Horror movies often feature strong and memorable female characters, famously known as “Scream Queens.” Classic examples include Alice Hardy from Friday the 13th, Laurie Strode from Halloween, and Nancy Thompson from A Nightmare on Elm Street. Though female leads are less common in horror games, there have still been some great ones.
Though not strictly a horror character, Samus Aran from the Metroid series is definitely a gaming icon. Because she’s mostly silent, it’s difficult to compare her to other famous female characters known for their screams. This ranking will focus on how well-developed each character is and what they do, without revealing any plot details.
10. Alexandra Roivas
Just Looking Into Her Grandfather
Alexandra Roivas is the central character in Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem, a highly-regarded horror game originally released for the GameCube. She visits her grandfather’s mansion to investigate his death, and soon discovers she can sense the presence of spirits. The game frequently switches perspectives to these other characters, sometimes leaving Alexandra’s story on hold, but she remains crucial to the overall narrative. Alexandra is driven to uncover the truth behind her grandfather’s murder and bravely faces terrifying mental and physical challenges, including disturbing visions and even zombie-like intrusions into her mind, within the mansion’s walls.
9. Amanda Ripley
Where’s Mommy
Amanda Ripley, the daughter of the iconic Ellen Ripley from the movie Alien, is the main character in the game Alien: Isolation. The game takes place between the first and second Alien films and follows Amanda’s desperate search for her missing mother. While investigating a seemingly abandoned spaceship, she encounters dangerous threats, including malfunctioning androids and terrifying Xenomorphs. Though she hasn’t had combat training, Amanda proves to be as resourceful and resilient as her mother, fighting to survive.
8. Selene Vassos
Something Doesn’t Feel Right
In the game Returnal, Selene Vassos finds herself stranded on a mysterious, hostile planet after a crash landing. This planet is full of dangerous creatures, but the real mystery lies in its ever-changing environment. As a roguelike shooter, the planet’s layout constantly shifts, and with each cycle, Selene uncovers fragments of her past. The game poses a haunting question: why does she recognize her own home within the planet’s depths, a place she’s never been before? Returnal is a deeply psychological thriller with a surprisingly bleak ending, leaving players to ponder how Selene managed to cope with the harrowing events.
7. Hinako Shimizu
Pill Time
Hinako Shimizu is the main character in Silent Hill f, a new installment that’s the first in the series to take place in Japan. The game is set in the 1960s and follows Hinako, a typical girl who runs away after arguing with her parents. While heading to meet friends, she finds herself trapped in a terrifying situation when one friend dies and the town is overrun by strange, plant-like entities and doll-like creatures.
Initially, Hinako appears quiet and unfazed by everything happening around her. However, as she delves deeper into the shrine world, her personality begins to change. It’s during these stressful and frightening experiences that she really stands out as a compelling, yet disturbing, horror protagonist.
6. Aya Brea
One Of Those Days
Aya Brea is the main character in all three Parasite Eve games. The first game follows her as a New York City detective investigating strange, paranormal attacks. While it’s her first time battling monsters and discovering she has psychic powers – like shooting fire – Aya remains composed and professional. Despite the game lacking voice acting, players still connect with Aya’s experiences, which is a testament to the developer’s skill in storytelling through text.
5. Jesse Faden
Taking Command
In the game Control, Jesse Faden starts as an ordinary woman searching for her brother, Dylan, at the Federal Bureau of Control. She quickly finds the Bureau has been taken over by a mysterious force. After gaining a powerful, shape-shifting weapon, Jesse begins a deep dive into the Bureau, determined to find Dylan and help anyone else she can. The game follows Jesse’s journey of self-discovery, as she unlocks her powers, gains confidence, and becomes a leader. To fully immerse yourself in the experience and hear the details of Jesse’s world, playing with headphones is highly recommended.
4. Claire Redfield
A Matured Survivor
Claire Redfield is a standout female character in horror gaming, first appearing in Resident Evil 2. Although she’s been in several good games, Resident Evil: Revelations 2 really showcases her growth as a character. The game puts her on a dangerous prison island where she uses her skills to protect Moira, a friend’s daughter. Claire is capable of handling the monsters herself, while also providing emotional support and reassurance to Moira. This gives her a maternal side, but the game skillfully avoids portraying her as vulnerable because of it.
3. Heather Mason
Not Amused
Heather Mason is the main character in Silent Hill 3 and the daughter of Harry Mason, the hero of the original Silent Hill game. She simply wants to return home, but becomes stuck in the town of Silent Hill, a place that constantly changes and blurs the line between what’s real and not.
Heather isn’t a child, but even as a teenager, the frightening events are incredibly difficult for her to handle. She doesn’t become a powerful fighter, but she finds the strength to survive. Compared to many female characters in horror games, Heather feels more believable because her reactions and struggles are portrayed realistically, making her a relatable protagonist.
2. Ellie Williams
They Took Everything
In The Last of Us Part 2, Ellie Williams is the main character, stepping out of her supporting role from the first game. She faces immense hardship throughout the story, as life throws constant challenges her way. From dangerous raiders to terrifying Clickers, Ellie fights to protect herself and those she cares about. By the end, she’s significantly changed, offering players a grim and realistic portrayal of the destructive power of revenge.
1. Jill Valentine
Stronger Than Before
Jill Valentine is often considered a pioneer for strong female characters in horror video games, first appearing in the groundbreaking Resident Evil, which helped define the survival horror genre. While her initial appearance was impactful, many fans agree that the 2020 remake of Resident Evil 3 showcases her best portrayal yet. After escaping the Spencer Mansion, Jill is determined to permanently dismantle the Umbrella Corporation, bringing her back to Raccoon City. There, she faces not only hordes of zombies, but also the relentless pursuit of Nemesis. This installment is one of the most action-packed in the series, and Jill proves she’s a capable and powerful heroine.
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2025-12-25 02:38