Role-playing games have been a staple of gaming for decades, offering the opportunity to immerse ourselves in rich and detailed worlds and build relationships with a diverse cast of characters. One of the most important aspects of any RPG is the party members you choose to accompany you on your adventure.
Roleplaying party members provide combat skills, a unique perspective on the story, and emotional connections between players. They shape the genre and choosing the best can be a challenge as there are so many options available.
Beware of spoilers for some of the games here.
12 Varric Tethras – Dragon Age 2
Varric Tethras is a fan favorite character in Dragon Age 2, known for his quick wit and sharp tongue. As a rogue, he is a master of ranged combat and wields a powerful crossbow named Bianca, which can be upgraded throughout the game to deal more damage and have additional effects.
Varric’s unique ability lies in his storytelling skills, providing you with plenty of humorous jokes and engaging dialogue. He is a loyal friend of the game’s protagonist, Hawke, and plays a key role in the game’s narrative.
11 Frog – Chrono Trigger
Chrono Trigger’s Frog is known for his chivalry, bravery, and loyalty. He is a skilled swordsman and an asset in combat, capable of dealing great damage to enemies. Frog’s story is fascinating as he was once a human knight named Glenn who was turned into an anthropomorphic frog by the evil wizard Magus. Despite his transformation, the frog remains a loyal and honorable knight, determined to protect his friends and save the world from destruction.
Frog’s character is also compelling as he struggles with his identity and seeks revenge on the Magus. His unique appearance and personality make him one of the most memorable characters in the game.
10 Mordin Solus – Mass Effect series
Mordin Solus is a standout character in the Mass Effect series, known for his brilliant mind, unusual sense of humor, and unique perspective on the game’s many moral dilemmas. As a salarian scientist and trained combat medic, Mordin is valuable to Shepard’s team.
His loyalty mission in Mass Effect 2 is one of the most memorable moments in the game, and his sacrifice in Mass Effect 3 is one of the series’ most emotional moments. Mordin is a popular character who stands out for his intelligence, humor and compassion.
9 Yuna – Final Fantasy 10
Yuna is a key character in Final Fantasy 10, playing the role of a summoner tasked with defeating the game’s main antagonist, Sin. She is a powerful fighter who can summon aeons, powerful beings to aid her in battle. Yuna is also skilled in magic and has a range of powerful spells at her disposal, including the “Holy” spell.
Her selflessness and determination make her a revered character in the Final Fantasy franchise, and her journey through the game is one of the most memorable in the series.
8 9S – Nier: Automata
9S is a complex and interesting android in Nier: Automata, created to fight the machine life forms that have taken over the world. He is curious and intelligent, with an obsession to discover the truth about machines and the world. His hacking prowess reveals more about his identity, leading him down a dark path.
9S and 2B’s relationship deepens emotionally, but tragedy strikes when she kills him repeatedly to prevent him from discovering the truth. 9S offers a unique take on the themes of identity, obsession and sacrifice.
7 HK-47 – Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
HK-47 is a notable character in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and its sequel, known for his deadly skills and darkly humorous personality. As a droid programmed for assassination and combat, he is a formidable opponent equipped with a variety of weapons and capable of inflicting massive damage on enemies.
HK-47 has a unique way of referring to organic life forms as “meat bags”, providing some of the game’s most memorable moments. His quirky personality and darkly humorous comments add a touch of levity to the game’s otherwise serious story.
6 Minsc – Baldur’s Gate series
Minsc is a fan-favorite character from the Baldur’s Gate series, popular for his hilarious “Get in the eye, Boo!” dialogue, quirky personality, and his tendency to refer to himself in the third person. He is a warrior who brings his miniature giant space hamster Boo into battle.
Despite his carefree nature, Minsc is a skilled fighter, capable of dealing massive amounts of damage to his enemies with his “berserk” ability, while also making him immune to fear and charm effects. He also has the unique ability to speak with Boo, his constant companion, which adds to his lovable and quirky personality.
5 Tifa Lockhart – Final Fantasy 7 Remake
Tifa Lockhart is a key character in Final Fantasy 7 Remake, known for her impressive martial arts skills and close combat abilities. She is a powerful fighter who can deal massive damage with her Limit Break ability. Tifa is also a support character who can heal and shield her allies in battle.
Her story is an important component of the game’s narrative, revealing her deep connections with other characters and her motivations for fighting the game’s villains. Overall, Tifa is a popular character who stands out for her strength, compassion, and determination.
4 KOS-MOS – Xenosaga
KOS-MOS is a powerful android from the Xenosaga series known for his exceptional technical skills and combat abilities. She is a prominent party member, capable of dealing massive damage to enemies and providing valuable support to her team, making her a force to be reckoned with in battles.
The backstory of KOS-MOS is interesting, as she was created as a weapon for a secret organization, but later she becomes sane and questions her purpose. Her quest for self-discovery and finding meaning beyond her initial programming adds a layer of depth to her character, making her a compelling figure in the game.
3 Garrus Vakarian – Mass Effect series
Garrus Vakarian is another fan favorite in the Mass Effect series, serving as Shepard’s loyal right-hand man throughout the trilogy. As a Turian, he is a skilled sniper and has a range of unique abilities, including the “Turian Rebel” ability which can stun enemies, making him a valuable asset in combat.
Garrus is also a complex character who provides valuable insight into the complex political landscape of the game. He is Shepard’s loyal friend, providing guidance and support through the game’s many challenges. Garrus is a popular character who stands out for his unique skills and unwavering loyalty.
2 Kreia – Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2
Kreia is a complex and interesting character from Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2, known for his philosophical musings and mysterious past. She is a valuable party member who provides wisdom and guidance to your character as they navigate the events of the game.
Kreia’s story is a fascinating one as she was once a Jedi Master but was banished from the order for her unconventional beliefs. Her role as your mentor and her motivations for doing so are central to the game’s story, making her an engaging and memorable character.
1 Aerith Gainsborough – Final Fantasy 7 Remake
Aerith Gainsborough is also a key character from Final Fantasy 7 Remake. The flower seller is known for her kind and compassionate nature, as well as her magical abilities. As the last of the Cetra, Aerith has a unique connection to the planet and is a key player in the events of the game.
Her relationship with Cloud, the game’s protagonist, is one of the most iconic romances in RPG history, adding an emotional element to the story. Aerith’s tragic fate, culminating in her heartbreaking death, cements her status as one of the game’s most memorable and influential characters.