Jade (Beyond Good And Evil) - The action-adventure puzzle-solving title was released in 2003 on various platforms. This is where the world was introduced to Jade, the main protagonist of the game. Jade may not be a hyper-popular character due to the series's lack of games, but she's certainly one of the best ones out there. She is a photo-journalist and was created by developer Michel Ancel. The best part about Jade is that she represents a real person rather than the usual stereotypical female character.

Senua (Hellblade) - When it comes to the main protagonist of Hellblade, there's just a lot of things right about this one. From design to concept, Senua fits the story of Hellblade like the perfect piece of a jigsaw puzzle. The game was first released in 2017 and used minimal AI to enhance the overall feel. The players will feel connected to Senua, and that's a feat that only a few games have achieved.

Chell (Portal) - The silent protagonist of Portal is clearly a step in the right direction. Chell can be defined as clever, brave, intelligent, and powerful. She uses the portal gun like it's a piece of cake, breaking through every puzzle GlaDOS throws in her way. Despite her inability or lack of desire to speak, she is one of the most spoken about female gaming characters.

Aloy (Horizon: Zero Dawn) - Aloy from Horizon symbolizes strength and agility. She's barely 19 years of age and takes down giant creatures like it's a child's play. Moreover, she is one of the newer female protagonists in a game and totally someone who deserves to be among the top female protagonists. Luckily, players won't have to wait long to play as Aloy again since the next title in Horizon series is in making as we speak.

Faith Connors (Mirror's Edge) - Mirror's Edge can be considered EA's hidden gem as there are still not many games that can compete with it in terms of environment and gameplay. Faith, the game's main protagonist, is highly athletic and totally fits the game's vibe. Moreover, she has an iconic design, an outfit with a limited color palette, and a star tattoo, which makes her stand apart among other protagonists.

Amaterasu (Ōkami) - While not clearly visible from far away, the main protagonist of Ōkami is actually a female. Amaterasu is a white wolf based on a goddess by the same name. The developers carefully craft her art style to depict her association with nature.

Claire Redfield (Resident Evil 2) - Claire Redfield is the main protagonist of Resident Evil 2, and she's certainly a very iconic face in recent times. After the Resident Evil 2 reboot release, her popularity has only risen in numbers, and she certainly deserves it.

Jesse Faden (Control) - Here is another relatively new protagonist, but already a very iconic one. Jesse from Control stands apart not just because of her abilities but also because of the studio's interesting art direction. Moreover, what else can you expect from the creators of Max Payne and Alan Wake?

Bayonetta - Some aspects of Bayonetta can be considered stereotypical or exaggerated, but it's highly intentional due to the narrative's feel. Bayonetta can be defined as a sexy witch who's strong enough to tear the planet apart if she wants to. The over-the-top nature works in favor of her character, and the anime-like storyline only compliments that further.

Samus Aran (Metroid) - Almost every gamer who's born in the '80s knows about Metroid and what it meant to the evolution of gaming as a whole. Samus is a bounty hunter who was previously an ex-soldier in Galactic Federation. She's a heavily armored badass who's packing energy weapons and missiles.

Jill Valentine (Resident Evil 3) - If there's one protagonist from the Resident Evil series that overshadows Claire, she is Jill Valentine. The original version of Jill is a complete badass and is incredibly good at gun combat. After all, she manages to take down Nemesis, one of the Resident Evil franchise's biggest antagonists.

Clemantine (The Walking Dead) - When the Telltale series first came out, not many could've guessed that they'll be playing the last of the episodes as the little girl from season 1. Clemantine is as precious as she's fierce. She's the perfect example of a bold personality in video games.

Heather Mason (Silent Hill III) - The third title in the Silent Hill franchise is easily one of the top three games. And a big reason for that is Heather Mason, who's just a perfectly written character for the game's narrative. Heather first appeared as a baby in the original game and then later became the protagonist of Silent Hill 3.

Lara Croft - Tomb Raider - If you're a gamer, and even if you're not, you know the name Lara Croft. Tomb Raider's Lara Croft, is easily one of the most popular video game characters of all time, male or female. Lara Croft made her in-game debut in 1996, making her one of the oldest yet famous characters on this list. Her fame is why she is part of multiple console titles, mobile games, comics, reboots, and movies. And it doesn't hurt her popularity that she's been portrayed onscreen by Angelina Jolie.

Ms. Pac-Man - Here's one of the first and most iconic female video game characters of all time. Ms. Pac-Man first debuted in early 1982. This was when gaming was still in its baby stage, and Ms. Pac-Man proved to be one of those games that really helped populate the niche. Nowadays, you don't have to be a gamer to remember her face, though she is often overshadowed by her famous husband Mr. Pac-Man.