Forget that “damsel in distress” mess. These influential, intelligent, enduring video game stars save the world in some of the industry’s most popular franchises.

Women have historically been instrumental parts of the tech world and gaming, whether taking down henchmen on-screen, working diligently as developers, or gripping a controller. These leading ladies, whether in new titles or historic franchises, walked so new protagonists could run. Our top picks continue to pave the way for more profound, complex, nuanced female characters and well-written, humanizing stories.

Aloy (‘Horizon’)

A character so captivating, voice actor Ashly Burch — who also masterfully portrays Chloe in Life is Strange — took the Golden Joystick Award for “Best Gaming Performance.” Ahead of 2022’s Horizon: Forbidden West, post-apocalyptic GAIA project Aloy faced negative feedback from misogynistic internet naysayers attacking her appearance. Such brazen criticism led many franchise fans to speak out in disagreement.

Lara Croft (‘Tomb Raider’)

Rife through ruins, observe obelisks, climb through catacombs, and live to tell the tale as iconic explorer Lara Croft. The beloved protagonist is permanently embedded into gaming history, sparking spin-offs, silver-screen adaptations, comic books, and even themed amusement park rides. The titular character even has a (very real) star on Derby’s Walk of Fame in Derbyshire, England.

Faith Connors (‘Mirror’s Edge’)

Challenge a totalitarian regime with “runner” Faith Connors — aka Phoenix Carpenter — in Mirror’s Edge, a 2008 action-adventure title jam-packed with sleek, minimalist, and futuristic visuals. Combat enemies among the clouds as Connors employs some serious parkour skills, clinging to skyscrapers and scaling walls to outrun government overreach in the City of Glass.

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Commander Shepard (‘Mass Effect’)

Female Shep is canon, and I’m not taking any questions. Mine minerals, forge meaningful friendships with crewmates, and steer the Normandy — and humanity — toward intergalactic victory as Systems Alliance Navy vet Commander Shepard. Players can opt for either a male or female Shepard, but refreshingly, not much changes. Dialogue is largely gender neutral, allowing for a near-identical playthrough that players can adjust to make missions even more immersive.

Grab a copy of Mass Effect: Legendary Edition, and all of Shep’s decisions, including relationships and aesthetic changes, will seamlessly transfer.

Senua (‘Hellblade’)

In the Hellblade franchise, warrior protagonist Senua works to free the soul of her dead lover from the goddess Hela. But once she starts to experience hallucinations and hear voices, Senua’s journey gets a lot more complicated. The series combines a powerful tale of mental health struggles with many elements of Norse mythology and Celtic history, making Senua’s story a rich one many gamers can appreciate.

Jill Valentine (‘Resident Evil’)

Jill can handle just about any biohazard you throw her way. As a fundamental part of the Raccoon City Police Department’s Special Tactics And Rescue Service (S.T.A.R.S.) unit, Valentine vies to eliminate chemical and biological threats created by the ominous pharmaceutical enterprise, Umbrella Corporation. Many herald the character for her more realistic (and less sensualized) portrayal of a powerful, professional woman.

Bayonetta/Cereza (‘Bayonetta’)

This bespectacled baddie first hit the scene in 2009, but the franchise’s success and the character’s lasting impact keep this IP at the forefront of most female-led game lists. In the first entry, Bayonetta works to restore her memory. She dons dual pistols and sky-high stilettos, using her dark, floor-length locks as a whip. Despite her sultry “office siren” appeal, make no mistake: enemies don’t stand a chance.

Samus Aran (‘Metroid’)

Though players rarely glimpse the bold blonde outside of her iconic Power Suit, Samus Aran has been squaring up against big bads since the mid-’80s. Whether in her skin-tight baby blue bodysuit or an ambiguous, aerodynamic Morph Ball, there’s no question this powerful part-Chozo bounty hunter changed the game (pun intended). Secure a copy of Metroid Prime: Remastered for the Nintendo Switch for a revitalized visit to one of the brand’s greatest games ever.

Chell (‘Portal’)

Sci-fi action-puzzle game Portal, released in 2007 alongside Valve’s other “Orange Box” classics Team Fortress 2 and Half-Life 2: Episode 2, pits protagonist Chell against sinister “Big Brother”-like robot GLaDOS. Silent but persistent, Chell uses portal guns to escape the seriously sinister hardware in some stressful, plane-breaking puzzles. In a kind of poetic “full circle” thing, this game is available on Valve’s revolutionary handheld console, the Steam Deck.

Terra Branford (‘Final Fantasy’)

Find this gifted and powerful protagonist for the first time in Final Fantasy VI, where she manipulates magic to protect her allies from the evil Empire. The character was originally supposed to be a young man, but the team ultimately went another direction. Despite female Branford’s supernatural abilities, her complex and redeeming character arc makes her one of the franchise’s more human characters.

Madeline (‘Celeste’)

In Celeste, charming pixelated player character Madeline challenges herself to reach the summit of the daunting Celeste mountain. Players join Madeline on her metaphorical climb to self-love and acceptance as she battles visible and invisible enemies. Bring a tissue or two because this one’s a bit of a tearjerker.

Max Caulfield (‘Life is Strange’)

Follow quirky photography student Max Caulfield through some seriously sus activity at Arcadia Bay’s Blackwell Academy. After a strange and supernatural vision, Caulfield discovers she can rewind time, allowing her to take advantage of some very powerful butterfly effects. Join Max and her childhood bestie Chloe as they manipulate time to find missing classmate Rachel Amber.

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