For decades, BioWare has stood as one of the most notable RPG studios in the industry, raising the bar with each new release, from Baldur's Gate to Mass Effect. Despite its reputation being somewhat diminished in recent years with underwhelming releases such as Mass Effect: Andromeda and Anthem, the studio can still course-correct with the imminent launch of Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, presumably this year.
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When BioWare were at their peak, storytelling was the developer's calling card, earned through a handful of shocking and moving endings.
No matter how the next Dragon Age and Mass Effect chapters turn out, though, BioWare has already made history with its RPG releases. These games are beloved by generations of players for their layered and complex characters with rich backstories and plenty of growth throughout the games' stories. This list aims to include the most iconic and memorable characters the developer is known for.
10 The Illusive Man
From Shady Ally To Clear Obstacle In Shepard's Way
- Mass Effect 2
- Mass Effect 3
The only non-companion on the list, the Illusive Man is more than deserving of his mention. As the Leader of Cerberus, he serves as a brilliant example of a memorable, ambiguous antagonist who can make even the most tangled story more nuanced and exciting. With plenty of screen time in Mass Effect 2 and 3, many iconic quotes and an unforgettable finale, he stands in stark contrast to the sketchy, forgettable villains seen in some of BioWare's later games, such as Mass Effect: Andromeda's Archon, Anthem's Monitor, and Dragon Age: Inquisition's Corypheus.
Perfectly portrayed by Martin Sheen, the Illusive Man primarily comes to life through deep and meaningful conversations, allowing his depth and complexity to truly shine. One can only hope that BioWare continues to deliver compelling villains like this in their future titles.
9 Urdnot Wrex
A Rugged Mercenary Determined To Save His People
- Mass Effect
- Mass Effect 2
- Mass Effect 3
Often referred to as ‘the best NPC ever,’ Wrex was a fan-favorite companion in the first Mass Effect, who later evolved spectacularly into the leader of the entire Krogan nation, capable of going to hell and back to ensure the survival of his species. As wise as he is formidable in combat, Urdnot Wrex might not be the most talkative type aboard the Normandy, but his straightforwardness more than makes up for that.
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It's also worth mentioning that Wrex's own agenda and personal interests might be a reason for players to put him down twice during the trilogy, which sets him apart from many other RPG companions who just do what players tell them and behave accordingly. Wrex is different: he has his people to save, so you'd better not mess with that.
8 Varric Tethras
A Rogue Dwarf With A Flair For Shooting, Writing, And Exaggerating
- Dragon Age 2
- Dragon Age: Inquisition
Varric debuted in Dragon Age 2, where he also served as narrator, akin to Dandelion in the Witcher games. The fandom reaction to this playful dwarf was so warm that Varric returned as a starting companion for Dragon Age: Inquisition, with plenty of side plotlines and connections to Hawke (the main character from DA2). Enjoying plenty of screen time across two enormous games, Varric is a loyal friend almost like Garrus, who's always there for you.
Varric Tethras is a very talkative type and likes telling exaggerated stories almost as much as he likes his signature crossbow named Bianca. He also often gets involved with other characters, sometimes just to mock them, but more often to offer some kind of help or teach them a valuable lesson.
7 Minsc
A Fearless Berserker Who Loves His Hamster And Delivers Hilarious Quotes
Baldur's Gate 3
- Released
- August 3, 2023
- Developer(s)
- Larian Studios
- Platform(s)
- PC , macOS , PS5 , Xbox Series X
- Publisher(s)
- Larian Studios
- Baldur's Gate
- Baldur's Gate 2
- Baldur's Gate 3
Minsc's return as a companion more than two decades later in Baldur's Gate 3 is a testament to how truly iconic the character is. This is not to mention that Minsc was one of the most popular and beloved companions in both Baldur's Gate and its sequel. Maybe that's all due to his hamster, Boo, or perhaps because Minsc is almost too weird when compared to every other character on the list.
Despite the impression of just being a big strange guy who says silly things and talks to a hamster, Minsc is much more than that. In fact, he's so purehearted it's almost hilarious and absurd at times, but his moral perfection can also serve as a compass for those wandering in the dark.
6 Mordin Solus
A Brilliant Salarian Doctor Burdened By Guilt And Responsibility
- Mass Effect 2
- Mass Effect 3
The brilliant Salarian scientist responsible for creating the Genophage to contain the Krogans in the Mass Effect universe is a fertile ground for an excellent character, and with such material on their hands, BioWare simply went all in. Mordin's plotline is a rollercoaster of emotions, with such an impressive climax in Mass Effect 3 that it's hard not to think about it for days.
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What's even more surprising is that, even if you removed the entire Genophase backstory entirely, Mordin is still an excellent character on his own. He's witty; he's fun; he's sarcastic; and he's so quick, you need to force him to take a break sometimes. Oh, and have you ever heard him sing?
5 Morrigan
Enigmatic Witch With Mysterious Motivations Who Always Disagrees
- Dragon Age: Origins
- Dragon Age: Inquisition
One of the most ambiguous characters BioWare has ever delivered, Morrigan is an unforgettable companion who is hard to win over, learn of her true motives, or even understand. She often has something snarky to say, and her very special way of delivering lines is quite something. She is also one of the key characters in the entire Dragon Age series, reappearing in Inquisition as an advisor.
Morrigan's complex relationship with the Hero of Ferelden is a subject for deep analysis, and a topic many fans would gladly spend hours debating online. What's more important, though, is how uniquely convincing Morrigan is portrayed, causing everyone to either love or hate her — there's no middle ground.
4 HK-47
Assassin Droid Who Sees People As 'Meatbags' And Just Wants To Blast Them
- Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic
- Star Wars Knights Of The Old Republic 2: The Sith Lords
- Star Wars: The Old Republic
Droids have always been a valuable part of the Star Wars universe, and HK-47 is a prime example of that. A character whose lines you never want to skip, this dark assassin has such a unique personality and way of communicating that he can liven up even the dullest side conversations (which, to the game's credit, are few and far between in KotOR).
Following his unforgettable appearance in the original, HK-47 was also a valuable addition to the sequel, The Sith Lords, where players were not only able to repair and recruit the same model as a companion, but also were hunted down by several upgraded models, resulting in even more exciting interactions.
3 Garrus Vakarian
Calibration Master Who'll Follow You To The Edge Of The Universe And Back
- Mass Effect
- Mass Effect 2
- Mass Effect 3
If there's a definition of a true ‘bro’ in BioWare's games, it's none other than Garrus Vakarian. An integral part of Shepard's squad throughout all three games, the Archangel (his alias in Mass Effect 2) is always there for a shoulder to lean on. Of course, that's only possible when Garrus isn't in the middle of some calibrations, which are obviously very crucial to the Normandy and its crew.
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Not only a combat brother and loyal friend, Garrus can also be a romance interest for female Shepard, but for some reason, it just never felt right. There are plenty of other choices aboard the ship, so it's best to stay friends with him — up until the very end. We all wish we had such friends.
2 Revan
A True Sith Lord Who Got A Second Chance To Redeem Their Legacy
- Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic
- Star Wars: The Old Republic
One of the true Sith Lords that Star Wars fans know about, Revan is a character who defined the entire Old Republic setting with their bold personality and determined actions. The stylish suit and mask, the unbending will, and the qualities of a true leader all make the Galaxy tremble in fear or awe.
What makes Revan a truly unique character is that their story was meticulously shaped long before and after players got to play as Revan in Knights of the Old Republic. To this day, some unresolved questions about Revan's true goals and their ultimate path continue to occupy the minds of the fandom.
1 Commander Shepard
Even Death Won't Stop Shepard From Saving Humanity
- Mass Effect
- Mass Effect 2
- Mass Effect 3
Comparable only to other legendary gaming heroes such as Geralt of Rivia, Commander Shepard is undoubtedly BioWare's most iconic and well-known character, whose influence is hard to understate. Over the course of the Mass Effect trilogy, Commander Shepard did the most different things, visited the most varied worlds, talked to many different characters, and said the most memorable lines of any BioWare character. Most importantly, they did it with a unique charisma unlike anything players had seen before.
Additionally, Shepard is one of the few RPG protagonists to have their lines fully voiced-over (Mark Meer and Jennifer Hale both did a terrific job here), which only solidified their status as one of the most memorable protagonists ever.
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