A Collection Of The Most Popular Game Characters For Cosplay

Did you know that the average person sits down to play a video game for roughly two hours a session? While this might seem like a lot of time, there are fanatics who devote much more attention and energy to this hobby and lifestyle than others—an almost inconceivable fact given these games were only first introduced in their most rudimentary form in 1958. Wouldn't it be wonderful if there was a way to bring the fantasy aspect of your favorite video game into the "real world" as well, allowing you to take the storyline with you throughout your daily endeavors? Well, game character cosplay allows you to do just that. In this article, we'll examine the popularity and appeal of video game characters in cosplay, several role recommendations, and top tips for embodying your chosen video game personality!

The Popularity Of Video Game Characters In Cosplay

When it comes to inviting the types of people into your life you want to attract (i.e. your "tribe), dressing up as your favorite character from a well-loved fictional world is a great way to separate the social wheat from the chaff. For example, if you dress as John Marston from Red Dead Redemption, you will easily be able to identify those who, at the very least, recognize your character and the spirit of the fantasy world you bring with you—and, at the very best, may even be dressed as another character from the same realm, such as Edgar Ross or Javier Escuella!

What Is The Primary Appeal Of Video Game Characters?

One of the most wonderful things about video game characters is the sheer diversity and range of archetypes and visual forms represented. From strong and captivating male and female characters to fantastical wizards, outrageous aliens, undead-fighting antiheroes, sensitive warriors, thieves, mystics, and a wide array of other characters spanning race, class, time, and possibility, there is truly no shortage to the sheer volume of opportunities for embodying a character from your most treasured pastime.

This is not to mention that the creators of video games spend countless hours honing a unique aesthetic and visual appeal for the characters bodies, clothing, weaponry, musical backing, and other stylistic details that really complete the cumulative illusion of the created world. With such detailed backstories and visual cues, it becomes relatively simple to be recognized as your character when out "in the real world" among other fans of your favorite video game.

Popular Role Recommendations

While there are dozens of beloved video games from over the years to choose from, we've compiled a list of the top five most iconic duos from some of our favorite games. These are as follows:

1. The Legend Of Zelda (Link And Zelda):

This iconic game needs almost no introduction—but we'll simply remind the readers of this fantastical realm of elven heroes and princesses. The relationship between Link and Zelda is complex and deep, with implications of romance that rarely come to light. Find your adventure buddy and divvy up the costumes accordingly—whether you opt for the recognizable blue tunic of Link or the regal getup of Zelda.

2. Final Fantasy (Cloud Strife And Tifa Lockhart):

Doubling down on the theme of heroes fighting against evil in a fantastical, mystical realm, we of course have the examples of Cloud Strife and Tifa Lockhart from Final Fantasy. This duo (also with romantic implications and a long and storied history together) is well-known for working together to overcome wicked forces in their journey of rebellion.

3. Fifth Personality (Mercenary Naib Subedar And Perfumer Vera Nair):

If you love horror and video games, you likely love Fifth Personality. With characters of the show predominately broken into "Survivors" and "Hunters," cosplayers have the opportunity to take on the daunting task of playing "sane" characters in an insane world. Whether you like the courageous history of the warrior mercenary Naib Subedar or the feminine and quirky backstory of perfumer Vera Nair, there is no shortage of visually stunning costumes to choose from!

4. Original Gods (Wriothesley And Neuvillette):

Looking to channel your inner hero seeking glory and spiritual ascension? Consider mining the rich world of Gods for characters to portray—such as the heroic Wriothesley or the powerful Neuvillette!

5. No Zone Zero (Nicole Demara And Ellen Joe):

These days, post-apocalyptic lore is really having a moment. No exception to this, No Zone Zero spotlights the story of a group of survivors, called Proxies, who fight to survive (and even thrive) in the world of New Eridu. Try out this spunky look from the leader of the Cunning Hares<, Nicole Demara, or the surprisingly nimble Ellen Joe.

Tips For Full Embodiment Of Your Chosen Character

Of course, understanding your chosen character's backstory as well as their role within the greater scheme of the game's story arc is vital to playing their part—but going the extra mile to put your cosplay look into practice can really help you sink into the joy of the character. Here are our top three tips for ensuring you really feel the part as well as look instantly recognizable:

1. Detailed Makeup: Never underestimate the power of well-applied makeup! Even if you don't physically closely resemble your chosen character, there are magnificent makeup tips and strategies that can emphasize your similarities to your character's features while minimizing differences. You will be amazed at how much more "in character" you feel after applying thoughtful and detail-oriented, character-specific makeup!

2. Nailing Character Body Language: While the words you'll speak while cosplaying will, of course, be essential in how you reflect your chosen role, consider other ways of communicating your character's internal world—such as the rich vocabulary of body language. For example, is your character confident and outgoing? Nervous and shy? Relaxed but prepared for anything? Do they have incredible physical or elemental powers that might impact the way they move through the world, or any historic injuries or aversions? These clues can all help you hone in on delivering an iconic performance that allows you to really personalize the role.

3. Language and Delivery: Finally, we come to your character's "lines." While pulling direct quotes from the video game lore is a surefire way to gain instant recognition amongst mutual fans, you can also dig a little deeper and verbalize the character's internal world as well. For example, are there any sub plots that explain your character's romantic life, or lack thereof? What about their deepest desires and motivations versus the reality of their daily quest? These types of details can help you to give your character a fresh life and grant you a unique perspective on their journey within the context of the game.

Whatever your flavor of video game cosplay, the richness of the lore coupled with the widespread fandom is a surefire recipe for fun, inviting opportunities to dig deeper into your favorite fantasy world, explore fresh aspects of yourself and a beloved character (or where the two overlap), and make new connections with fellow fans and cosplayers. Remember, with a little planning, dedication, and forethought, you can really elevate your chosen character cosplay concept to a performance that changes how you perceive not only the narrative of the game, but of yourself as well.