Female representation in video games used to be abysmal. It was either a damsel in distress with no agency whatsoever or badly conceived fan service characters. However, as games have developed as an industry, players have been moving towards more and better representation of women in games.
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While there still is a long way to go to improve representation, there are already some spectacular videogames with female protagonists that players owe it to themselves to check out. Given how important inclusivity has become in the realm of video gaming, it’s easy to see why such positive representation has become so important in modern times.
Updated on July 27, 2025, by Ritwik Mitra:Most people instantly picture a grizzled male veteran as a protagonist when talking about action-heavy video games, which is understandable but still pretty problematic in an industry where women still need to fight for their voice with a drone of misogynistic comments and the like striving to pull them down time and time again. As a result,action games that feature women as protagonistsin a natural manner should be applauded for understanding that the medium needs to be way more inclusive than it currently is right now.
13Control
Remedy Entertainment is renowned for its amazingaction-heavy third-person shootersthat look incredibly cool to boot. WhileQuantum Breakmay have been a failed experiment for this developer, the studio didn’t let this dip in form get to them and instantly bounced back with the much-celebrated release ofControl.
A game that leans heavily into the whole SCP craze that took over the internet,Controlbecame an instant hit for its awe-inspiring combat, with the destructive environments making each and every firefight feel like it came straight out of aMatrixmovie. Given the potential of this game, it’s easy to see whyControl 2is already in development!
12Tomb Raider
Tomb Raideris a series that many people are quite familiar with, with the adventures of Lara Croft being a joy to witness every single time. The story of this rich aristocrat, as she explores supernatural tombs and battles against both human and otherwordly threats, is a blast every single time.
The reboot did a great job of modernizing her character without leaning too hard into her sexuality, which was much required given how poorly the previous games in the series have aged in this department. WhileRiseandShadow of the Tomb Raiderleft a lot to be desired, fans are still hoping that Embracer Group will bring this iconic heroine back into the mainstream once again.
11Returnal
The roguelike genre became massively popular because of how innovatively indie games made the most of this genre, with titles likeCave StoryandThe Binding of Isaacgetting the ball rolling in this department. So, when Sony revealed that one of their exclusive titles on the PlayStation 5 would be a roguelike game, fans were genuinely surprised that a huge studio notorious for playing it safe would explore this genre.
The end result isReturnal, an excellent blend of fast-paced shooting with creepy horror elements that used its roguelike trappings to great effect. As is to be expected, making any form of progress inReturnalis a blast, with players slowly coming to grips with the combat system before attaining an unmatched sense of satisfaction as they decimated waves of foes who were initially giving them a tough time.
10Nier: Automata
Nier: Automatais an amazing experience. A part of Yoko Taro’s long-running multimediaDrakengard/Nierseries and developed by Platinum Games. Players take on the role of 2B, a part of an elite android force fighting a war against alien machines on humanity’s behalf.
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The game has an incredible story, which explores many ideas about humanity, identity, and existence. It also comes with a fantastic combat systemand a beautiful soundtrack. It is one of the best games to come out last decade and a must-play for fans of action games.
9Alien: Isolation
Alienas a franchise has had terrible luck with licensed games. ButAlien: Isolationfixed that. The game puts players in Amanda Ripley’s shoes as they try to make their way through an abandonedNostromo,with the titular Alien hunting the protagonist down in pulse-pounding chase sequences
The atmosphere in the game is fantastic. Every encounter with the Xenomorphis absolutely terrifying. This, coupled with many innovative features, has helped in the creation of one of the best horror games with a female protagonist to date.
8Half-Life: Alyx
When Valve announced a newHalf-Lifegame, expectations were through the roof, and rightly so.Half-Lifeis one of the best games of all time and holds up pretty well even 22 years later, andHalf-Life: Alyxcontinues the trend into VR.
This game feels like the thing that VR games have been missing all this time. The physics, the environments, and the VR experience are all as close to perfect as they can get right now. WithHalf-Life: Alyx, Valve breathed new life into VR and showed exactly what a studio with that level of creativity and expertise can do on the platform.
7Bayonetta
Platinum Games are masters at crafting high-energy, insane, and over-the-top action games.Bayonettais one of the games that established that reputation. This game is completely off the rails bonkers, and so very stylish… almost like a cheesy early 2000s action movie.
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The combat is spectacular. The story is a little convoluted, but it’s just there as a background to let players beat up some minor deities. And the soundtrack is the perfect backdrop for all the carnage.
6Resident Evil 2
Capcom has been hitting it out of the park lately, andResident Evil 2’sremakeis no exception. This lovingly upgraded version of the original has players roaming the maze-like Raccoon City Police Station.
The station is filled with zombies and monsters tokeep gamers on edge, but the real kicker (pun not intended) is the ever-looming threat of Mr. X. The remake is a faithful update of the classic game, and playing as Claire Redfield as the main female protagonist has never looked this good.
5Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrificeis a different kind of action game. The hack-and-slash combat is simple and functional, but the game focuses much more on the story. It follows the protagonist on her journey to fight for the soul of her dead lover.
Along the way, Senua deals with a variety of mental health issues plaguing her in a powerful, emotional experience. It also helps that the game looks gorgeous. Though the combat is not the best, it’s just good enough to keep them engaged as players see through this riveting journey that depicts psychosis in a respectful light.
4Horizon: Zero Dawn
Guerrilla games knocked it out of the park withHorizon: Zero Dawn. This game is one of the best exclusives on the PlayStation 4, and that’s saying something. Hunting giant robotic beasts across a huge, varied map feels as good as it sounds.
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Aloy’s journey is engaging and captivating from the start and the gamethrows in so many challenges in her path that it’s never dull.Forbidden Westfurthers the legacy of this amazing series, but there’s something about the magic of the original game that still feels astonishing to this day.
