There’s So Many Possibilities!
You may not realize it, but Disney princess stories have always had plenty of video game energy. You have vast expanses of land, dangerous villains, loyal friends, tricky choices, and heroes who keep going when things look rough. While only some of these characters have a history with combat, others have the kind of curiosity and grit that can carry a story just as well. Their adventures could work as action games, cozy management games, racers, or exploration-heavy quests. Here are 20 Disney princesses who’d make great video game protagonists.
1. Raya, The Lone Warrior
Raya’s search for the last dragon already feels like the start of a big action-adventure game. Kumandra’s five different lands would give players plenty of new places to explore, and her skill with a sword would serve as an excellent foundation for combat.
2. Mulan, The Unexpected Warrior
Mulan’s choice to take her father’s place in the Imperial Army would make for a strong game opening. As you move through the story, you could complete training or stealth missions, or face the Huns on the battlefield. As you watch Mulan grow into a capable warrior, it’s really her courage and quick thinking that would keep the story moving from one problem to the next.
mydisneyadventures on Wikimedia
3. Merida, The Fearless Archer
Merida has a skill set made for an open-world archery game. Players could travel through the Scottish wilderness, follow the will-o’-the-wisps, and use her bow to take care of enemies from a distance. The ancient curse at the center of her story would give the game a clear objective beyond simply roaming the forest.
4. Moana, The Wayfinder
Moana’s adventure could make for a beautiful, Wind Waker-esque game that prioritized exploration. Players could travel between islands, following the stars to find their way across the ocean. Her mission to restore her people’s future would add the emotional edge needed for a game of this caliber.
5. Rapunzel, The Tower Escapee
Rapunzel’s magical hair could make for a really interesting game mechanic. It could help her swing over gaps, climb towers, solve puzzles, and protect herself when trouble finds her. Her journey away from the tower to the castle would be an excellent backdrop for a platformer.
6. Tiana, The Dream Builder
Tiana would be a great lead for a restaurant management game. Similar to Stardew Valley, players could gather ingredients and cook meals, while also exploring the mysterious and magical corners of the Louisiana bayou.
7. Ariel, The Ocean Explorer
Ariel’s interest in the human world makes her an easy choice for an underwater exploration game. Players could search shipwrecks and reefs for unusual objects, meet sea creatures, and travel through the vast expanse of the ocean. Her later stint on land would be an interesting change, a complete redirect of the movement system already established.
8. Jasmine, The Palace Rebel
Jasmine has the curiosity and independence to lead an adventure game set in Agrabah. Players could explore palace hallways, crowded markets, and the desert, with magic carpet travel opening up the world from above.
9. Pocahontas, The Pathfinder
Pocahontas could lead an adventure game that emphasizes exploration and paying attention to the world around you. Players could cross rivers, follow trails, and meet unfamiliar people as the story unfolds. We imagine this less as a combat-focused game, something more akin to A Short Hike or No Man’s Sky.
10. Belle, The Bookworm Hero
Belle’s love of books could lead to a fantasy game set around the Beast’s castle library. Each book could open into a different playable story, like What Remains of Edith Finch. The enchantment around the castle could tie those stories together and give players a larger mystery to solve.
11. Cinderella, The Midnight Runner
In Cinderella’s game, it all comes down to timing. We imagine a more humor-centric style here, as you move Cinderella through her daily chores, preparing for the ball, and the race home as the clock strikes midnight.
12. Aurora, The Dreambound Princess
Aurora’s world would work well as a magical platform game with a slightly darker feel. A dream level through the princess’s mind would be an interesting addition to this story, and Maleficent’s dragon form would make for a huge final fight that players would remember.
Walt Disney Productions on Wikimedia
13. Snow White, The Forest Friend
Snow White could easily lead the charge for cozy gamers, as you create a safe home in the woods. Players could work with her animal friends, spend time at the dwarfs’ cottage, and explore the nearby mine. Gardening, crafting, gathering, and light exploration would all fit naturally into her fairy-tale world.
14. Anna, The Determined Sister
Anna has the energy for a fast-paced game that still has plenty of heart. Her trip across Arendelle’s icy mountains in search of her sister could definitely serve as the foundation for a platformer or survival-based game. Saving the kingdom from eternal winter would keep the stakes high from beginning to end.
15. Elsa, The Ice Architect
Elsa’s powers could give players lots of useful ways to shape the world around them. Excellent for a puzzle-based game, her powers could help her navigate the snow-covered world she created. Her struggle to control her powers would also make for some interesting plot points as players move through the story.
16. Kida, The Atlantean Guardian
Kida’s story has all the pieces for a grand adventure game. As Atlantis could serve as a home base for this fearless leader, there’d be much to explore above and below the waves. The ultimate goal, of course, would be to protect the lost city and its people.
Heriberto Jahir Medina on Pexels
17. Vanellope von Schweetz, The Glitch Racer
Vanellope is already part of a racing game, so she’d be a natural pick for a larger game of her own. Like in the movie Wreck-It Ralph, her glitch ability could help players find shortcuts, dodge danger, and pull off moves that change a race at the last second.
18. Sofia, The Magic Student
Sofia’s magical amulet and royal education would fit easily into a family-friendly fantasy RPG. Players could use spells, meet creatures, explore castles, and take on missions that reward kindness. Her story would keep the tone warm and welcoming while still giving players plenty of adventure.
Jesus Fajardo Photography on Pexels
19. Elena, The Crown Princess
Elena has the skills and responsibilities needed to carry a strong action-adventure story. Protecting Avalor could mean facing magical threats and using swordplay when necessary. It could also ask players to make thoughtful choices as Elena learns how to lead a kingdom and care for the people who count on her, similar to that of the Jedi games.
Theme Park Tourist on Wikimedia
20. Eilonwy, The Dark Fantasy Princess
Eilonwy’s story would suit a darker fantasy RPG with a slightly strange feel. Her efforts to stop an army of deathless warriors would give players a serious mission from the start, and her adventure would stand apart from a traditional fairy tale while still feeling right at home in a fantasy game.
