Best Upcoming Video Game Heroes

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Man, it’s crazy to think about how long Mario’s been around! Nintendo probably didn’t even imagine when they first made him that he’d still be a huge deal after forty years. Back in the 80s and 90s, every company was trying to create their own mascot character, hoping to catch some of Mario’s lightning. There were mascots everywhere for a while, but that whole thing just faded out eventually.

Video games have given us some truly memorable heroes who remain popular long after their games are released, like Mario, Master Chief, and Pikachu. Looking ahead to 2026, which new games might introduce characters with the potential to become similarly iconic figures in the gaming world? Let’s take a look at some likely candidates.

Grace Ashcroft

Resident Evil Requiem’s Scared Femme Fatale

Grace Ashcroft is the main character in Resident Evil Requiem, the ninth major installment in the Resident Evil series. Her backstory connects to a previously established, but often overlooked, character: Alyssa Ashcroft, her mother. Alyssa was a reporter featured in Resident Evil Outbreak for the PlayStation 2. She was a playable character in that game, which was one of the series’ first attempts at multiplayer, putting players in control of survivors trying to escape the Raccoon City outbreak.

Set years after the destruction of Raccoon City, Resident Evil Requiem follows FBI agent Grace as she investigates a string of murders. While trailers show her as hesitant and easily startled, she shares a similarity with Ethan Winters from previous games – initially unprepared for the horrors she faces, but potentially capable of becoming a legendary hero. The question is, can Grace conquer her fears and become as memorable a character as Resident Evil icons like Jill Valentine and Claire Redfield?

Jack Pepper

Mouse: P.I. For Hire’s Hard-Boiled Detective

Get ready for Mouse: P.I. for Hire, a new first-person shooter coming to most gaming systems! Inspired by the classic cartoons of the 1930s—much like Cuphead—this game has a unique black and white visual style. You play as Jack Peppers, a clever and confident detective who solves cases around town. He’s a tough guy, equipped with guns, explosives, and a sharp wit to get the job done.

Jack has the potential to be a memorable character, and the game’s unique hand-drawn art style is already helping him stand out. Adding to this, veteran voice actor Troy Baker, known for roles like Joel Miller in The Last of Us and Booker DeWitt in BioShock Infinite, will be voicing Jack. Given Baker’s experience playing a detective in BioShock Infinite, he’s well-suited to bring Jack’s hard-boiled detective persona to life. Even smaller, independent games can become incredibly popular – Jack could definitely become a favorite, especially among fans of Cuphead.

Arjun Devraj

Saros Is The Roguelike Follow-up To Returnal

Arjun Devraj stars in Saros, the new game from the creators of Returnal. Like Returnal, it’s a challenging, action-packed experience with a spooky atmosphere and roguelike elements. In Saros, players take on the role of Arjun, who must explore a colony on the planet Carcosa and overcome various enemies. A key difference from Returnal is that Saros will allow players to gain more permanent upgrades, making each playthrough a little easier and letting them become more powerful over time.

Arjun is determined to protect someone, and he’s willing to repeatedly return from death to do so. The game Saros has a special advantage: Arjun is played by Rahul Kohli, an actor known for his performances in shows like iZombie and The Haunting of Bly Manor. Fans are hoping Kohli will bring the same depth and power to the role of Arjun as he has to his other characters.

James Bond

007 First Light Is An Origin Story For Bond

Okay, so James Bond isn’t new to gaming, obviously. He’s been around forever – first appearing in the book Casino Royale way back in ’53, and then the first big movie, Dr. No, came out in ’62. The first Bond game I remember was Shaken but Not Stirred in ’82. But honestly, it’s been over a decade since we’ve had a truly new Bond game – 007 Legends in 2012 wasn’t great. Now, IO Interactive – the folks behind Hitman – are taking a shot at it in 2026 with 007 First Light, and I’m cautiously optimistic!

Okay, so the new game is set now, in the present day, but it’s an origin story for Bond. He’s basically a rookie – not a fully trained agent yet. They’re going for a more impulsive, less polished Bond, which I think is a cool idea. He’s definitely more of a risk-taker and a bit rough around the edges. Visually, they’re aiming for something between the Bonds played by Daniel Craig and Pierce Brosnan – a bit of that gritty realism mixed with some classic adventurousness. He looks way more scrappy and eager in 007 First Light than we’re used to.

Jason Duval/Lucia Caminos

Grand Theft Auto 6 Dual Protagonists

Despite releasing two trailers, many screenshots, and pushing back the release date twice, Rockstar still hasn’t officially confirmed who you’ll play as in Grand Theft Auto 6. While footage suggests Jason Duval will be a playable character, his partner, Lucia Caminos, might be as well. GTA 5 let players control three different main characters equally, so even if Jason and Lucia aren’t both playable, they both have the potential to become popular gaming figures when the game comes out in 2026.

It’s still uncertain if Grand Theft Auto 6 will be released in 2026. Early reports suggest the game begins with Jason doing handyman work for a landlord in Vice City, before Lucia is released from prison. The pair then quickly return to a life of crime, potentially leading to a tragic end similar to the story of Bonnie and Clyde. Rockstar Games often features characters who experience a fall from grace, so a dramatic outcome is definitely possible.

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2025-11-14 14:39