number 6 for her blend of fearless adventuring, unmatched intelligence, and incredible survival skills. As an archaeologist and adventurer, Lara explores dangerous tombs and ancient ruins, taking on everything from mercenaries to mythological creatures with unwavering courage.
Her sharp instincts, expert marksmanship, and acrobatic abilities make her a formidable combatant, whether she's wielding dual pistols or using her environment to her advantage. Lara's indomitable will and resourcefulness allow her to thrive in some of the most hostile environments imaginable.
What truly sets her apart is her relentless pursuit of knowledge and justice, facing overwhelming odds with a perfect mix of brains and brawn, making her one of the most iconic and badass characters in gaming history. | © Ubisoft
5. Doom Slayer
The Doom Slayer is known for his sheer, unrelenting ferocity and legendary demon-slaying prowess. Being the ultimate force of destruction, the Doom Slayer is feared across dimensions for his ability to annihilate entire armies of demons single-handedly.
Armed with an array of devastating weapons – from the iconic shotgun to the BFG – he tears through hordes of enemies with brutal efficiency and rage-fueled determination. His raw physical strength, resilience, and refusal to back down make him the embodiment of pure, unbridled power. Without a word, the Doom Slayer’s actions speak volumes, as he relentlessly battles the forces of Hell, becoming the ultimate symbol of destruction and vengeance. | © Bethesda Softworks
4. Ezio Auditore
Ezio Auditore da Firenze claims the 4th spot for his transformation from a reckless young nobleman into one of the most skilled and legendary Assassins in history. Ezio's mastery of parkour, stealth, and combat, combined with his iconic hidden blades, allows him to eliminate targets with surgical precision.
His journey through Renaissance Italy, seeking justice for his family while unraveling conspiracies, showcases not only his combat skills but also his sharp intellect and leadership. Ezio’s charm, charisma, and deep sense of loyalty, coupled with his ability to inspire others to fight for freedom, make him one of gaming’s most beloved and respected figures. His rise from vengeance-driven youth to wise Mentor of the Assassins ensures his lasting legacy. | © Ubisoft
3. Geralt of Rivia
As a Witcher, Geralt is a mutated monster hunter for hire, capable of taking on deadly creatures that others fear to face. His mastery of combat – wielding both steel and silver swords, along with a variety of powerful signs (magic) – makes him a lethal force in any battle.
Beyond his combat prowess, Geralt’s keen intelligence and strong moral compass allow him to navigate the intricate political and ethical dilemmas of a harsh world, often making tough decisions with no clear right answer. His dry wit, loyalty to those he cares about, and sense of honor, despite being an outcast, cement him as one of gaming’s most complex and badass characters. | © CD Projekt Red
2. Master Chief
Master Chief, from the Halo series, takes the 2nd spot for his unmatched leadership, superhuman abilities, and legendary status as humanity’s greatest defender. As a Spartan-II supersoldier, Master Chief is a symbol of hope in the fight against the Covenant and other alien threats.
His incredible physical strength, tactical brilliance, and proficiency with a wide range of weapons make him nearly unstoppable on the battlefield. Whether it's piloting advanced vehicles or facing off against entire armies, Master Chief's calm under pressure and relentless determination set him apart as a true warrior.
His unbreakable resolve to protect humanity, even in the direst of circumstances, along with his iconic MJOLNIR armor and AI companion Cortana, make him one of the most heroic and badass figures in video game history. | © Microsoft
1. Kratos
As the Ghost of Sparta, Kratos embodies the ultimate warrior, wielding the Blades of Chaos and facing off against gods, titans, and monsters from various mythologies with unmatched ferocity. His journey of vengeance against the Greek pantheon showcases not only his brutal combat skills but also his profound struggles with loss, guilt, and redemption.
Over time, Kratos evolves from a vengeful god to a more nuanced father figure, grappling with his past while striving to protect his son, Atreus, in a new world steeped in Norse mythology. The fact that he is mostly holding back in the newer titles makes all of this even more badass! | © Santa Monica Studio
Today, we're here to rank the most badass characters from video games. The premise is not that hard to understand, we're only looking for the rule of cool. Let's dive right in!
