Games That Let You Play as a Fat Black Queer Protagonist

Video games are now offering much more diverse characters, letting players create heroes who reflect a wider range of identities and backgrounds that were often overlooked in the past. Modern games often include detailed customization options, like different body types and skin colors, as well as options for gender and romantic relationships. This means players can create main characters who are visibly plus-size and Black, and express their queer identities authentically within the game’s story. The industry is increasingly recognizing that anyone can be a hero, and both role-playing and simulation games are providing the tools and freedom to create truly diverse characters – like a fat, Black, queer protagonist – and tell their stories.

‘The Sims 4’ (2014)

This life simulation game lets you create incredibly detailed characters. You can customize everything from body type – including plus-size options – to skin tone and hair. Recent updates have also added options to accurately represent different sexual orientations and gender identities, allowing players to create characters that truly reflect themselves. Once created, you can then experience a full life, building a career and finding romance that fits your character’s unique identity.

‘Saints Row’ (2022)

This new installment in the popular action series lets you create a highly personalized character with its detailed “Boss Factory.” You have extensive options to customize everything from body type and facial features – even creating a character with realistic Black features and a heavier build. The game is fully inclusive, letting you choose any voice, clothing, or appearance regardless of gender, and supports diverse expressions of identity, including queer representation. Your unique character and choices are respected throughout the game’s story as you build your criminal empire, including in romance options and key story moments.

‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ (2023)

This RPG features pre-defined body types, but lets you build a powerfully built character with a larger physique. The character creation tool offers a wide variety of skin tones and includes options for vitiligo, allowing you to create a unique Black protagonist. You can develop romantic relationships with any companion, regardless of their gender, and the game fully supports non-binary identities. The story adapts to your choices, letting you define your character’s history and morals as you explore a dynamic fantasy world.

‘Dragon’s Dogma 2’ (2024)

Capcom’s action RPG lets you create incredibly detailed characters, customizing everything from muscle definition to body type. You can design a protagonist of any size or race, and the game’s advanced graphics beautifully render diverse features like textured hair and skin. The game also features inclusive romance options with any NPC, regardless of gender, and lets you build a party of companions that reflects your chosen diversity.

‘Starfield’ (2023)

Bethesda’s new space game lets you create a character with a wide range of body types, including the ability to customize their weight and muscle definition. The game also offers realistic skin tones and hairstyles to accurately represent Black characters. Players can choose their character’s pronouns and pursue romantic relationships with same-sex companions. Because you play as a silent character, you have even more freedom to shape their identity as you journey through the game’s galaxy.

‘Fallout 76’ (2018)

I’m really excited about this new survival game! The character creation is amazing – you can actually make your character bigger or smaller using a simple slider. What I love most is that you can create a Black survivor and really customize their look with different facial features and hairstyles. It’s awesome that the developers are also supporting the LGBTQ+ community with things like player icons and emotes that let you express yourself. You can play with friends or build a base that truly feels like your character’s home and tells their story. It’s all about creating a character you connect with and a world that reflects who you are!

‘Watch Dogs: Legion’ (2020)

Okay, so this game is amazing because you don’t play as just one character. You actually build a team by recruiting people you meet in a futuristic London. What’s really cool is how detailed it is – you can specifically look for characters who are Black, plus-size, and part of the LGBTQ+ community. And it’s not just cosmetic! Once you recruit them, they become fully playable characters with their own voices and moves. I’m really excited because I can build a DedSec team that truly represents a diverse range of identities – it’s a level of inclusivity I haven’t seen before!

‘State of Decay 2’ (2018)

This zombie survival game features a wide variety of characters, each with unique traits, looks, and histories. You can recruit and lead diverse characters, including strong Black characters who may also identify as LGBTQ+ or have same-sex partners. The game emphasizes building a thriving community, and these characters can become key figures in your settlement. Because the game includes permadeath – meaning characters can die permanently – their stories feel more meaningful and their survival is genuinely impactful.

‘Crusader Kings III’ (2020)

This strategy game lets you create a fully customized ruler in 3D, changing everything from their appearance and weight to their ethnicity. You can even define their sexual orientation. The game realistically simulates court life, including politics, marriage, and how your dynasty continues through generations, all while playing as the character you’ve created. It’s a unique historical world where you can challenge and change the rules of society.

‘Street Fighter 6’ (2023)

Okay, so the World Tour mode is seriously cool. You can make your own fighter from scratch, and the character creator is WILD – I’m talking you can make some really big, powerful characters! I actually made a really hefty Black martial artist and it’s hilarious. The best part? You learn moves from famous fighters all over the world. And get this – the cutscenes actually show your created character in the story, which is so immersive. It’s not really about dating, but you can build really strong bonds – friendships or more – with any of the masters, regardless of gender. It’s a really neat system!

‘WWE 2K24’ (2024)

MyRise mode lets you create and develop a professional wrestler with detailed customization options. You can design a powerful athlete, like a heavyweight Black wrestler, and lead them through a pre-written story towards winning championships. The character creation tools are well-known for letting you create highly unique looks with clothing and entrance styles. You’ll fully embody your wrestler’s personality as you guide them from a newcomer to a legendary WrestleMania star.

‘The Sims 3’ (2009)

Many longtime fans love this game for its unique ‘Create a Style’ feature and the freedom to explore an open neighborhood. You can really customize your Sims’ appearance, including their body type and skin color. The game also fully supports same-sex relationships, letting your Sims marry and have families with partners of the same gender. Plus, the personality trait system lets you create Sims with truly unique and well-developed characters, going beyond just how they look.

‘Saints Row IV’ (2013)

As the US President in the game, you can fully customize your character’s appearance, even making them as physically imposing as you like. You’ll also be able to create a Black leader and choose their voice and who they fall in love with – romance is open to all crew members, regardless of gender. And with the game’s over-the-top superhero action, your unique leader will always look strong and fashionable while protecting the planet.

‘Sea of Thieves’ (2018)

The Infinite Pirate Generator lets you create a unique pirate character from a wide variety of models, including many different body types and sizes. You can browse through options until you find a character – even a larger, Black pirate – that fits what you’re looking for. It’s a social game where you can express who you are, including your queer identity, through things like flags, emotes, and roleplaying. There’s no built-in romance, but you’ll build a reputation as a sea legend, and your character represents you in all your adventures.

‘Calico’ (2020)

In this relaxing game, you get to build and run your own cat café! What makes it special is the incredibly inclusive character creation – you can design a character who looks exactly how you want, with options for all body types, skin tones, and styles. The game features a diverse cast of characters and a peaceful vibe, making it a perfect, stress-free experience where you play as an adorable protagonist enjoying life to the fullest.

‘Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator’ (2017)

This visual novel lets players create a personalized dad character, with the option to give them a larger build. You can design a Black father who’s new in town and eager to connect with other parents. The game focuses on queer romance and the challenges and joys of being a single parent. It’s a lighthearted and positive experience that celebrates gay relationships and shows dads of all body types.

‘ValiDate: Struggling Singles in your Area’ (2022)

This game lets you experience the ups and downs of dating through the eyes of several different characters in a vibrant city. It features diverse representation, including characters like Emhari, a Black and queer individual whose story authentically portrays their life. The art style is inclusive, showcasing a variety of body types and unique features, and the game dives deep into the realities of modern queer relationships.

‘Spirit Swap: Lofi Beats to Match-3 To’ (2023)

This game takes place in a lively world filled with demons and stars Samar, a main character who is a Black, queer, and plus-size individual. It blends rhythm-based gameplay with puzzles, presented in a visual novel format that’s all about relaxing and building meaningful friendships. Samar’s identity is proudly showcased, and the game features a diverse cast of characters with multiple intersecting identities. It’s a bright, upbeat experience that intentionally highlights this representation.

‘Fallout 4’ (2015)

In the game, you can create a character with a strong, muscular build using a simple slider. You’re also able to design a Black protagonist with realistic features and natural hairstyles. The game features inclusive romance options, letting you build relationships with any companion, regardless of your character’s gender. You can play as a LGBTQ+ character, exploring the post-apocalyptic world, rebuilding communities, and searching for your missing son.

‘Skyrim Special Edition’ (2016)

This role-playing game lets you customize your character’s appearance, including making them look much larger and more muscular. You can choose to play as a Redguard to have access to darker skin tones and features, or create a character of any race with a wide range of options. The game also allows you to marry any eligible character, regardless of gender. This level of freedom lets you create a truly unique Dragonborn hero, unlike those typically seen in fantasy games.

‘Red Dead Online’ (2019)

The open-world western game lets you create a highly customized character, including a ‘Heavy’ build that’s different from the usual options. You can design a Black outlaw and choose historically-fitting clothes and hairstyles. Though the game doesn’t have traditional romance, a large online community allows for immersive role-playing experiences. Plus, your character’s weight will change depending on how much they eat.

‘Dragon Age: The Veilguard’ (2024)

The newest game in the series lets you create a highly detailed character, including options for different body types and realistic features for Black characters, with a variety of hairstyles to choose from. It continues the series’ commitment to inclusivity by offering same-sex relationships and letting you play as a non-binary character. You’ll guide a team of companions on a quest to save the world, and your unique, customized character is the heart of the story.

‘Outer Worlds’ (2019)

This funny, futuristic role-playing game lets you create a Black character of any body type. You can also choose to play as asexual, aromantic, or explore queer relationships through your character’s interactions. The story is clever and responds to your decisions without relying on tired clichés. You’ll play as a spaceship captain, navigating a solar system driven by extreme capitalism.

‘Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands’ (2022)

With the “Fatemaker” character creator, you have lots of options to customize your hero’s body type, including shorter, wider builds. You can select any skin color and voice, letting you create a diverse character like a Black, queer protagonist. The game uses inclusive language and lets you pick your preferred pronouns. As you play this fast-paced fantasy looter-shooter, your unique character design is always visible.

‘South Park: The Fractured But Whole’ (2017)

I’m really excited about this new RPG! What’s cool is you actually get to choose your character’s skin color, gender, and who they’re attracted to as you play through the story. They let you customize your character’s look – I can finally make a ‘New Kid’ with darker skin and a hairstyle I love – and it still looks like it’s straight out of the show. But it’s not just cosmetic; your choices actually change how other characters react to you, which is a clever way to include identity as part of the gameplay. It’s funny, but also genuinely feels inclusive, and I haven’t really seen that done in a role-playing game before.

‘RimWorld’ (2013)

This colony simulation game lets you create characters with diverse appearances and identities, including different body types and sexual orientations. You can customize new colonists to be, for example, a Black, gay, or plus-sized pioneer. The game focuses on realistic relationships and social dynamics, so characters will form romances based on their preferences. Each colonist’s personal story unfolds naturally as your colony experiences both challenges and successes.

‘Project Zomboid’ (2013)

This challenging survival game lets you customize your character with traits like ‘Overweight’ or ‘Obese,’ which change how they look and perform. You can also create characters with Black skin tones and afro-textured hair. Though there aren’t set romantic storylines, you’re free to play as a queer character in an open, realistic world. The game emphasizes believable survival, where your character’s body type actually impacts how they play.

‘Kenshi’ (2018)

Kenshi’s character creation is incredibly flexible – you can build characters with any body type, even exaggerated ones. You’ll start in a tough desert world as someone like a trader, fighter, or even a slave, and the game doesn’t impose any moral restrictions; it’s all about surviving. You’re free to be whoever you want and build a team – and eventually a whole faction – based on your own ideas.

‘XCOM 2’ (2016)

You have a lot of freedom to design your soldiers, choosing their race, nationality, and body type. You can easily create diverse characters, like a strong, Black squad leader who also identifies as LGBTQ+. As your soldiers complete missions, they’ll gain unique nicknames and battle scars, evolving into celebrated heroes in the fight against aliens. The game also lets soldiers develop deep connections with each other, which could even become romantic relationships.

‘Coral Island’ (2023)

This farming game is getting attention for letting players create characters that truly reflect themselves, including different body types and ethnicities. You can build a plus-size, Black farmer and become part of a vibrant island community with a wide range of characters. The game also includes romance options with people of any gender and is openly supportive of LGBTQ+ players. It’s a fresh, calming take on farming games that prioritizes inclusivity.

‘Fields of Mistria’ (2024)

This charming pixel-art farming RPG lets you create a character who looks and identifies how you choose, with options for diverse skin tones and pronouns. The game features a welcoming and modern story, allowing you to build relationships – and even romance – with the villagers, regardless of your or their gender. It’s a relaxing escape where you can live a peaceful farm life and love who you want.

‘Sun Haven’ (2021)

This farming game lets you create a unique character from a variety of races and customize their appearance with many different skin tones and hairstyles. You can build relationships and even marry any character you choose, regardless of gender. The game centers around developing magical abilities and completing quests, ultimately allowing you to become the town’s hero. Plus, you can play with friends and share your creations in multiplayer!

‘My Time at Sandrock’ (2023)

The new version of Portia offers more detailed character creation, including a wider range of skin tones and facial features. Players can now develop romantic relationships with any available character, with full support for same-sex relationships and marriage. The game also features a building system where you can customize the world, and play as a character that truly represents you. The strong social mechanics make building friendships and relationships feel rewarding and genuine.

‘Monster Hunter: World’ (2018)

Though hunters are typically fit, the game lets you create characters of all body types, even bulky or heavy-set ones. You can design a highly detailed Black hunter and send them to fight giant monsters in a new world. The gameplay focuses on action and teamwork, but your character is always the star of the story, letting you live out a powerful fantasy where anyone can defeat dragons.

‘Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord’ (2020)

You can customize your character’s appearance, even making them quite large. The game lets you create a Black protagonist within the Aserai or Empire factions and command armies in medieval battles. It’s a sandbox game, meaning you can marry and have children – though same-sex marriage needs mods or roleplaying. Ultimately, you shape the story of your kingdom and family as its leader.

‘Arcade Spirits’ (2019)

This heartwarming story lets you create a character who looks and identifies however you choose. You can play as a Black character, and the game features characters of all shapes and sizes, making it a very inclusive experience. You’ll navigate the world of retro arcades while searching for both the perfect job and a romantic partner, with the option to pursue relationships with a variety of different characters.

‘Arcade Spirits: The New Challengers’ (2022)

The new game builds on the first one’s diverse representation with an even more detailed character creation tool. Players can design a character with specific body types and skin colors, including the option to play as a Black, plus-sized gamer. The game thoughtfully includes character pronouns and identity, weaving them naturally into conversations. The story centers around the world of competitive gaming, where you can form friendships and even romantic relationships with a fresh set of characters.

‘Monster Prom 2: Monster Camp’ (2020)

This dating game lets you play as a variety of characters, with different species and body types. It’s very inclusive and features LGBTQ+ relationships, letting you romance anyone you choose. The game is known for its funny, adult humor that celebrates diversity in a natural way. It’s great for short, enjoyable play sessions that are positive and affirming for all players.

‘Later Daters’ (2020)

This game lets you create an elderly character – of any body type and skin tone – who is moving into a retirement community. You might play as a Black senior citizen, for example, looking for connection and maybe even love. It thoughtfully and humorously explores what it’s like to get older, and also includes LGBTQ+ representation, offering a fresh take on romance that’s rarely seen in video games.

‘Best Friend Forever’ (2020)

This game lets you experience the fun of owning a dog combined with the excitement of dating! You can create a character who looks like you – including choosing a Black protagonist – and build relationships with diverse singles in a vibrant city. It’s a feel-good game where you train your dog and enjoy a social life, all with inclusive options for queer relationships.

‘Boyfriend Dungeon’ (2021)

This game is a dungeon crawler with a unique twist: your weapons are characters you can romance! You can customize your character with diverse options, including different skin tones and body types. It’s a queer game where you can build relationships with weapons of any gender identity. Beyond the battles, the game explores complex themes like vulnerability and the darker side of attraction.

‘Growing Up’ (2021)

I’m so excited about this new life simulator! You basically create a character and guide them from being a little kid all the way to adulthood, customizing how they look and the decisions they make. What I really love is the representation – you can play as a plus-size Black character and even explore same-sex relationships as you go through high school and college. It’s not just about looks though, the game also keeps track of your character’s mental health, skills, and friendships, making it feel really realistic. It seems like your identity just develops naturally as you play, which is awesome.

‘Wylde Flowers’ (2022)

The game features a well-defined main character named Tara who arrives in a town with a vibrant LGBTQ+ community. It stands out for openly portraying LGBTQ+ stories and including characters of all body types. Players have the option to develop meaningful romantic relationships with characters of the same sex. The gameplay combines the relaxing elements of farming with the intrigue of witchcraft and mystery, all within a forward-thinking and inclusive world.

‘Potionomics’ (2022)

While you play as the main character, Sylvia, the game truly shines with its incredibly diverse cast of characters and heartwarming queer romances. People of all body types and ethnicities are represented, and Sylvia has the option to romance women. The beautiful animation gives each character a unique and lively personality. Ultimately, this management simulation is a celebration of individuality and creativity within a magical setting.

‘Saints Row: The Third Remastered’ (2020)

This updated version of the wild, open-world game still lets you fully customize your character. You can create a powerful crime boss of any size or background and take complete control of the Saints. Feel free to express yourself through your character’s style, and even develop relationships with certain crew members throughout the story. It’s a game where you can be whoever you want and live out your ultimate power fantasy without limitations.

‘Battletech’ (2018)

This strategy game lets you customize your commander’s appearance with a variety of portraits, including options for diverse body types and ethnicities. You can also choose the pronouns the game uses for your character, and the crew will address you accordingly. While the gameplay revolves around managing mercenaries and navigating political schemes, the game thoughtfully respects your chosen identity. It was a pioneer in offering inclusive pronoun selection in the strategy genre.

‘Tomodachi Life’ (2013)

Nintendo’s life simulation game lets you design characters of all body types, including larger sizes. You can also create Black characters, and while same-sex marriage wasn’t initially available in Western versions, players found ways to make it happen or hope for it in future games. The game is a quirky and fascinating world where your unique characters interact in surprising ways, and it truly celebrates individuality.

‘Miitopia’ (2016)

This RPG is like Tomodachi Life, but instead of everyday life, you guide your Mii characters through a fantasy adventure. You can design any hero you want – a powerful warrior, a skilled mage, or even a pop star – and lead them on a quest. The game focuses on building relationships between characters, and these bonds can become romantic, no matter their gender. It’s a fun and upbeat story where your personalized avatar saves the world with the help of their friends.

‘SoulCalibur VI’ (2018)

Soulcalibur’s character creation mode is remarkably detailed, letting you drastically customize your fighters’ bodies. You can design a powerful, plus-size Black character with a personalized fighting style and weapon, then use them in the game’s story mode or online matches. Players have already used these features to make a wide range of diverse and realistic characters.

‘WWE 2K23’ (2023)

Similar to the newer versions, this game lets you create a professional wrestler with a huge range of options. You can design wrestlers of all body types – even larger, powerful ones – and shape their character and relationships. The story modes often give you choices that determine whether your wrestler is a hero or villain, and who their allies are. It’s still one of the best sports games for realistically representing different body types.

Share your favorite character builds and game recommendations in the comments!

2025-12-10 03:25