The 50 Greatest Heroines In Video Game History

From Anya Stroud to Samus Aran, we examine the top 50 female heroes in games.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Female video game characters often have a hard time keeping their dignity intact in digital worlds that are, more often than not, ruled and controlled by men. Nevertheless, there are those special heroines who stand out from the pack and really make a mark on the industry—and not just with their breasts, either. It's a true rarity, we know, but it does happen.

Discussions among gamers in 2012 turned to questioning sexism and male privilege in the industry more than ever before. It's a discussion that desperately needs to be had, and to celebrate, we've compiled our list of the 50 greatest heroines in gaming history.

We tried not to leave anyone too important out, but of course we're only human, so please let us know if your favorite heroine isn't on the list. Maybe we'll even give her an honorable mention.

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Ellen

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Rayne

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Alicia Claus

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Jennifer Tate

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Cate Archer

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April Ryan

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Coco Bandicoot

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Carla Valenti

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Lilith

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Madison Paige

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Alex Roivas

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Lightning

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Zoey

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Manon Batiste

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Heather Mason

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Aya Brea

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Konoko

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Zoya

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Anya Stroud

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Alyx Vance

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Jill Valentine

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Chell

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Hana

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Sam

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Meryl Silverburgh

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Shanoa

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Shantae

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Chris Lightfellow

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Peach

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Yuna

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Kris

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Curly Brace

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Nariko

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Amaterasu

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Clementine

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Bonnie MacFarlane

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Jeanne d'Arc

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Tifa Lockhart

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Lara Croft

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Bayonetta

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Liara T'Soni

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Terra Branford

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Jade

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Chun-Li

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Aveline de Grandpré

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Joanna Dark

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Commander Shephard

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Faith

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Zelda

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Samus Aran

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