Summary
- Women in media are now more commonly portrayed as strong, independent, and capable of saving themselves and others.
- Video game characters like Samus Aran and Abby showcase impressive skills and multifaceted personalities.
- Female characters like Lara Croft and Chun-Li serve as icons of strength, intelligence, and courage in the gaming world.
As the years go on, society is slowly but surely becoming more equal, and a factor that equates to that change is the more realistic representation of women in media. It is less often that women are put in a movie, show, or game just to look pretty or to appeal to a male audience. Now, there is a demand for female characters to receive the respect and recognition they deserve, no matter what they appear in.
Most Badass Female Characters in TV History
From Arya Stark to Michonne, these characters are a testament to the power and resilience of women and serve as an inspiration to audiences everywhere
In any form of media, women can be fully capable of not only saving themselves but others, too. They can be strong and independent, and those who are often serve as incredible role models for women of all ages. The realm of video gaming is home to many female characters like this, and though they are all worthy of recognition, some stand out more than others due to how badass they are.
Updated February 25th 2025, by Mara Cowley: Video games have no shortage of female video game characters, tracing back to the early days of gaming with women such as Samus Aran or any number of female characters from fighting games. Each of them comes equipped with an in-depth and multifaceted personality, weaknesses, strengths, desires, and fears to make them an all-around impressive character who has more to offer than simply kicking butt and taking names. This article already showcased many incredible and female video game characters, but it barely scratches the surface of all the powerful women who deserve accolades.
25 Regina (Dino Crisis)
No Amount of Gore or Horror Can Faze Regina
Dino Crisis
- Released
- August 31, 1999
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Capcom
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
- Platform(s)
- Sega Dreamcast, PC, PlayStation (Original), PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PS Vita
A renowned scientist by the name of Edward Kirk was thought to be dead for three years before it comes to the attention of the leader of the Secret Operation Raid Team (S.O.R.T.) That he is actually alive, and continuing his work on weapons in a secret facility. A team of operatives is sent to recover him, one being main character Regina.
The fiery-headed gun-toting agent is nothing short of badass, earning her much acclaim and fame among gamers. Not only is she the most capable agent in the team, she is also one of the bravest video game characters of all time. Guts, gore, blood, and horror can faze her, not even the terrifying dinosaurs she finds herself going toe-to-toe with.
24 Aya Brea (Parasite Eve)
Police Officer Aya Rises to the Challenge of Stopping Eve
Parasite Eve
- Released
- September 9, 1998
WHERE TO PLAY
Aya Brea was looking forward to enjoying a night off on a blind date to the opera, ready to enjoy the powerful vocals of opera singer Melissa Pearce. Unfortunately her night is interrupted as when everyone in the theater combusts except for Aya, her date, and the singer, who will rise as the big bad of the game, intent on birthing the Ultimate Being into the world.
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Of course, Aya isn't just going to let that come to pass as she willingly shoulders the mantle of hero, and proves time and time again just how heroic and brave she is. Intelligent, honest and strong-willed, Aya also possesses a great stubbornness that causes her to clash with others, but still isn't above sarcasm. This makes her a well-rounded character that goes beyond the shallow bad-ass stereotype.
23 Aloy (Horizon Zero Dawn)
Strong Both Physically and Mentally
Horizon Zero Dawn
- Released
- February 28, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen - Blood, Drug Reference, Language, Mild Sexual Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Guerrilla Games
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
In the distant future of the 31st century, humanity lies in post-apocalyptic ruin. The game in particular focuses on America, specifically Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah. Large robotic machines have coexisted peacefully alongside humans for the longest time, until a mysterious digital plague swept over the machines, causing them to become actively aggressive and hostile towards humans. Aloy will contend with her fair share of these dangerous robots as she sets out on her own to find out more about her origins.
Aloy is a strong and independent protagonist who quite literally proved herself to become a member of the Nora tribe. She may not be the most sociable person due to her upbringing, but what she may lack in charisma she makes up for in determination, physical strength and emotional resilience.
22 Trish (Devil May Cry)
Shows Growth Throughout the Series
Devil May Cry
- Released
- October 16, 2001
WHERE TO PLAY
Devil May Cry usually charges players with the onus of slaying all demonkind they come across, but there are some exceptions to the rules, such as the demoness Trish. Appearing in almost all of the mainline entries in the series, it's hard to imagine the franchise without her.
She first appears as a puppet to the main antagonist, Mundus, causing her to act cruelly, and devoid of any sort of empathy until Dante saves her. Then, she learned to exhibit kindness towards the demon hunter, though she isn't above throwing a few jibes in his direction. In the end, Trish showed great courage by sacrificing herself to save Dante, but thankfully her death was reversible. And now, the badass demon huntress continues to give Dante a run for his money.
21 Morrigan (Dragon Age: Origins)
The Witch of the Wilds Wields Powerful Magic
Dragon Age: Origins
- Released
- November 3, 2009
WHERE TO PLAY
A secluded life in a swamp with her mother would make one assume Morrigan led a sheltered life, protected and isolated from the outside world. This reality is partially true, but to call Morrigan sheltered would be a gross misunderstanding of her character.
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Shapeshifting is one of the coolest abilities in the world of gaming, and these characters demonstrate the depth of its power.
She knew little of the outside world before departing with the Warden, but even before that, she was more than capable of manipulating others by using her feminine wiles or playing the part of the innocent young damsel. Morrigan has more weapons in her arsenal than manipulation tactics, as she is also a very powerful mage with the ability to shape her form into others, such as animals or giant spiders.
20 Damsel (Vampire: the Masquerade - Bloodlines)
The Foul-Mouthed Anarch is Always Antsy for Some Action
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines
- Released
- November 16, 2004
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Troika Games
- Platform(s)
- PC
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
The Anarchs are the faction in VtM that values freedom above all else, believing that just because they exist in secret among humans, there is no reason for them to be shackled to the other rules the Camarilla imposes on kindred society. As a result, the Anarchs are home to the majority of Clan Brujah, who believe in fighting or even dying for a cause. One such Brujah players can meet in Bloodlines is the very unaptly named Damsel.
Far from being a distressed young maiden in need of saving, Damsel will kick the ass of anyone who even looks at her wrong. Filled with pent-up rage, it's unclear if she ever actually makes good on her threats, but the intimidating way she carries herself wouldn't make any sane person ever question that wonder aloud. Fully devoted to the LA Anarch cause and their de facto leader Nines Rodriguez, woe betide any Camarilla vampire that crosses paths with her.
19 Commander Shepard (Mass Effect)
The Galaxy's Only Hope For Safety From The Reapers
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
- Released
- May 14, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
Commander Shepard is a cool, certified badass, whatever gender players choose, but there is something special about selecting to play as FemShep. Perhaps it's the incredible voice work done by Jennifer Hale, or maybe it's because of how it flips the classic story of a space opera by having a woman as the chosen hero.
And the universe of Mass Effect is in dire need of a hero. An ancient race of sentient machines known as the Reapers have come to do what their name suggests, culling all advanced and sentient life in the universe, leaving one less advanced race behind each cycle. But of course, Shepard isn't about to let trillions die, suiting and booting up to fearlessly face off against their forces and unite the galaxy or die trying.
18 Cassandra Pentaghast (Dragon Age: Inquisition)
A Strong And Skilled Warrior Who Brooks No Nonsense
Dragon Age: Inquisition
- Released
- November 18, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
Cassandra first appeared in Dragon Age 2 as the Seeker in search of Hawke, questioning their friend and traveling companion Varric about what exactly happened in Kirkwall. Players don't learn much about her, other than that she is blunt, impatient, and finds Varric neither charming nor amusing.
She is nevertheless a rather intriguing character, one players thankfully learn more about in Inquisition. She is a dedicated warrior who takes no nonsense and is very serious about her role in stopping Corypheus. Though she makes it clear no one should ever get on her bad side, there is more to Cassandra's character, as players learn she has a secret love for romance books. This does nothing to deter from her status as a badass.
17 Chloe Frazer (Uncharted: The Lost Legacy)
Strong And Charismatic, Chloe Is A Driving Force In The Uncharted Series
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy
- Released
- August 22, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Naughty Dog
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Chloe Frazer first appeared in Uncharted 2 and appeared in the subsequent sequel as the badass and too-cool-for-school thief, whose allegiances seemed to constantly change, leading Drake to always be suspicious of her and her motives, even if they romantically tangled once.
Eventually, Chloe starred in her own game, and she definitely deserved to. The Lost Legacy sees Chloe teaming up Nadine Ross as they search for the tusk of Ganesh. Seeing her leading the charge in an Uncharted game was a refreshing change and a testament that she has the necessary strength to hold her own and the charisma to be a protagonist.
16 Bayonetta (Bayonetta)
An Incredibly Powerful Character With A Great Deal Of Depth
Bayonetta
- Released
- October 29, 2009
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Platinum Games
- Genre(s)
- Action
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Bayonetta is a character with perhaps the most fan service in gaming history, but there is more to this glamorous gun-wielding witch than her luxurious hair and good looks: She is a badass and empowered woman.
Having her own trilogy at this point, she has become an icon in gaming, with the ability to turn her hair into deadly weapons and wear pistols as heels. It would have been all too easy to have her appeal, attractiveness, and skills in battle be her most notable traits, but part of the reason Bayonetta is such an interesting and badass character is that there is more to her than her ability to turn her clothes into weapons. Beneath the callous, teasing veneer, she does have the capacity to care, and that in itself shows great strength of character.