Ranked: The Best Female Video Game Characters

1. Ciri (Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon) - The Witcher

The Witcher's Ciri was voted the best female video game character by a long shot, with almost three quarters of gamers (72%) selecting her as their favourite female character. Her personal charm and fantastic swordsmanship skills make Ciri's character a fan favourite. One thing's for sure: Geralt of Rivia would be proud to see his daughter winning yet another battle.

2. Lara Croft - Tomb Raider

Lara Croft is one of the most iconic video game characters of all time, so it should come as no surprise that gamers have voted her as their second favourite female video game character. Picking up two thirds of the vote (66%), it seems Croft is a hit with gamers thanks to her thrilling quest to discover the world's most powerful and dangerous artefacts, as well as uncovering some of the most mysterious locations.

3. Princess Zelda - The Legend of Zelda

The Legend of Zelda is one of the most popular game series ever created since its release in 1986, so it comes as no surprise that Zelda herself takes the third spot, as voted by 63% of gamers.

While each game follows a similar blueprint focusing on saving Zelda from evil (usually Ganon), her character is everything but a damsel in distress. In fact, Zelda's impressive knowledge and strength are instrumental in helping Link overcome obstacles and defeat enemies - especially in later games...

4. Ellie - The Last of Us

As the potential cure to a virus outbreak, Ellie from the Last of Us knows emotional and physical trauma like few others. Navigating through a post-apocalyptic United States and evading zombies with Joel as she goes, Ellie is the epitome of a strong female character. Therefore, it's no wonder that she has won the appreciation of 57% of British gamers!

5. Princess Peach - Super Mario Bros.

It seems Mario and Bowser aren't the only people obsessed with Princess Peach, as half of gamers (53%) have named her as their favourite female video game character, ranking her in fifth place. Don't let her princess persona fool you, though! Many Super Mario fans will testify that Princess Peach is by no means weak, and she makes the perfect character for playing all your favourite games, from Mario Kart to Super Smash Bros.

6. Clementine - The Walking Dead

Living in a zombie-filled world can be pretty overwhelming, especially for an 8-year-old like Clementine from The Walking Dead. However, despite this, her character's strong will, perseverance and intelligence not only keep her alive, but make her one of the best video game characters of all time, according to 49% of gamers.

7. Elizabeth - Bioshock Infinite

Fans of Bioshock Infinite will be pleased to see Elizabeth voted as the best female character by 48% of gamers! Elizabeth is a favourite for almost half of gamers for her wealth of knowledge (from picking locks to medical treatments), as well as her strong determination to smash her goals and overcome stressful situations quickly - especially when trying to stop Comstock!

8. Cortana - Halo

Halo's AI character, Cortana, was picked by 45% of gamers as their favourite female video game character. Her vast intelligence and capabilities ensure she is ready to tackle anything in her path with ease and excellence, so it's no wonder she makes the top 10 most popular female characters.

9. Alyx Vance - Half-Life

Alyx Vance from the Half-Life series is the ninth best female video game character on the list, with 41% of gamers naming this character as their favourite. Alyx is one of the most important characters in this popular video game series as she single-handedly comes to the rescue of Gordon countless times throughout the game and uses her impeccable hacking skills to get them out of trouble.

10. Tifa Lockhart - Final Fantasy

Lastly, the tenth favourite female video game character is Tifa Lockhart from the Final Fantasy series. Tifa is always found caring for everyone but herself, providing a sanctuary for those in need. Her selfless attitude clearly strikes a chord among gamers as Tifa has been deemed a fan favourite since her first appearance in 1997, so it should come as no surprise that her character has been voted as one of the most popular of all time.