Summary
Anti-heroes are all over the video game industry. These characters are more nuanced and complex than a typical hero, motivated by self-interest and cynicism as they serve as protagonists. Some popular examples include Joel from The Last of Us, Kratos from God of War, and Trevor from Grand Theft Auto 5.
However, there are a lot of female antiheroes in video games who deserve to be discussed. These female characters lack a lot of traits of the cliche “hero” archetype, but the player still roots for them to win. These women don’t like to play by the rules. From superheroes to sorcerers, here are the best female anti-heroes in gaming.
An anti-hero is a central character who lacks conventional heroic attributes.
Chloe Priceis at the heart and center of Life is Strange. As Max’s best friend, fans root for her as she navigates complex situations. While Chloe can be toxic and manipulative, she also fiercely loves her friends and is coping with some serious trauma.
She is outspoken and impulsive but uses her rebellious attitude to protect the people she holds close. Her motives may be murky and her actions questionable, but she’s a complex character trying her best to help Max and Rachel.
Harley Quinn is a well-known villain or antihero, depending on the story being told. In Injustice 2, she leans more towards the antihero. Batman has somewhat reformed Harley in this game, joining his allies to fight a corrupt Superman.
This doesn’t mean she’s lost her unstable energy. With witty quips and a general air of snark, she is still just as wacky and unconventional as ever. The anti-hero is just fighting for a decent cause this time around.
Like Harley Quinn, Catwoman is a female character in the DC Universe. In the Arkham games, she reluctantly helps the Dark Knight in between her criminal acts, often resulting in his triumph.
Selina Kyle doesn’t have a strict moral code, but she possesses a capacity for good. Complex and inconsistent, she walks a morally grey line, not quite a villain, not quite a hero. Her motives are often selfish, but you root for her anyway.
Jack is a recruitable squad member in the Mass Effect games. She is a biotic criminal with a tendency towards vandalism, piracy, and murder.
Initially sharp and hesitant to join Shepherd in Mass Effect 2, she eventually learns to trust you. It’s easy to write her off as ruthless and anti-social, but that loses you a great ally. With foul language, a pension for violence, and an aggressive attitude, she has anti-hero potential.
Ada Wong is a major character inthe Resident Evil games. Sarcastic and hard to shake, players can’t always get a read on her. The mercenary has a convoluted background and moral code, willing to betray her employers if there is a benefit.
It’s not usually clear what side she is on, though she’ll repay someone’s kindness here and there. She’s a great example of a femme fatale, mysteriously charming as she helps Leon in between her deals with terrorists.
The Uncharted series wouldn’t be the same without treasure hunter Chloe Frazer. Always doing what it takes to survive, she will leave people behind to save herself. Her main motive is to find treasure for herself, not others.
At the same time, she aids Nathan as the series progresses. Well-written and complex, her lack of trustworthiness makes her allyship all the more interesting.
Bayonetta, the protagonist of the game with the same name, is a great example of a female anti-hero. Heroic in her way, she’s flirtatious, snarky, and violent while she battles her enemies. She also uses her sexuality to showcase her confidence and power.
As the series moves forward, her actions become slightly more noble, though she still walks the line between light and dark as an unconventional hero.
Yennefer is a powerful sorceress in The Witcher series. Cunning and ruthless, she is extremely ambitious and not always trustworthy. She does what she has to do to survive and further her own goals.
On the flip side, she is also a dedicated mother figure to Ciri andloving towards Geralt, even though their relationship is complicated. She will go to the ends of the earth to keep Ciri safe, making her a complex anti-hero.
Lara Croft is a great example of a female anti-hero, particularly in the early Tomb Raider games. She’s not a villain by any means, but her motivations usually aren’t noble. Traveling the world to acquire historical artifacts but killing people who get in your way isn’t exactly heroic.
White Lara does save the world, she didn’t initially set out to do so, and her motivations are not altruistic. Her edginess and moral complexity make her a more interesting protagonist.
The Last of Us Part 2 gives us the best examples of female anti-heroes through Ellie and Abby. They’re two sides of the same coin, so you root for both to succeed even though they are at odds.
They are both extremely determined, violent, and prone to impulsivity. While they’ve committed horrific acts, they do it to protect or avenge their loved ones. You see their point of view and understand their motivations for their brutality, but they each see the other as the villain, making a compelling character study.
