Top 10 Video Game Mercenaries

“Final Fantasy X” (2001)

Most aeons in “Final Fantasy X” obey without question. However there is one aeon that operates a little differently. After visiting the Cavern of Stolen Fayth, you have a chance to recruit the legendary sword-for-hire, Yojimbo. This is where Yojimbo’s mercenary status really comes into play; his attacks differ based on how much you pay him once he’s summoned. Give him a nickel and he’ll make his dog, Daigoro, attack. But if you empty your pockets he’ll brandish his katana and lay down the hurt. If you give a certain amount you may be lucky enough to see Yojimbo’s one-hit kill move, Zanmato.

“Fallout” series (2008-)

The first time you meet this ruthless, soldier he’s…well… a prepubescent boy. MacCready is the self-elected mayor of Little Lamplight in “Fallout 3”. Fast-forward to “Fallout 4” and MacCready has grown into those big boy boots. An ex-member of the Gunners, he now works as a solitary merc with a deadly shot. He can be hired as a companion and makes for a capable ally on the battlefield. Even though he’s older, he keeps the confident, and sometimes cocky, attitude from his boyhood. You’ve got to commend this guy’s knack for survival.

“Strider” series (1989-)

Only the late 80’s could birth something as cool as a futuristic, ninja-warrior who fights with a plasma blade. Based on a manga, it chronicles the story of high-class fighters-for-hire called Striders. Strider “Hiryu” made his video game debut in the arcades and then quickly found his way to home-consoles. This horizontal-slashing soldier uses his speed and acrobatic prowess to topple foes and gain the upper hand. He has a variety of mechanical supports to aid him on his missions, which include hawks and panthers. If the new reboot of the Strider series isn’t your thing, you can still throw down with him in Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3.

“Mercenaries” series (2005)

The pony-tailed beard and mohawk should tell you right away that our next pick isn’t quite your average hired professional. Mattias Nilsson has fought in too many conflicts to care what people think anyway. This ex-Swedish Navy officer is resourceful, fit, and has an affinity for blowing things to smithereens. Recklessness is often seen as a negative trait, but, in the mercenary world, it might just put you ahead of the competition—preferably in one piece. People probably hire Mattias secretly hoping he’ll complete his mission and blow himself up in the process. Too bad for them, Mattias doesn’t seem to be going belly up any time soon.
Should mention the PMC he’s apart of: ExOps or Executive Operations.

“Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire” (1996)

Because of the nature of their careers, mercenaries need to keep themselves flexible. Dash Rendar is the embodiment of the word. Self-proclaimed rival to Han Solo, Dash gets involved in a crime lord’s plot to kill Luke Skywalker, which takes place between “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi”. With his robot companion, Leebo, Dash takes on hitmen, asteroids, wampas, and even duels an AT-ST with nothing but his trusty pistol. He gets to pilot all sorts of vehicles along the way, including a speeder bike, a snow speeder – tow cable and all, plus his signature ship “The Outrider”. This guy doesn’t need The Force to be with him.

“Max Payne” series (2001-)

Letting your guard down around this femme fatale would be a bad idea. Mona Sax proves that women should not be taken lightly in battle just because of their sex. She’s a contract killer who crosses paths with Max Payne on his journey, even saving his life occasionally. Though her motives aren’t always clear, Mona’s soft voice often lulls her enemies into a false sense of security before their demise. Watch out, Mona won’t just point her gun at your heart.

“Devil May Cry” series (2001-)

Being the head of your own paranormal investigation business is kind of a big deal. Dante’s work consists of hunting down demons and other supernatural forces. Being the son of a powerful demon definitely gives Dante some unique abilities to aid him in the fray. He can infuse his weapons with his demonic energy to give them a boost. Swords and guns give Dante a good mix of ranged and close-combat options. Dante may be a bit showy but his skills definitely back up his words.

“Star Fox” series (1993-)

The life of a hired gun doesn’t have to be lonely. As head of the Star Fox team, Fox leads his band of anthropomorphic air squadron against likes of Andross’s army, A Dino Dictator, and some really creepy bugs. Fox is an ace pilot, with his signature Arwing able to obliterate waves of enemy ships and take down entire enemy fleets. Just so you know though, Fox charges by the kill, so make sure you got some deep pockets before hiring this team.

“Grand Theft Auto III” (2001)

After being betrayed by his girlfriend during a bank heist, Claude escapes from prison and then makes his way up the ladder by working for prominent gangs around Liberty City. Claude is obedient and usually carries out whatever task he is given. Killing isn’t a problem for Claude; his, almost, emotionless grin is actually kind of creepy. Regardless, he gets things done and it doesn’t go unnoticed. All the wealthy families in Liberty City want this one-man army on their side.

Before we hire our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

Erron Black
“Mortal Kombat X” (2015)

Team Chaotix
“Sonic Heroes” (2004)

Carlos Oliveira
“Resident Evil 3: Nemesis” (1999)

“Metal Gear” series (1988-)

War can leave one scarred both physically, mentally, and can often leave one to question where their true loyalties lie and whom the real enemies are, and no mercenary knows this better than Big Boss. Following the events of Snake Eater, Snake left FOX Unit to form the Militaires Sans Frontières, or Soldier’s Without Borders, where Snake would vow to “provide an army to those who need it.” Through a series of complicated events that faction would eventually become rebranded as the Diamond Dogs, but their goal would remain the same, even if Big Boss wasn’t the same man as he was after awaking from a coma.

Do you agree with our list? Who is your favorite video game mercenary? For more informative Top 10s published every single day, subscribe to WatchMojo.com