There are strong women in gaming and then there are icons.
We’re talking about characters who aren’t just tough or skilled, but layered, human, and unforgettable.
These are the kinds of women who survive zombie outbreaks, climb death-defying radio towers, and still somehow find time to fight for love, loyalty, or lost causes.
So let’s show some respect where it’s due. Here are three of the most badass women in gaming history; the ones who’ve kicked ass, taken names, and broken hearts (and bones) along the way.
Lara Croft
Let’s start with the original icon.
Lara Croft didn’t just change the game, she was the game for an entire generation of gamers.
First appearing in Tomb Raider in 1996, she was introduced as a whip-yielding, gun-toting adventurer who basically said, “Indiana Jones, but hotter and British.”
Over the years, Lara has evolved in huge ways. In the early days, she was pixelated and largely defined by her dual pistols and triangle-shaped assets (you know the ones).
But with the reboot trilogy starting in 2013, we saw a Lara who was raw, emotional, and real; a survivor who didn’t just explore ancient ruins, but battled trauma, isolation, and loss.
And let’s not forget that radio tower climb from Tomb Raider (2013). A scene so intense and cinematic it became one of the most iconic gaming moments of the PS3 era. That wasn’t just Lara climbing a tower. That was her climbing into legend.
Today’s Lara is equal parts archaeologist, warrior, and survivor, capable of outsmarting mercenaries and outrunning ancient curses—all while still somehow managing to look like she hasn’t eaten in three days.
She’s gone from puzzle-solving swashbuckler to elite-tier operator, and through it all, she’s stayed a symbol of strength, independence, and determination.
Resident Evil’s Claire
Claire Redfield might not have started as a trained soldier, but that hardly stopped her from becoming one of th most lived and respected Resident Evil characters.
First appearing in Resident Evil 2 (1998), Claire wasn’t a cop or a special agent, she was just a woman trying to find her brother.
But her story quickly became much bigger than that. Over the years, she’s fought bioweapons, protected children, and somehow stayed grounded despite surviving literal zombie apocalypses.
What sets Claire apart?
Heart.
She’s not just there to shoot her way out of every problem. She’s a protector. Someone who looks after others like Sherry, Rani, Moira and never hesitates to put herself in danger if it means saving someone else.
Fans love Claire because she’s human.
She gets scared. She makes mistakes. And yet, she always pushes forward.
There’s even a moment in RE2 Remake where she apologizes to a zombie after headshotting it. In a franchise that’s mostly about gunfire, viruses, and grim survival, that moment is pure innocence and it says everything about who Claire is.
She’s not the loudest or flashiest character, but she’s the heart of Resident Evil. And that makes her more badass than a whole squad of BSAA agents.
Uncharted 4’s Elena
At first glance, Elena Fisher might seem like the “civilian” in the Uncharted franchise. She’s not a mercenary, not a relic-hunter, not a one-man army. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find one of the most grounded, capable, and emotionally mature characters in gaming.
Elena first appeared in Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune in 2007 as a journalist tagging along on Nathan Drake’s treasure-hunting chaos.
But she wasn’t just there to hold the camera. She was smart, tough, and unafraid to call Nate out when he was being reckless (which, let’s be honest, was like 95% of the time).
By the time we get to Uncharted 4, Elena is on another level. She’s not just Nate’s love interest, she’s his anchor. In a genre full of explosions and adrenaline, Elena brought maturity, emotional depth, and genuine care. She doesn’t scream or throw tantrums. She gets sad, she feels betrayed, but she still chooses to work through it.
It’s rare to see a female character who’s allowed to be soft and strong at the same time. Elena isn’t just a “cool wife” trope. She’s an adventurer in her own right, one who can drive, shoot, sneak, and survive, and still have the emotional intelligence to fight for her relationship with grace and patience.
And honestly? Every man in gaming should be lucky to have an Elena Fisher.
Final Thoughts
There are lots of badass women in gaming—but these three?
They’re the blueprint.
They’re complex, iconic, and endlessly re-playable. Whether they’re climbing impossible towers, babysitting children during zombie outbreaks, or managing relationships in the middle of ancient treasure hunts, they remind us that strength comes in a million forms and that being a badass doesn’t mean being emotionless.
These women feel real. And in gaming, that’s the most powerful thing a character can be.