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| Ubisoft - Yasuke in Assassin's Creed Shadows |
The 2020s have already brought a wave of Black video game characters who aren’t just side notes, they’re fully realized heroes, antiheroes, and iconic figures shaping their worlds. From fast-paced shooters to story-driven RPGs, fighting games, and indie gems, this decade has shown that Black representation in gaming is growing stronger, bolder, and more diverse than ever.
Whether it’s a main protagonist like Frey Holland in Forspoken, a tactical powerhouse like Wyll in Baldur’s Gate 3, or a stylish fighter like Kimberly in Street Fighter 6, these characters prove that the 2020s are a time for Black gamers to see themselves reflected in every corner of the virtual universe.
20. Rani - The Gunk
Rani, the tiny but gutsy protagonist of The Gunk, is a scavenger who has arrived on an alien planet with her partner Becks. Despite her small stature, she faces the planet’s corruption head-on, getting her hands dirty and tackling every challenge with fearless determination.
19. Dolores - King of Fighters XV
Dolores, one of the few African characters in The King of Fighters series, is a revered psychic hermit from the Hinterlands. She wields “holy soil” with deadly precision, blending style, strength, and a striking presence that sets her apart on the roster.
18. Isaac - The Last Of Us Part II
Isaac, from The Last of Us Part II, is the secondary antagonist of Abby Anderson’s story. A former Marine and ruthless leader of the Washington Liberation Front (WLF), he sought war against the Seraphites. Despite limited screentime, his menacing presence is amplified by Jeffrey Wright’s stellar performance, making Isaac one of the most underrated villains of recent years, a truly evil man whose impact lingers far beyond his scenes.
17. Cherry Hunter - Streets Of Rage 4
Cherry Hunter, daughter of Adam Hunter, continues the family legacy as a vigilante in the Streets of Rage 4. Replacing her iconic uncle Skate, she rocks out with her guitar while bashing enemies’ skulls, blending music, style, and combat as a fierce new street fighter.
16. Zau - Tales of Kenzera 
ZAU, from Tales of Kenzera, is like the second coming of Akuji the Heartless with a dash of Black Panther. A young shaman on a mission to capture the spirits of three monsters as offerings to Kalunga, the God of Death, he seeks to revive his father. With his mix of cunning, power, and charisma, ZAU stands out as a bold and unforgettable hero in modern RPGs.
15. Saga Anderson - Alan Wake 2
Saga Anderson, from Alan Wake II, is a determined and compelling protagonist portrayed by the gorgeous Melanie Liburd, who played Carrie Milgram in Power Book II: Ghost (2020–2022). She guides players through the eerie mysteries of Bright Falls with grit, intelligence, and unshakable resolve, making her a standout presence in the game’s narrative.
Marisa is one of the three main protagonists of Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes and appears front and centre on the cover. Designed by Yoshitaka Murayama, she continued his rare tradition of meaningful Black representation in JRPGs before his untimely death.
13. Nagoriyuki - Guilty Gear - Strive
Nagoriyuki, from Guilty Gear -Strive, is one of the coolest fighting game designs in recent memory. Clearly inspired by Yasuke, the legendary Black samurai, he’s cold as ice and exudes boss-level presence, proving that even outside the biggest franchises, Guilty Gear can create unforgettable characters.
12. Niles Abara - The Outer Worlds 2
Niles Abara, from The Outer Worlds 2, is a charismatic companion who brings wit, skill, and personality to the player’s crew. As a fully realized character in a sprawling sci-fi RPG, he adds depth, humor, and a fresh perspective, making him a standout presence in the game’s narrative.
11. Trace - Fortnite
Trace, from Fortnite, is easily one of the coolest skins in recent memory. With a fresh, modern, and sleek design, he doesn’t need to talk, his look alone is loud, stylish, and impossible to ignore.
10. Troy Marshall - Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Colonel Troy Marshall, from Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and 7, is a tough, no-nonsense soldier with a cool design dripping in ’90s style. A former CIA operative turned JSOC officer, he leads Frank Woods’ Rogue Black Ops team and is playable in story missions and multiplayer/Warzone 2.0.
10. Wyll Ravengard - Baldur's Gate 3
Wyll Ravengard, the Blade of Frontiers from Baldur’s Gate 3, is a noble-born warlock and skilled monster hunter. Living in Baldur’s Gate during the late 15th century DR, his charm, skill, and sense of justice make him a standout companion in the game’s sprawling narrative.
9. Frey Holland - Forspoken
Frey Holland, from Forspoken, is a chatty yet realistic teen from New York City, suddenly lost in a sprawling fantasy world. Portrayed by British actress Ella Balinska, she’s a cute, confident girl who faces hatred simply for being herself, making her a relatable and compelling protagonist.
7. Dr Slone - Fortnite
Dr. Slone, from Fortnite, is one of the franchise’s best villains. While her innocent appearance is deceiving, she’s a genius mastermind with surprising depth, a fantastic design, and a presence that goes far beyond skin-deep appeal or sexualized imagery.
6. Nessa - Pokemon Sword
Nessa, from Pokémon Shield, is the sleek and slender Water-type Gym Leader of Hulbury. With her confident personality and commanding presence in battle, she stands out as one of the most memorable Pokémon trainers not only in the Galar region, but in the entire Pokémon franchise.
5. Dre'Quan Priest - GTA 6
Dre’Quan Priest, from Grand Theft Auto VI, is a rapper, hustler, and rising force in Vice City. Running his own label, Only Raw Records, and linked with the rap duo Real Dimez, he embodies the “Hustler Over Gangster” archetype, grinding on the streets while chasing fame, clout, and legacy.
4. Yasuke - Assassin's Creed Shadows
Yasuke, the Black Samurai in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, draws inspiration from the real African warrior who served under Oda Nobunaga in feudal Japan. Shrouded in mystery yet commanding respect with his skill and presence, Yasuke brings historical depth and intrigue to the franchise, making him one of the coolest and most complex protagonists in Assassin’s Creed history.
3. Kimberly - Street Fighter 6
Kimberly, from Street Fighter 6, may be a bit of a weeb, but she’s a clean, stylish one who loves all things ’80s. Replacing Guy in the series, she brings fresh energy, flair, and personality to the roster, making her one of the best newcomers in years.
2. Hazel - South of Midnight
Hazel, from South of Midnight, tells a personal and unforgettable story about a country girl immersed in Southern folklore. Not your typical protagonist, she’s full of grit and heart, brought to life by Adriyan Rae, making Hazel one of the most memorable characters of 2025 and stars in a game which is a standout contender for Game of the Year.
Colt - Deathloop
Colt, from Deathloop, is smooth as Sade’s “Operator”, straight out of a ’70s blaxploitation movie. Voiced by Jason E. Kelley, he’s caught in an endless time loop on Blackreef, seeing the island as a prison while everyone else thinks it’s paradise. Determined to break the cycle, he must eliminate the eight Visionaries, blending style, wit, and deadly precision in every move.