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Top 20 games with great female protagonists

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Ignacio Weil

Gaming - December 27th 2024, 17:30 GMT+1

Cropped About — About this gallery:

To create this gallery, we focused on games where the main character you’ll play as is a woman with a proper name, front and center. That’s why we decided to skip games where you can choose the protagonist’s gender (*Assassin's Creed Valhalla*, *Mass Effect*, etc.). We also limited it to one game per franchise because, let’s be real, some of these leading ladies star in more than one entry.

Just remember, this is a subjective list! If you think we missed an essential female lead, why not give us a shout in the comments? | © Naughty Dog

Alice Madness Returns — 20. Alice: Madness Returns (2011) – Alice

Alice in *Madness Returns* is not your average fairytale heroine. She’s darker, grittier, and fighting her way through a twisted Wonderland that’s equal parts creepy and captivating. Alice’s battle with her own mind adds a layer of psychological intrigue that makes her story as disturbing as it is fascinating. | © Spicy Horse Games

Half Life Alyx — 19. Half-Life: Alyx (2020) – Alyx Vance

Alyx Vance finally gets her own moment in *Half-Life: Alyx,* and boy, does she make the most of it. With her quick thinking, sharp shooting, and snarky comebacks, Alyx is the hero we’ve been waiting for in the *Half-Life* universe. Virtual reality has never felt this immersive, and Alyx’s personality brings it all to life. | © Valve

18. Child of Light (2014) – Aurora

Aurora’s fairytale journey in *Child of Light* feels like stepping into a storybook. As a young princess tasked with saving the kingdom of Lemuria, Aurora’s story is full of poetic charm and whimsical beauty. But don’t let the art style fool you—there’s real depth to her character as she faces both light and darkness. | © Ubisoft

17. Syberia (2002) – Kate Walker

In *Syberia,* Kate Walker’s quiet determination takes her from a corporate lawyer to a globe-trotting adventurer in search of a mysterious inventor. Her journey through fantastical landscapes and steampunk worlds is as much about self-discovery as it is about solving puzzles, and Kate’s growth as a character is as rewarding as the adventure itself. | © Microïds

Gravity rush — 16. Gravity Rush (2012) – Kat

In *Gravity Rush,* Kat literally flips the world upside down with her gravity-defying powers. As she soars through the air and battles gravity-based enemies, you can’t help but marvel at her carefree attitude and sheer determination. Kat’s unique abilities make for a gameplay experience that’s out of this world—literally. | © Japan Studio

Beyond Good Evil — 15. Beyond Good & Evil (2003) – Jade

Jade is a photojournalist turned resistance fighter in *Beyond Good & Evil,* which sounds like a weird career jump, but she makes it work. Armed with a camera and a whole lot of courage, Jade’s mission to uncover the truth in a corrupt world is as compelling as it is entertaining. | © Ubisoft

Uncharted The Lost Legacy — 14. Uncharted: The Lost Legacy (2017) – Chloe Frazer

Chloe Frazer steps into the spotlight in *Uncharted: The Lost Legacy,* proving she’s more than capable of holding her own in the treasure-hunting world. With her quick wit and no-nonsense attitude, Chloe’s adventure is packed with action, intrigue, and some serious banter with her partner Nadine. | © Naughty Dog

Cropped Spiritfarer — 13. Spiritfarer (2020) – Stella

In *Spiritfarer,* Stella takes on the heartwarming role of a ferrymaster guiding spirits to the afterlife. It’s not just about saying goodbye, though—it’s about making the journey meaningful and comforting for the spirits in her care. Stella’s warmth and compassion shine through in every interaction, making this game a surprisingly emotional ride. | © Thunder Lotus Games

Cropped A Plague Tale — 12. A Plague Tale: Innocence (2019) – Amicia de Rune

Amicia de Rune’s story in *A Plague Tale: Innocence* is one of survival against impossible odds – like, seriously, there are rats everywhere. But this young heroine takes on the dark medieval world with her little brother in tow, showing a level of bravery that makes you root for her at every step. Bonus points for the clever use of a sling to fight off enemies, and even more bonus points for the tear-jerking sequel she stars in. She rocks her new hairstyle. | © Asobo Studio

11. Life is Strange (2015) – Max Caulfield

Max Caulfield’s power to rewind time in *Life is Strange* is cool, but it’s her emotional journey that really grabs you. Navigating the challenges of teenage life, friendship, and some seriously dark secrets, Max’s story is heartfelt and relatable, with a side of supernatural intrigue. It’s a game that makes you think about every choice – and its consequences. Let's keep her original story in good memory as Life is Strange: Double exposure left fans disappointed (not with her, but the story), shall we? | © Dontnod Entertainment

10. Bayonetta (2009) – Bayonetta

*Bayonetta*’s title character is a gunslinging, witchy force of nature who oozes confidence and sass. She can summon demons with her hair, strut through fights in high heels, and deliver one-liners with a smirk. If you’re looking for a heroine who’s both glamorous and deadly, Bayonetta’s got you covered. | © PlatinumGames

Cropped Metroid Dread — 9. Metroid Dread (2021) – Samus Aran

Samus Aran returns in *Metroid Dread* to remind us why she’s one of gaming’s original badass women. Armed with her iconic Power Suit and unmatched determination, Samus is more unstoppable than ever as she battles her way through dangerous alien worlds. If you’ve ever doubted her skills, this game will make you eat your words. | © MercurySteam/Nintendo

Cropped Control — 8. Control (2019) – Jesse Faden

Jesse Faden takes weird to a whole new level in *Control.* Armed with telekinetic powers and a shape-shifting gun, she’s thrown into a world of supernatural oddities that will have you questioning what’s real. Jesse’s calm, cool, and confident as she faces off against paranormal forces, all while navigating the mysterious Federal Bureau of Control. | © Remedy Entertainment

Cropped Celeste — 7. Celeste (2018) – Madeline

Madeline’s climb in *Celeste* is more than just scaling a mountain—it’s about overcoming personal struggles and self-doubt. Her story is full of heart, and every time you fall off that ledge (and you will, a lot), you’ll feel Madeline’s persistence and resilience. Plus, those pixel-perfect platforming moments will keep you coming back for more. | © Maddy Makes Games

6. Resident Evil 3 (2020) – Jill Valentine

In *Resident Evil 3,* Jill Valentine faces off against the hulking Nemesis, and let’s be real—she’s way too cool under pressure for someone being chased by a relentless bioweapon. Jill’s determination to take down Umbrella Corporation, even while dodging a seemingly indestructible monster, makes her one of the most iconic heroines in survival horror. | © Capcom

Cropped Rise of the Tomb Raider — 5. Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015) – Lara Croft

Lara Croft is back and more determined than ever in *Rise of the Tomb Raider.* She’s not just raiding tombs anymore; she’s on a quest for answers, justice, and, of course, a lot of artifacts. With every leap and puzzle she solves, Lara proves that she’s the queen of the action-adventure genre, and she’s not giving up her crown anytime soon. | © Crystal Dynamics

Nie R Automata — 4. NieR: Automata (2017) – 2B

2B from *NieR: Automata* is the definition of stylish and deadly. She’s a combat android who slices through enemies with elegance, but underneath that cool exterior, there’s a philosophical side that will have you questioning the meaning of life, or at least the life of an android. Her story is as much about existential crises as it is about flashy sword moves. | © PlatinumGames

Cropped Hellblade Senuas Sacrifice — 3. Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice (2017) – Senua

Senua is not your typical video game warrior. In *Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice,* her battle is not just physical but mental, as she grapples with her own inner demons while journeying through a haunting Norse-inspired landscape. It’s deep, emotional, and at times overwhelming, but Senua’s strength will have you fighting right alongside her. | © Ninja Theory

Cropped Horizon Zero Dawn Aloy — 2. Horizon Zero Dawn (2017) – Aloy

Aloy’s adventure in *Horizon Zero Dawn* is a masterclass in how to take down robot dinosaurs while questioning your place in a world that’s both ancient and futuristic. She’s a redheaded badass with a knack for survival and a sarcastic edge that keeps you entertained. Plus, who doesn’t love a bow-wielding heroine taking on giant mechanical monsters? | © Guerrilla Games

Cropped The Last of Us Ellie — 1. The Last of Us Part II (2020) – Ellie

Ellie’s journey in *The Last of Us Part II* is one emotional rollercoaster where you feel every gut-wrenching decision she makes. She’s tough, hardened by a brutal world, but still has moments that make you remember she’s just a kid trying to survive. You’ll cheer for her, cry with her, and at times, wonder if she’s gone too far – exactly how a game should make you feel.

Do you agree with our ranking? Let us know in the comments! | © Naughty Dog

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In the world of gaming, female protagonists are no longer just sidekicks or damsels in distress—they’re the ones leading the charge, wielding swords, solving mysteries, and taking down monsters. From hardened warriors to clever survivors, these heroines aren’t just great – they’re iconic.

In this list, we’re diving into the top 20 games that put these incredible female characters front and center, reminding us all why gaming’s leading ladies are a force to be reckoned with. Ready to meet the queens of the gaming world? Let’s get started!

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In the world of gaming, female protagonists are no longer just sidekicks or damsels in distress—they’re the ones leading the charge, wielding swords, solving mysteries, and taking down monsters. From hardened warriors to clever survivors, these heroines aren’t just great – they’re iconic.

In this list, we’re diving into the top 20 games that put these incredible female characters front and center, reminding us all why gaming’s leading ladies are a force to be reckoned with. Ready to meet the queens of the gaming world? Let’s get started!