Female protagonists are awesome. They're strong, determined, and capable of taking on whatever is thrown at them – often with style.

There has been a growing trend of spectacular female characters in video games in recent years. In a medium that has been traditionally dominated by male characters, it's great to see more and more women taking center stage.

This is a great development, not only for the industry but also for players who can see themselves reflected in these extraordinary women.

In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the most awesome women in video games today. From sword-wielding warriors to crafty thieves, these ladies are sure to get your pulse racing. So without further ado, let's meet some of them! 

Lara Croft, Tomb Raider

The iconic Lara Croft needs no introduction. She's been around since the early days of gaming and is still going strong today. Originally created as a male character, Lara was later redesigned as a strong and independent woman – and gamers loved her for it. Armed with her trusty bow and arrow, Lara has traveled all over the world in search of adventure and treasure. And she's never afraid to take on whatever comes her way.

Samus Aran, Metroid

Another classic female protagonist, Samus Aran is the star of the popular Metroid series. When she's not saving the galaxy from evil aliens, she's busy kicking butt and taking names. 

Samus was a welcome breath of fresh air. She’s a powerful warrior who outwits her enemies and fights them through her resourcefulness. She is one of the most well-rounded characters in gaming.

Tracer, Overwatch

Tracer is a character from the popular game Overwatch. Quick-moving and deadly, it’s not surprising that she’s one of the most popular characters in the game. 

With her trademark smile and spunky attitude, Tracer is always up for a good fight. She's one of the few openly gay characters in video games, which is a great step forward for inclusion and diversity.

Aloy, Horizon Games

Aloy is the main character of Horizon: Zero Dawn, one of the most popular games of recent years. A skilled hunter and archer, she takes on giant robotic beasts in a post-apocalyptic world. She is strong, brave, and determined – everything you want in a video game protagonist. 

Bayonetta, Bayonetta

Bayonetta is the star of her own popular video game series and is known for her over-the-top action and sultry attitude. With her powerful attacks and stylish moves, she is one of the most badass women ever created.

Princess Zelda, The Legend of Zelda

Princess Zelda is a character from the popular Legend of Zelda series. While she's often portrayed as a damsel in distress, Zelda is actually a strong and capable woman. 

She's a powerful magic user and is often the one who saves Link from certain doom. In recent years, she's taken on a more active role in the games, making her an even more awesome character.

Ellie, The Last of Us

Ellie is the main character of the popular game The Last of Us. A young girl who must fight, she uses her bravery, resourcefulness, and determination to survive in a world that has been destroyed by a disease. 

Isabelle, Animal Crossing

Isabelle is a character from the popular game Animal Crossing. A helpful and kind-hearted animal, she's always on hand to offer advice and assistance to the player. Isabelle is one of the few non-human characters on this list – but that doesn't make her any less awesome.

Princess Peach, Super Mario

A staple of the popular Super Mario series, Peach is often kidnapped by Bowser. However, she's also a skilled fighter and has saved Mario on more than one occasion. She's one of the few female characters in gaming which isn't defined by her relationship to a male character. 

Ciri, The Witcher

Ciri is a main character in the popular Witcher series. She's often called upon to help Geralt with his quests and is an important member of the Witcher cast. 

Jill Valentine, Resident Evil

A skilled marksman and experienced fighter, Jill is often the one who saves the day. She is a highly skilled operative of the special forces group S.T.A.R.S., which she joined after her parents died when she was young. She is known for her beauty, intelligence, and resourcefulness, as well as her athleticism and combat skills.

Heather Mason, Silent Hill

Heather must fight to survive and find her way home. She is a strong and determined character and is one of the most well-known female protagonists in gaming. 

Tifa Lockhart, Final Fantasy VII

When Cloud Strife needs help, Tifa Lockhart always comes to the rescue. She never backs down from a fight, no matter how dangerous it may be. She's fiercely loyal to her friends and loved ones and will do whatever it takes to protect them.

Chun-Li, Street Fighter

Chun-Li is an accomplished martial artist, and she uses her skills to fight against evil criminals and organizations like Shadaloo. She is a member of Interpol, making her not just a powerful fighter but also a valuable asset in law enforcement. She embodies strength, determination, and heroism. She's someone who inspires us to be our best selves and fight for what's right, no matter the cost.

Commander Shepard, Mass Effect

Not only is Shepard an incredibly powerful and skilled soldier, but she's also a leader who cares about her team and is always looking out for their safety. She's faced with some of the toughest decisions in the galaxy and always makes the call when it matters most. No matter what happens, Shepard always stands up and fights for what she believes in.

Conclusion

Women in video games are often reduced to damsels in distress, but that is not the only role they can play. In recent years, there has been a surge of strong female protagonists in video games. These women are fighting back against gender stereotypes and proving that they are just as capable as men when it comes to saving the world.

The video game industry has come a long way in terms of featuring strong and interesting female protagonists. While there is still progress to be made, it's encouraging to see more and more women taking on leading roles in some of the world's most popular video games. 

While you’re at it, turn on your gaming consoles and play some games featuring these amazing female protagonists!