The 10 Best Video Game Character Arcs, Ranked

A new ranking identifies the 10 best pre-set character arcs in video game history, with Arthur Morgan from Red Dead Redemption 2 taking the top spot. The list highlights figures like Joel Miller and Abby Anderson from The Last of Us series. The ranking excludes player-driven arcs from games like Disco Elysium, focusing instead on fixed narratives. Other entries include Kratos from God of War, Senua from Hellblade, and Niko Bellic from Grand Theft Auto IV, each praised for their emotional depth and moral complexity. The list spans classics from 2004 to 2020, including The Boss from Metal Gear Solid 3 and Lee Everett from The Walking Dead. These arcs are celebrated for subverting traditional hero tropes and exploring themes like redemption, sacrifice, and psychological struggle.