Games With Black Queer Elders Passing Down Legendary Weapons

Modern video games are increasingly featuring unique characters and stories. A common trend is the inclusion of experienced mentors who offer guidance and powerful items to help players on their adventures. These items often have rich histories, connecting the player to past heroes. This article highlights games where wise characters from diverse backgrounds mentor the next generation, showcasing the value of shared knowledge and inclusive storytelling.

‘Borderlands 3’ (2019)

Sir Alistair Hammerlock is a skilled and experienced hunter who guides the Vault Hunters on their adventures. He’s a notable character – a sophisticated, Black queer man – and a valuable ally thanks to his expertise and ability to survive. During the story about his wedding, he rewards players with powerful, unique sniper rifles and other special equipment. As a respected figure in the hunting world, he passes on his knowledge and skill through the gear he provides.

‘Starfield’ (2023)

Barrett is a captivating explorer and key member of Constellation, offering helpful guidance to the player at the beginning of their journey through space. He brings a thoughtful and worldly perspective, as a Black man who speaks openly about his late husband. Throughout the game, Barrett provides access to powerful upgrades for the player’s starship and special artifacts, and his mentorship combines a passion for scientific discovery with the insights of an experienced traveler.

‘Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands’ (2022)

Paladin Mike is the head of Brighthoof’s guard and a dedicated protector of Queen Butt Stallion. He’s a Black, queer knight who helps players—known as the Fatemaker—by giving them important quests and valuable rewards. Even as the world descends into chaos and magic runs wild, Mike remains a calm and strategic leader. Players can count on him for some of the best shields and close-combat weapons in the game when they fight alongside this honorable warrior.

‘Dishonored: Death of the Outsider’ (2017)

Billie Lurk, a Black queer woman and former apprentice to the famous assassin Daud, is the main character in this story. She gains incredible powers and tools that let her bend reality to her will. The game follows Billie’s transformation from a desperate street kid into a respected leader within Karnaca’s criminal world, as she fights to rediscover who she is while using weapons created in the empire’s dark underbelly.

‘Arcadegeddon’ (2021)

Gilly runs a local arcade and is fighting to save it from a huge company that’s trying to destroy it with a computer virus. He’s like a wise older guide to the player, giving them a powerful gauntlet and lots of cool, high-tech weapons. As a Black business owner in a diverse and welcoming world, Gilly embodies the strength of community and fighting back. His advice is key to surviving the bright, digital worlds and beating the company’s robots.

‘The Outer Worlds’ (2019)

Junlei Tennyson leads the engineering team at Groundbreaker station and is a key figure in the Halcyon colony. As a Black queer woman, she keeps her community thriving and provides technical assistance to the player. Completing her quests unlocks special engineering tools and potent, uniquely powered weapons. Her experience and guidance are invaluable to the crew as they deal with the complicated politics of the solar system.

‘Apex Legends’ (2019)

Newcastle is a strong, experienced character who fights to defend his loved ones and those around him. He has a close relationship with his sister, Bangalore, and together they embody a history of skilled military service and determination. Beyond the competition, the game’s story shows how they pass down unique equipment and treasured weapons. As Black characters, they bring a sense of heritage and importance to the game’s overall story.

‘Destiny 2’ (2017)

Ikora Rey is the Warlock Vanguard and a key teacher for players learning to harness the power of the Light. A highly respected elder in the Last City, she’s a powerful Black woman with deep knowledge of arcane mysteries. Throughout the game, she equips guardians with powerful exotic weapons and class items needed for challenging gameplay. As a teacher and leader, she’s vital to humanity’s fight against the darkness.

‘Watch Dogs: Legion’ (2020)

In this game, you can recruit a wide variety of people to join your resistance group, including Black queer elders who offer valuable and unique abilities. These characters often have special equipment or weapons from their past experiences. Adding these experienced individuals to your team gives you access to strong hacking tools and ways to fight without using lethal force. The story highlights how working together across different generations is key to overcoming oppressive control.

‘The Elder Scrolls Online’ (2014)

The world of Tamriel is home to many powerful Black and queer characters – skilled mages and legendary warriors. Players often encounter these experienced figures who reward them with powerful, ancient items like enchanted weapons and staves. Characters like Keshu the Black Fin show strong leadership and share their cultural heritage with players. These encounters reveal a long history of diverse heroes influencing the destiny of Tamriel for generations.

‘Guild Wars 2’ (2012)

The game is celebrated for its welcoming stories and characters who help players navigate the ever-changing world of Tyria. Throughout the game’s ongoing story, players meet important Black and LGBTQ+ characters who act as mentors and provide powerful equipment. These experienced heroes frequently lead battles against massive dragons and equip players for success. The game’s most powerful weapons are often connected to the legacies of these diverse and inspiring characters.

‘Saints Row’ (2022)

This new installment of the game lets you create your own criminal empire, supported by a diverse group of friends and mentors. You can personalize your gameplay and learn from experienced characters who offer powerful weapons and combat skills. The game features a welcoming and inclusive world where Black and LGBTQ+ characters hold positions of power. By completing missions for these allies, you’ll unlock a collection of unique and legendary weapons and gear for your team.

‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ (2023)

Okay, so exploring the Forgotten Realms is awesome because you meet so many interesting people – a lot of them are Black or queer, and they’re seriously powerful. These aren’t just random NPCs either; they’re like, mentors who give you the gear you need to survive, things like enchanted weapons and armor. They don’t just hand it over, though. They share their stories and wisdom, prepping you for the big final fight. Honestly, taking the time to talk to them and explore is totally worth it because they hook you up with some of the best stuff in the game.

‘Cyberpunk 2077’ (2020)

Night City is a diverse and bustling place, and characters like T Bug and other fixers are crucial allies to the main character. Many of these helpful figures are Black or LGBTQ+ individuals who have overcome difficult circumstances in a future controlled by corporations. They provide access to powerful technology and weapons, helping the player character, V, become a successful mercenary. Their hard-earned wisdom and experience navigating the city’s dangerous streets offer both warnings and guidance.

‘Dead Island 2’ (2023)

In this destroyed Los Angeles, you’ll meet a colorful cast of survivors who will guide you through the zombie apocalypse. Many are experienced people from all walks of life, sharing valuable skills like crafting recipes and unique weapons. They use what they’ve learned over the years to help you navigate the dangerous city. Helping these seasoned survivors rewards you with powerful, legendary items that make fighting the undead much easier.

‘Far Cry 6’ (2021)

The rebellion in Yara is powered by a diverse group of fighters, including prominent Black and LGBTQ+ individuals who are central to the cause. These experienced guerrillas equip players with powerful, customized gear and weapons. They’re seasoned veterans of decades-long struggles against oppression, and they share their knowledge of guerilla warfare, helping players fight for their homeland.

‘Hades II’ (2024)

Hecate is a powerful and wise headmistress who mentors Melinoe as she journeys through the Underworld to defeat Chronos. She equips Melinoe with magical spells and powerful weapons called Nocturnal Arms, and her guidance is essential for mastering magic and surviving the challenges ahead. The game boasts a diverse cast of characters and offers a new take on classic mythology.

‘Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden’ (2024)

Antea Duarte is a powerful spirit worker who, even after becoming a ghost, continues to guide and protect her partner, Red, on a dangerous quest. She uses her supernatural abilities and expertise to help Red navigate the spirit world and overcome challenges posed by restless ghosts. As a seasoned hunter of the occult, Antea shares her knowledge and tools to ensure their survival. Her unique background as a woman of color also brings a rich and nuanced perspective to the story’s themes of sacrifice and fulfilling a greater purpose.

‘Dustborn’ (2024)

This adventure game tells a story about a group of unlikely friends – a diverse crew of outcasts – journeying across a broken world. They use the power of language to navigate challenges, and the main character learns from Black and queer mentors who guide her in developing her special talents. These mentors also provide essential equipment and support. At its heart, the game celebrates the strength of chosen families and the valuable knowledge shared within marginalized communities.

‘Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn’ (2024)

Nor Vanek is a Black warrior who joins forces with a powerful, god-like being to battle an army of the undead. As she travels, she meets wise elders who give her powerful guns and magical items to help her win. These mentors symbolize the strength of a people struggling to survive against impossible challenges. The incredible weapons she collects are deeply connected to the history, customs, and defenders of her culture.

‘Marvel’s Spider Man 2’ (2023)

Miles Morales is developing into a true hero with help from people in his Harlem community, including experienced mentors. He receives cool tech upgrades and gadgets for his suit from a diverse cast of characters. Many of these mentors are older members of the community who offer guidance and support when things get tough. These relationships emphasize the importance of tradition and how knowledge and heroism are passed down from one generation to the next.

‘Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical’ (2023)

This new fantasy story retells Greek myths with a fresh, diverse group of characters. Grace unexpectedly gains the powers of a Muse and receives guidance from ancient gods who represent a variety of backgrounds and identities, including different races and sexual orientations. They teach her how to use her abilities – which include the power of music and godly artifacts – to change the world, but also emphasize the responsibility that comes with such great power.

‘Boyfriend Dungeon’ (2021)

This game combines the fun of dating sims with the action of dungeon crawling, featuring weapons that magically turn into people. One character, Isaac, is a Black man who transforms into a strong and graceful estoc sword. He’s a mature and supportive companion who helps players become better fighters and grow as a person. The game focuses on building close relationships and trust as players unlock the full potential of their living weapons.

‘Thirsty Suitors’ (2023)

Jala’s journey involves facing her former relationships and dealing with complicated family dynamics, all within a lively and colorful world. She receives guidance from a diverse group of mentors – including Black and queer characters – who offer both life advice and combat skills. These experienced figures also grant her special abilities and items to help her resolve past issues. The game emphasizes the importance of embracing different identities and finding strength through connection to one’s roots and community.

‘ValiDate’ (2022)

I’m really drawn to this visual novel because it feels so real – it’s all about the lives of different people in a city, and how they connect with each other. What’s especially cool is how the older characters step in as mentors. They don’t just offer advice, but really equip the younger characters with the strength to deal with life’s challenges, almost like giving them tools to fight with. It’s amazing to see such a diverse range of Black and queer stories and experiences represented, and how these mentors help them figure out dating, who they are, and everything in between.

‘We Are OFK’ (2022)

This story centers around a group of friends navigating the challenges of pursuing a music career in Los Angeles. They receive guidance from seasoned Black and queer professionals who share their knowledge and help them gain the resources and connections needed to thrive in the competitive music world. The story emphasizes the power of seeing yourself represented and honors those who came before, creating opportunities for today’s artists.

‘Tchia’ (2023)

In Tchia, you’ll explore a stunning island chain based on New Caledonia and encounter the elders of its native tribes. These characters share their culture and offer Tchia helpful tools and magical objects. By learning from them, she unlocks the unique ability to inhabit the bodies of animals and objects. This connection to her ancestors and their gifts is key to her journey to protect her home.

‘Goodbye Volcano High’ (2023)

This game tells the story of a group of young dinosaurs coming of age as their world changes. They’re figuring out who they are with the help of older dinosaurs who offer guidance and support. These mentors give them ways to express themselves through music and art. The game focuses on themes of self-discovery, especially around identity, and finding your voice during uncertain times.

‘Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy’ (2021)

This game boasts a wide range of characters from across the universe, including Ko Rel, a powerful and enigmatic Black woman in a leadership role. She’s a strong ally to the guardians, offering them crucial information and gear. The items she provides and her overall legacy are key to the team’s success in stopping a growing universal threat. As an experienced commander, she embodies strength and wisdom, showcasing powerful Black leadership among the stars.

‘Marvel’s Midnight Suns’ (2022)

The Caretaker is a strong and experienced guardian of the Abbey, guiding the Hunter as they fight against supernatural forces. A Black woman with centuries of knowledge, she has a long and complicated history with Agatha Harkness. She acts as a mentor to the player, providing crucial upgrades and powerful combat cards that act like unique abilities. Her wisdom is key to bringing the heroes together to defeat the demon Lilith.

Please share which of these diverse legendary figures resonated with you most in the comments.

2026-02-04 23:24