The 15 Best Characters of 2024

From noble heroes to scheming villains, faithful dogs and grumpy boars to perhaps the most adorable shark in all gaming, 2024 was filled with compelling and memorable characters. In Final Fantasy 7, Aerith met her tragic and inevitable fate with her head held high, while Hades 2’s Melinoe and Another Crab’s Treasure’s Kril took their first steps on epic journeys as Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’s Kiryu came to the end of his.

Each character on this list resonated with players in different ways – through humor, pathos, heart, a relatable nature, and so forth. Featuring humans, droids, Qunari, sharks, and more, and presented in alphabetical order by video game title, here are the best video game characters of 2024.

Iris Kwan / ALLMOTHER (1000xresist)

Indie science fiction title 1000xresist introduces players to Iris Kwan, a complex, multi-layered character whose memories reveal a fascinating story. Once a simple ordinary teenager who felt othered due to her race and simply wanted to fit in with her classmates, Iris ultimately becomes ALLMOTHER, a godlike figure who rules over a society composed almost entirely of her own clones. Despite her now-godlike nature, Iris is a fundamentally human, relatable character, and the game is unafraid to explore her story from all angles, showing her strengths and her flaws in equal measure. Iris is the beating heart of 1000xresist’s deeply emotional and compelling narrative.

Kril (Another Crab’s Treasure)

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Kril starts Another Crab’s Treasure as a cowardly little fellow who just wants to get his shell back and gradually grows into a hero capable of saving the entire ocean. Throughout his journey, this adorable crab never loses his charm and grit, even when facing down foes ten times his size. He’s a delight no matter what shell he’s wearing – and even when wielding a gun capable of taking down enemies in a single shot. Truly embodying the phrase “small but mighty,” Kril is a relatable crab who doesn’t want to be a hero but is willing to stand up and become one when it’s what the world needs. Kril’s body may be tiny, but his heart, his humor, and his personality are nothing less than gigantic.

Zhu Bajie (Black Myth: Wukong)

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One of Black Myth: Wukong’s greatest strengths is how it explores the effects the legendary Journey to the West had on the characters who participated in it. Nowhere is this better shown than with Zhu Bajie, a boar and one of Sun Wukong’s original companions. Bajie retains his gruff, grumpy personality and the tendency to flirt that initially got him exiled from his former high-ranking position, but has become much more of a thoughtful strategist with a hidden kindness beneath his rough exterior. Bajie’s appearance as a boss while under the influence of a cursed needle is also memorable for its tricky nature and chilling, sinister atmosphere – a perfect fit for this powerful and experienced commander.

Taash (Dragon Age: The Veilguard)

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Shokra toh ebra – through struggle, you find what you are. This simple phrase is at the heart of Taash’s story in Dragon Age: The Veilguard, as the Qunari dragon hunter struggles with their identity and place in the world. Torn between pleasing their mother and embracing their newfound realization that they are nonbinary, following the Qun or embracing the Rivaini culture in which they were raised, Taash’s journey is filled with conflict – but also with triumph, as they come to understand who they truly are. And that’s not even getting into their flirty, spicy, romance with Rook or the epic dragon battles during their personal quests. There are also implications for Qunari lore that Taash introduces to players, giving them just a little tease about the decay in Qunari blood, and if nothing else, it seems players probably haven’t seen the last of Taash (unless they died, of course). Veilguard is filled with fantastic characters, but Taash is definitely a standout.

Igon (Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree)

Check Out Shadow of the Erdtree on OpenCritic

Elden Ring and its Shadow of the Erdtree DLC are filled with larger-than-life personalities, from gods and monsters to living jars and prawn-loving merchants. But Igon stands out even among these. From the moment players first encounter him screaming at the top of his lungs about Bayle the Dread, he is one of the most memorable characters Elden Ring has ever produced. The embodiment of passion, Igon’s determination extends even beyond death. A fantasy equivalent to Moby Dick’s Captain Ahab, Igon is a true warrior whose desire for revenge is one of Shadow of the Erdtree’s most compelling stories.

Aerith Gainsborough (Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth)

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The entire cast of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth shines, as they gradually go from allies thrown together by fate to a true family dedicated to taking down Sephiroth and Shinra. Aerith Gainsborough is the heart of the team, remaining grounded and positive even in the darkest of times. She’s the glue that makes these disparate personalities work together, and it’s no surprise that Sephiroth targets her to disrupt the team. Her sacrifice is a tragic and poignant one, made more so by the fact that players have spent so long getting to know this sweet, spunky, brave, and infinitely kind woman before having to see her torn away from them.

Wuk Lamat (Final Fantasy 14)

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A candidate to lead the country of Tural, Wuk Lamat is a warrior princess who seeks the aid of the Warrior of Light in Final Fantasy 14’s 2024 expansion Dawntrail. Outwardly brash and boisterous, Wuk Lamat secretly feels insecure about her role in the royal family, the conflict with her siblings, and what the future holds for the country of Tural. Her journey throughout Dawntrail is a well-written and powerful one, showing her mature into the kind of person who can lead a country with pride and confidence without losing any of the kindness and charm that she has possessed from the beginning.

Melinoe (Hades 2)

Hades 2 is in Early Access But Already Has Great Scores on OpenCritic

Melinoe had some pretty big shoes to fill, following in the footsteps of Hades’ Zagreus – something she did with ease. This passionate, animal-loving magic user will do anything in her power to defeat Chronos and save her family, no matter what gods or monsters may stand in her way. Melinoe, in no way, feels like a copy of her older brother, establishing herself immediately as a unique protagonist defined by her great power, interesting relationships with characters like Nemesis and Moros, and unwavering commitment to revenge that can bring her into conflict even with her allies. With Hades 2 still in early access, fans can look forward to even more of Melinoe’s adventures in future updates.

Indiana Jones (Indiana Jones and the Great Circle)

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Dr. Henry Walton “Indiana” Jones Jr. was first introduced to the world in film, but he has had several video game outings in the past. The latest of these, 2024’s Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, features a faithful recreation of the iconic adventure based on archival footage of Harrison Ford in the early Indy movies. Great Circle’s Indiana Jones is an accurate one – he’s got his passion for the past, his strong sense of justice, his general obliviousness to being flirted with, and, of course, his fondness for his trademark whip. This rollicking adventure starring Indiana Jones in his prime is a great way to both introduce new fans to the character and let longtime Indy enjoyers step into the shoes of this classic character.

Zelda (The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom)

Check Out Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom on OpenCritic

After decades of primarily staying in the background, Princess Zelda finally gets her chance to shine as the protagonist of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. It’s refreshing to get to see Zelda finally flex her long-held Triforce of Wisdom-based powers, and her combat – based around creating “echoes” of monsters and objects – is clever and unique. Zelda shows herself to be a capable and confident ruler, solving disputes between rival Zora tribes, aiding her subjects when their homes are destroyed, and much more. It was high time Zelda got her chance to rescue Link for a change, and she did it with unmatched style and panache.

Kazuma Kiryu (Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth)

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Over the years, fans of the Yakuza series have gotten to see the Dragon of Dojima go from a young, impetuous hothead to a grounded, mature figure who can still kick butt when the need arises. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth takes this iconic protagonist in a new and tragic direction. Confronted with the bitter truth of his own mortality, Kiryu is forced to realize that he cannot solve the world’s every problem and that the future is in Ichiban Kasuga’s hands, not his. If Infinite Wealth truly is the Dragon of Dojima’s last stand, then it is a worthy and respectful one that lovingly reminds fans of just how far they have traveled together with Kiryu.

Jeff the Land Shark (Marvel Rivals)

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Jeff the Land Shark was a pre-existing Marvel character, typically seen as the pet of various heroes, but it was Marvel Rivals that introduced this adorable creature to the general populace. Having broken free from the theme park where he was held prisoner, Jeff debuts as a playable hero who uses a combination of his adorable looks and his vicious teeth in battle. Jeff can heal allies and surprise enemies with his cuteness – but he can also swallow foes whole using the innocuously named ability “It’s Jeff.” Not to mention his alternate skin, which shows Jeff “incognito” in a cuddly dolphin onesie – this little land shark stands out as one of 2024’s cutest characters.

Read Game Rant’s Metaphor: ReFantazio Review

A good fantasy story needs a good villain, and Metaphor: ReFantazio’s Louis Guiabern is no exception. The game never shies away from stating up front how evil he is, but his charisma shines through in a way that makes it easy to understand just how he could have wound up with so many devoted followers. Louis is a master manipulator who easily convinces others to join him – even when the cause he champions might not truly benefit them in any way. To the player, Louis can seem like an insurmountable obstacle simply due to the breadth of his power, charm, and influence – which, of course, makes finally getting to take him down even more satisfying than it would otherwise be.

Neva (Neva)

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2024 was a great year for canines in video games from Persona 3 Reload’s Koromaru to Chesley from Farewell North. One standout example is Neva, the titular white wolf from the platformer Neva. Neva is majestic and beautifully designed, reminiscent of something from a Studio Ghibli movie. The wolf’s bond with human co-protagonist Alba is a rich and emotional one – players get to see the pair’s first meeting with Neva as a cub and the lifelong friendship they form as they journey together. There’s something truly heartwarming about the fact that it’s primarily Neva, not Alba, who gains new powers and abilities as the game progresses – this wolf will truly do anything for their beloved human partner and for the next generation herself.

ND-5 (Star Wars Outlaws)

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Droids have been a part of the Star Wars universe since the very first film, but few have had a story as complex and emotionally resonant as Star Wars Outlaws’ ND-5. Created and programmed with the sole purpose of fighting and killing designated targets, ND-5 can learn, with the help of protagonist Kay Vess, that he can be more than a simple battle droid. Ultimately, ND-5 can completely change his life and save and assist the person he was originally ordered to kill – something he does without losing any of his battlefield competence or strategic acumen.