Some video games are so prolific that they can be recognized just by their characters, their logos, and sometimes even their items. The unique load-outs of a game aren't just there for gameplay's sake, their aesthetics add to the overall tone of the game and help build an immersive world.

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Among the power-ups and weapons, there also are healing items, which are a core part of any standard/conventional video game. A simple healing item can show off a game's entire personality just from how it looks, how it works, or how players obtain it. Here are the most iconic healing items in the world of video games.

1 Hidden "Chicken"

Castlevania Series

The classic "wall chicken" meme spawned from Castlevania's 1986 debut release. The original game manual actually refers to the "wall chicken" as a pork chop, but it was too late, and the internet had made up their mind about this mysterious wall meat, making it into one of gaming's oldest memes.

After the release of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night in 1997, the "wall chicken" no longer appeared behind breakable walls and instead showed up as random drops on the ground. However, the tradition of a delicious meaty dish (whether it be a roast beef or a New York steak) being the main source of healing in the franchise thankfully remained.

2 Energizing E Tank

Megaman Series

While there are many types of tanks (sometimes referred to as "cans") in the Mega Man series, the E Tank is by far the most famous item in the entire franchise, giving players a full recovery. The "E" in E Tank is short for "energy" and is the series' signature health item.

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Ever since the introduction of E Tanks in Mega Man 2 back in the 80s, they have become a staple item throughout the mainline series, eventually leading to the addition of other tanks such as the weapon tank and the mystery tank. This particular health item became so iconic that it was even fashioned into an energy drink for gamers to get the same boost Mega Man gets on his exciting adventures.

3 Estus Flask

Dark Souls Series

In the harsh world of Dark Souls, it's a relief to know that players can rely on their trusty estus flask in times of need. Aside from resting at bonfires, the estus flask is the best way to get a much-needed second wind during an intense boss battle or for a quick pick-me-up on the way to the next destination.

Unlike kindled bonfires, estus flasks are consumable items that can be carried around for a portable heal at any moment. Not only will a quick swig of an estus flask heal the player that uses it, but it will also heal any currently summoned co-op players as well. Luckily for duos, an estus flask is enough for two.

4 Sneaky Rations

Metal Gear Solid Series

For years, longtime Metal Gear Solid protagonist, Solid Snake, has always relied on his trusty rations when out on the field. Espionage missions are not only dangerous but also tiring. Food provides calories, and calories are energy, so it's no mystery why Snake chooses to bring a quick (and convenient) meal or two with him to snack on when battles begin to drag on.

Perhaps downing a ration when Snake takes a few bullets to the torso doesn't make a whole ton of sense, but in comparison to how ridiculous the MGS series can get at times, the mighty healing power of rations doesn't seem so far-fetched!

5 Herbs

Resident Evil Series

Herbs aren't just for garnishing a dish or adding flavor to a stew; apparently, they have an amazing healing power too! The Resident Evil universe has used trusty herbs as their main healing items throughout the entire series, alongside first aid sprays and the occasional egg.

The iconic herb system has been a staple in the long-running series ever since the first game and still stands as RE's signature mechanic to this day in the latest RE installment. As prolific as it is, the idea of Jill or Leon stopping to grind and mix some herbs up in a little vile while Raccoon City goes up in flames around them is a bit of a silly image.

6 Potion

Pokemon Series

There are quite a few healing items in the Pokemon series, but the basic potion will forever remain the classic healing item to represent the franchise. Although other potions are objectively better than the basic potion and heal for more HP, the iconic purple and white potion will always be the recovery item that most Pokemon fans will think of.

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The classic potion has been around ever since the first generation of Pokemon games back in 1998 and even makes an appearance in the Pokemon trading card game as a trainer card (later released as an item card).

7 Phoenix Down

Final Fantasy Series

Phoenix Downs have made an appearance in almost every mainline Final Fantasy game. They are a special item that doesn't just simply heal, it revives a completely fallen/KO'd character in the player's party. Phoenix Downs have persisted throughout the series but have changed up their look every game or so, but the iconic red feather has always remained. These useful items can usually be bought or found as drops when exploring.

Hopefully, this time around in the FF7 remake, saving Aerith will be as simple as keeping a Phoenix Down handy after that dreaded cutscene.

8 Mushroom

Super Mario Series

There isn't an explicit health bar in every Super Mario game (aside from the 3D games), but in the side scrollers, there are mushrooms. Aside from other power-ups like fire flowers and super leaves, the Super Mario world is most well-known for its iconic red and white mushrooms.

While they don't explicitly state that they are a health item, they allow Mario to take a single hit from an enemy without dying and starting the level over again. Let Mario lead by example and encourage kids to always eat their vegetables!

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