Link (The Legend of Zelda)

Link has been saving Hyrule since 1986 without uttering a single word, yet his expressive grunts and determined expressions convey more personality than most fully voiced protagonists — a feat that outperforms #3's reliance on dialogue. His iconic green tunic is the most cosplayed outfit in gaming history, appearing at over 50,000 conventions annually. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild alone sold 30 million units, the fastest-selling game in the series. Link's silent heroism has inspired a franchise that spans over 35 years and 20 titles, a longevity that outpaces the average gaming series by threefold. And yes, his name is not Zelda — a joke that never gets old.