The Most Loved Game Characters, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the game characters you think is the most loved!
Updated on Apr 10, 2024 06:16
In a world brimming with digital adventures and captivating stories, game characters often hold a special place in the hearts of players. They serve as the linchpins of gaming experiences, creating bonds that can last a lifetime. By ranking these beloved characters, fans have the unique opportunity to see how their favorites stack up against the crowd, celebrating the creations that have left the most significant marks on their gaming journeys.
This live ranking not only provides a snapshot of the current popular sentiments but also encourages a dynamic community interaction. As voters contribute their opinions, the hierarchy of characters can shift, reflecting evolving tastes and new gaming developments. This fluidity keeps the list fresh and engaging, offering a constantly updated glimpse into the world of popular game characters as seen through the eyes of their biggest fans.
What Are the Most Loved Game Characters?
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155votesMario is one of the most iconic characters in video game history, known for his courage, determination, and heroic nature. He has been a beloved figure for generations of gamers, and his adventures have spanned countless games and platforms.Mario is the main character of the Super Mario Bros. franchise, a popular video game series created by Nintendo. He is a short, mustachioed plumber who wears a red cap, a blue shirt, and overalls. Mario is known for his bravery, determination, and his willingness to save Princess Peach from the villainous Bowser. He is often accompanied by his brother, Luigi, on his adventures.
- First Appearance: Donkey Kong (1981)
- Franchise: Super Mario Bros.
- Game Series: Super Mario Bros.
- Occupation: Plumber
- Abilities: Jumping, Power-ups, Fireballs
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225votesLink is the protagonist of the Zelda series, known for his bravery and selflessness in the face of danger. He is a skilled swordsman and archer, and his adventures have captivated gamers for decades.Link is the main protagonist of the popular video game series, The Legend of Zelda. He is a courageous and valiant hero who embarks on epic quests to rescue Princess Zelda and save the land of Hyrule from various threats.
- First Appearance: The Legend of Zelda (1986)
- Gender: Male
- Race: Hylian
- Age: Varies (typically portrayed as a teenager)
- Weapon of Choice: Master Sword
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326votesMaster Chief is the main character in the Halo series, known for his strength, intelligence, and unwavering dedication to his mission. He is a beloved figure among fans of the series, and his battles against the Covenant have become legendary.The Master Chief is a highly popular game character from the Halo series. He serves as the protagonist in most of the games and has become an iconic figure in the world of gaming.
- Full name: John-117
- Appearance: He wears a distinctive green armor suit
- Background: He is a supersoldier known as a Spartan II
- Skills: Master Chief is an expert in combat, tactics, and weapons handling
- AI companion: He often works alongside an AI named Cortana
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421votes
Georges Seguin (Okki) · CC BY-SA 3.0Lara Croft is the heroine of the Tomb Raider series, known for her intelligence, athleticism, and adventurous spirit. She has become an icon of female empowerment in the gaming world, and her exploits have inspired countless gamers.Lara Croft is the iconic protagonist of the Tomb Raider video game franchise. First introduced in 1996, she quickly became one of the most recognizable characters in the gaming industry. Lara is an adventurous archaeologist and treasure hunter, known for her physical prowess, intelligence, and resourcefulness.- Debut: Tomb Raider (1996)
- Game franchise: Tomb Raider
- Globally recognized: Yes
- Gender: Female
- Occupation: Archaeologist and treasure hunter
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520votes
Solid Snake (Metal Gear Solid)
Hideo KojimaSolid Snake is the main character in the Metal Gear Solid series, known for his bravery, wit, and impressive combat skills. He has become a fan favorite for his ability to outsmart his enemies and complete seemingly impossible missions.Solid Snake is a fictional character and the main protagonist of the Metal Gear Solid video game series. He is a highly skilled soldier and spy who is known for his stealth abilities and mastery of tactical espionage. Solid Snake is often depicted as a lone wolf, taking on dangerous missions to stop various threats to global security.- Debut: Metal Gear (1987)
- First appearance as Solid Snake: Metal Gear Solid (1998)
- Species: Human
- Affiliation: FOXHOUND, Philanthropy, The Patriots, and others
- Height: 182 cm (6'0")
Solid Snake (Metal Gear Solid) in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular PlayStation character
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66votesNathan Drake is the protagonist of the Uncharted series, known for his quick wit, daring exploits, and ability to survive in the most dangerous of situations. He has become a beloved figure among fans of the series, and his adventures have captivated gamers around the world.Nathan Drake is the main protagonist of the popular video game series Uncharted. He is portrayed as a charismatic, adventurous, and witty treasure hunter.
- First Appearance: Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (2007)
- Gender: Male
- Age: 30s
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Treasure Hunter
Nathan Drake (Uncharted) in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular PlayStation character
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711votes
Ezio Auditore (Assassin's Creed)
UbisoftEzio Auditore is the main character in the Assassin's Creed series, known for his cunning, agility, and fighting skills. He has become a fan favorite for his ability to take on the powerful Templar Order and defend the freedom of his people.Ezio Auditore is a fictional character from the Assassin's Creed video game series. He is the main protagonist in Assassin's Creed II, Assassin's Creed Brotherhood, and Assassin's Creed Revelations. Ezio is an Italian assassin whose story spans from the 15th to the 16th century during the Italian Renaissance. As a member of the Assassin Brotherhood, he becomes a skilled assassin and plays a crucial role in the fight against the Templars.- Game Series: Assassin's Creed
- Debut: Assassin's Creed II
- Main Protagonist: Assassin's Creed II, Assassin's Creed Brotherhood, and Assassin's Creed Revelations
- Nationality: Italian
- Time Period: 15th to 16th century
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89votesKratos is the main character in the God of War series, known for his strength, brutality, and unrelenting quest for revenge. He has become a beloved figure among fans of the series, and his battles against the gods of Olympus have become legendary.Kratos is the main character in the video game series God of War. He is a fearsome and relentless Spartan warrior who seeks revenge against the Greek gods for the hardships they have caused him. Kratos is widely recognized for his iconic appearance, including his iconic pale skin, red tattoo, and the Blades of Chaos chained to his wrists.
- Game series: God of War
- First appearance: God of War (2005)
- Genre: Action-adventure, hack and slash
- Platform(s): PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4
- Weapons: Blades of Chaos, Leviathan Axe, Spartan Rage
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96votes
Cloud Strife (Final Fantasy VII)
Tetsuya NomuraCloud Strife is the main character in Final Fantasy VII, known for his brooding personality, impressive swordsmanship, and tragic backstory. He has become a fan favorite among fans of the series, and his journey to save the planet has become a classic tale in the gaming world.Cloud Strife is the main protagonist of the popular video game Final Fantasy VII. He is a former member of SOLDIER, the elite military unit of the Shinra Electric Power Company, turned mercenary. Cloud is known for his iconic spiky blond hair and carries a massive sword called the Buster Sword.- Gender: Male
- Game: Final Fantasy VII
- Role: Protagonist
- Affiliation: Formerly SOLDIER, later mercenary
- Weapon: Buster Sword
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1015votes
Joel and Ellie (The Last of Us)
Naughty DogJoel and Ellie are the main characters in The Last of Us, known for their complex relationship, survival skills, and unwavering determination to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. They have become beloved figures among fans of the series, and their story has captivated gamers around the world.Joel and Ellie are the main characters of the critically acclaimed video game 'The Last of Us'. The game, developed by Naughty Dog, features a post-apocalyptic world overrun by mutated humans known as infected. Joel, a hardened survivor, is tasked with escorting Ellie, a young girl who may hold the key to a cure for the infection, across a dangerous and devastated United States.- Game title: The Last of Us
- Main characters: Joel and Ellie
- Game genre: Action-adventure, survival horror
- Release date: June 14, 2013
- Platform(s): PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4
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Ranking factors for loved game characters
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Character DesignThe visual appearance and overall design of the character, including their clothing, accessories, hairstyles, and color schemes.
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PersonalityThe unique traits and quirks that make the character relatable, memorable, and appealing to players, such as humor, intelligence, charisma, bravery, or empathy.
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Development and GrowthThe character's journey and growth throughout the game, including their relationships with other characters and any significant life events that change them in a meaningful way.
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Story and RoleThe character's role within the game's narrative, as well as the impact they have on the overall plot and other characters.
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GameplayThe character's playstyle, abilities, and effectiveness in gameplay, which can affect how enjoyable and rewarding it is to play as the character.
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Popularity and InfluenceThe general popularity of the character among fans and players, as well as their impact on the gaming community, fandom, and related media.
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Emotional ConnectionThe emotional bond that players form with the character, whether through empathy, shared experiences, or simply enjoying their presence in the game.
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Iconic MomentsMemorable scenes or moments within the game that feature the character and are notable for their emotional, narrative, or gameplay impact.
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Originality and UniquenessThe degree to which the character brings something new or innovative to gaming culture, as opposed to being derivative or clichéd.
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LegacyThe overall legacy and impact of the character on the gaming industry, including their influence on other games, characters, or media, as well as their contributions to the history and culture of video games.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most loved game characters. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or game character is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2353 views
- 187 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each game character once every 24 hours. The rank of each game character is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
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More information on most loved game characters
When it comes to video games, characters can make or break the experience. A well-designed and beloved character can have players hooked for hours on end. That's why we decided to ask our community at StrawPoll which game characters they love the most. The results were fascinating, with some characters being beloved across generations and others being more recent fan favorites. From the iconic Mario and Sonic to the complex Geralt of Rivia and Aloy, our poll showcases the diverse range of game characters that have captured our hearts over the years. So, who made the cut? Keep reading to find out.
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