10 Best Female Protagonist Games in 2025: She’s the Main Character
Let’s be honest – female protagonist games hit differently. There’s something extra satisfying about diving into a game where I don’t have to imagine myself as a grizzled bearded dude with emotional baggage and a really big gun (no offense, Joel). Whether I’m outsmarting ancient death traps as Lara Croft, taking down robotic dinosaurs in Horizon Zero Dawn, or just trying to survive an apocalypse with style, these heroines bring grit, charm, and a whole lot of power to the table.
As a lifelong gamer, I’ve always kept an eye out for stories that reflect strong, complex women – bonus points if they’re wearing combat boots and dishing out witty one-liners. So if you’re tired of the same old brooding male savior archetype and ready to explore worlds led by fearless (and sometimes delightfully flawed) women, you’re in the right place.
Here’s my personal roundup of the best games with female protagonists – expect drama, danger, and a few moments that’ll make you say, “Same, girl. Same.”
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Our Top Picks for Female Protagonist Games
If you’re looking for games that absolutely crush it in both gameplay and character depth, female protagonist games are where it’s at. These titles don’t just tick the box for representation – they rewrite the rules entirely. From razor-sharp storytelling to unforgettable heroines who bring grit, charm, and brains in equal measure, these games prove that saving the world (or wrecking it) doesn’t have a gender.
- The Last of Us Part II – Step into the fierce and emotionally charged journey of Ellie as she navigates love, loss, and revenge in a post-apocalyptic world.
- Assassin’s Creed Odyssey – Take on the role of Kassandra, a legendary Spartan mercenary, as she uncovers ancient secrets and fights her way through war-torn Greece.
- Horizon Zero Dawn – Join Aloy, a skilled hunter and outcast, as she explores a world ruled by machines and unravels the mystery of her past.
We’re only getting started. There’s a whole universe of video games with female leads still waiting to blow your mind – filled with epic moments, tough choices, and characters you won’t forget anytime soon. Keep scrolling, it only gets better.
10 Best Female Protagonists Games
Strong female characters have taken the spotlight in gaming over recent years, and honestly? About time. Whether they’re slaying bad guys with a bow, unraveling supernatural mysteries, or stealthing their way through ancient empires, these heroines do a fantastic job of showing that grit, brains, and heart make the ultimate power combo.
1. The Last of Us Part II
Ellie – A hardened survivor with a deep sense of loyalty and a fierce determination to protect those she loves, no matter the cost.
| Platforms | PS4, PS5 |
| Year of release | 2020 |
| Developer | Naughty Dog |
| Average playtime | 25–30 hours |
| Unique features | Emotional storytelling, stealth-action gameplay, complex characters |
Let’s just say this game emotionally destroyed me – in the best way possible. The Last of Us Part II is a post-apocalyptic action-adventure game where you step back into the shoes of Ellie, older, tougher, and more haunted than ever. This time, it’s not just about survival. It’s about vengeance, grief, and finding yourself in a world where everything is falling apart… again.
Ellie’s journey hit me hard. She’s fierce, broken, loyal to a fault, and as layered as a 12-episode HBO drama. Watching her fight, love, lose, and change made the whole story feel raw and real. And the gameplay? Oh, it’s tense. I crafted molotovs mid-sprint, snuck past clickers holding my breath (literally and in-game), and fought tooth-and-nail through some of the most intense combat sequences I’ve ever played.
Whether you love stealth, emotional storytelling, or just really good graphics (seriously, this game is gorgeous), this is a must-play. Ellie isn’t a flawless heroine – she’s better. She’s human. And that’s what makes this game unforgettable.
2. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Kassandra – A bold, sarcastic, and relentlessly skilled mercenary with a sharp tongue and a sharp blade to match.
| Platforms | PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Stadia |
| Year of release | 2018 |
| Developer | Ubisoft Quebec |
| Average playtime | 40–50 hours |
| Unique features | Open-world exploration, branching dialogue, Greek mythology |
I never thought wielding a spear in Ancient Greece would feel this empowering, but here I am – absolutely obsessed. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey lets you choose between two siblings, but trust me, playing as Kassandra is the move. She’s clever, confident, and takes no nonsense – basically my role model with a sword.
This title blends action, exploration, and some of the best stealth game mechanics out there. You can charge into battle like a Spartan legend, or quietly pick off guards and disappear like a ghost in the night (guess which I always try to do and fail gloriously). The RPG elements are rich too – dialogue choices, gear upgrades, romance options – yes, even that.
Kassandra’s journey from mercenary to myth feels epic in every sense of the word. She crosses paths with legendary figures, makes impossible choices, and still cracks a joke in the heat of battle. It’s no wonder this is often considered the best Assassin’s Creed game. If you want a massive, ancient world to explore with a female lead who’s as charming as she is deadly, this one’s your ticket. You’ll finish it feeling like you could conquer an empire – spear in hand.
3. Horizon Zero Dawn
Aloy – A curious and fiercely independent hunter with a genius for tech and a heart that questions everything.
| Platforms | PS4, PC |
| Year of release | 2017 |
| Developer | Guerrilla Games |
| Average playtime | 30–35 hours |
| Unique features | Futuristic world with robotic creatures, archery combat, environmental storytelling |
I started Horizon Zero Dawn for the robot dinosaurs, but I stayed for Aloy – the brilliant, flame-haired outcast who made me want to sprint into the wilderness and challenge the world. This title is one of the best open world games I’ve ever played, with jaw-dropping landscapes, ancient secrets, and mechanical beasts that make your average dragon look like a house cat.
Aloy’s journey from a shunned orphan to a fearless warrior unraveling the mysteries of a fallen civilization is nothing short of exhilarating. She’s smart, grounded, and never afraid to question authority – or override a 40-foot death machine. And let me tell you, taking down those machines with nothing but a bow, a plan, and some well-timed dodges? Chef’s kiss.
Gameplay-wise, it’s an action RPG dream: weapon crafting, stealth, scanning enemies for weak points, and side quests that don’t feel like chores. The mix of survival and sci-fi is pure magic.
If you’re craving video games with female leads who refuse to be sidelined, look no further. Horizon is wild, gorgeous, and filled with heart – and Aloy’s the reason I’ll keep coming back.
4. Control
Jesse Faden – Cool under pressure with a supernatural edge, Jesse is a no-nonsense problem-solver armed with psychic powers and a sharp sense of purpose.
| Platforms | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch |
| Year of release | 2019 |
| Developer | Remedy Entertainment |
| Average playtime | 10–15 hours |
| Unique features | Telekinetic combat, surreal environments, non-linear narrative |
Let me tell you, stepping into Control as Jesse Faden is like being dropped into the weirdest fever dream – and loving every second of it. Jesse’s on a mission to find her missing brother, but instead stumbles into running the Federal Bureau of Control (long story), a secret government agency full of flying enemies, reality-bending objects, and creepy red lighting.
Jesse is cool, composed, and has that “I have no idea what’s happening but I’m handling it anyway” energy. As you progress, she grows into her role as Director, mastering supernatural powers like telekinesis and levitation – basically, it’s like being a Jedi in a pantsuit.
The gameplay is part third-person shooter, part psychic chaos, and all stylish. The Oldest House (your HQ) constantly shifts like an architectural mood swing, and honestly? I loved getting lost in it.
If you’re into mysterious narratives, slick combat, and heroines who don’t back down from sentient janitors or reality-ripping entities, Jesse’s your girl. Control is trippy, unique, and unforgettable.
5. Persona 3
Kotone Shiomi – Calm, composed, and empathetic, she balances high school life with dungeon crawling and existential battles.
| Platforms | PS2, PSP, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, PC (Remaster) |
| Year of release | 2006 (original), 2023 (remake) |
| Developer | Atlus |
| Average playtime | 60–80 hours |
| Unique features | Time management, social simulation, turn-based combat |
Okay, imagine juggling high school drama, fighting monsters, and saving the world – all while trying to get good grades. Welcome to Persona 3. Like many Persona games, it masterfully blends daily life with the supernatural. While you can choose a male protagonist, I went with the female lead in the Portable version, and she slaps. She’s confident, witty, and brings a fresh spin to the game’s emotional depth.
Set in a world where a secret “Dark Hour” hides monsters and mystery, you lead a group of teens in the fight against Shadows. It’s a mix of dungeon crawling, life sim, and social strategy. One minute I’m battling demons in Tartarus, the next I’m picking out gifts for my crush. Balance!
The turn-based combat is slick, the music is vibey, and the emotional beats hit hard. Your choices matter, relationships deepen, and there’s a real sense of growth – not just in the protagonist, but in you as the player.
If you love great games with heart, challenge, and a healthy dose of supernatural weirdness, Persona 3 is where it’s at. And the female protagonist? Absolute queen energy.
6. Alan Wake 2
Saga Anderson – A sharp-minded FBI profiler with nerves of steel, piecing together twisted mysteries while facing horrors that blur reality.
| Platforms | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S |
| Year of release | 2023 |
| Developer | Remedy Entertainment |
| Average playtime | 15–20 hours |
| Unique features | Dual protagonist narrative, psychological horror, intense atmosphere |
So here’s the tea: Alan Wake 2 might have his name in the title, but FBI agent Saga Anderson completely stole the show for me. She’s sharp, skeptical, and cool under pressure – even when reality starts unraveling faster than a cheap sweater.
Saga dives into a sleepy town mystery that turns into a full-blown psychological horror spiral. Think haunted woods, cursed manuscripts, and shadow monsters that whisper really rude things. What makes her journey so compelling is how grounded she stays in a world that’s losing its mind. She’s rational, smart, and never once feels like a horror trope.
Gameplay-wise, it’s a survival horror experience with limited resources, intense exploration, and a detective mode (called the Mind Place!) that had me channeling my inner true crime podcaster. Flashlight combat and eerie puzzles keep you on edge in the best way.
Saga brings a calm, capable presence to a game that’s anything but. If you’re into strong female leads who face the bizarre with a flashlight and a killer instinct, Alan Wake 2 is pure, spooky brilliance.
7. A Plague Tale: Requiem
Amicia de Rune – A fiercely protective older sister whose quick thinking and growing ruthlessness are driven by love and desperation.
| Platforms | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch (Cloud) |
| Year of release | 2022 |
| Developer | Asobo Studio |
| Average playtime | 15–20 hours |
| Unique features | Historical setting, stealth mechanics, emotional narrative |
I didn’t think the Plague Tale series could get any more emotionally intense after Innocence – but Requiem proved me very wrong. Once again, I stepped into the worn shoes of Amicia de Rune, a young girl with a crossbow, a temper, and an unbreakable bond with her little brother Hugo, who’s still battling the dark curse inside him.
The game is beautiful, tragic, and utterly gripping. The stakes are higher, the rats are somehow even more terrifying, and the stealth-action gameplay is smoother than ever. The journey through medieval France is packed with danger, heartbreak, and moments of stunning tenderness.
Amicia’s growth from scared girl to full-blown warrior is powerful to witness. And the bond with Hugo? Still the emotional core that left me weeping (again). If you like story-driven games with strong female leads, heartbreaking choices, and, yes, swarms of rats – this game will devour you.
8. Resident Evil 3
Jill Valentine – A no-BS ex-S.T.A.R.S. officer with tactical smarts, steady aim, and the grit to survive the apocalypse – one zombie at a time.
| Platforms | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S |
| Year of release | 2020 |
| Developer | Capcom |
| Average playtime | 6–8 hours |
| Unique features | Survival horror, over-the-shoulder combat, Nemesis encounters |
Jill Valentine is everything I aspire to be in a crisis: smart, sarcastic, and ready to shotgun a zombie without smudging her eyeliner. Resident Evil 3 Remake throws you headfirst into the chaos of Raccoon City and doesn’t let up – and Jill? She owns every second of it.
This game blends tense exploration, limited resources, and white-knuckle chase sequences (thanks, Nemesis) into a tight experience that easily earns its spot among the best survival games. I was constantly making tough decisions – do I save this ammo or use it now before Nemesis punches me through a wall?
Jill’s journey is fast, furious, and completely unforgettable. She doesn’t just fight monsters – she outwits an entire apocalypse. The pacing is snappy, the action is slick, and the atmosphere? Pure survival horror bliss. If you’re looking for a gritty heroine in a high-stakes, high-scream-count game, Jill’s got you covered.
9. Life is Strange
Max Caulfield – A shy photography nerd with rewind powers and a quiet moral compass that guides her through emotional chaos.
| Platforms | PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch |
| Year of release | 2015 |
| Developer | Dontnod Entertainment |
| Average playtime | 10–12 hours |
| Unique features | Choice-driven narrative, time-rewind mechanic, episodic format |
Life is Strange hit me right in the feels – and then kept twisting the emotional knife (thanks, game). You play as Max, a shy photography student who discovers she can rewind time. Cue chaos, moral dilemmas, and more teenage angst than a whole season of Riverdale.
But the real heart of the game? Your friend Chloe Price. Blue-haired, rebellious, broken – but fiercely loyal – Chloe is the ride-or-die bestie you’re constantly trying to save… or sometimes fail. Their bond is the soul of the story, and your choices will haunt you in the best way.
Gameplay is choice-driven, with puzzles and exploration tied to Max’s powers. No combat, just pure narrative weight – and it works. You’ll feel like you are Max, second-guessing every decision and wondering if fate can really be changed.
If you love meaningful choices, emotional rollercoasters, and unforgettable characters, Life is Strange is an essential play. Bring tissues. And maybe chocolate.
10. Tomb Raider
Lara Croft – A fearless archaeologist with a sharp mind, a bow, and a knack for uncovering ancient secrets – often while dangling off a cliff.
| Platforms | PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, macOS, Linux, Stadia |
| Year of release | 2013 |
| Developer | Crystal Dynamics |
| Average playtime | 12–15 hours |
| Unique features | Rebooted origin story, survival action gameplay, environmental puzzles |
When Lara Croft rebooted her way into Tomb Raider (2013), I wasn’t ready for how grounded and powerful her origin story would be. Gone were the dual-pistol backflips – in came a young archaeologist fighting to survive a cursed island and becoming a legend in the process.
This version of Lara is resourceful, smart, and determined. Watching her go from lost and scared to full-on action heroine was incredibly satisfying. She doesn’t start out a badass – she earns it, and you feel every brutal step.
Gameplay is a mix of climbing, exploring, stealth, puzzle-solving, and thrilling combat. I shot arrows, crafted gear, and solved ancient mysteries like I was born in a history book.
If you want adventure, grit, and a heroine who doesn’t need saving – Lara’s your girl. This is survival-meets-Indiana-Jones with a strong female lead you’ll root for from beginning to end.
FAQs
What is the best female protagonist game?
It’s hard to pick just one, but The Last of Us Part II often tops the list. With Ellie as the lead, it delivers emotional depth, gripping gameplay, and one of the most powerful performances by a female character in gaming.
What is a female protagonist called?
A female protagonist is simply the main female character in a story or game, often called a heroine or lead female character.
What Persona game has a female protagonist?
Persona 3 Portable lets you play as a female protagonist – a unique option in the Persona series. Choosing her changes character interactions, social links, and adds a fresh perspective to the iconic JRPG experience.
