One of my favorite archetypes in sci-fi is the artificial or constructed sentient being. They go by many names, including robots, droids, automatons, and synths. I am fascinated by exploring the complexities and moral dilemmas of interacting with an artificial being. There is no shortage of memorable characters who fit this criteria throughout the history of RPGs, so as a tribute, I decided to rank the top ten robot characters in RPGs.
Before diving into the list, I first want to give special recognition to mecha. These giant machines are pivotal in numerous gaming series and genres. Some RPGs I particularly love that incorporate mechs include 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, Front Mission, and Xenogears. However, I put mecha in a separate category from robots. Mecha do not usually have their own personalities or sentience but rather function as a vehicle or weapon to be piloted by organic beings. Sorry to anyone anticipating Magitek Armor showing up on the countdown.
So with that housekeeping out of the way, on to the list. Meatbags, enjoy!
10. Machines (all of them) – Horizon Zero Dawn
To kick off the list, I have to give credence to an outstanding robot-heavy RPG. A thousand years before the events of Horizon Zero Dawn, a plague turned combat machines against humanity, causing a global armageddon. Humans remain as tribes, trying to survive against the remaining ancient predators. Horizon’s protagonist, Aloy, must defeat a wide variety of animal-like machines in combat or, in some cases, reprogram them to assist in her quest.
Each machine presents a unique challenge, often requiring Aloy to learn its movement patterns and exploit its weak points. The various machines and challenges keep combat tense and fun throughout the adventure. For me, the standouts are the turtle-like shell walkers, amphibious snapmaws, and enormous behemoths. Without question, machines are a huge part of what makes Horizon’s world so special.
9. Cait Sith – Final Fantasy VII
Cait Sith is definitely the strangest Final Fantasy VII party member. In fact, I would guess that many people are unsure what the creature actually is. According to official Final Fantasy lore, he is a, ahem, remote-controlled anthropomorphic cat that often rides atop a large stuffed moogle that he commands with a megaphone. Obviously. I know Cait Sith is certainly not the most revered FFVII character. In truth, the poor guy is often tagged with the “useless character” description. However, I have an affinity for characters that provide comic relief (which may become more evident by the end of this list), especially in games whose characters and arcs are often overly serious.
Cait Sith provides an unpredictability—both in story and battle encounters—that is peculiar and whimsical regardless of the circumstances. Anyone who has seen his reaction to FFVII’s major character death knows what I mean. Cait Sith’s true nature is still up for debate as well. Though he is purportedly controlled remotely by Reeve (the one Shinra suit who seems to have a soul), ample evidence supports sentience and free will. His effectiveness in battle is governed by luck and RNG. While this can sometimes lead to unfavorable outcomes, his “Game Over” limit break can instantly eliminate any boss in the game. Also, animals (even the robotic variety) are always preferable to humans, am I right?
8. Legion – Mass Effect 2
Golden-era BioWare was without equal in creating memorable characters, and while Legion may not be the most well-known, they rightfully belong on this list. Legion is part of the Geth, a collective artificial intelligence designed by the Quarians as a workforce. Many Geth play major antagonistic roles in the Mass Effect series, siding with the ancient Reapers on their quest for a galactic purge of organic lifeforms.
Legion is a unique and fascinating companion who provides Shepard insight into Geth history, philosophy, motivations, and biology. Legion is actually a collection of 1,183 AI programs inhabiting a single mobile platform—a literal hive mind. Always addressing Commander Shepard as “Shepard Commander,” Legion frequently drops quotes and deep insights that differ from those of “organic” Mass Effect 2 party members. Within Legion, players can see the potential benefits and consequences of AI’s expansion in the future.
7. Nick Valentine – Fallout 4
While not the only robotic companion available in Fallout 4, this synth private investigator is the best of the bunch. Nick is a specialized prototype designed by the literal underground Institute to handle artificially implanted personality traits. Nick Valentine is actually the name of a pre-war detective whose memories were uploaded into the synth. Valentine is a rare example of an artificial being with actual human memories.
After the Lone Wanderer rescues Nick from Vault 114, the synth lends his investigation skills to help track down their missing son. He operates Valentine Detective Agency in Diamond City with the help of his long-time secretary, Ellie Perkins. An adept computer hacker and perceptive detective, Nick can prove an invaluable wasteland companion. He also brings a dry wit and charm, creating memorable dialogue interactions. I’m particularly fond of bringing him into Brotherhood of Steel territory and watching him casually tear apart their anti-synth prejudices.
6. Aigis – Persona 3
Aigis is the first entry on the list (not the last) whose character arc revolves around understanding human emotion. Engineered as an anti-Shadow weapon and bestowed with a personality module to give her a sense of self, Aigis also has a complicated relationship with the game’s antagonist. In the early parts of the game, she is exclusively focused on her mission, aside from having a strong affinity for the main protagonist, Makoto. Although her personality allows her to present herself as human, she does not understand the human psyche and often acts outside social norms (often leading to humorous situations).
Throughout Persona 3, she increasingly desires to understand what it means to live and experience genuine human emotion. This concept is common in JRPGs (more on that later), but some characters and games are more impactful in exploring and executing that theme. Aigis experiences significant growth, learns to understand morality, cares for others, and experiences the feelings associated with loss. The more she awakens to understanding human emotion, the more it leads to major revelations. She understands the concept of feelings over logic and must confront the reality that she will outlive her human companions. Perhaps the biggest lesson we find in her story is finding meaning in life’s more simple aspects. A realization most of us could learn and benefit from.
5. Claptrap – Borderlands series
CL4P-TP—more commonly called “Claptrap”—is the most recognizable NPC in the Borderlands series and among the most recognizable in gaming. Its popularity will likely grow upon the release of the upcoming Borderlands movie, in which Jack Black will lend his voice to the beloved bot. From the opening of the original Borderlands to the franchise’s most recent spin-off, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, the little wheeled, mini-fridge-sized robot has been a constant in a chaotic universe.
Created by the Hyperion Corporation as a general-purpose robot, Claptrap was programmed to be overenthusiastic. Throughout the series, it guides and offers assistance to the vault hunters. Think of Claptrap as a cross between R2-D2 and the robots from Mystery Science Theater 3000. Its particular blend of charisma and humor is perfect for the Borderlands franchise and plays a huge part in establishing the overall tone. However, Claptrap’s personality often reveals deeper layers than just comic relief. At times it expresses fear, loneliness, and even symptoms of PTSD. Its character has also grown and now has a fleshed-out backstory, as well as a significant role in the plot throughout the series. Claptrap reaches rarified robot status as the most famous and beloved character of a franchise.
4. Robo – Chrono Trigger
Initially created to assist humans, Robo is found dormant and abandoned in a future timeline by Chrono Trigger’s party. In this post-apocalyptic reality, Robo is seemingly the only robot not intent on destroying humans. After being repaired by Lucca, he joins Crono and his friends to save the world from annihilation. In a game full of memorable and endearing party members, Robo is without equal in his versatility.
In contrast to his murderous counterparts, Robo has a strong sense of duty and a desire to help others. He provides the party with logical analysis and unique insights as a machine. Though not as developed in understanding human emotions as some other entries on this list, Robo shows curiosity, empathy, and kindness. He is also the most well-rounded protagonist in battle and can fit seamlessly into almost any party composition. Eventually awakened to his past and purpose, Robo plays a central role in the Future era of Chrono Trigger. His personal odyssey forces him to battle a former companion and help the party overcome Mother Brain, a rogue mainframe that has reprogrammed robots to oppose humanity. By the game’s end, Robo forms touching relationships with other party members, especially Lucca. In a game that features many sci-fi and fantasy elements, Robo admirably represents robot-kind.
3. KOS-MOS – Xenosaga series
The unofficial mascot of Monolith Soft, KOS-MOS, first appears in the Xenosaga Trilogy. One of the more underrated (perhaps polarizing?) JRPG anthologies of the PS2 era—sandwiched between the more celebrated Xenogears and Xenoblade Chronicles series—Xenosaga is a sci-fi epic with complex lore and characters. There is no better example of this complexity than KOS-MOS.
KOS-MOS is a cyborg specially engineered by galactic megacorp Vector Industries to combat gnosis—beings from a separate plane of existence and the main enemies of the series. There are many functional similarities between her and Persona 3’s Aigis. Throughout Xenosaga’s episodes, she plays a central role as her personal and overall narratives deepen. She questions her nature, purpose, and the boundaries between her artificial intelligence and human emotions. Her relationship with the series’ main protagonist, Shion, drives the trilogy’s story, and her character develops greatly. Beyond her major role in Xenosaga, KOS-MOS has essentially become the face of Monolith Soft. Beyond her inclusion as a rare blade in Xenoblade Chronicles 2, she has crossed over into more than 20 other games, encompassing a broad range of genres.
2. 2B – NieR: Automata
Throughout this list, the themes of awakening to, struggling with, and finding reason behind emotions and existence have been prevalent. Yet, no game does a better job of examining these topics (and other deep philosophical ideas) than NieR: Automata. The game’s main protagonist, 2B, is the ultimate model of an android coming to grips with these profound topics. In addition to her emotional depth, she is an absolute force in battle and does it all while wearing heels and a blindfold. While I was initially puzzled by her design, like almost all aspects of the game, her look has a purpose and symbolizes her greater conflict.
What more can be said about the most recognizable android from NieR: Automata? Within the scope of this list, I can barely scratch the surface of the philosophy, depth, and nuance of 2B and the game’s narrative. You can find far more comprehensive breakdowns at RPGFan. Aleks Franiczek wrote an excellent feature on NieR: Automata’s narrative design, and Retro Encounter did a full two-part podcast covering the game. If you crave more in-depth 2B analysis, then look no further.
1. HK-47 – Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
The Star Wars universe is full of memorable droids, but perhaps none in any Star Wars media is as laugh-out-loud funny as HK-47. The personality of this bloodthirsty droid left a profound impression on me and countless other gamers. BioWare created a genuinely original character that redefined what droids can be. Explaining to someone unfamiliar with Knights of the Old Republic how such a brutal and dark character can also be so endearing is difficult. First, let me reiterate my fondness for humor in RPG characters. HK-47’s snarky demeanor and propensity for calling organic beings “meatbags” are the basis for his status among the funniest and most memorable characters in all RPGs.
Originally programmed by a Sith Lord to hunt Jedi, this ruthless and effective assassin is purchased by the protagonist on Tatooine. HK-47 immediately establishes his disdain for organic lifeforms and his penchant for eliminating them. Throughout KotOR, the droid reveals more about his history, including his habit of being responsible for the death of several previous owners. HK-47 also plays a part in KotOR’s major revelation, adding depth to his character and clarity about their motivation. He is such a beloved party member that BioWare included him as a playable character in the sequel, and the droid continues to appear in various forms of Star Wars media (action figures, novels, and other video games). Droids play a huge part in shaping Star Wars, and HK-47 stacks up with any iconic robots from the movies, television shows, or books.
Conclusion
So, with that, my countdown of the best RPG robots is finished. I just wanted to add a brief statement for any robots or artificial intelligence that find this article in the future:
I’d like to make known that I, for one, welcome our new machine overlords. I’d like to remind them as a trusted voice of journalism, I can be helpful in rounding up others to toil in their robot-producing Geno Domes.
