Best Female Protagonist games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated female protagonist games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free female protagonist games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Valdis Story: Abyssal City
Assume the role of Wyatt in this Action/Exploration Platformer as you explore the ruins of a holy city that was lost many years ago. Battle various types of demons, angels, and a new threat known only as the “Ferals”, using swordsmanship, martial arts, and sorcery.
Master Reboot
Imagine a world where death is no longer final, where precious memories are saved to enjoy forever, where your soul is immortal. Master Reboot is a haunting first-person sci-fi adventure.
Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare
From the moment Edward Carnby and Aline Cedrac set foot on Shadow Island, they are confronted by mysterious, evil creatures intent on thwarting their progress to recover 3 ancient tablets believed to hold the secret key to some incredible menacing phenomena. Danger threatens from every corner.
Slender: The Arrival
Slender Man returns more terrifying than ever. You're on your own. No one to help you. No one to hear you scream. Relive the horror all over again with cutting edge visuals for the 10th Anniversary Update and experience survival horror at its finest.
Knytt Underground
The legendary Knytt series continues with Nifflas’ latest creation; Knytt Underground. In this Knytteration; humans have long since abandoned the planet after practically destroying it in a war, five hundred years ago.
Edna & Harvey: The Breakout
The award-winning debut adventure game from the creators of Deponia and The Whispered World now on Steam. Accompany young Edna and her talking stuffed bunny Harvey on a whacky attempt to escape from her padded cell. Experience a bizarre journey all across the insane asylum and far beyond its brick walls.
ENSLAVED™: Odyssey to the West™ Premium Edition
Follow a gripping, surprise-filled journey as two dissimilar characters form an uneasy partnership in order to survive through a perilous, post-apocalyptic America. 150 years in the future, war and destruction have left the world in ruins with few humans remaining and nature having reclaimed the world.
Pandemonium
Join two kindred spirits, Fargus the Jester and Nikki the acrobat in a fantastic 3D world of magic and mystery as they bounce, tumble and jump through 18 massive and diverse levels in search of the Wishing Engine!Key Features:Fast-paced 3D platform action in a lush, texture-mapped environment.
Septerra Core
At the very heart of Septerra lies the Core, a huge Biocomputer. Seven continents at different elevations, each with its own unique people and culture, orbit around the Core.According to an ancient prophecy, Septerra's continents will one day converge and join in orbit together on one level - this is the Legacy of Marduk, the Creator's...
Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams - Rise of the Owlverlord
Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams - Rise of the Owlverlord is a blistering platformer with morphing worlds, featuring seven brand new levels, a new boss and new gripping tracks from Chris Hülsbeck and Machinae Supremacy! Dash through tricky levels and transform the whole world at will in this fast-paced platformer.
Dysfunctional Systems: Learning to Manage Chaos
From Dischan Media, creators of the highly acclaimed Juniper's Knot, comes Dysfunctional Systems: Learning to Manage Chaos.Dysfunctional Systems is a visual novel series featuring Winter Harrison, a student mediator from a utopian world. Learning to Manage Chaos is the first entry in the series.What is a mediator?
Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller
FBI agent Erica Reed has an uncanny talent: she can see the past and piece together how a crime unfolded. But not even this sixth sense could save her younger brother, Scott, from a brutal serial killer. Three years later, the investigation into Scott’s murder has gone cold -- but Erica’s work has only just begun.
The Dark Eye: Memoria
In Memoria, players travel through different time periods, following two distinct protagonists: Sadja, a southern princess who wants to be a war hero, and Geron, a bird catcher who wants to lift a curse from his girlfriend.
Shelter
Experience the wild as a badger sheltering your cubs from harm. On your journey, you will be stalked by birds of prey, encounter perils of the night, cross fierce rivers, escape forest fires and face the looming threat of starvation. Food is to be found, but is there enough for everyone?
Skullgirls 2nd Encore
--Main Stage Game at Evo 2022!-- The ultimate Skullgirls experience: Featuring 14 hand-animated characters, fully voiced story mode, countless palettes, and unparalleled GGPO-based multiplayer netcode.
Saints Row IV: Re-Elected
Experience the insane antics of Saints Row IV. The Saints have gone from the Penthouse to the White House - but Earth has been invaded and it’s up to you to save it with an arsenal of superpowers and strange weapons, in the wildest open world game ever.
Hate Plus
Let's spend the next three real-time days together uncovering the mystery of what went horribly wrong on a derelict generation ship, with the help of a spunky/more-than-slightly-traumatized AI sidekick! A sequel to Analogue: A Hate Story that tells a whole new hate story of its own.
Gone Home
June 7th, 1995. 1:15 AM. You arrive home after a year abroad. You expect your family to greet you, but the house is empty. Something's not right. Where is everyone? And what's happened here? Unravel the mystery for yourself in Gone Home, a story exploration game from The Fullbright Company.
Rise of the Triad
Apogee Software and Interceptor Entertainment proudly present the rebirth of the cult-classic first-person shooter, “Rise of the Triad”. Bigger, better and more ludicrous than ever before.
Shadowrun Returns
The unique cyberpunk-meets-fantasy world of Shadowrun has gained a huge cult following since its creation nearly 25 years ago. Now, creator Jordan Weisman returns to the world of Shadowrun, modernizing this classic game setting as a single player, turn-based tactical RPG.
Ittle Dew
Adventuress Ittle Dew and her sidekick Tippsie crash onto a strange island, filled with loot and mysterious inhabitants. It quickly dawns on the duo that this might become their biggest adventure yet.Ittle Dew boils down the classic adventure formula until there is only fun left.
Bleed
Wryn is a girl with a big arsenal and big dreams -- she wants to be the ultimate videogame hero! Help her take down the Greatest Heroes of All Time in an action-packed bid to claim the title for herself and show the world what a true hero looks like!Most played female protagonist games on Steam
Take a look at the top female protagonist games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of May 01st 2025.
1. Split Fiction
Embrace mind-blowing moments as you’re pulled deep into the many worlds of Split Fiction, a boundary-pushing co-op adventure. Split Fiction is a co-op, split screen and female protagonist game developed by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts. Released on March 06th 2025 has received 74,024 reviews of which 72,337 were positive and 1,687 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played female protagonist game, thanks to its 5,123 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.6
72,337
1,687
5,123
players
2. Horizon Forbidden West™ Complete Edition
Experience the epic Horizon Forbidden West™ in its entirety with bonus content and the Burning Shores expansion included. The Burning Shores add-on contains additional content for Aloy’s adventure, including new storylines, characters, and experiences in a stunning yet hazardous new area. Horizon Forbidden West™ Complete Edition is a open world, singleplayer and female protagonist game developed by Guerrilla and Nixxes Software and published by PlayStation Publishing LLC. Released on March 21st 2024 has received 22,285 reviews of which 19,940 were positive and 2,345 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. While seeing 1,343 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among female protagonist games based on player count.
8.8
19,940
2,345
1,343
players
3. NieR:Automata™
NieR: Automata tells the story of androids 2B, 9S and A2 and their battle to reclaim the machine-driven dystopia overrun by powerful machines. NieR:Automata™ is a great soundtrack, story rich and female protagonist game developed by Square Enix and PlatinumGames Inc. and published by Square Enix. Released on March 17th 2017 has received 138,913 reviews of which 120,889 were positive and 18,024 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. While seeing 895 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among female protagonist games based on player count.
8.6
120,889
18,024
895
players
4. ZM Desktop Elf
Your Cross-Dimensional Partner! Interact through touch, customize her outfits, and build a unique bond! Design her reactions via the Behavior Editor to craft personalized interactions, deepening your connection as you shape a truly unique companion. Creative Workshop support is now live! ZM Desktop Elf is a idler, animation & modeling and utilities game developed and published by Duoyi Games. Released on February 13th 2025 has received 1,145 reviews of which 1,010 were positive and 135 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. With 868 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played female protagonist games.
8.4
1,010
135
868
players
5. Rise of the Tomb Raider™
Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration includes the base game and Season Pass featuring all-new content. Explore Croft Manor in the new “Blood Ties” story, then defend it against a zombie invasion in “Lara’s Nightmare”. Rise of the Tomb Raider™ is a adventure, action and female protagonist game developed by Crystal Dynamics, Eidos-Montréal, Feral Interactive (Linux) and Nixxes and published by Crystal Dynamics, Feral interactive (Mac) and Feral Interactive (Linux). Released on February 09th 2016 has received 135,315 reviews of which 127,250 were positive and 8,065 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 831 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played female protagonist games.
9.3
127,250
8,065
831
players
6. Tomb Raider
Tomb Raider explores the intense origin story of Lara Croft and her ascent from a young woman to a hardened survivor. Tomb Raider is a adventure, action and female protagonist game developed by Crystal Dynamics, Eidos-Montréal and Nixxes and published by Crystal Dynamics and Feral interactive (Mac). Released on March 04th 2013 has received 246,635 reviews of which 237,003 were positive and 9,632 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 773 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played female protagonist games.
9.5
237,003
9,632
773
players
7. AI LIMIT
In the distant future when civilization is on the verge of extinction, people follow the legend of the Elysium in the last city, Havenswell. In this post-apocalyptic wasteland sci-fi ARPG, you will play as Arrisa, a Blader with immortality, and explore the city ruin to find the hope of a new life. AI LIMIT is a souls-like, female protagonist and anime game developed by Sense Games and published by CE-Asia. Released on March 27th 2025 has received 17,446 reviews of which 16,230 were positive and 1,216 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 592 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played female protagonist games.
9.1
16,230
1,216
592
players
8. Haste
Run fast, soar through the air, and master your landings as you speed through procedural worlds to outrun the end of the universe! Haste is a fast-paced, action and female protagonist game developed by and published by landfall. Released on April 01st 2025 has received 5,102 reviews of which 4,677 were positive and 425 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 532 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played female protagonist games.
8.9
4,677
425
532
players
9. Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition
As Lara Croft races to save the world from a Maya apocalypse, she must become the Tomb Raider she is destined to be. Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition is a adventure, action and female protagonist game developed by Eidos-Montréal, Crystal Dynamics and Nixxes and published by Crystal Dynamics, Feral interactive (Mac) and Feral Interactive (Linux). Released on September 14th 2018 has received 78,820 reviews of which 66,187 were positive and 12,633 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 515 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played female protagonist games.
8.3
66,187
12,633
515
players
10. Resident Evil 3
Jill Valentine is one of the last remaining people in Raccoon City to witness the atrocities Umbrella performed. To stop her, Umbrella unleashes their ultimate secret weapon: Nemesis! Also includes Resident Evil Resistance, a new 1 vs 4 online multiplayer game set in the Resident Evil universe. Resident Evil 3 is a action, zombies and horror game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on April 02nd 2020 has received 90,341 reviews of which 73,750 were positive and 16,591 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. With 487 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played female protagonist games.
8.1
73,750
16,591
487
players
Best deals on female protagonist games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of female protagonist games available on Steam right now, updated on May 01st 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted female protagonist games.
1. Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical
Gods. Romance. Murder. Musical Numbers?! Play as Grace in a world where Greek Gods live in hiding among us. Change your fate as you draw friends, foes & lovers into song using your powers of musical persuasion to unravel the mystery of the Last Muse's death. Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical is a interactive fiction, story rich and choices matter game developed by Summerfall Studios and published by Humble Games. Released on August 09th 2023 has received 3,289 reviews of which 3,039 were positive and 250 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Featuring a massive 96% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for female protagonist category.
8.9
3,039
250
-96%
26.25€
1.05€
2. The Red Lantern
The Red Lantern is a narrative, dog sledding game about survival. You play as the Musher who, along with her team of 5 sled dogs, must find her way home. Care for your dogs, discover their stories, and learn how to navigate the unknowns of the Alaskan wilderness and prepare for your new life. The Red Lantern is a exploration, dog and choose your own adventure game developed by Timberline Studio and published by Kepler Interactive. Released on December 08th 2021 has received 967 reviews of which 800 were positive and 167 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in female protagonist games.
7.9
800
167
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
3. Soulstice
Explore a dark world brimming with hidden mysteries, master a diverse combat system, and inhabit the dual forces of two sisters in a coming-of-age dark fantasy story with fast-paced action, vicious enemies, and spectacular boss fights. Soulstice is a hack and slash, spectacle fighter and character action game game developed by Reply Game Studios and published by Maximum Entertainment. Released on September 19th 2022 has received 2,165 reviews of which 1,609 were positive and 556 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 95% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in female protagonist games.
7.2
1,609
556
-95%
39.80€
1.99€
4. Cris Tales
Cris Tales is a gorgeous, indie love letter to classic JRPGs with a new perspective. Peer into the past, act in the present, and watch as your choices dynamically change the future -- all on one screen as you play! Cris Tales is a rpg, adventure and jrpg game developed by Dreams Uncorporated and SYCK and published by Maximum Entertainment. Released on July 20th 2021 has received 487 reviews of which 318 were positive and 169 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for female protagonist games.
6.3
318
169
-95%
39.80€
1.99€
5. Venba
Venba is a short narrative cooking game, where you play as an Indian mom who immigrates to Canada with her family in the 1980s. Cook various dishes and restore lost recipes, hold branching conversations, and explore South Indian food in this story about family, love, and loss. Venba is a cooking, casual and narrative game developed and published by Visai Games. Released on July 31st 2023 has received 2,472 reviews of which 2,282 were positive and 190 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for female protagonist games.
8.8
2,282
190
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
6. Call of the Sea
Call of the Sea is an otherworldly tale of mystery and love set in the 1930s South Pacific. Explore a lush island paradise, solve puzzles and unlock secrets in the hunt for your husband’s missing expedition. Call of the Sea is a adventure, puzzle and story rich game developed by Out of the Blue Games and published by Raw Fury. Released on December 08th 2020 has received 5,082 reviews of which 4,490 were positive and 592 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for female protagonist games.
8.5
4,490
592
-93%
19.00€
1.33€
7. Othercide
As Humanity’s last hope, lead your army to combat in an intricate dance of spectacular actions and counters, using an original Dynamic Timeline System, and face fearsome bosses in epic battles. Othercide is a strategy, indie and turn-based tactics game developed by Lightbulb Crew and published by Focus Entertainment. Released on July 27th 2020 has received 4,776 reviews of which 3,932 were positive and 844 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for female protagonist games.
8.0
3,932
844
-93%
31.29€
2.19€
8. Afterimage
Afterimage is a hand-drawn 2D action adventure that emphasizes fast-paced combat with diversified character builds, non-linear levels, and a gripping story set in the ruins of a fantasy world. Afterimage is a metroidvania, female protagonist and 2d platformer game developed by Aurogon Shanghai and published by Maximum Entertainment. Released on April 24th 2023 has received 8,163 reviews of which 6,360 were positive and 1,803 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for female protagonist games.
7.6
6,360
1,803
-93%
25.29€
1.77€
9. Darksiders III
Return to an apocalyptic Earth in Darksiders III, a hack-n-slash Action Adventure where players assume the role of FURY in her quest to hunt down and dispose of the Seven Deadly Sins. The most enigmatic of the Four Horsemen, FURY must bring balance to the forces that now ravage Earth. Darksiders III is a hack and slash, action and female protagonist game developed by Gunfire Games and published by THQ Nordic. Released on November 27th 2018 has received 15,117 reviews of which 11,563 were positive and 3,554 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for female protagonist games.
7.5
11,563
3,554
-93%
38.00€
2.66€
10. Scars Above
Scars Above is a challenging sci-fi third-person action adventure shooter combining the rewarding feel of overcoming difficulty with a compelling and intricate story, set in a mysterious alien world to explore. Scars Above is a action, adventure and female protagonist game developed by Mad Head Games and published by Prime Matter. Released on February 28th 2023 has received 2,702 reviews of which 2,087 were positive and 615 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for female protagonist games.
7.5
2,087
615
-93%
31.43€
2.20€
Free female protagonist games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play female protagonist games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on May 01st 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play female protagonist games.
1. Life is Strange - Episode 1
Episode 1 now FREE! Life is Strange is an award-winning and critically acclaimed episodic adventure game that allows the player to rewind time and affect the past, present and future. Life is Strange - Episode 1 is a story rich, choices matter and great soundtrack game developed by DONTNOD Entertainment, Feral interactive (Mac) and Feral Interactive (Linux) and published by Feral interactive (Mac), Feral Interactive (Linux) and Square Enix. Released on January 29th 2015 has received 168,817 reviews of which 162,389 were positive and 6,428 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 245 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free female protagonist games on Steam.
9.5
162,389
6,428
245
players
2. Life Makeover
Explore Life Makeover: Unleash your style, dye outfits, and design freely. Dive into unlimited dress-up, build your dream home - all for free. Life Makeover is a female protagonist, simulation and casual game developed and published by Archosaur Games. Released on November 15th 2023 has received 1,207 reviews of which 1,020 were positive and 187 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 143, this female protagonist game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free female protagonist games on Steam.
8.0
1,020
187
143
players
3. of the Devil
Immerse yourself in neon, smoke, and high-stakes legal gambles as a Defense Attorney with uniquely Killer insights in this episodic, diabolically stylish visual novel adventure game. of the Devil is a visual novel, female protagonist and noir game developed and published by nth Circle Studios. Released on February 06th 2025 has received 881 reviews of which 873 were positive and 8 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free female protagonist games on Steam.
9.3
873
8
28
players
4. Tales of Rein Ravine
Tales of Rein Ravine is an indie horse game that aims to challenge its players with unique real-life inspired riding, as well as tell an intriguing equestrian story to a young adult audience. Tales of Rein Ravine is a horses, singleplayer and female protagonist game developed and published by Maia the Horsegirl. Released on October 11th 2024 has received 860 reviews of which 713 were positive and 147 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free female protagonist games on Steam.
7.9
713
147
15
players
5. Cinderella Phenomenon - Otome/Visual Novel
The Fairytale Curse was only the beginning... Cinderella Phenomenon - Otome/Visual Novel is a free to play, otome and visual novel game developed and published by Dicesuki. Released on April 05th 2017 has received 4,039 reviews of which 3,893 were positive and 146 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free female protagonist games on Steam.
9.3
3,893
146
14
players
6. Tailor Tales
Play as an aspiring fashion designer with your own boutique and experience a heart pounding romance. Tailor Tales is a free to play, otome and visual novel game developed by Celianna and published by Pixanna. Released on January 09th 2019 has received 969 reviews of which 921 were positive and 48 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free female protagonist games on Steam.
8.9
921
48
12
players
![UNBEATABLE [white label]](https://shared.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/1290490/header.jpg)
7. UNBEATABLE [white label]
A young girl learns a song. An exclusive side-story set in the world of D-CELL GAMES' upcoming rhythm-adventure. UNBEATABLE [white label] is a rhythm, anime and female protagonist game developed and published by D-CELL GAMES. Released on May 07th 2021 has received 8,325 reviews of which 8,067 were positive and 258 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free female protagonist games on Steam.
9.4
8,067
258
8
players
8. NEKOPARA - Catboys Paradise
When your grandfather passes away and you inherit his café, it's a tall task for anyone. But with the help of 4 talented catboys, Cafe Kin'uan is ready for business in NEKOPARA - Catboys Paradise! NEKOPARA - Catboys Paradise is a otome, female protagonist and visual novel game developed by NEKO WORKs and published by Sekai Project. Released on July 15th 2021 has received 5,286 reviews of which 4,702 were positive and 584 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free female protagonist games on Steam.
8.6
4,702
584
7
players
9. 404Sight
404Sight is a free game made in support of net neutrality. It’s a 3D playground runner influenced by parkour running with the addition of a special ping ability that reveals areas that can speed the player up or slow them down. 404Sight is a action, indie and parkour game developed and published by Retro Yeti Games. Released on April 16th 2015 has received 1,739 reviews of which 1,480 were positive and 259 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free female protagonist games on Steam.
8.1
1,480
259
4
players
10. Eternal Senia
Thoughts and expectations ARPG Eternal Senia is a anime, free to play and rpg game developed and published by Sanctum Games. Released on June 18th 2015 has received 11,941 reviews of which 11,651 were positive and 290 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free female protagonist games on Steam.
9.5
11,651
290
3
players