Top 10 Best Video Games With A Female Lead

Though the percentage of video game players is almost half female, having a female protagonist is still a rare find. Yes, there are quite a few games that have female main characters or female companions, but it is not that often we see a female lead. So! Here are the top 10 best.

Top 10 Best Video Games With A Female Lead

Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey

Though you can technically play as a male or female, Kassandra has not only proven to be a fan favorite but the cannon choice (given her cameo in Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla DLC Isle Of Skye). As a Misthios, she becomes a sword-for-hire and assassin during the Spartan x Athenian war in ancient Greece, and depending on your gameplay you can equally play both sides, killing just about anyone on your quest to figure out the secrets of your past and the mysterious Cult Of Kosmos. Because of the time period, she is just as respected as anyone else and even has romantic options with both genders. Many people have said Kassandra is not only better written than the male counterpart but has a better actress as well, and in the end, is the way to go for the best experience in AC: Odyssey.

Dishonored 2

Another assassin, this time it’s of the supernatural sort. This highly praised sequel to Dishonored features Empress Emily Kaldwin as the main lead option. Also another example of the female being the fan-favorite, most play as her, (and love her personal history and connection to the first game). You can either play as an unseen rogue or make the most of the combat system or find your way somewhere in the middle. For those who want to continue the story in this sequel, you’ll find you’ll have a better experience with her than with Corvo.

Horizon: Zero Dawn

Experience the hero, Aloy’s journey, and the legendary quest to unravel the mysteries of her world that is run by deadly machines. Set in an apocalyptic world, nature reclaimed the Old World while machines took control. Having to outlast the machines, you have to figure out the deep secrets of the Earth. Though you do meet helpful characters along the way, some aid only with ulterior motives, and some try to hinder you from moment one. To save your race from extinction, help Aloy reclaims the world not just from machines, but from the evils of man.

Immortals: Fenyx Rising

Another game intertwined with the Greek Gods, this time you play through the mythological adventure as a winged demigod – that is God’s last hope. Fenyx’s default appearance is a young lady, making the female option cannon, (though you can opt for more masculine appearances). You use skills and strategy to fight enemies and solve puzzles as you travel through unique worlds inspired by the Gods themselves. It’s all about girl power as the fate of the world lies in your hands.

Mass Effect Legendary Edition

Surprisingly, all of the people that I personally know that play Mass Effect opts for a female Shepard. And now with the Mass Effect Legendary Edition, you can play through the entire trilogy, (and enjoy over 40 DLCS). In one of the most popular cause-and-effect games, almost every decision you make as Commander determines the fate not just of yourself, your crew, but also your galaxy. You are the only person that stands between humanity and the biggest threat it’s ever faced… so, what will you choose?

Metroid Dread

As a 90’s kid, I remember when Nintendo officially announced that Samus was a female, and there were a large number of fans very unhappy about it. Since then Nintendo has featured Samus without her suit and in other games such as Super Smash Brothers. In the end, regardless of fans’ opinions, she is still the most powerful bounty hunter in the entire galaxy, and in this new game, she makes her way to the previously unexplored planet ZDR. Here she continues to be a complete badass, making her way through complex levels and continuing to fight difficult enemies. Not only one of the oldest female video game protagonists, but she is also one of the best, making this one of the not-to-miss games on this list.

Portal Companion Collection

The Portal Companion Collection brings Portal and Portal 2 to the Nintendo Switch! Here you play as Chell, a female left alone and trapped in Aperture Laboratories. With the highly experimental portal gun, which can move objects and yourself through tricky situations, you must solve your way out of the maze of puzzles. Remember two things: one, never trust GLaDOS, even when she’s a potato, and two, there will be cake!

Resident Evil 3

Recently remastered and released for the PS4, Resident Evil 3 was a 1999 survival horror game where you witness the fall of Raccoon City after Resident Evil 2. Alongside Samus and Lara Croft, playing as Jill Valentine was ahead of its time. In this game you not only have to fight for your life against the zombie outbreak, but you also have to survive against nearly indestructible bioweapon Nemesis T-Type. Another great female lead, it’s rather unique compared to the rest on the list.

The Last Of Us Part II

Another cause-and-effect, you must face the devastating emotional and physical repercussions of Ellie’s actions. Five years after The Last Of Us, Ellie and Joel settle down in Jackson, Wyoming, where they try and live in peace with other survivors. When a violent event kickstarts the game, you then help Ellie on her relentless journey for justice and to find closure. A really intense action/horror game, it’ll take all your might to get Ellie all that she needs to finally find peace.

Uncharted: The Lost Legacy

In Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, Chloe and Nadine hunt down ancient treasures when they travel to the Western Ghats. To keep these artifacts out of the hands of the evil warmonger, these two female badasses travel to India to find the Golden Tusk Of Ganesh. But, it’s not so easy for Chloe to forge her own legacy, as she must face her past and decide what she’s willing to sacrifice. Another great adventure/puzzle game, it’s just as good as any of the other Uncharted games (with Nathan Drake).

As a #GamerGirl myself, I either love or can’t wait to play the list above!