Happy Father’s Day weekend to all the dads and dad havers out there! In celebration of this special occasion, we’ve put together a list of some of the best and worst dads in video games. From neglectful fathers to loving and protective dads, we’ve got it all covered.
Starting off our list is Professor Turo from Pokémon Violet, who is a terrible caregiver to his son Arven. Despite his neglectful behavior, there’s something about him that gives off extreme daddy energy. Next up, we have Kratos from God of War, who has had his fair share of parenting mishaps but ultimately proves to be a good dad to his son Atreus.
Bowser from the Mario series may be a villain, but he steps up as a father to his son Bowser Jr., showing genuine care and concern for his well-being. Barret Wallace from Final Fantasy VII is another standout dad, always putting his adoptive daughter Marlene first, even in the midst of saving the planet.
Kazuma Kiryu from the Yakuza series is a surrogate father to several orphans, including a young girl named Haruka, showcasing his loyalty and support. Hades, despite his tumultuous relationship with his son Zagreus, eventually reconciles with him, proving that it’s never too late to mend broken relationships.
Thane Krios from Mass Effect 2 seeks to make amends with his son Kolyat before it’s too late, showing that even in the face of adversity, it’s important to show up for your kids. On the other end of the spectrum, Kerry Eurodyne from Cyberpunk 2077 struggles to connect with his children, highlighting the complexities of modern fatherhood.
Cranky Kong from the Donkey Kong series serves as a paternal figure to DK and his friends, offering wisdom and discipline. Octodad, the lovable character from Octodad and Dadliest Catch, is just a regular guy trying his best to provide for his family. And then there’s Heihachi from Tekken, the epitome of a toxic father whose family is defined by internal rivalries and betrayal.
Finally, we have Joel from The Last of Us, a controversial figure whose actions have sparked intense debate among fans. While his parenting decisions may be questionable, there’s no denying the impact he has had on Ellie and the emotional complexity of their relationship.
Whether they’re good dads, bad dads, or somewhere in between, these video game fathers remind us of the importance of family, love, and sacrifice in the world of gaming. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there, virtual or otherwise!