The well-known IGN community recently hosted a large poll to crown the best PlayStation hero of all time, drawing input from more than 40,000 gamers. The process stood out for its unusual format. Editors at the site curated a roster of 123 iconic characters from Sony-backed games, then ran a knockout-style vote. Characters were paired at random, and players chose a winner in each duel. The character who survived the most duels earned the top spot. Kratos from God of War clinched first place with an impressive 89.4 percent win rate, while Nathan Drake from Uncharted followed in second with 83.2 percent. Joel from The Last of Us rounded out the top three with 80.8 percent.
TOP 10:
- Kratos from God of War;
- Nathan Drake from Uncharted;
- Joel from The Last of Us;
- Solid Snake from Metal Gear;
- Spider-Man from Spider-Man;
- Lara Croft from Tomb Raider;
- Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy;
- Ellie from The Last of Us;
- Ratchet from Ratchet & Clank;
- Jin Saki from Ghost of Tsushima;
In addition to the IGN poll, readers have seen broader discussions about which heroes have defined generations of console gaming. The exercise highlights how character design, storytelling, and player immersion continually evolve as new titles arrive and venerable classics remain in the conversation. Fans often cite Kratos as a benchmark for modern action-adventure protagonists, thanks to his complex arc, brutal combat, and the way his journey mirrors changes in gaming technology over the years. Drake’s charm lies in his witty bravery and globe-trotting adventures, which helped transition cinematic storytelling into mainstream mainstream gaming during the previous console cycles. Joel’s role in The Last of Us has become synonymous with emotional depth and moral ambiguity in interactive narratives.
While the top three set a high bar, the poll also reflects the enduring influence of long-running franchises. Solid Snake, Spider-Man, and Lara Croft demonstrate how recurring icons can stay relevant through evolving gameplay mechanics and expanded universes. Cloud Strife’s inclusion underscores how cherished single-player epics from earlier generations still resonate with today’s audiences. Ellie’s presence highlights the shift toward character-driven stories that emphasize personal stakes. Ratchet’s lighthearted, gadget-filled adventures remind players of the joy and humor that can coexist with epic quests. Jin Sakai represents a more recent wave of protagonists shaped by stylistic storytelling and open-world design.
Beyond the top ten, the broader list showcases the breadth of Sony-affiliated titles that have defined eras in console gaming. The focus on dueling outcomes rather than a single defining moment reinforces how players assess characters: through consistency, evolution, and the ability to spark nostalgia while remaining relevant to new audiences. This approach also invites reflection on how today’s games continue to blend action, narrative, and interactivity to create memorable experiences.
When observers consider 2022 and beyond, discussions often circle back to how character-centered design informs development choices. Developers strive to craft heroes that feel authentic within their worlds, while players judge them against the backdrop of evolving technology, from graphical fidelity to AI behavior and player agency. The IGN exercise serves as a snapshot of that ongoing dialogue about what makes a hero endure in popular culture and across platforms.
In a separate media note, readers were reminded that major industry lists and awards do not always align with audience passion. The dialogue around best games and best heroes is living evidence of a community eager to celebrate innovation while cherishing familiar pillars of gameplay. As studios continue to push narrative boundaries and refine character arcs, fans will likely see new contenders rise in future polls that capture the shifting tastes of players on both sides of the Atlantic.
Overall, the IGN poll underscores a shared appreciation for characters who blend grit, wit, and humanity. Whether rooted in epic mythologies, sprawling adventures, or grounded, character-driven sagas, these figures leave lasting impressions that shape how players experience their favorite games on PlayStation consoles.