Adventure Games With Female Leads That Stand Out

Hey gamers! If you’re on the hunt for adventure games with compelling female leads to dive into in 2025, this listicle is your roadmap. From action-packed epics to cozy indie tales, we’ve rounded up a mix of standout titles featuring women who drive the story and steal the show. Expect detailed breakdowns, platform availability, and why each game deserves your attention—perfect for anyone craving rich narratives and unforgettable heroines.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits – A Magical Journey Through a Haunted World

Summary: Kena: Bridge of Spirits follows Kena, a young Spirit Guide, as she helps lost souls find peace in a lush, abandoned village. Developed by Ember Lab, this visually stunning game blends exploration and combat as Kena uncovers the mysteries of a forgotten community with the help of her adorable spirit companions, the Rot.

Key Gameplay Features:

• Genre: Action-adventure
• Art Style: Pixar-inspired 3D visuals with vibrant colors and cinematic flair
• Story: A heartfelt tale of loss, redemption, and balance between the living and spirit worlds
• Gameplay: Fast-paced combat with melee and ranged attacks, environmental puzzles, and platforming
• Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
• Unique Mechanics: Kena’s magical staff and bow work alongside the Rot, who gain new abilities as you progress, adding depth to combat and puzzle-solving

Why It’s Similar to / Why It Deserves a Spot: If you loved the emotional depth of Ori and the Will of the Wisps or the vibrant exploration of The Legend of Zelda, Kena’s mix of heartfelt storytelling and tight gameplay makes it a must-play. Its accessible yet challenging mechanics and gorgeous world-building cement its place as a standout adventure. Release Year: 2021

Platform Availability: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

A Plague Tale: Requiem – A Heart-Wrenching Medieval Odyssey

Summary: A Plague Tale: Requiem continues the saga of Amicia de Rune, a teenage girl protecting her cursed brother Hugo in a rat-infested medieval France. Asobo Studio delivers a gripping stealth-adventure sequel where the siblings face war, plague, and moral dilemmas in their quest for a new life.

Key Gameplay Features:

• Genre: Stealth-action adventure
• Art Style: Realistic, gritty visuals capturing the horrors of 14th-century Europe
• Story: A dark, emotional narrative about survival, sacrifice, and family bonds
• Gameplay: Stealth-based mechanics with Amicia’s slingshot and crossbow, environmental puzzles, and Hugo’s rat-controlling powers
• Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch (cloud version)
• Unique Mechanics: Dynamic rat swarms that react to light and sound, creating tense, strategic encounters

Why It’s Similar to / Why It Deserves a Spot: Fans of The Last of Us will vibe with Amicia’s protective instincts and the game’s cinematic storytelling. Requiem’s blend of stealth, emotional depth, and jaw-dropping set pieces make it a heavyweight in the adventure genre. Its raw portrayal of Amicia’s growth from a scared girl to a fierce survivor is unforgettable.

Release Year: 2022

Platform Availability: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch (cloud)

Infinity Nikki – A Whimsical Open-World Fashion Adventure

Summary: Infinity Nikki, the fifth entry in the Nikki series by Infold Games, stars Nikki, a fashion-loving heroine exploring the vibrant world of Miraland. This open-world adventure blends platforming, crafting, and collecting with a cozy, femme-coded aesthetic, as Nikki and her companion Momo uncover magical outfits and secrets.

Key Gameplay Features:

• Genre: Open-world adventure
• Art Style: Bright, Unreal Engine 5-powered visuals with a soft, anime-inspired aesthetic
• Story: A lighthearted journey about self-expression and discovery through fashion and exploration
• Gameplay: Platforming, outfit crafting, puzzle-solving, and exploration across diverse biomes
• Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
• Unique Mechanics: Nikki’s “Whim” abilities let her use magical outfits to solve puzzles and navigate environments

Why It’s Similar to / Why It Deserves a Spot: Think Super Mario Odyssey meets Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures. Infinity Nikki’s unapologetically feminine vibe and polished platforming make it a refreshing pick for gamers seeking something unique. Its gacha elements might not be for everyone, but the 20-40 hour campaign is a delightful ride. Release Year: 2024

Platform Availability: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch

Unknown 9: Awakening – A Mystical Quest in a Hidden Universe

Summary: Unknown 9: Awakening follows Haroona, a young woman from Kolkata’s slums who discovers she can tap into a mysterious dimension called The Fold. Developed by Reflector Entertainment, this action-adventure weaves a narrative-driven experience across a global “Storyworld” filled with intrigue and supernatural powers.

Key Gameplay Features:

• Genre: Narrative-driven action-adventure
• Art Style: Cinematic 3D visuals with a focus on diverse, real-world-inspired settings
• Story: A coming-of-age tale about mastering mysterious abilities and uncovering a hidden realm
• Gameplay: Third-person combat, stealth, and exploration with Haroona’s Fold-based powers
• Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
• Unique Mechanics: Haroona’s ability to manipulate The Fold for teleportation and combat adds a fresh twist to traditional mechanics

Why It’s Similar to / Why It Deserves a Spot: If Control or Assassin’s Creed had you hooked with their blend of mystery and action, Unknown 9’s unique premise and Haroona’s compelling arc make it a worthy addition. As a rare AAA title with a woman of color protagonist, it’s a step forward for diversity in gaming.

Release Year: 2024

Platform Availability: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

True Fear: Forsaken Souls Part 3 – A Hidden Gem Horror Adventure

Summary: True Fear: Forsaken Souls Part 3 wraps up the chilling trilogy with Holly Stonehouse, a woman unraveling her family’s dark secrets in a psychological horror adventure. This point-and-click gem from Goblinz Studio dives deep into eerie atmospheres and haunting puzzles, perfect for fans of creepy narratives.

Key Gameplay Features:

• Genre: Point-and-click horror adventure
• Art Style: Dark, hand-drawn 2D visuals with a gothic, unsettling vibe
• Story: A psychological tale of trauma, mystery, and supernatural horror
• Gameplay: Classic point-and-click mechanics with inventory puzzles, hidden object scenes, and exploration
• Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch
• Unique Mechanics: Deeply integrated narrative choices that impact the story’s outcome

Why It’s Similar to / Why It Deserves a Spot: If you enjoyed The Vanishing of Ethan Carter or What Remains of Edith Finch, this under-the-radar title delivers a similar blend of atmospheric storytelling and puzzle-solving. Its focus on Holly’s emotional journey and its polished execution make it a hidden gem for adventure fans.

Release Year: 2025

Platform Availability: PC, Nintendo Switch

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II – A Brutal, Cinematic Norse Epic

Summary: Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II follows Senua, a Pict warrior battling psychosis and Viking raiders in a harrowing journey through 10th-century Iceland. Ninja Theory’s sequel ramps up the emotional stakes, blending intense combat with a deeply personal narrative about trauma and resilience.

Key Gameplay Features:

• Genre: Action-adventure
• Art Style: Photorealistic visuals with motion-captured performances
• Story: A raw exploration of mental health, survival, and redemption in a brutal Norse setting
• Gameplay: Melee combat, environmental puzzles, and narrative-driven exploration
• Platform: PC, Xbox Series X/S
• Unique Mechanics: Senua’s psychosis manifests as voices and visions, creating a unique, immersive perspective

Why It’s Similar to / Why It Deserves a Spot: If God of War or The Last of Us Part II resonated with you, Hellblade II’s cinematic storytelling and visceral combat will hit hard. Senua’s complex portrayal as a warrior grappling with her inner demons makes this a standout for its emotional depth and technical prowess.

Release Year: 2024

Platform Availability: PC, Xbox Series X/S

Split Fiction – A Co-Op Sci-Fi Fantasy Adventure

Summary: Split Fiction, developed by Hazelight Studios, follows Mio and Zoe, two writers trapped in a machine that blends their sci-fi and fantasy worlds. This co-op adventure has you switching between their realities, solving puzzles, and battling enemies to escape a corporate experiment gone wrong.

Key Gameplay Features:

• Genre: Co-op action-adventure
• Art Style: Vibrant, contrasting visuals blending sci-fi and fantasy aesthetics
• Story: A witty, heartfelt tale of teamwork and creativity under pressure
• Gameplay: Co-op-focused platforming, puzzle-solving, and combat with unique world-switching mechanics
• Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
• Unique Mechanics: Seamless co-op gameplay where each player controls a different protagonist in distinct worlds

Why It’s Similar to / Why It Deserves a Spot: Fans of It Takes Two will love Split Fiction’s innovative co-op mechanics and charming leads. Its fresh take on blending genres and dual protagonists makes it a must-play for those who enjoy cooperative adventures with strong female characters.

Release Year: 2025

Platform Availability: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year for adventure games with female protagonists, offering everything from cozy indie vibes to gut-punching epics. Whether you’re sneaking through rat-filled medieval streets with Amicia, exploring magical realms with Nikki, or unraveling cosmic mysteries with Haroona, there’s a heroine here for every gamer. Got a favorite female-led adventure game we missed? Drop it in the comments or share your thoughts on X—I’d love to hear what you’re playing!