Video game characters have become iconic for a whole host of reasons. From being heroic protagonists to serving as the heinous villain of the story, these characters are numerous, and most players will definitely have unique answers when it comes to their most and least favorite character from a particular video game. Even something as simple as the color of their hair can divide fans right down the middle, which is really saying something!

RELATED: The Best Video Game Female Characters With Blonde Hair

While certain characters do tend to have flamboyant hairstyles, many designs have become more realistic in their approach in a myriad of ways. Blonde hair isn't uncommon in the slightest, and these popular and iconic video game characters are easily some of the most notable male blondies in this realm.

8 Cloud Strife (Final Fantasy 7)

Cloud Strife

Given the sheer amount of hype that Final Fantasy 7 has generated since debuting more than 25 years ago, it's easy to see why Cloud is such a standout pick. This blonde spiky-haired protagonist has become the stuff of legends and is one of the most recognizable video game characters of all time.

The brooding SOLDIER has a ton of mystery surrounding him that players slowly uncover over the course of Final Fantasy 7. It's easy to see why this game is such a phenomenon, with Cloud's journey being one of the major reasons why the title was revered by the masses when it was released back in 1997.

Link Hyrule

The Legend of Zelda is one of the most popular video game franchises of all time. The adventures of Link as he strives to save Hyrule and rescue Zelda time and time again make for unique and engrossing gaming experiences that are an absolute blast to play through.

Link's iconic golden hair has become synonymous with his character, more so than his green outfit that was changed up with the release of Breath of the Wild. Players can't wait to check out the sequel to the game, which boasts a new look for Link with longer blonde hair!

6 Duke Nukem (Duke Nukem)

Duke Nukem Forever Cover Art Looking Down

Duke Nukem is easily one of the coolest video game protagonists of all time. He might've fallen on really bad times after the turn of the century, but there was a time when the ultra-machismo of Duke ended up being the best part of the games he was featured in, including the legendary Duke Nukem 3D.

RELATED: The Most Iconic Anime Hairstyles Ever, Ranked

This blonde-haired dealer of death had a sharp tongue that led to countless crass yet oddly charismatic lines of dialogue over the years. Fans can only hope that this amazing protagonist gets more representation in the industry moving forward.

5 Shulk (Xenoblade Chronicles)

Shulk wielding the Monado Blade in battle in Xenoblade Chronicles for Switch

Xenoblade Chronicles is one of the best JRPG series around, even though the second Xenoblade Chronicles game can be a little difficult to get into. However, there can be no denying that the first game is an absolute masterpiece, with Shulk serving as a great protagonist in this impressive title.

His blonde hair makes for a pretty great look, and the fact that he was introduced as a fighter in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate was a brilliant move. Subsequent games may not focus on Shulk as a protagonist anymore, but his presence is still felt throughout the series in many ways.

4 Ken Masters (Street Fighter)

Iconic Fighting Stances in Video Games - Ken Masters - Player prepares to fight his opponent with zeal

Street Fighter is one of the most iconic fighting game franchises of all time, with the sixth mainline installment set to make its debut sooner rather than later. The duo of Ryu and Ken have been ever-present throughout, with the latter being the main focus of this entry.

Unlike Ryu's dark hair, Ken has long blonde hair that whips about in every battle he's featured in. Controlling this legendary Street Fighter character is a blast and fans can't wait to see his move set in the next game.

3 Alucard (Castlevania)

Alucard from Castlevania

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is one of the best and most important games in the franchise. It set the standard for future games in the series, laid the groundwork for an entirely new genre of games along with Metroid, and introduced one of the best video game characters of all time.

RELATED: The Most Iconic Anime Girls With Red Hair

After having to deal with the slow-moving Richter time and time again, fans were elated to see just how fast and satisfying Alucard's movement could be. This, coupled with his long blonde hair, made him an instantly likable protagonist who has become one of the most legendary figures in the history of Castlevania.

2 Ryuji Sakamoto (Persona 5)

Ryuji Sakamoto from Persona 5

Ryuji isn't a natural blonde per se, with his hair actually being bleached to simulate this look. However, this can be given a pass, since Ryuji is permanently associated with blonde hair for the majority of Persona fans.

This delinquent fulfills the trope of being the main character's best friend, which has been a long-standing theme in the Persona series for quite some time. His brash personality and clumsy nature are pretty hilarious to watch and make him one of the better characters in the game.

1 Micah Bell (Red Dead Redemption 2)

Red Dead Redemption 2 Micah Bell pointing a gun

There are many characters that players love in Red Dead Redemption 2. However, when the topic of hated characters comes up, there's always one name that's on the tip of everyone's tongue: Micah Bell.

This despicable human being poisoned Dutch's mind and destroyed the gang from the inside out, all while betraying his friends to the Pinkertons. Gunning him down at the end of the game is easily one of the most satisfying moments in Red Dead Redemption 2 and serves as a great conclusion too.

MORE: Anime: The Most Iconic Male Characters With White Hair