Underrated Characters Who Deserve More Recognition

7 October 2025

When we talk about iconic video game characters, names like Mario, Master Chief, Kratos, and Lara Croft dominate the conversation. They’re plastered all over merchandise, on posters at gaming expos, and mentioned in just about every “Top 10 Characters” list out there. But let’s be real for a second—some incredible characters are just chilling in the background, low-key saving the universe or delivering emotional gut punches, while hardly getting the credit they deserve.

So today, we’re shining a spotlight on the unsung heroes—the underrated characters who deserve more recognition. Grab your controller, because we’re diving deep.

Why Some Characters Get Left in the Shadows

Before we get to the list, let’s tackle the why. Why do some characters, even the super well-written or fun-to-play ones, end up buried under the hype train of more popular icons?

It often comes down to a few things:

- Main Character Bias: Side characters or NPCs rarely get center stage—even if they steal the show.
- Marketing Focus: Developers put their advertising dollars behind faces they think will sell the game.
- Story Structure: Some characters only get meaningful arcs in sequels, DLC, or offbeat side quests.
- Fanbase Oversight: Let's be honest, sometimes we just overlook them because they're not flashy or meme-able.

But you know what? That’s exactly why we need to talk about them.

1. Riz from Halo: Infinite

Let’s kick things off with someone who’s literally part of the crew but gets almost zero attention—Riz from Halo: Infinite. She’s a Spartan-II soldier on the same team as Master Chief, but while Chief grabs all the glory, Riz is right there in the trenches fighting the same battles.

What makes Riz memorable isn’t just her combat prowess (though she’s a total beast with a battle rifle). It’s her quiet resilience. She’s logical, grounded, and often the voice of calm. With more screen time and character development, she could’ve easily become a fan favorite.

Seriously, imagine a spin-off where she leads a team on a high-stakes mission. Tell me you wouldn’t play that.

2. Cait Sith from Final Fantasy VII

Now, I know what you're thinking—Cait Sith? That weird animatronic fortune-teller riding a giant Mog? But hear me out. Behind the oddball design and comic relief, there’s a layered character struggling with identity and morality.

Cait Sith is actually Reeve Tuesti, a Shinra executive trying to undermine the company from within. He risks his career, life, and reputation to help the heroes. He’s not flashy and doesn’t have a tragic backstory like Cloud or Tifa, but his moral conflict offers a unique perspective in a game packed with drama.

He’s the kind of character that gets more interesting the more you think about him—and that’s rare.

3. Kafei from The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask

Remember that side quest involving Anju and Kafei? Yeah, the one that had you running around all three days trying to reunite two lovers before the moon literally crashes into the world?

Kafei’s story is surprisingly deep for a side character. He’s a young man cursed into a child’s body and hides in shame, desperately trying to find a stolen mask and return to the woman he loves. His tale adds an emotional layer that stands out even in a game already full of eerie and poignant moments.

This side quest is optional—so many players miss it entirely—but those who complete it never forget it. That says a lot.

4. Faith Connors from Mirror’s Edge

Fast-paced parkour, a cyberpunk dystopia, and a protagonist who’s not over-sexualized or overexposed—Faith Connors is a gem. Mirror’s Edge may have been a niche title, but Faith stood out as a strong, competent, and believable character in a genre that often favors muscle over nuance.

She wasn’t a one-dimensional action hero—she had doubts, fears, and a strong moral code. The problem? The game underperformed commercially, and so she was quietly shelved rather than celebrated.

If Mirror’s Edge had caught fire like some other IPs, Faith could've been the face of a franchise.

5. Ellie from Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel and Borderlands 2

Sure, Borderlands is known for its zany humor and wild gameplay, but Ellie is one of the few characters who brings real heart to the chaos.

She’s a mechanic, body-positive, fiercely independent, and doesn’t take crap from anyone. While others are cracking jokes or going full psycho, Ellie is fixing ride after ride and keeping things grounded. And yet, she’s barely mentioned outside the fandom.

Ellie proves that personality doesn’t have to fit into a mold. She deserves way more praise for being one of the few "real" feeling characters in the franchise.

6. Luigi from Luigi’s Mansion Series

Okay, okay—Luigi isn’t exactly unknown. But let’s be honest, he’s still living in his brother’s shadow.

In the Luigi’s Mansion games, we see a different side of him: scared but brave, awkward but determined. The dude literally walks into haunted mansions with a vacuum cleaner. That's gutsy (and kind of hilarious).

His solo games show genuine character development and charm. He goes from a tag-along brother to a full-blown ghost-busting hero. And the best part? He never brags about it. Classic underdog move.

7. Midna from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

Let’s talk Midna. She starts off as a mysterious, slightly snarky guide, but by the end of the game, it’s clear she’s the emotional core of Twilight Princess.

Her development from manipulative sidekick to selfless ruler is one of the best arcs in any Zelda game. She’s witty, cunning, and ultimately heartbreaking. Yet, she often gets overshadowed by the likes of Zelda or Link.

Midna is no side character; she’s a co-protagonist. If there’s ever a Zelda game that needs a spinoff, make it hers.

8. Max from Life is Strange

Yeah, people know Life is Strange. But Max Caulfield? She doesn’t get nearly enough credit for being one of the most grounded protagonists in gaming.

She’s not a warrior. She’s not a chosen one. She’s just... Max. A regular girl with a camera and the ability to rewind time. Her strength lies in empathy, observation, and the courage to make impossible decisions.

While Chloe gets most of the spotlight due to her edgy vibe, Max is the real emotional anchor. Her story is subtle but powerful—and that’s exactly why more players should pay attention.

9. Garrus Vakarian from Mass Effect Series

Yes, hardcore fans love Garrus. But in general gaming discussions? He still doesn’t get the spotlight he deserves.

He’s a former cop with a growing disillusionment for broken systems. He wrestles with justice, vengeance, and loyalty. Plus, his bromance with Commander Shepard is easily one of the best friendships in gaming.

Garrus isn’t just backup—he’s the kind of ride-or-die companion everyone needs. Give the turian sniper some love, he’s earned it.

10. Delsin Rowe from Infamous: Second Son

Infamous: Second Son didn’t quite hit the same highs as its predecessors, but Delsin Rowe is one of the most misunderstood characters in PlayStation’s roster.

He’s cocky at first, sure—but underneath that is a genuine desire to protect his people and find his place in the world. His powers are super fun (smoke, neon, video, and concrete?!), and his relationship with his brother Reggie adds heart to the story.

Delsin never got to evolve in sequels like Cole MacGrath did. And that’s a shame. The potential was there.

So, What Makes a Character Truly Worth Remembering?

It’s not about how many cutscenes they get or how epic their boss fights are. Great characters stick with us because of how they make us feel. Their stories echo our own. Their struggles and triumphs resonate long after the credits roll. They don’t need flashy armor or a dozen sequels to matter.

Characters like Riz, Midna, and Kafei might be tucked away in side quests or background scenes—but they deserve to be on the main stage. So next time you’re playing, take a closer look at the people around your protagonist. You might just find a new favorite.

Final Thought: Let’s Celebrate the Unsung Heroes

Look, not everyone can be Master Chief or Mario. And that’s okay.

Sometimes the characters who whisper rather than shout can leave the biggest impact. So let’s start giving these underappreciated legends their due. Share your favorite underrated characters with your friends. Post about them. Cosplay them. Keep their stories alive.

Because every great game deserves an ensemble cast of heroes—and not all of them wear the crown.