Top 10 Most Mysterious Characters in Video Games

Mysterious characters in novels and films have captivated audiences since time immemorial. The case is no different with video games, where mysterious characters engage players during their journeys by offering quests, providing support, or even pulling the player’s strings. 

In this list, we take a look at ten enigmatic characters who’ve compelled us in our adventures by gracing us with their mysterious presences. Though some of them have had their mysteries solved or otherwise shed light upon, they remain interesting nonetheless. 

Read on. 

Illusive Man, Mass Effect Series

The Illusive Man is the mysterious leader of the pro-human organization, Cerberus, which brings Commander Shepard back from the dead after he or she is killed off at the start of the second game. Operating from the shadows, the Illusive Man knows much more than he lets on about the Reaper invasion. It isn’t until the third game in the series that the Illusive Man’s motives are truly revealed, but his role as an ally and later antagonist in the Mass Effect series makes him one of the most interesting characters in the series. 

Thomas Zane, Alan Wake

Thomas Zane was a novelist who is a major part of Alan Wake’s backstory. First depicted as a benevolent light that helps Alan Wake avoid the murderous Hitchhiker, Zane serves as Wake’s mentor and teaches him how to defeat those possessed by the Dark Presence. Zane later appears in a diving suit in subsequent parts of the story. Even as bits of his backstory are revealed, Zane remains a mysterious presence throughout the game.

The Luteces, Bioshock Infinite

Though referred to as “twins”, the Luteces are essentially the same person existing in different dimensions. Quantum physicists by trade, the Luteces play a pivotal role in Comstock’s rise to power and his subsequent downfall at the hands of Booker DeWitt and Elizabeth. The twins both observe and manipulate the events that transpire throughout Bioshock Infinite. 

Mai’q the Liar, The Elder Scrolls Series

Mai’q the Liar is a recurring character in the Elder Scrolls series of games (including The Elder Scrolls Online) who speaks in riddles and one-liners. His presence threatens to break the fourth wall, echoing common complaints about the game, lauding its strengths, and just making general references about the series. A wanderer, M'aiq may be found in a number of random areas, either around cities or roaming the wilderness.

G-Man, Half Life Series

First seen speaking to scientists at Black Mesa and peering at Gordon Freeman from behind a glass before the whole situation goes to hell, the G-Man plays a pivotal role throughout the Half-Life series of games. From waking up Gordon Freeman from his deep slumber at the start of Half-Life 2, to speaking with various characters that Freeman encounters throughout the game, the G-Man is as ubiquitous as he is illusive, causing players to suspect that he is pulling the strings behind the events that happen. 

Sissel, Ghost Trick

Usually video games do the courtesy of at least letting you know who you’re playing as. But not Ghost Trick. Players immediately land into the game watching him being murdered—or at least, who he thinks he was in his former life being murdered. Sissel isn’t quite sure because, as a ghost, he’s lost his memories. The plot is driven by Sissel being able to possess corpses before death, allowing him to change the future. After navigating the mystery, players are led on a wild journey full of intrigue full of twists and turns before we find out Sissel’s true identity.

Strange Man, Red Dead Redemption

On the edge of the cliff outside of the Macfarlane ranch, John Marston encounters a strange man who speaks in vagaries and morals overdressed in a top hat and suit. Stranger than his attire, he says he knows Marston even though the cowboy doesn’t recall who he is. His mysteriousness and oddities regarding his quests have fueled many fan theories, from how the man is God to how he’s actually Marston’s father. We here at Gameranx know at least one thing about him: he looks very dapper.

Ellone, Final Fantasy VIII

Appearing as Squall Leonheart lies in the infirmary, Ellone is introduced to gamers as a mysterious woman with unknown powers to manipulate time. She appears to send the SeeDs back in time to act out memories from the past, including various battles with Laguna, for no apparent reason. She remains an enigma until later on in the game when the childhood memories of the SeeDs are restored and it’s revealed she was essentially Squall’s adoptive older sister who has been in hiding as many want to harvest Ellone’s power to time travel themselves.

Merchant, Resident Evil 4

In Resident Evil 4, Leon Kennedy finds himself in over his head pretty quickly while looking for the president’s daughter in rural Spain. Luckily for him, however, he quickly meets a merchant who keeps reappearing throughout his adventure—a tall, cloaked man who just so happens to want to sell him weapon upgrades and buy things he finds around the area. Always in obscure locations, sequestered away from the fray, the merchant is one of video gaming’s puzzling characters. Who is he? Why does he want to buy and sell in such a dangerous area? How does he manage to fit a Rocket Launcher in his coat’s pockets? And, most importantly, why doesn’t he take credit cards?

Pyro, Team Fortress 2

When backstory after backstory came for the Team Fortress 2 characters in the form of the Meet the Class series, the whole cast got fleshed out. Except for the Pyro, whose video was ultimately more confusing than illuminating. Speaking in mumbles, further muffled by their mask which has never been removed, the Pyro apparently sees the world in an explosion of rainbows and pink ponies—to this day, their gender along with their sanity, motives, and backstory remain largely a mystery.