Video games have become more popular today, than they’ve ever been. The mainstream embracing of video games has resulted in quite a lot of newbies purchasing the latest or the greatest titles. Obviously, when someone is new to a hobby, they look at what is most popular.
In the case of video games, the first thing that pops up when googling the most iconic video game characters are all characters that debuted in the 20th century. Mario, Sonic the Hedgehog, Link, and Samus Aran are all the pillars on which gaming was made.
But, modern audiences may be more interested in more recent characters. In this article, we would like to go over the most iconic video game characters of the 21st century. We will discuss what makes them interesting, and why they’ve endured for so long.
Heavy Weapons Guy – TF2
Team Fortress 2 is, in many people’s eyes, the progenitor of multiplayer online first-person shooter games. While that is not quite true, as online multiplayer FPS games did exist before TF2, it is absolutely true that the game played a huge role in popularizing the genre and inspiring modern games like Overwatch, Fortnite, etc.
The Team Fortress 2 cast consists of nameless characters, known only by their weapon or playstyle of choice. And of these choices, the most iconic and popular one is, without a doubt, the Heavy Weapons Guy. To many, a tank may not seem like a fun playstyle. But, the massive weapons and damage that the big guy deals make him a fan favorite. Of course, the memes centered around him didn’t hurt his popularity.
Heavy Weapons Guy was so popular, that he was even included in the first installment of the “Night at the Inventory” series, a crossover game series where notable video game characters gather together to play poker. With online casinos growing ever more popular in 2024, a lot of people are rediscovering Night at the Inventory. Sure, it can’t compare to the Drops and Wins games at BetFIRST, especially when they offer real cash prizes. But, the game does help to raise interest in poker, and in Team Fortress 2.
Online casinos, for those who may not know, are websites that host virtual versions of all of the most popular gambling games. At these websites, you could play poker, but also slots, blackjack, baccarat, and more. They are also incredibly newbie friendly, offering a ton of excellent welcome bonuses and promo codes.
Vaas Montenegro – Far Cry 3
Sometimes, it isn’t the hero that steals the show, but the villain. Video games have no lack of iconic villains, from Dracula of Castlevania to Bowser from Super Mario, and of course Link’s eternal enemy, Ganondorf. But, there is no doubt that in the 21st century, one of the most iconic villains in the video game world is the gun-slinging, fast-talking, philosophy-spewing drug trafficker, Vaas Montenegro.
Far Cry 3 is widely considered one of the best installments in the Far Cry series. And while it may not be as iconic as games like Street Fighter, Super Mario, or Legend of Zelda, the series has a huge following to this day. Part of the reason for that is Far Cry 3’s iconic villain, Vaas Montenegro. He is a constant source of fear for the game’s protagonist (and by extension player), defeating him and capturing him several times throughout the game.
When Jason Brody reaches the end of the line, and finally faces off against Vaas, the villain’s mind has degraded to a point where he is no longer in control. The drug-fueled final battle between the two remains one of the peaks in the Far Cry franchise, and an incredible showing of what video game developers are capable of when given free reign.
Freddy Fazbear – FNAF
Five Nights at Freddy’s released as an indie game in 2014, and has since become a superpower in the world of gaming. The franchise has grown to incredible levels, showing that if a game developer has enough passion, talent, and luck, anything is possible. In 2023, we even had a Five Nights at Freddy’s film adaptation, which, while reviled by critics, was mostly received positively by fans.
Of course, the game’s name references it’s major antagonist, Freddy Fazbear – an animatronic bear possessed by a vengeful spirit. The goal of the game is to spend five nights in the pizzeria where Freddy Fazbear entertained children. All the while, you are being hunted by the monstrous animatronic, and its “pals.”
The Dovahkiin – Elder Scrolls: Skyrim
It is hard to make an iconic character be the protagonist of an RPG. After all, the whole point is that the protagonist is anyone you want them to be. Though Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is no different, it is simultaneously so much different. When most people think of the Dragonborn, or Dovahkiin in the dragon’s tongue, there is one specific image that pops to mind.
The lone Viking warrior, standing atop a mountain as the air swirls around him. His front-facing horned helmet atop his head, and his medium armor adorning his body. While many might think it counter-intuitive to create such an iconic image for a character the player is supposed to build themselves, this one image of the Dovahkiin remains a staple of gaming. It is, in part, the reason why Skyrim is the most successful installment of the Elder Scrolls franchise.
Kratos – The God of War
Finally, we couldn’t end the list without bringing up the rage-fueled slayer of gods, both Greek and Nordic, Kratos. Born in Sparta, Kratos knew only war. As Ares’ most loyal servant, he swore to serve his god, as long as he had a family to come back to.
However, Ares betrayed the warrior, branding him with a blood-red streak and an ashen skin. Seeking revenge, Kratos brutally butchered the gods of Olympus, and managed to retire in Scandinavia. Years later, the God of War is called to action again to prevent Ragnarok.
Kratos has been the star of five games, including the original (or “Greek”) trilogy, and the “Ragnarok” duology. His pale-white skin, red mark, and dual-blades remain some of the most iconic images of modern gaming, and it will be a long time before the hero’s name is forgotten.