The Most Hardcore Video Game Heroes of All Time

Over 26.6K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Most Hardcore Video Game Heroes of All Time
Voting Rules
Kick-ass characters from video games only. Can either NPC or player character.
Latest additions: Rico Rodriguez, Red Harlow, Arthur Morgan
Most divisive: Luigi

Who are the toughest and greatest video game characters ever? Not all videogame player characters are necessarily heroic, but we take their side anyway, because our fates are intertwined. But who cares about the weenies? This list tackles only the true badass heroes and protagonists.

The best video game characters immerse us in the story, and eventually gain our sympathy, even if they are anti-heroes (or villains!) And the more badass they are, the more inclined we are to take their side no matter what, and the more powerful we come to feel in controlling them. Even if our princess is constantly hidden in another castle, for some reason...

This is crowdranked list of video game characters, so your votes and lists decide the final order. Which of these popular video game characters do you think is the most badass?

Check out more lists like Most Badass Female Villains, Most Fantastic Fictional Serial Killers, Best RPG Video Games of All Time.

Ranked by
  • Arthur Morgan
    1

    Arthur Morgan

    Red Dead Redemption 2
    336 votes

    Arthur Morgan, the charismatic outlaw of the Van der Linde gang, rides across the vast landscapes of America's fading frontier. As he grapples with loyalty and morality, players are drawn into an immersive tale where every choice has consequences. Armed with dual revolvers and a heart full of conflict, Arthur's story unfolds amidst breathtaking vistas and intense gunfights.

  • Kratos
    2
    God of War Series
    10,816 votes
    • Powers & Abilities: Superhuman strength

    Kratos, the Spartan warrior with a burning desire for revenge, wields his mighty Blades of Chaos to unleash devastating attacks upon his enemies. With his godlike strength and relentless determination, he carves a path of destruction through the realms of Greek mythology, leaving no foe standing in his wake.

  • John Marston
    3
    Red Dead Redemption
    8,188 votes

    John Marston, the rugged gunslinger of the Wild West, embarks on a gripping journey filled with redemption and sacrifice. Armed with his trusty revolver and sharpshooting skills, he confronts outlaws and lawmen alike in a quest to protect those he holds dear. His stoic demeanor hides a complex soul that resonates with fans as they witness his struggles against an unforgiving world.

  • Ezio Auditore da Firenze
    4
    Assassin's Creed Universe
    8,799 votes

    Ezio Auditore da Firenze, the suave Italian assassin from Renaissance Italy, leaps effortlessly across rooftops as he hunts down corrupt Templars. With his hidden blades and arsenal of deadly gadgets, Ezio embodies grace and precision in combat. Fans are captivated by his growth from a brash youth to a wise mentor who fights for justice in an era plagued by conspiracy.

  • Captain Price
    5
    2,890 votes

    Captain Price, the stoic leader of Task Force 141, commands respect as he navigates treacherous battlefields in pursuit of global threats. With his tactical expertise and unwavering resolve, Price inspires soldiers around him to push beyond their limits. Fans admire his unwavering dedication to duty and willingness to make tough choices for the greater good.

  • The Dragonborn
    6
    4,311 votes

    The Dragonborn emerges as a legendary figure in the land of Skyrim, wielding the power of the Thu'um to vanquish dragons and shape the fate of the realm. As players explore a vast open world filled with danger and intrigue, they witness their character's transformation from a humble adventurer to a mythical hero capable of bending reality itself.