Video Games Where You’re Not The Main Character

Video Games Where You're Not The Main Character

As a seasoned gamer with years of gaming experience under my belt, I must say that the characters who truly shine in these games are often not the ones we initially expect. Take Yuna from Final Fantasy 10 for instance, she’s the real heroine, saving the world while Tidus is just her bodyguard. It’s a testament to her strength and resilience that she carries the story forward.


In many video games, players often assume the role of heroic figures such as Link from The Legend of Zelda or Master Chief from Halo series. These characters usually have stories that revolve around them. But there are instances where players take charge of characters whose actions may not significantly influence the overall storyline.

Throughout various video game titles, players often find themselves guiding characters who may not hold as much story importance as non-playable characters within the same game. These characters could be villains, secondary protagonists, or sidekicks. Instead of living the hero’s journey personally, players get to observe and experience it unfold, offering a unique perspective on epic tales.

8 Dragon Quest V

The Main Quest Is Finding The Real Hero

Video Games Where You're Not The Main Character

In the realm of the Dragon Quest series, no game has shown such grand ambition as Dragon Quest V. This role-playing game (RPG) revolves around the origin story of a Hero, the playable character. However, throughout the journey, it transpires that they are not the legendary hero their father, Pankraz, spent his life seeking to save his wife with, contrary to the tales he had been told and pursued.

In the course of the story, the main character embarks on a quest to find the fabled Hero. Eventually, it’s revealed that this Hero is none other than the player’s son, conceived twenty years into the narrative. Therefore, at the end of the game, it’s the player’s son who assumes the legendary Zenithian Sword and armor set. Interestingly, the traditional Hero was overlooked for a role in “Super Smash Bros” because he wasn’t proficient with swords.

7 Xenoblade Chronicles X

One Party Member Has A Higher Purpose

Video Games Where You're Not The Main Character

The often overlooked Wii U edition of the Xenoblade Chronicles series boasts one of Nintendo’s finest narratives. Xenoblade Chronicles X focuses on a conflict between the human inhabitants of planet Mira, under the guidance of the protective force known as BLADE, and the invasive Ganglion forces. Players assume control of a refugee avatar who finds themselves stranded on Mira after a crash landing.

In this game, the narrative primarily revolves around Elma, an early companion met on Mira, and the leader of BLADE. It’s disclosed that Elma belongs to the Ganglion race, which aided humanity in their escape from Earth and survival on Mira. Though players assume the role of a soldier in the conflict, it’s Elma who initiated all these events at the outset.

6 Metroid Prime: Federation Force

Faceless Soldiers Are Tasked With Saving Samus

Video Games Where You're Not The Main Character

Despite the fact that Samus is widely recognized as one of the most renowned video game heroines ever, there’s a single Metroid game where players don’t take control of her. In the 3DS game Metroid Prime: Federation Force, the story follows a rescue team of Galactic Federation marines who step up to save Samus when she is kidnapped by Space Pirates. This team doesn’t have a face or individual identities, which sets them apart from their iconic leader.

The newly launched game received a blend of positive and negative feedback, primarily because the main storyline was considered rather brief. However, its introduction of multiplayer features brought back memories of past victories for the series, such as Metroid Prime Hunters on DS. If the characters from the Galactic Federation had exhibited more depth and personality like Samus, players might have shown renewed interest in this 3DS game.

5 The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

Sean Bean Plays The Most Important Role

Video Games Where You're Not The Main Character

Players who are familiar with “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim” may be accustomed to being referred to as the chosen one or “Dragonborn.” But in contrast, the prequel, “The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion,” doesn’t bestow such a title. Instead, in this game, players strive to quell a cult-like rebellion that poses a threat to Tamriel. However, one character is pivotal to resolving the crisis.

In this game, you encounter Martin, famously portrayed by Sean Bean from “Game of Thrones,” whom your team rescues from an attack by a cult on Kvatch. As time goes on, it’s revealed that Martin is a bastard descendant of the emperor’s bloodline, placing him as the leader of a new rebellion. Unfortunately, his destiny in this tale takes a heartbreaking turn.

4 Fire Emblem Awakening

Everything Centers Around Chrom’s Family

Video Games Where You're Not The Main Character

It’s inaccurate to downplay the significance of the “Robin” character from the game Fire Emblem Awakening. Initially an amateur magician, Robin serves as a strategist for the Shepherds, a band of mercenaries led by Chrom, who is the brother of the ruler in Ylisse. However, it’s Chrom who carries the emotional burden of the story during the ongoing war against Plegia. In simpler terms, while Robin plays a crucial role as the strategist, it’s Chrom who experiences the heaviest emotional impact throughout the narrative.

In this tale, a significant figure often referred to as the main character is Lucina. She is Chrom’s daughter who journeys from the future with the aim of preventing her father’s demise. It seems that Chrom and Lucina are related by blood to the original hero of Fire Emblem, Marth. For almost half the narrative, Lucina disguises herself as Marth, strengthening the suggestion of her pivotal role in the series compared to Robin.

3 Final Fantasy 10

The Player Is The Bodyguard For The Real Heroine

Video Games Where You're Not The Main Character

In 2001, the game titled Final Fantasy X was launched on the PlayStation 2. Similar to other games in this series, it introduces a range of characters that one might deem heroic. However, it’s important to note that Tidus, who is playable and has an athletic build, serves as Yuna’s guardian. In truth, Yuna is the main character in the storyline, as she embarks on a journey aimed at vanquishing a monstrous entity referred to as “Sin.”

In the sequel to Final Fantasy 10-2, Yuna takes center stage as the main playable character, with Tidus mysteriously disappearing. However, in the earlier game, Yuna was a pivotal figure in the narrative, serving as the savior of the world, while Tidus was more her comrade. Despite this, their powerful dynamic has made both characters fan favorites within the series.

2 Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty

Solid Snake Takes A Backseat In This Game

Video Games Where You're Not The Main Character

It’s tough to conceive of a “Metal Gear Solid” game without Solid Snake, but the exception was “Sons of Liberty.” In reality, the game’s lead character stirred up debate when it was first released. Solid Snake only appears in select missions, while the game’s villain, Solidus Snake, is another clone who heads the title terror group.

As a devoted fan, I want to share that instead of controlling the main character, it’s actually Raiden who takes the spotlight. Initially introduced as a greenhorn agent, Raiden was later disclosed to be a child soldier molded by the Sons of Liberty. Although Raiden returned as the lead in “Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance”, series enthusiasts tend to favor games where they can embody the genuine hero, Solid Snake.

1 The Last Of Us

There’s A Lot That’s Special About Ellie

Video Games Where You're Not The Main Character

While it might appear straightforward to label Joel Miller as the lead character in the game “The Last of Us“, there’s much debate surrounding this topic. In the initial installment of the series, players predominantly control Joel, who is tasked with escorting a girl named Ellie, immune to the Cordyceps virus that has transformed the world into a zombie apocalypse. However, Joel’s actions throughout the game can be seen as those of an anti-hero rather than a traditional protagonist.

In the second installment of “The Last of Us” series, it’s evident that Ellie, who was primarily a secondary character in the first game, takes center stage. The game also offers players an extended playtime with Abby, initially presented as an antagonist, while Joel, our initial protagonist, is only playable for a limited period at the start of the game.

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2024-08-03 16:34