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Robots are littered throughout the video game world. Science fiction games seem to always feature a robot and they are usually given a likable personality. Robots flourish in pop culture because they are not too far off of where they are in reality but the robots on this list are very fictionalized. That said, here are the best robots in video games, ranked.
Updated on February 19th, 2022 by Ritwik Mitra: Sci-fi and video games is a combination that has given birth to some of the most memorable titles of all time. This setting allows games to go all-out as they explore some of the most reliable and memorable ways to add some flavor to their game. There are many ways games achieve this, with the addition of new robotic characters being the most universal way to do so. Keeping this in mind, here are some of the most memorable and beloved robots in video gaming.
15 Jack (Gears 5)
The Gears of War series is full of characters and creatures. However, one of its most interesting aspects is Jack. In the older games, Jack didn’t have a whole lot of personality. All he ever really did was cut open doors or hack into computer systems. The older trilogy didn’t make Jack all that interesting.
However, Gears 5 really gave Jack a sense of individualism by letting fans play as him. Players can take on the role of Jack through horde mode and the campaign. Having the ability to play as Jack is even better when he gets brand new abilities. Jack is consistently upgraded in the campaign and his abilities are customizable in horde mode. These changes make him an enjoyable character to play.
14 Pathfinder (Apex Legends)
Respawn Entertainment is the king of creating likable and interesting robot characters. This list will reveal that later on, but the first of their robots to show up on this list is Pathfinder. Pathfinder is a cheery and friendly robot. His ability in Apex Legends explains the exact reason as to why he is named Pathfinder.
In the Titanfalluniverse, Pathfinder is a modified MRVN (pronounced mar-vin) who does not know the identity of his creator. MRVN robots are used for janitorial and mechanical duties. In one of the Apex Legend trailers, we can see a standard MRVN serving drinks to customers. Pathfinder was certainly not created for a bartending gig.
13 Thunderjaw (Horizon Zero Dawn)
Horizon Zero Dawn is full of robots, but the largest and most menacing is known as the Thunderjaw. The Thunderjaw is practically a T-Rex on steroids. It has lasers, a razor-sharp tail, missile launchers, and stands significantly taller than Aloy. It is hard to believe that this creature can be killed, but the feeling, once it is dead, is pure adrenaline.
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The Thunderjaw is the only robot on this list with a lack of consciousness or individuality. It acts likes a creature or animal. The rest of the robots on this list are smart and interact with humans in a more civilized way. On the other hand, the Thunderjaw is absolutely a stand-out on this list because of its pure design and purpose.
12 Nick Valentine (Fallout 4)
The Fallout universe is full of threats and many NPCs within the game are terrified of Synths. Synths or synthetic humans were created by the Institute to look and act like humans. Many people within the Fallout 4 world are terrified of Synths and their creator, the Institute. The hysteria around these beings is blown out of proportion.
In Fallout 4, players get a handful of options when it comes to companions and Nick Valentine is commonly selected among Fallout fans. Nick Valentine is a synthetic private detective. A robot paired with the job of a detective and that name is undeniably cool. Valentine can be used to hack into computer systems but insists on not hacking into other people’s terminals. After all, he is a detective.
11 BD-1 (Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order)
Respawn Entertainment released two very likable robot characters this year: Pathfinder and BD-1. BD-1 is certainly one of the best features of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Apart from being cute, he is also very useful. His design is also very fresh to the Star Wars universe. BD-1 has some reminiscent design of BT-7274 with the two-leg design and the upper body.
Throughout Jedi: Fallen Order, BD-1 is upgraded with various abilities and gadgets to help in combat. One of his best abilities is hacking into Imperial droids. Once they reach a certain amount of health, BD will hop right onto them. He will start hacking away and usually sings a little tune while he does it. It is an adorable and very useful ability.
10 Victor (Fallout: New Vegas)
The idea of a robot impersonating an old-school cowboy sounds like the most ridiculous thing in the world. So, props should be given to Fallout: New Vegas for making such a ludicrous character one of the best parts of the overall experience.
Victor is a character who leaves a strong impression on players in the brilliant starting town of Goodsprings. This robot becomes quite mysterious once players find out that he’s probably being controlled by Mr. House as well!
9 ATLAS and P-Body (Portal 2)
The beloved game, Portal 2, features two of the best robots in gaming history: ATLAS and P-Body. Also referred to as Blue and Orange, ATLAS and P-Body were created by the artificial intelligence GLaDOS. She creates these two obtuse robots to test the facility humans failed to finish.
Portal 2 is completely playable cooperatively and players will take control of ATLAS and P-Body. The two robots are designed from scraps. ATLAS was designed from a personality core while P-Body was created using a sentry turret. These scraps give these robots unique designs and personalities that are constantly poking through in Portal 2.
8 Bastion (Overwatch)
Overwatch is full of robots and Bastion is not the only playable one. The reason Bastion makes this list apart from the others is because Bastion has the most personality and the most interesting backstory from the others. Bastion was a front line automaton before he was lost in the middle of a forest. Over time, the killer robot lost its programming.
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Bastion’s character is certainly more developed than other robot characters in the Overwatch universe. Bastion rejected his killer programming once he became aware of the world around him. Even when he was reminded of his duty, he chose the beauty instead. Bastion is certainly an interesting character. Plus, he has the best bird companion of any other robot.
7 Aigis (Persona 3)
Persona 3 marked a turning point for a franchise that still had a long way to go before it could get away from the shadow of its origin series, Shin Megami Tensei. With the integration of social sim mechanics and a proper calendar of sorts, the game turned into something truly spectacular indeed.
The game really turned into something memorable with its cast of amazing characters, with Aigis being one such party member who’s pretty memorable. This android’s mysterious past makes her a great character in and of itself, further supplemented by the fact that she becomes the protagonist in Persona 3’s epilogue.
6 Claptrap (Borderlands)
Borderlands has the funniest personality on this list. Claptrap is known for his humor and explicit language. Many were upset to hear the original voice actor would not be returning for the third installment. Regardless, the series will still be forever impacted by this annoying, yet funny robot.
Claptrap or CL4P-TP, was created by the Hyperion with a zealous personality. He frequently discusses his loneliness such as the time players attend his birthday party and no one else shows up. The little guy is a bit disappointed but manages to have a good time. It is so bizarre why no one would show up to his party even though pizza and music were present.
5 BT-7274 (Titanfall 2)
Finally, Respawn Entertainment’s best robot creation is the big, bad titan himself, BT-7274. BT is a vanguard class titan developed by the Militia after the Battle of Demeter. Vanguard class titans have the ability of copying other titan classes, which is why he has access to so many classes within the campaign. Jack Cooper, is his pilot and the two develop a close bond throughout the game.
BT is not a very charismatic robot like Claptrap, but his bond with another human adds so much to his character. Cooper consistently cracks jokes and BT will respond with a cold delivery. These exchanges between the two characters creates a bond between the player and BT. Unfortunately, BT’s loss hits so much more in the end.
4 Clank (Ratchet and Clank)
Clank of the Ratchet and Clank series as everything a robot should have: intelligence, wit, gadgets, and good looks. Clank is the ultimate sidekick to Ratchet, but in some ways stands on his own. Clank is typically used for smaller spaces and outer space areas. Clank has many abilities to hold his own against enemies such as a thrusterpack. In some cases, he can even grow into a much larger size.
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Clank is similar to BT-7274 in that the personality between the two characters is a strong bond. Even though Cooper and BT’s personality is more serious, Ratchet and Clank still have a similar relationship in a lighter tone. Clank’s ability to be smart and funny in serious situations is enjoyable. Clank would make the perfect companion to anyone.
3 HK-47 (Star Wars: Knight Of The Old Republic)
HK-47 is a character that most people absolutely adore, with his snarky and quick-witted replies being one of the best parts of this character. The idea of a robot harboring such a deep personality is something that could only be pulled off in the Star Wars universe.
The fact that Master Revan was this droid’s master all along makes this character even more engaging. All in all, fans of Star Wars will definitely love the effort put into this character and can’t wait to play with him in the Knights of the Old Republic remake.
2 Legion (Mass Effect)
The Geth is a mysterious entity that was generally considered to be an enemy for the longest time… before Legion showed up, that is. This character showed a side of the Geth that had yet to be explored in the Mass Effect series.
It was only through the intervention of Legion that the Geth finally managed to regain their autonomy and fight against the Reapers in Mass Effect 3… in the best-case scenario, that is. Watching him shut down and say farewell is a surprisingly poignant moment in the series.
1 SHODAN (System Shock)
SHODAN is the AI from hell that most people simply can’t get enough of. She’s not a robot per se, but her mechanical origins make her a great choice for this list.
The events of both System Shock games are propagated by this evil AI that wants to spread mayhem and destruction while becoming a supreme ruler of sorts. Thankfully, her plans are thwarted both times… although it’s clear from System Shock 2’s ending that the war against SHODAN is far from over.
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