Just hearing the word dragon gets many gamers excited. In games, dragons can be terrifying monsters or incredibly smart creatures guiding players on their journey. They come in all shapes, sizes, personalities, and origins. You might encounter a dragon straight out of Chinese or Japanese mythology, or a strange-looking beast with mysterious powers from Western lore. To get a better look, here’s a rundown of the top 10 most epic dragons in video games.
Charizard – Pokémon Red & Green
Pokémon actually has a whole dragon category for creatures in the game. There are many impressive dragons like Dragonite, Salamence, and Dragapult, but the most unique case is the famous Charizard. It looks like a dragon but wasn’t classified as one until Pokémon X and Y, when Mega Charizard X officially became a dragon type.
In the anime, Ash’s Charizard is one of the most memorable Pokémon for fans. In the original Pokémon Red & Green games, you can spend time training Dratini, a true dragon from the start. But if you want a fire-breathing dragon, Charizard is the go-to choice.
Ruined Dragon, Super Mario Odyssey
The Mario series features plenty of dragons, but the Ruined Dragon in Super Mario Odyssey really stands out. While other Mario dragons fit the game’s style, this one looks like a monster straight out of Dark Souls, totally unlike anything you’d expect in Mario.
The battle with the Ruined Dragon is one of Odyssey’s most unforgettable moments. After exploring the Ruined Kingdom, you face this dragon in an intense showdown. It’s much tougher than previous bosses, and you might need several tries to beat it. Heads up, you’ll have to fight it again later, and this time it won’t be as easy as Mario eating a mushroom.
Hellkite Wyvern, Dark Souls
When it comes to dragons in games, Dark Souls is a must-mention. The series is packed with terrifying dragons that are huge, tough, unpredictable, and hit hard. Examples include the three-eyed Kalameet from the Artorias of the Abyss DLC and Midir, who shoots beams like Godzilla in The Ringed City DLC of Dark Souls III. Hellkite Wyvern might not be as strong as those, but it’s more haunting, especially for new players.
This boss guards a narrow bridge you must cross. If you’re underprepared or weak, Dark Souls will remind you who’s boss with Hellkite Wyvern. Once you’ve played Dark Souls, you’ll never forget the terror of being pushed off that bridge by this dragon.
Rathalos – Monster Hunter
Rathalos is the iconic monster of the entire Monster Hunter series. It might not be the strongest dragon in the game, but it’s definitely the most famous. Rathalos even appears in the movie adaptation, and many people who’ve never played Monster Hunter recognize it.
Is it cheating to include an entire species on this list? Maybe, but leaving Rathalos out would mean missing one of the most iconic dragons in gaming. Most people know Rathalos from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and don’t even realize it’s a species, not just a single dragon.
Alduin – Skyrim
Skyrim has many dragons, but none as memorable as Alduin. Known as the World-Eater and the main villain, Alduin makes a huge impression. When it lands in Helgen, it devastates the town in a spectacular display of power that sticks with players. You might admire it at first, but as you learn more, you realize it’s a much more complex and intimidating foe.
Alduin isn’t just any dragon. It’s a divine entity aiming to destroy humanity and restore dragons to their former glory. That’s why you have to set out on a quest to stop it. Luckily, the battle isn’t impossible, but even after defeating Alduin, its presence haunts your journey throughout the game.
Source: GVN360
