The gaming world has evolved significantly over the last few decades, becoming increasingly diverse and inclusive. A shining example of this progress is the representation of LGBTQ+ characters, including lesbian characters that have resonated with players. Here, we celebrate 12 of the best lesbian characters in games who’ve made their mark on the industry.

1. Ellie (The Last of Us series)- Ellie captured everyone’s heart as a tenacious survivor in a post-apocalyptic world. With her sexuality explored more deeply in “The Last of Us Part II,” she stands out as a fully-realized character.

2. Tracer (Overwatch)- As one of the flagship characters of Blizzard’s immensely popular team shooter, Tracer made headlines when it was revealed that she has a girlfriend, making her one of the most recognizable lesbian characters in gaming.

3. Chloe Price (Life is Strange)- In the narrative-driven adventure “Life is Strange,” Chloe’s complex relationship with her best friend Max Caulfield touches on themes of friendship, love, and grief, offering layers to her character that gamers found compelling.

4. Billie Lurk (Dishonored series)- Appearing in “Dishonored 2” and its standalone expansion “Death of the Outsider,” Billie is not only an intriguing anti-hero but also openly gay within the game’s narrative.

5. Parvati Holcomb (The Outer Worlds)- Parvati quickly became a fan favorite for her sweet-natured personality and her touching quest to navigate her feelings for another woman in “The Outer Worlds.”

6. Maxis (Apex Legends)- Apex Legends featured Maxis as an openly lesbian legend with a background story steeped in both tragedy and triumph.

7. Cremisius “Krem” Aclassi (Dragon Age: Inquisition)- Krem is a trans man who’s included here because his inclusion represents part of the broader LGBTQ experiences represented in games. His presence in Dragon Age: Inquisition breaks new ground for representation.

8. Riley Abel (The Last of Us: Left Behind)- As Ellie’s friend and love interest in the DLC “Left Behind,” Riley plays a pivotal role in the emotional depth and growth of Ellie’s character.

9. Fiora Cavazza (Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood) – While less known than other characters on this list, Fiora shows Ubisoft’s early attempts to include diverse sexual orientations within their games’ sprawling histories.

10. Amanda Holliday (Destiny series) – Holliday is a sweetheart among fans due to her modesty and excellence as a mechanic. While not outwardly expressed within game narratives, developers confirmed her sexuality.

11. Dusa (Hades)- From Supergiant Games’ hit indie title “Hades”, Dusa may not be human, but she is explicitly attracted to women, offering another layer to this mythology-rich adventure game.

12. Ivy Valentine (Soulcalibur series) – While debate over Ivy’s sexuality exists due to portrayal across different games, many fans read Ivy as representing queer strength – being independent and unapologetically herself.

These characters have contributed significantly to the representation of lesbian characters across various genres and game worlds – breaking barriers and enriching video game storytelling with authentic diversity.