Top 5 Badass Lead Characters In Games Of All Time

Story Highlights

Video games are full of memorable characters, but some clearly stand out above others.
This list contains some of the most badass lead characters in games of all time.
These characters have severely impacted the industry, but only in the best way possible.

Video games would not be complete without a set of well-written lead characters. There is no wonder that many of them often leave an impact on our minds. There are always a few figures, however, that are not just popular because of gameplay or lore but also because of sheer badassery. Their way of conducting themselves and dealing with unfolding events is often pretty inspiring.

Whether they’re facing tough adversaries or dealing with personal struggles, their indomitable spirit is what makes us love them so much. It is fair to say that the badass lead characters have positively impacted the entire gaming industry with their sway over us all.

Badass Lead Characters That Left A Deep Mark On The Gaming Industry

Before diving straight into it, it’s worth mentioning that this list is just my personal opinion. So, let’s celebrate some of these figures in this write-up.

1. Jin Sakai – Ghost Of Tsushima

Jin Sakai is a well-written character that was forced to choose between honor and survival | Image Source: IGDB — Jin Sakai is a well-written character who was forced to choose between honor and survival | Image Source: IGDB

Genre: Action-adventure
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Windows
Developer: Sucker Punch Productions

Jin Sakai is a character that really appealed to me because he evolved from a traditional samurai to the feared “Ghost.” He appeared in a single game, but that was enough for me to fall in love with his epic. Jin broke off from the established honor system of his homeland and eventually adopted a more ruthless approach to repel the Mongol invasion. The organic way he slowly changed throughout the game was a treat to experience.

His inner conflict of choosing between the samurai code and protecting his people is quite a profound experience, especially if you don’t know what you’re getting yourself into.

2. Arthur Morgan – Red Dead Redemption 2

Arthur Morgan's story is full of nuances and tragedy that leaves you teary eyed | Image Source: Steam — Arthur Morgan’s story is full of nuances and tragedy that leaves you teary-eyed | Image Source: Steam

Genre: Western, Action-adventure, and Open World
Platforms: PC, Stadia, last-gen and current-gen platforms
Developer: Rockstar Games

Arthur Morgan is arguably the most mature and well-written game character of all time. He is not badass in a traditional sense when compared to some of the other badass lead characters. The subtlety of badassery ingrained in his character is what makes him realistic and so likable. Arthur is a morally nuanced character who evolves through the campaign, but things drastically change when he gets afflicted by tuberculosis.

He often had to make tough choices that landed between right and wrong. But his journey of redemption, personal struggles, and loyalty is what made him one of the most badass lead characters to ever debut in gaming history.

3. Geralt Of Rivia – The Witcher Series

The Geralt of Rivia is a badass monster hunter who often has to make difficult decisions | Image Source: Steam

Genre: Action RPG
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, last-gen, and current-gen consoles
Developer: CD Projekt Red

Geralt of Rivia, or the White Wolf, has slowly grown on me despite not initially finding him particularly special. His dry wit and ability to navigate through a world embroiled in unrest are what made him stand out to me. The mutated monster slayer combines his swordsmanship with alchemical prowess to deal with formidable threats with style. However, Geralt’s sheer determination to face every trial with resilience is arguably his best trait.

The Witcher 3 is my favorite entry from the franchise, and I reckon it wouldn’t have been possible to like it as much as I did without such an in-depth and intricately written character.

4. Master Chief – The Halo Series

John-117 is a renowned super soldier who handles challenges with a calm demeanor | Image Source: Steam

Genre: First-person shooter
Platforms: PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S
Developer: 343 Industries

The Halo franchise was a major gaming phenomenon in its heyday, but what kept me attached to it over the decades is John-117. The calm and collected genetically modified warrior has always faced every challenge with unparalleled resolve.

His sense of duty is another reason why Master Chief just naturally appealed to me. John’s fight for humanity’s survival, combined with a tactical mind, is as badass as it gets in my books.

5. Doomguy – The Doom Series

No one can handle demon killing better than the badass Doom Slayer | Image Source: Steam

Genre: First-person shooter
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Stadia, and current-gen and last-gen consoles
Developer: id Software

When I think of one word to define Doomguy, “badass” rings in my head before anything else. The giant meathead is fueled with vengeance toward the demons that haunt humankind. However, Doom Slayer is the demon’s biggest fear. Whether he uses deadly weapons or fists, no demon can escape his determination to wipe out every evil with fierce and gory efficiency.

Doomguy is badass in the most traditional sense, but that is what I think makes him that much more lovable. One can just shut off their mind while playing Doom games and enjoy fun and brutal demon-killing.

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