In the realm of video games, protagonists play a crucial role, acting as the vital link that connects players to immersive worlds. As the core of storytelling, these characters help shape experiences and bring narratives to life.
Throughout gaming history, we have witnessed the emergence of numerous unforgettable protagonists, particularly female characters who have not only captured our hearts but also paved the way for richer and more diverse storytelling.
To celebrate these influential female leads, we present a list of ten exceptional open-world games featuring strong female protagonists.
10 Foreshadowing
Alfre “Frey”Holland
Though Forspoken may not have garnered overwhelming acclaim in recent times, it introduces several captivating concepts worth exploring.Frey, as a protagonist, stands out by breaking conventional mold, presenting a character that challenges the norms of open-world fantasy games.
The uniqueness of Frey might resonate differently with players, yet it kept me engaged throughout my gaming experience, revealing a journey that proved worth the investment. Despite its shortcomings in gameplay and narrative depth, appreciating its strengths allows one to view it as an underrated gem, especially for fans of magic and adventure.
9 Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13
Claire “Lightning” Farron
During a phase of waning popularity, the Final Fantasy franchise experienced a period where titles, including those featuring Claire “Lightning”Farron, failed to ignite enthusiasm within the gaming community. However, upon re-entering the franchise, I discovered that Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13 stands out as a noteworthy installment.
While it may not be atop my favorite Final Fantasy list, it remains a solid open-world JRPG, known for its creativity and unique identity within the genre. Even though some view it as the trilogy’s weakest entry, its philosophical depth makes the journey significant for those who appreciated its predecessors.
8 Gravity Rush 2
Kat
Reflecting on the games I’ve cherished, I often highlight Gravity Rush as one of the most painful losses in recent video game history. Developed by SIE Japan Studio, the franchise captivated me, leading me to develop a profound affection for its characters and universe.
The series is rich in concepts, designs, and imaginative gameplay, easily ranking among the most intriguing action-adventure titles of its generation, despite its relative obscurity. The sense of adventure, discovery, and charm experienced in both Gravity Rush and Gravity Rush 2 is simply delightful, especially given their innovative traversal mechanics.
While I doubt the series will regain its past prominence, it is crucial to broaden the reach of Kat’s journey to as many players as possible.
7 Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Cassandra
While I still hold the earlier Assassin’s Creed titles in higher regard than their modern successors, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey emerges as an exceptional open-world experience. The game blends role-playing elements with extensive maps and a plethora of activities, delivering a well-balanced adventure featuring Kassandra and Alexios.
The historical and mythological backdrop enhances the game’s overall appeal, while its refined structure builds upon its predecessor, Assassin’s Creed Origins. Although I favor the more linear approaches of earlier games, if I had to select the franchise’s best recent installment, Odyssey would undoubtedly be my choice.
6 Darksiders 3
Fury
The latest installment in a legendary trilogy, Darksiders 3 revitalizes the franchise’s core principles, offering an open-world experience rich in hack-and-slash mechanics influenced by Souls-like gameplay. This new direction proves compelling.
Fury stands as a remarkable character, rivaling both War and Death for the title of the series’ best protagonist, thanks to her extensive character arc and striking design. With memorable boss encounters, beautifully crafted environments, and countless secrets to discover, the game possesses the right balance of scale to feel expansive without overwhelming the player.
Ultimately, Darksiders 3 will earn its recognition as an iconic representation of the genre. Until then, it’s highly recommended for combat enthusiasts to give it a try.
5 Mirror’s Edge Catalyst
Faith Connors
It’s no secret that Mirror’s Edge Catalyst may not meet the high standards set by its predecessor, but it is also significantly underrated. The sequel offers a deeper experience, allowing players to master parkour mechanics with newfound freedom.
Exploring the City of Glass provides a captivating experience, bringing the environment, animations, and fluidity of movement to life in ways that are delightful to behold. Although the narrative may feel lackluster and side quests seem like filler, these elements were expected from a sequel to such a renowned first-person platformer.
Although it prioritizes entertainment over narrative depth, Mirror’s Edge Catalyst stands out as one of the most engaging and distinct open worlds available.
4 Rise of the Tomb Raider
Lara Croft
Lara Croft has evolved across various generations and gaming genres, and her transition into open worlds has been exceptionally successful. Following the 2013 reboot, Tomb Raider significantly shifted its narrative approach, and Rise of the Tomb Raider exemplifies this evolution impeccably.
This title blends action-adventure with survival, stealth, and exploration elements, achieving a remarkable balance that revitalizes the franchise for contemporary audiences.Rise of the Tomb Raider not only reestablishes a long-standing franchise’s relevance but also captivates both long-time and new fans alike through its expert genre blending.
With its breathtaking environments, stunning visuals, and compelling story, the game offers an unforgettable adventure.
3 Horizon: Forbidden West
Aloy
Building on the solid foundation of its predecessor, Aloy‘s journey in Horizon: Forbidden West ranks among the greatest exclusives in gaming history. The game boasts impressive graphics, showcasing the best aspects of Horizon: Zero Dawn while significantly enhancing them.
Offering a rich blend of exploration, side quests, exhilarating combat, and a deeply engaging narrative, Forbidden West establishes Aloy as a cornerstone of PlayStation’s character roster. Given the quality of both entries, it’s conceivable that this series will become one of the flagship franchises for the platform.
Until that time arrives, recommending both Horizon: Zero Dawn and Horizon: Forbidden West is simply a good practice.
2 Cyberpunk 2077
In
No list of this nature would be complete without the inclusion of a game that allows players to shape their characters rather than follow a predetermined path, which is why Cyberpunk 2077 makes the cut. The freedom provided by CD Projekt Red in Night City enables players to carve out their destiny in this vibrant dystopian landscape.
With a phenomenal setting, memorable characters, exceptional gameplay customization, and an unparalleled atmosphere, Cyberpunk 2077 ranks prominently among the greatest open worlds ever created. Despite its tumultuous launch, the game has reached a state of refinement that warrants praise for the developers’ recovery efforts.
Coupled with the Phantom Liberty expansion, immersing oneself in both the main storyline and side quests will likely make players want to remain in Night City indefinitely.
1 NieR: Automata
2B
NieR: Automata offers one of the most profound narratives and stands among the defining JRPGs of our time. Regardless of the perspective from which you evaluate PlatinumGames’ creation, one conclusion remains: it ranks as one of the finest video games of our era, excelling in details and overarching themes alike.
Featuring adrenaline-fueled gameplay, memorable characters, breathtaking environments, an exceptional soundtrack, and thought-provoking reflections on humanity, NieR: Automata evokes emotions effortlessly. The impressive range of protagonists, particularly 2B, solidifies its place in gaming history, making it an apt choice to conclude this list.
Ultimately, NieR: Automata serves as a testament to the limitless potential of video games, illustrating the unique experiences that only the most exceptional titles can deliver.
