5 Video Games that Feature Strong Female Protagonist

Women haven’t always gotten the red carpet treatment when it comes to their roles in video games. They have been overlooked, inserted as poorly written fan service, or a damsel in need of saving. But things have changed over the years, and it’s more than indie studios creating games with female protagonists. Larger developers and publishers are recognizing that women enjoy playing video games just as much as men. And that games featuring strong female protagonists are just as sellable as those featuring men. It’s apart of a growing trend that branches away from the norm. Giving girls the chance to see themselves as more than a princess in need of saving, but as someone who’s courageous and has the power to overcome the odds. So, let’s take a look at some great games that feature an equally great female protagonist.

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Lara Croft from Tomb Raider

Let’s start with one of the most recognizable female characters in a video game. She came on the scene when it was rare to see a female character capable of doing all the stuff men could do and was an inspiration to young girls interested in video games. Lara has gone through several transformations, but the most recent reboot features the strongest and most modern Lara Croft. It’s this version that showcases Lara’s mental toughness and overall drive stands out the most.

Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows) / PlayStation 4 / Xbox One

Aloy from Horizon Zero Dawn

Aloy of Horizon Zero Dawn one of the best crafted and executed female protagonists in a video game. She’s a clever, brave, strong, tenacious young woman, and an epitome of what a female gaming protagonist should be. Born an outcast in a post-apocalyptic world inhabited with machine dinosaurs, Aloy must overcome adversities while discovering who she really is.

Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows) / PlayStation 4

Ellie from The Last Of Us

Ellie isn’t the sole protagonist of The Last of Us and could have easily been written as a damsel of distress. She’s a survivor and never a hindrance. There’s even a part in the game where you play as Ellie and have to rescue Joel.  It’s one of the most challenging and tense parts of the game and with the upcoming sequel, it’ll focus entirely on Ellie.

Platforms: PlayStation Network

Aveline from Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation

Aveline de Grandpré is the first main female charter in an Assassin’s Creed game, and she more than lives up to the legacy of the assassins before here. Born during a time of slavery to a free slaved and French merchant. Aveline was separated from her mother at an early age but lived a better life than most thanks to her father. Instead of choosing a comfortable life and turning to the injustices around her. But she doesn’t, and fights against the injustices and helps slaves get to freedom.

Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows) / Xbox Live Arcade / PlayStation Network / PlayStation Vita

Kassandra from Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

In the latest addition to the Assassin’s Creed franchise, you have the option of playing as Alexios or Kassandra. Like most games that offer the choice between male and female characters. You’d think a majority of the players would pick the male protagonist option, and the developers would put more work into the male’s designs, storyline, and cutscenes. But that’s not the approach the developers took with Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. Kassandra is a warrior, she lived a hard life but was able to rise up above it and make something of herself.

Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows) / PlayStation 4 / Xbox One / Google Stadia

These are just a few video games that feature strong inspirational female characters. With new games coming out each year, there’s no shortage of great games featuring strong female characters.  What female video game characters inspire you?

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