Summary
- Some of the most popular video game cosplays are those which are easily recognizable and easy for fans to replicate, no matter their skill set.
- There are also lots of truly impressive cosplay builds to be spotted at comic conventions, ranging from armor builds to hand-sewn costumes.
- Cosplay is often at its most fun when fans can take part with their friends, making couples' cosplays and group cosplays a big hit.
Comic con halls are always bustling with incredible outfits, from comic book giants like Spider-Man and Harley Quinn to sci-fi stars and anime favorites. Some outfits have become popular for their simplicity and accessibility, while others are an irresistible challenge for cosplayers who are skilled with a heat gun and heavy-duty foam.
There are tons of fans who love bringing their favorite video game characters to life in unique ways, and attendees would be hard-pressed to walk the halls of a convention without spotting at least one of these beloved cosplay costumes. These are some of the most popular video game cosplays from various franchises, which attendees are likely to spot in the crowd at Comic Con.
Cosplay images will not be included due to respect for copyright ownership.
10 Samus Aran
The Hero Of The Metroid Series
Metroid Dread
- Released
- October 8, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Animated Blood, Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
- MercurySteam
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
Players were blown away back in 1986 when Metroid’ s protagonist revealed herself to be a bikini-clad redhead. Since then, Samus Aran has earned her place as an icon of gaming history among other heroines like Lara Croft.
While only a lucky few have the skills to create Samus’ exoskeleton armor, her electric blue Zero Suit and new blonde look, popularized by Nindendo's Super Smash Bros series, gives fans a glamorous version of the characte. This version is east to replicate with a bodysuit and some puffy paint, recreating her iconic look.
9 D.Va
One Of Many Popular Female Overwatch Characters
Overwatch 2
- Released
- August 10, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
There are plenty of popular female cosplay characters in the Overwatch catalogue, including Tracer and Mercy. But D.Va is perhaps the most recognizable. Much like Samus Aran’s iconic Zero Suit, D.Va’s easily replicable morph suit design and natural hair color make her a great choice of character for those who are looking for an accessible, adorable cosplay that has a big impact. Several ambitious cosplayers have also tried their hand at creating D.Va's mech suit, with amazing results.
8 Spartan Armor
The Iconic Armor From The Halo Series Bought To Life
Halo Infinite
- Released
- December 8, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Blood, Mild Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- 343 Industries
- Genre(s)
- First-Person Shooter
Anyone who has seen Master Chief or a group of Spartans in full MJOLNIR armor marching around a comic con has surely been stopped in their tracks. These iconic suits require some real craft skills by those who make them, and are awe-inspiring to see brought to life.
Named after Thor’s hammer, these powerful exoskeletons have been appearing in con halls since the first Halo game was released in 2001. It’s an impressive costume, and hats off to anyone who can stand the heat and discomfort of spending a day at comic con in full armor.
7 Jinx
One Of League Of Legends' Most Cosplayed Heroines
League of Legends
- Released
- October 27, 2009
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco
- Developer(s)
- Riot Games
- Publisher(s)
- Riot Games
- Genre(s)
- MOBA
Jinx’s manic energy and vibrant costume design make her instantly recognizable even in a busy convention hall. She’s one of many amazing female League of Legends characters who have been brought to life by fans over the years, with other popular choices including Ashe and Ahri. With a variety of skins for Jinx and her trusty weapons Fishbone and Pow Pow, including her outfit from the popular Arcane spin-off series, it’s clear why this character has so much potential for energetic cosplayers.
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6 Cammy & Chun-Li
Two Icons Of The Street Fighter Series
Street Fighter 6
- Released
- June 2, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Mild Blood, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Capcom
- Genre(s)
- Fighting
The Street Fighter games have plenty of memorable character designs. However, two always stand out at comic con: fan-favorites Cammy and Chun-Li.
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Chun-Li was one of the first playable female characters in a fighting game when she made her fiery debut in 1991. Cammy debuted two years later, and both characters have remained popular choices for cosplayers around the globe ever since. There are also plenty of popular male characters who can regularly be spotted among the cosplay crowds, including Ryu and M. Bison.
5 Princess Zelda & Link
An Ideal Cosplay For Couples Who Love The Legend of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
- Released
- September 26, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
Couple's cosplays are always a hit, and the iconic design of these two The Legend of Zelda characters makes them a fantastic choice for video game fans. Fans are spoiled for choice with a variety of different outfit designs to choose from for the two characters, including the gorgeous designs seen in 2017's Breath of the Wild. The beauty of the character's designs is that they are instantly recognizable, whether a cosplayer chooses to stick with a simpler design or to heavily embellish their creation with elements like hand-beading or embroidery.
4 Vault Dweller Suit
Bringing The Fallout Franchise To Life
Fallout 4
- Released
- November 10, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
There’s something so enthralling for gamers about envisioning how they'd fit into their favorite fictional world, and wriggling into the tightly fitting costume of a Vault Dweller is a great chance for fans to immerse themselves in the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout. The iconic design, usually paired with a Pip-Boy, has become even more popular in con halls since the release of the 2024 television adaptation of the game. Another popular choice is bringing the game’s iconic grinning blond mascot, Vault Boy, to life.
3 Your Very Own Sim-Self
Giving Fans The Chance To Become Their Own Sims Character
The Sims
Every Simmer has made themselves in the game world at least once, and comic cons give fans the opportunity to bring a little Sims magic into their real life. Perhaps the most simple cosplay fans will regularly spot at a convention, the instantly recognizable addition of a Plumbob headband always gets a smile. If nothing else, styling themselves as a Sim for the day allows attendees to blame their actions on some unknown force when they inevitably go way over budget on their spending in the artist’s alley.
2 Humanized Pokémon
The Pokémon Franchise Treats Fans To A World Of Cosplay Possibilities
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
- Released
- November 18, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E For Everyone Due To Mild Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
- Game Freak
- Genre(s)
- RPG
The Pokémon Franchise has a fountain of opportunities for cosplayers due to the sheer number of visually striking designs fans have to choose from. Some fans choose to dress as human trainers, but creativity really shines when they manage to make humanized versions of their most beloved Pokémon.
The hundreds of different Pokémon available gives cosplayers boundless potential, with Eevee evolutions and humanized versions of Pikachu being some of the most popular choices. There are other notable franchises with beloved animal characters where players take the same approach by creating their own humanized versions of their favorite characters, including Sonic the Hedgehog and Animal Crossing.
1 Mario and Luigi
This Iconic Brotherly Duo Remain As Popular As Ever
Mario & Luigi: Brothership
- Released
- November 7, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E For Everyone Due To Mild Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
- Acquire
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
Of all the incredible video game cosplays to ever grace comic con halls, there’s perhaps none more iconic than Mario and Luigi. Cosplay is at its best when enjoyed with friends, and with a simple, recognizable design that's easy to buy or put together using regular clothing items, it's no wonder that these beloved brothers remain such a popular choice for cosplayers. The franchise also has plenty of other iconic characters who are beloved by cosplay groups, most notably the trio of the fashionably dressed Princess Peach, Princess Daisy, and the ethereal Rosalina.