Online games are full of memorable characters—heroes, villains, and everything in between. Over the years, I’ve encountered many iconic figures who have made a lasting impact on me, whether because of their complex personalities, unique designs, or unforgettable stories. These characters have not only shaped the gaming experience but have also become integral parts of the gaming culture as a whole. From their backstories to their in-game abilities, each of them left an impression that stuck with me long after I stopped playing.
In this blog post, I’m sharing my top favorite online game last war best heroes characters of all time—those who stood out for their compelling designs, roles in the story, and the emotional connections I’ve made with them.
1. Tracer (Overwatch)
“Cheers, love! The cavalry’s here!”
Let’s start with Tracer, one of the most recognizable faces in online gaming, thanks to her cheerful personality and her signature catchphrase. As the poster child for Blizzard’s hit game Overwatch, Tracer embodies everything that makes online games fun—agility, personality, and a deep connection with the community.
Tracer’s backstory is a heartwarming tale of courage, resilience, and a touch of sadness. A former pilot who was caught in an accident involving an experimental teleportation device, Tracer became one of the world’s most skilled and likable heroes. Her energy and infectious optimism make her one of the most charming characters in the Overwatch universe. Plus, her gameplay style, with her ability to “blink” around the battlefield and rewind time, made her not only fun to play but also a character that demanded skill and precision.
Her relentless positivity and determination to always fight for what’s right made her a character I couldn’t help but root for. Tracer’s infectious enthusiasm reminds us all that heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes, they’re the ones who lift us up when things seem at their darkest.
2. Ezio Auditore (Assassin’s Creed Series)
“I am Ezio Auditore da Firenze. I am an Assassin.”
The Assassin’s Creed series is filled with rich, complex characters, but none have left a lasting impact on me like Ezio Auditore. Ezio’s story spans several games, from a young, naïve nobleman to a wise and battle-hardened Assassin Mentor, and his journey is filled with both triumph and tragedy.
What makes Ezio stand out is the evolution of his character. At the start, he’s a revenge-driven man with little understanding of the world around him, but over time, he transforms into a leader and a symbol of hope for the Assassin Brotherhood. His experiences in Renaissance Italy, battling the Templars and facing betrayal, shaped him into a figure who inspires others, all while staying true to his roots.
Ezio’s charisma, leadership qualities, and unwavering determination to protect the people he loves make him a standout character in the Assassin’s Creed universe. His journey resonates with me because it’s about more than just defeating enemies—it’s about understanding one’s purpose, making sacrifices, and always moving forward, no matter the cost.
3. Commander Shepard (Mass Effect Series)
“I’m Commander Shepard, and this is my favorite store on the Citadel!”
The beauty of Commander Shepard is that I get to shape him or her into the hero of the Mass Effect universe. One of the best parts of the game is how customizable Shepard is—players can choose their appearance, personality, and decisions. However, it’s the emotional depth of the character and the universe surrounding them that makes Shepard one of my all-time favorites.
Commander Shepard is a character defined by leadership, courage, and sacrifice. As the human representative in a galaxy teetering on the edge of extinction, Shepard must navigate complex political landscapes, form alliances with different alien species, and make gut-wrenching choices that affect the entire galaxy. The decisions I made as Shepard were always difficult, but they felt meaningful because they had real consequences in the story.
The emotional impact of Shepard’s journey—especially the bonds formed with other characters—has made them an unforgettable figure in the gaming world. What makes Shepard truly remarkable is that my version of Shepard was shaped by my choices, creating a unique experience that is deeply personal.
4. Sombra (Overwatch)
“Everything can be hacked, and everyone.”
While Tracer may be the face of Overwatch, Sombra is one of my favorite characters due to her cunning, wit, and unpredictable nature. A hacker and mercenary, Sombra is a master of deception and manipulation, using her skills to uncover secrets, sabotage her enemies, and keep everyone on their toes.
Sombra’s personality is sharp, sarcastic, and mischievous, which adds a lot of flavor to her character. She’s not just a villain—she’s an anti-hero, playing both sides for her own advantage. Her backstory, which involves her rise from a troubled childhood in Mexico to becoming one of the most feared hackers in the world, adds a layer of complexity to her character.
In-game, Sombra’s hacking abilities, which can disable enemy abilities and reveal critical information, make her a formidable opponent. Her ability to outsmart and manipulate her enemies gives her an edge that’s both fun and satisfying to use, especially when you pull off a perfectly timed hack that shifts the balance of a game.
5. Geralt of Rivia (The Witcher Series)
“The world is a world of beasts, and I’m just another beast in it.”
Geralt of Rivia, the Witcher, is a character I deeply admire for his strength, wisdom, and moral ambiguity. Geralt is no ordinary hero—he’s a mutant monster hunter trained to fight the dark forces that plague the world. He’s lived through battles, wars, and countless betrayals, which have given him a hardened, often cynical outlook on life.
However, beneath Geralt’s stoic demeanor lies a character who deeply values loyalty, friendship, and love. His relationships with characters like Yennefer and Ciri are rich and filled with emotional complexity. What I love most about Geralt is that, despite being a “monster” in the eyes of many, he maintains a strong moral compass and fights for what’s right—even when it’s not easy or clear-cut.
In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Geralt is given the agency to make decisions that affect the world around him, and I always felt that the weight of those choices added a profound sense of responsibility to his character. Geralt’s combination of strength, heart, and moral struggle make him one of the most iconic and complex characters in modern gaming.
6. Kratos (God of War Series)
“Do not mistake my silence for lack of grief.”
Kratos, the God of War, has undergone one of the most significant character evolutions in gaming history. Once a vengeful, rage-filled warrior, Kratos has grown into a complex and more introspective father figure in the latest God of War titles. The shift in his character from a brute to a thoughtful, caring father is one of the most engaging character arcs I’ve ever witnessed in video games.
Kratos’ relationship with his son, Atreus, is central to the recent God of War games, and their bond is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Watching Kratos try to balance his past as a ruthless god-slayer with his new role as a father is what makes him a standout character. His vulnerability, shown through his moments of reflection and his struggle to do right by Atreus, adds layers to a character who was once solely defined by his rage.
The blend of emotional depth, fatherly love, and brutal action make Kratos an unforgettable character, and his journey of redemption is something that resonated with me on a deep level.
7. Ellie (The Last of Us Series)
“I’m not good at this. I’m not good at this.”
Ellie, the protagonist of The Last of Us, is a character who embodies resilience and hope in a post-apocalyptic world. What makes Ellie so compelling is her growth throughout the games—from a young, scared girl to a hardened survivor who will do anything to protect the ones she loves. Her journey is raw, emotional, and at times tragic, making her one of the most well-developed characters in gaming.
The relationship between Ellie and Joel is central to the narrative of The Last of Us, and their bond is filled with moments of tenderness, betrayal, and sacrifice. Ellie’s journey is one of survival, but also one of discovering who she is in a world that’s been ravaged by tragedy.
Her quiet strength, intelligence, and moral struggle make Ellie a character I connected with deeply, and her story is one that stays with you long after you’ve finished the game.
Conclusion
These characters, from Tracer’s optimism to Geralt’s moral complexity, represent the depth and diversity of online game storytelling. Whether they’re heroes, anti-heroes, or complex protagonists, each character stands out for their unique personality, story arc, and emotional resonance. They’ve all made a significant impact on me, influencing the way I approach storytelling, character development, and even the way I view leadership and personal growth.
Online games may be about competition, but the characters within them are what truly make them unforgettable.