The Official GOAT List: Ranking the Greatest Video Game Characters of All Time
Diving into the 'Greatest Video Game Characters of All Time' debate on GoatWars is like stepping into a pop culture gladiator arena. You think it's just about picking favorites? Think again. This is where friendships are tested over whether Mario’s resilience trumps Sonic's speed, or if Pikachu’s electric charm shocks more than Lara Croft’s dual-wielding daredevilry. Fans don’t just argue about who beats who in a fight; they dissect pixel histories, iconic game moments, and even evolution of character designs—because apparently, polygon counts and voice actor changes are make-or-break! It’s intense, with people wielding nostalgia like a battle axe, making for some epic showdowns fueled by everything from game mechanics to emotional backstory investments. Just when you think it's all fun and games, someone brings up a character's cultural impact, and suddenly, it’s as serious as a final boss fight.
1. MARIO (SUPER MARIO)
Mario (Super Mario) is currently the #1 Greatest Video Game Characters of All Time winning 81.5% head-to-head battles.
2. SONIC THE HEDGEHOG
Sonic the Hedgehog is currently the #2 Greatest Video Game Characters of All Time winning 58.7% head-to-head battles.
3. PIKACHU (POKÉMON)
Pikachu (Pokémon) is currently the #3 Greatest Video Game Characters of All Time winning 57.6% head-to-head battles.
4. LARA CROFT (TOMB RAIDER)
Lara Croft (Tomb Raider) is currently the #4 Greatest Video Game Characters of All Time winning 56.3% head-to-head battles.
5. LINK (ZELDA)
Link (Zelda) is currently the #5 Greatest Video Game Characters of All Time winning 53.1% head-to-head battles.
6. MASTER CHIEF (HALO)
Master Chief (Halo) is currently the #6 Greatest Video Game Characters of All Time winning 51.1% head-to-head battles.
7. KRATOS (GOD OF WAR)
Kratos (God of War) is currently the #7 Greatest Video Game Characters of All Time winning 39.4% head-to-head battles.
T8. SOLID SNAKE (METAL GEAR SOLID)
Solid Snake (Metal Gear Solid) is currently tied for the #8 Greatest Video Game Characters of All Time winning 30.2% head-to-head battles.
T8. CLOUD STRIFE (FINAL FANTASY VII)
Cloud Strife (Final Fantasy VII) is currently tied for the #8 Greatest Video Game Characters of All Time winning 30.2% head-to-head battles.
10. SAMUS ARAN (METROID)
Samus Aran (Metroid) is currently the #10 Greatest Video Game Characters of All Time winning 20.0% head-to-head battles.
Other Popular Pop Culture & Characters Leagues To Battle In
Cereal Mascots
SNL Cast Members
Superheroes
Iconic TV Duos