In video games, certain fantasy races have become iconic symbols of the genre, captivating players with unique characteristics and rich lore. Some have become household names since they are huge players in shaping the game narratives and making the world more alive.
From the noble and righteous Draenei to the fierce and cunning Skaven, these fantasy races have left a lasting impact on the gaming community, becoming beloved staples of the fantasy genre. Dive into the origins, traits, and cultural significance of these iconic fantasy races that continue to enchant and inspire gamers worldwide.
10 Khajiit – The Elder Scrolls Franchise
- Notable Characters: J'zargo and M'aiq the Liar.
The Khajiit is a race of humanoid cat-like creatures originating from the province of Elsweyr within The Elder Scrolls universe. Their appearances range from small and slender to large and muscular and possess fur patterns and colors. They often refer to themselves in the third person and are skilled traders, thieves, and acrobats.
The Khajiit's popularity among players is also because they are one of the game's playable races, allowing players to experience this fascinating race's unique traits and abilities firsthand. Their rich lore, intriguing culture, and distinctive appearance have made the Khajiit an iconic and beloved part of The Elder Scrolls series.
9 Darkspawn – Dragon Age Franchise
- Notable Characters: The Mother and Corypheus.
Darkspawn is a corrupted and twisted being created by the dark magic of the archdemon, an ancient and powerful dragon tainted by a mysterious force known as the Blight. They result from the corruption of other creatures, including humans, elves, and dwarves, turning them into monstrous, mindless creatures driven solely by their instinct to spread the Blight.
They are known for their iconic, grotesque, and terrifying forms, including various types such as Genlocks, Hurlocks, and Ogres. They are relentless and overwhelming in their numbers, often attacking in hordes, posing a formidable threat to the game's protagonists and the world. Their presence creates a sense of urgency and danger to the ongoing struggle against the Blight, making them a pivotal and memorable aspect of the Dragon Age universe.
8 Charr – Guide Wars
- Notable Characters: Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw and Rytlock Brimstone.
The Charr are a race of large, feline creatures that inhabit eastern Tyria in the Guild Wars universe. They have a unique appearance with a mix of feline and reptilian features, standing taller than humans and possessing short fur in various colors and patterns resembling lions, cheetahs, and tigers. The Charr's iconic status is attributed to their ferocity, militaristic culture, and complex lore.
Renouncing all gods, they view life pragmatically, and their society revolves around military units, being raised as warriors from birth. The Charr's focus on war and their industrial prowess, pioneering technology such as steam engines and submarines, adds to their iconic status in the game's narrative and gameplay.
7 Zora – The Legend Of Zelda Franchise
- Notable Characters: Princess Ruto and Princess Mipha
The Zora are humanoid creatures with fish-like features living in the water-filled regions of the game's world. They are known for their elegant appearance, sleek design, and unique aquatic abilities. They first appeared in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
Their distinct appearance, culture, and role in the games have made them beloved by fans. Their aquatic nature and connection to water-themed areas add a unique and memorable element to the gameplay experience. The Zora has become an iconic and cherished part of The Legend of Zelda franchise.
6 Moogles – Final Fantasy Franchise
- Notable Characters: Mog and Montblanc
The Moogles are known for their friendly and helpful nature, often serving as guides, quest givers, or vendors in the Final Fantasy games. They are small, adorable creatures with a distinctive appearance, often characterized by their round bodies, tiny bat-like wings, and a red pom-pom on their heads. Additionally, they speak uniquely, using words like "kupo" at the end of their sentences, which has become a signature characteristic of the Moogles.
Throughout the Final Fantasy series, Moogles have become a recurring and beloved element, appearing in various roles and names. Their cute appearance, unique way of speaking, and helpful nature have made them a beloved and cherished part of the series, earning them a special place in the hearts of fans and making them one of the most iconic creatures in the gaming world.
5 Castanics – TERA
- Notable Characters: Hasmina Lian and Sophilia Lahana
They are a demon-like humanoid race with a distinct appearance and unique cultural traits. The Castanics are iconic for their striking and alluring visual design. With their demonic features, including horns, pointed ears, and a variety of skin tones, they stand out among the diverse races in TERA. Apart from their appearance, the Castanics are also a cunning and passionate race, often associated with fiery personalities and a fondness for thrill-seeking adventures.
Over the years, the Castanics have become one of the game's most recognizable and beloved races. Their captivating appearance, intriguing lore, and unique cultural traits have made them a fan-favorite among players and have cemented their place as iconic characters in TERA and the video game world.
4 Tieflings – Neverwinter & Other D&D Games
- Notable Characters: Makos and Alfira
They are descendants of humans and fiendish beings, which grants them demonic or infernal traits in their appearance. Tieflings uniquely blend human and demonic features, such as horns, tails, red or unnatural skin tones, and glowing eyes. The Tieflings are iconic due to their distinct and visually striking appearance. Their demonic characteristics set them apart from other fantasy races, making them instantly recognizable and memorable in the world of the forgotten realms.
Players are drawn to playing a character with infernal ancestry, as it allows for fascinating role-playing opportunities and storytelling possibilities. The Tieflings' distinctive appearance, rich lore, and intriguing character possibilities have made them a beloved and iconic race in fantasy role-playing games. Their enduring popularity and widespread presence in various fantasy settings cement their status as a classic and iconic fantasy race.
3 Tarkatans – Mortal Kombat
- Notable Characters: Baraka and Mileena (half)
The Tarkatans are savage and brutal humanoid creatures known for their distinctive features, which include sharp teeth, retractable blades, and a prominent facial structure with blade-like appendages. Their unique appearance and ferocious fighting style make them instantly recognizable and memorable among the various characters in Mortal Kombat.
In battle, Tarkatans are formidable and are known for their aggressive combat style and deadly-bladed attacks. Their distinctive appearance, savage combat style, and role as fierce adversaries in the famous fighting franchise have earned them the status of iconic and memorable characters in video games.
2 Skaven – Warhammer: Vermintide 2
- Notable Characters: Rasknitt, the Grey Seer, and Skarrik Spinemanglr
The Skaven are a race of humanoid rat-men, the main antagonists in Warhammer: Vermintide 2. They inhabit the dark and treacherous underworld of the Warhammer world known as the Under-Empire. They are characterized by cunning, deviousness, and overwhelming numbers. The Skavens are iconic due to their unique and sinister appearance.
They are iconic in gaming because they represent a unique and sinister take on the traditional fantasy race, making them memorable and fascinating to players and fans alike. The Skaven's cunning, chaotic nature and overwhelming numbers have solidified their place as one of the most iconic and notorious factions in the Warhammer Fantasy universe.
1 Draenei – World of Warcraft
- Notable Characters: High priestess Ishanah of the Aldor and Grand Artificer Romuul
The Draenei are from the popular online role-playing game World of Warcraft. They are an ancient and noble race of humanoid beings with blue skin, hooves, and horns, resembling the appearance of demons to some. Despite their fearsome appearance, the Draenei are characterized by their deep spirituality, a strong sense of righteousness, and commitment to peace.
Their unwavering determination to resist evil and protect their allies has made the Draenei an emblem of hope and resilience within the game's universe. Their unique appearance and distinct cultural traits have made them easily recognizable and beloved among World of Warcraft players.