Every gamer has their favorite video game hero, like Mario, Mega Man, or Sonic. Just like comic book superheroes, these characters have their own unique set of skills and thrilling adventures. And just like superheroes, these heroes have faithful sidekicks who have their back no matter what.
These loyal characters follow the hero headfirst into danger and help them with whatever quest they’ve taken on. Whether the sidekick is playable or provides helpful advice and support, many Player 1s would be lost without their Player 2. A handful of these sidekicks have become so iconic that they’re nearly as popular as their heroes.
10 Clank (Ratchet & Clank)
One half of the Ratchet & Clank duo, Clank was built as a warbot meant for conquest before a defect in the manufacturing process gave him a conscience and heroic spirit. Turning against his evil creators, Clank teamed up with Ratchet to save the day. The two have gone on to become some of the galaxy’s greatest heroes, as well as best friends.
Though Clank has been playable in several games, he mostly serves as Ratchet’s talking backpack. While Ratchet does most of the heavy lifting, Clank provides him with valuable gadgets and advice. His calm and patient personality make him a much-needed voice of reason in times of crisis.
9 Atreus (God Of War)
The original God Of War games featured series protagonist Kratos acting largely on his own in his quest across ancient Greece. When the series was revitalized in 2018, Kratos was given a new setting, a new gameplay style, and, most importantly, a new partner.
Kratos’ new son, Atreus, joined him on his quest through the lands of Norse mythology. Atreus was a fascinating foil for his father, showing fans a new side to the familiar God Of War. Aside from his useful combat ability, Atreus underwent a character arc of his own, allowing players to bond with the boy alongside his father.
8 Rush (Mega Man)
When it comes to faithful and loyal companions, few animals come to mind faster than a dog. And there are few breeds of dogs more appealing to gamers than a robot dog. Mega Man can live out that fantasy with his four-legged robot pal Rush.
Debuting in Mega Man 3, Rush was a robotic companion who helped Mega Man navigate levels by turning into a hoverboard, a spring, and a submarine. Players who had survived two games of punishingly difficult platforming were incredibly grateful for Rush. His abilities and appearance helped cement his reputation as a very good boy.
7 Kazooie (Banjo-Kazooie)
Rare’s Banjo-Kazooie is one of the most beloved games in the Nintendo 64’s library, and its two protagonists are a big reason why. While everybody loves Banjo, his red-feathered partner, Kazooie, has earned herself plenty of admirers. Her sassy personality and striking appearance are great, but her abilities really push her over the edge.
As Kazooie’s happy to stay in Banjo’s backpack, it would be easy to keep her as a simple, wisecracking animal companion. However, she pulls her weight by being able to fire eggs at enemies and help Banjo fly. While Banjo-Kazooie doesn’t have as many games as fans would like, it speaks to the strength of Kazooie’s character that she’s still an iconic sidekick.
6 Waluigi (Super Mario Bros.)
Waluigi is interesting as he isn’t a sidekick to any of Mario‘s heroic characters, nor does he ever appear outside of spinoff titles. However, the fact that he’s arguably Wario’s sidekick and that he’s one of the most beloved Mario characters of all time makes him a worthy inclusion.
Fans love Waluigi for his sharp contrast with Luigi. Where Luigi is round, sweet, and timid, Waluigi is angular, devious, and overflowing with possibly unearned confidence. His animations are so full of personality and charm that multiplayer games usually turn into real-life brawls to decide who gets to play as Waluigi.
5 Ken Masters (Street Fighter)
While it can be hard to pick a protagonist from Street Fighter‘s vast roster, Ryu is arguably the hero. And while fighting game characters don’t have traditional sidekicks, Ken Masters comes closer to being Ryu’s than anyone. Ken has a similar appearance and moveset to Ryu but boasts a style all his own.
While Ken and Ryu are rivals who frequently compete, the two are best friends who always have each other’s backs. Whenever Ryu faces off against Street Fighter‘s villains, it’s a safe bet that Ken will be right there behind him. Though he has made many efforts to come into his own as a character, many fans still know Ken as Street Fighter‘s iconic Player 2.
4 Diddy Kong (Donkey Kong)
Debuting in the first Donkey Kong Country, Diddy Kong is Donkey Kong’s loyal buddy who joins him on his adventures. Wherever DK goes, Diddy Kong is never far behind. Diddy has followed his bigger pal to Mario Party, Super Smash Bros., and even the Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Though he’s not as strong as DK, Diddy’s speed and agility make him a perfectly viable alternative. Later games have shown him to be more adept at using tools like jetpacks and pistols. With a style and personality that fans love, Diddy truly is one tough Kong.
3 Navi (The Legend Of Zelda)
Debuting in the legendary The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time, Navi has gained a reputation as one of the most annoying video game characters ever. Her constant interjections and repetitive voice clips have lodged themselves in the nightmares of many gamers. As annoying as she is, she is still iconic.
Navi’s striking appearance as a glowing ball with wings has been a constant image in Zelda games since her debut. Even among her detractors, the image of a glowing fairy hovering over Link’s shoulder is a persistent one. For better or worse, Navi is forever entwined with Zelda‘s visual identity.
2 Tails (Sonic The Hedgehog)
Sonic The Hedgehog’s sidekick is just as iconic as he is. Debuting in Sonic The Hedgehog 2, Miles “Tails” Prower has been a constant presence by Sonic’s side ever since. Even in games where Sonic is the sole playable character, Tails is usual present in some way, shape, or form.
Tails won the hearts of gamers for his adorable appearance and his ability to keep up with the Blue Blur himself. His ability to fly made him very popular and many fans’ favorite Sonic character. Though he’s been starting to come out of Sonic’s shadow, Tails is one of the first sidekicks fans think of.
1 Luigi (Super Mario Bros.)
When gamers hear the term “Player 2,” one character immediately jumps to mind. The other half of the Super Mario Bros., Luigi has been right by Mario’s side since 1983’s Mario Bros. for the Game & Watch. Though he’s a bit more timid than his older brother, Luigi will always have his back.
As Mario has earned his place as one of the most recognizable video game heroes ever, Luigi has been right there with him. Not only has Luigi joined Mario on his adventures, but he’s also faced his fears in the Luigi’s Mansion spinoff series. His enduring popularity and lovable personality all help to make Luigi the most iconic sidekick in all of video games.
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