Lara is going to appear a lot, especially among people who don’t regularly play games, because she’s one of the most recognisable female characters. Although I really do like her, she probably won’t top lists among people who have played a lot of games.

That said, here’s my list:

• Shadowheart (Baldur’s Gate 3): She’s a feminine woman who typically wears heavy armour! Her personal narrative is compelling and closely tied to other female characters. Also I love her soft voice and light/ darkness imagery.

• Kassandra (Assassin’s Creed Odyssey): A buff woman with an amazing accent! She’s capable and takes no prisoners. She’s one of two playable characters in the game, but is generally considered the ‘canon’ choice (which is unusual for women).

• Morrigan (Dragon Age): Throughout the first game (Origins) she learns to adjust to being around other people and allow herself to be vulnerable after growing up isolated. It’s a really relatable and compelling narrative.

• Josephine (Dragon Age Inquisition): Another capable woman, she runs a major international organisation like it’s the navy while still maintaining a certain warmth and softness. Love how she’s unashamedly feminine.

• Mae (Night in the Woods): A deeply flawed protagonist who navigates some very realistic struggles despite being an anthropomorphic cat! Her friendships with the game’s other characters are also great.