Summary
- Dragons are significant in many games, offering power and lore.
- Female dragons deserve more spotlight and are sources of interesting narratives.
- Game developers create emotional connections with dragons, giving them depth.
Dragons are some of the most fascinating fantasy creatures that fans love. These winged creatures breathe fire and can decimate their foes in style, making them the best part of their respective games when developers do a great job of conveying their power and grandeur.
The Elder Scrolls: 9 Largest Dragons, Ranked
Dragons are cunning, fearsome creatures in The Elder Scrolls, and they can vary in size.
Most dragons are portrayed as males with deep voices, which is a shame since female dragons also deserve their time in the spotlight. These fantastical creatures are a blast to interact with, regardless of whether players fight against their fiery power or use their power to aid them in their adventures.
Spoiler Warning: Several entries on this list delve into major story spoilers for their respective narratives. You've been warned!
6 Cynder (The Legend Of Spyro: A New Beginning)
Becomes Spyro's Love Interest After He Frees Her From Malefor's Influence
The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning
- Released
- October 10, 2006
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Krome Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Vivendi Games
- Platform(s)
- GameCube, Nintendo Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, Xbox (Original), Xbox 360
While Spyro had enjoyed its time in the sun during the PS1 era, it was clear that this franchise needed to evolve as console generations progressed and gamers developed more nuanced tastes. This is what prompted the creation of The Legend of Spyro trilogy, which aimed to attract new fans to the series.
The first game in this trilogy introduced an antagonist who was working for the Dark Master Malefor, Cynder. Spyro faces off against her and helps free her from this villain's control, allowing Cynder to join the side of good and eventually enter into a romantic bond with the series' eponymous protagonist.
5 Water Dragon (Jade Empire)
An Important Character Who Guides The Player Numerous Times During Their Adventure
Jade Empire
- Released
- April 12, 2005
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- BioWare
- Publisher(s)
- Microsoft Game Studios
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- Platform(s)
- Xbox (Original), PC, Android, iOS
Jade Empire is a great wuxia RPG that more people need to check out. This underappreciated Bioware title featured a gifted student as the main character who is guided by the voice of the Water Dragon during their journey.
Players eventually interact with this Water Dragon numerous times, with an impactful decision at the end deciding her fate. Players can either "free" her by letting her die and join the cycle of rebirth or capture her power for their own needs if they walk a darker path.
4 Light Dragon (The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom)
Zelda's Transformed Form After She Sacrifices Her Humanity To Restore The Master Sword
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Released
- May 12, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Genre(s)
- Adventure, Action, Open-World
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
After the Master Sword is broken, Zelda is sent back in time before Ganon's invasion. Realizing that the hero needed his sword repaired by the time he had to face Ganon, she decided to transform into a Light Dragon that would traverse the countryside for centuries and slowly rebuild the Master Sword, rebuilding it just in time for Link's adventure in the present.
The Legend Of Zelda: 9 Best Legends & Myths In Hyrule Lore
The Legend of Zelda games are steeped in layered and compelling lore. These are the best and most compelling myths from the series.
It's an amazing revelation, and Zelda assists Link one last time in the final boss fight when she teams up with the hero against the dragon form of Ganondorf. After achieving victory, Zelda transforms back into her Hylian form and is grabbed by Link in midair as he saves the world and rescues the princess once again.
3 Crossbreed Priscilla (Dark Souls)
Seath's Half-Dragon Daughter
Dark Souls
- Released
- September 22, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- From Software
- Publisher(s)
- Namco Bandai
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Soulslike, Adventure
- Platform(s)
- Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Players who reach Anor Londo will be greeted by many secrets that are a joy to explore, including the Painted World of Ariamis that will come out of nowhere to surprise players. This location is a beautiful distraction where players will eventually encounter Crossbreed Priscilla, a boss that won't be hostile unless the Chosen Undead attacks her first.
Priscilla is the result of Seath's experiments, combining his genes with that of a regular woman to give birth to his child. She's a half-dragon who can disappear at will, making the fight all the more challenging as players trace her footsteps in the snow to avoid being sliced by her wicked scythe.
2 Flemeth (Dragon Age: Origins)
Morrigan's Mother Is A Shapeshifting High Dragon
Dragon Age: Origins
- Released
- November 3, 2009
WHERE TO PLAY
Dragon Age is a name that should make it clear that these winged beasts are a major focus of this high fantasy series fans can't get enough of. Along with regular high dragons that will challenge players considerably, players can also interact with a shapeshifting dragon if they decide to make progress in Morrigan's questline.
Her mother, Flemeth, is a diabolical witch who raises a daughter simply to eventually take over their body and regain her youth. Morrigan wishes to avoid this fate and implores the Grey Warden to seek Flemeth out and kill her. Taking this course of action results in Flemeth transforming into a high dragon who can decimate the party in no time — unless players are prepared to deal with her relentless onslaught.
1 Saskia The Dragonslayer, AKA Saesenthessis (The Witcher 2)
Villentretenmerth's Daughter Is One Of The Best Characters In The Witcher 2
The Witcher 2
- Released
- May 17, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Publisher(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Fans familiar with The Witcher short stories have heard of Villentretenmerth, a golden dragon who serves as the target of a hunt involving Geralt and Yennefer. It's not until later that Geralt discovers that this dragon can shapeshift, and it had taken on the role of a knight named Borch Three Jackdaws and interacting with Geralt well before the witcher knew of his true identity.
In The Witcher 2, players get to interact with Villentretenmerth's daughter, although players are unaware of her identity until much later. Saskia the Dragonslayer is a legendary character who seems like a competent warrior, until it's revealed that she's actually a shapeshifting dragon herself who is fought in battle. After securing victory, Geralt can either kill or spare her, with many players opting for the latter course of action since she was under the effect of Philippa's spell and meant no harm.
8 Bravest The Witcher Characters, Ranked
Fighting men and monsters isn't for those without bravery in their hearts, and these characters from The Witcher more than prove their mettle.