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Top 20 Best Bromances In Video Game History

Published 9 hours ago11 minute read

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Gaming - May 15th 2025, 19:21 GMT+2

Cropped V and Johnny Silverhand Cyberpunk 2077

What happens when a rebellious rockstar-turned-terrorist decides to set up camp in your neural network? You get one of the weirdest, most electric bromances in gaming. V and Johnny Silverhand aren’t friends at first—more like unwilling roommates sharing one very cluttered mind. But as the story unfolds, the snark turns to sympathy, the jabs to genuine camaraderie, and suddenly you're missing your glitchy brain ghost when he’s not around. Keanu Reeves' Johnny brings the swagger, but it’s V’s evolving tolerance (and occasional sass) that makes their bond weirdly heartwarming. It’s like Fight Club, but with more cybernetics and fewer soap recipes. | © CD Projekt Red

Cropped Harry Du Bois Kim Kitsuragi Disco Elysium 2019

Imagine waking up pantsless, hungover, and with no memory of your name—and then being paired with the most patient and emotionally unavailable partner in the precinct. Enter Kim Kitsuragi, the unflappable straight man to Harry Du Bois’s walking trainwreck. Over the course of this deeply philosophical fever dream of a game, their partnership evolves into a kind of mutual understanding that borders on affection (but, you know, cool detective affection). Kim tolerates Harry’s existential ramblings and deeply questionable fashion choices, while Harry grows to genuinely value Kim’s icy competence. It’s like The Odd Couple, but with more communism and metaphysical dread. | © ZA/UM

Cropped Yagami And Kaito Judgment 2018

Former lawyer turned street-smart detective Takayuki Yagami would be a total loner if it weren’t for Kaito, his muscle-bound ex-yakuza bro with a heart of gold and a punch that could launch someone into next week. These two are the classic “brains and brawn” duo, but with a layer of emotional history that makes their friendship hit harder than Kaito’s uppercut. They bicker, they banter, and they back each other up no matter how convoluted the case—or how many thugs need to be kicked through a vending machine. It’s hard-boiled bromance with a soft-boiled center, and honestly, they should just open a buddy detective agency already. Oh wait, they did. | © Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio / SEGA

Cropped Connor and Hank Detroit Become Human 2018

This is the odd couple of man and machine, and wow, do they start out hating each other. Connor, the emotionless android programmed to investigate deviant behavior, meets Hank, the alcoholic detective with a tragic backstory and a hatred of robots. It’s a recipe for disaster—or, as it turns out, a delightful buddy cop drama with branching paths and surprisingly touching emotional payoffs. As the game unfolds, their mutual disdain slowly evolves into mutual respect, and possibly even friendship, depending on your choices (no pressure!). It's like Lethal Weapon meets Westworld, with a lot more staring contests and existential crises. | © Quantic Dream

Cropped Kratos and Mimir God of War 2018

You haven’t truly experienced bromance until you’ve strapped a decapitated, wisecracking Norse head to your belt and taken him on a cross-realm road trip. Kratos, the perpetually grumpy god-slayer, finds his unexpected comic relief and walking Wikipedia in Mimir, the smartest (and chattiest) man alive... well, formerly alive. Despite Kratos’ grunts and eye-rolls, Mimir’s stories, lore drops, and sass somehow chip away at the old god’s icy demeanor. It’s less of a traditional friendship and more like a podcast with murder, but there’s genuine affection in their back-and-forth. It's bromance, Norse edition—and we’re all just lucky passengers in the boat. | © Santa Monica Studio / Sony Interactive Entertainment

Cropped Arthur Morgan and John Marston Red Dead Redemption 2 2018

Ah, Arthur and John—the cowboy bromance we didn’t know we needed until it crushed our souls into fine frontier dust. They start off like two bulls in a saloon: stubborn, proud, and constantly butting heads. But beneath Arthur’s gruff exterior and John’s stubborn streak is a deep, almost brotherly bond forged through bullets, brawls, and a shared desire to escape the fading Wild West. By the time Arthur's journey nears its end, their relationship evolves into something painfully sincere. Let’s be honest: when Arthur tells John to "get outta here and don't look back," we all ugly-cried into our digital cowboy hats. It's tragedy, redemption, and friendship with a revolver at your side. | © Rockstar Games

Cropped Vincent Leo A Way Out 2018

You know it’s a bromance for the ages when you have to literally coordinate your prison break in split-screen co-op. Vincent and Leo are like peanut butter and dynamite—one’s calm and methodical, the other’s pure chaotic energy with sideburns. Forced together by circumstance (and a shared vendetta), their bond deepens through car chases, fistfights, and the occasional existential talk while rowing a canoe. The game forces cooperation, which makes the eventual twist hit all the harder. You’ll laugh, you’ll yell at each other over quick-time events, and you’ll probably stare in betrayal during the ending. It’s like Shawshank meets Tango & Cash—only you are the movie. | © Hazelight Studios / EA

Cropped Henry and Hans Kingdom Come Deliverance 2018

Henry is a humble blacksmith's son trying to survive in medieval Bohemia. Hans Capon? A spoiled noble with a chip on his perfectly feathered shoulder. At first, these two get along like a peasant and a pig in a royal feast—badly. But give them time (and a few drunken escapades), and what blossoms is one of the most oddly endearing bromances in RPGs. Hans is obnoxious, arrogant, and secretly lonely; Henry’s grounded, kind-hearted, and perpetually exasperated. Together, they drink, duel, and stumble through quests with all the awkward chemistry of a buddy comedy set in 1403. It’s basically Superbad, but with chainmail and political intrigue. | © Warhorse Studios

Cropped Rhys Vaughn Tales from the Borderlands 2014

Corporate ladder-climbers turned accidental vault hunters, Rhys and Vaughn are the kind of nerdy duo who shouldn’t survive five minutes on Pandora—and yet somehow stumble their way into heroism (and explosions). Rhys is the egotistical dreamer with a robot eye; Vaughn is the neurotic accountant-turned-surprisingly-ripped sidekick. Their friendship is held together by mutual awkwardness, shared delusion, and a healthy fear of dying horribly. But through betrayal, bullets, and an unhealthy amount of yelling, they become more than just coworkers—they’re full-blown, bro-fist-worthy legends. Think Silicon Valley meets Mad Max, and you're not far off. | © Telltale Games / Gearbox Software

Cropped Ren And Ryuji Persona 5 2016

Ren (the stoic, silent protagonist) and Ryuji (the loudmouth with a heart of gold) form the core of the Phantom Thieves’ bromantic energy. Ryuji might seem like just another comic relief bestie at first, but his fierce loyalty, explosive temper, and deep emotional baggage make him a surprisingly layered friend. Ren, being the blank slate you guide through school and supernatural hijinks, doesn’t speak much—but their bond is clear in every head-nod, every ride-or-die moment, and every time Ryuji yells “Let's go, dude!” in battle. It’s teen angst, stylish rebellion, and the power of friendship—anime-style. | © Atlus / SEGA

Cropped Leonardo And Ezio Assassins Creed II 2009

When you’re a vengeful assassin trying to dismantle a centuries-old conspiracy, you need a good friend—or at least a charming Renaissance genius with a flair for invention and absolutely zero chill. Enter Leonardo da Vinci, the original tech bro, who happily reverse-engineers ancient weapons for Ezio while gushing over his hidden blade like it's the latest Apple release. Their friendship is a delightful break from all the blood and betrayal, full of warm banter, mutual admiration, and the kind of joyful nerd energy that makes you wish Leo got his own spin-off. Ezio might be the blade in the crowd, but Leo’s the heart behind the hood. | © Ubisoft

Cropped Geralt and Dandelion The Witcher 2007

Geralt of Rivia: stoic, brooding, and perpetually covered in monster guts. Dandelion: flamboyant, loquacious, and about one wine bottle away from reciting questionable poetry. Together? Absolute magic. This oddball pair somehow complements each other perfectly—Geralt handles the swords, while Dandelion provides the social lubrication (and, let’s be honest, most of the poor decisions). Through bardic ballads, tavern brawls, and the occasional romantic entanglement gone hilariously wrong, their bond becomes one of loyalty and genuine affection. It’s like if Aragorn hung out with Jack Black, and it somehow worked. | © CD Projekt Red

Cropped Commander Shepard and Garrus Vakarian Mass Effect 2007

In a galaxy full of aliens, politics, and existential threats, there’s one constant: Garrus is always down for you. Whether he’s calibrating the ship’s weapons or sniping enemies from across the battlefield, Garrus is Shepard’s right-hand Turian and ultimate bro. Their friendship blossoms through sarcastic banter, mutual respect, and that time they literally bro-out while shooting bottles on top of the Citadel. No matter your Shepard—Paragon, Renegade, or somewhere in between—Garrus is the ride-or-die companion who always shows up. It’s the kind of space bromance that makes you whisper, “I’d calibrate with you anytime.” | © BioWare / Electronic Arts

Cropped Dom And Marcus Gears of War 2006

When chainsaw bayonets aren’t enough, you need someone you trust to cover your six while grunting through an endless hail of bullets. Dom and Marcus aren’t just fellow soldiers—they’re brothers-in-arms, literally soaked in war trauma and camaraderie. Dom is the emotional core to Marcus’s granite-jawed stoicism, and their bond is tested (and tested again) across battles, heartbreaks, and some of the most gut-wrenching scenes in shooter history. This bromance doesn’t pull punches—it hugs you with power armor, then punches you in the soul. Grit, loyalty, and bro-tears included. | © Epic Games / The Coalition

Cropped Kazuma Kiryu Akira Nishikiyama Yakuza 2005

No bromance hurts quite like this one. Kiryu and Nishikiyama start as childhood friends, street punks with matching dreams and slicked-back hair. But as time passes, the neon lights of Kamurocho twist their paths in different—and devastating—directions. Kiryu becomes the noble dragon of Dojima, while Nishiki is slowly consumed by ambition, pride, and grief. Their bond is built on laughter, fists, and heartbreaking choices, turning their eventual clash into one of gaming’s most emotional payoffs. It’s Shakespeare in a tailored suit, where loyalty and tragedy dance in a rain-soaked alley. | © Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio / SEGA

Cropped Cesar Vialpando and CJ GTA San Andreas 2004

In a game full of betrayal, gang wars, and Big Smoke’s horrifying fast food orders, the friendship between CJ and Cesar is a rare island of genuine loyalty. Sure, their first meeting is a little rocky (what with Cesar dating CJ’s sister and all), but over time, they become ride-or-die allies in the purest GTA fashion. Whether it's helping CJ out of a jam, pulling off high-octane heists, or busting crooked cops, Cesar is always there—not for the money or the turf, but because that’s what bros do. Honestly, in a game full of snakes, this guy is the real MVP. Viva lowrider loyalty. | © Rockstar Games

Cropped Ratchet And Clank Ratchet And Clank

A wisecracking feline-mechanic and his super-intelligent robot backpack—Ratchet and Clank are a spacefaring odd couple who turn saving the galaxy into a buddy comedy for the ages. Clank brings the brains, the dry wit, and the occasional hover-pack upgrade; Ratchet brings the wrench, the attitude, and a whole lot of explosive weaponry. Together, they’re unstoppable (and extremely marketable). But beyond the jokes and gadgets, their bond is real. They challenge each other, grow together, and never leave the other behind—even when time-travel or dimensional chaos says otherwise. It’s the Pixar duo of gaming, but with way more plasma cannons. | © Insomniac Games / Sony Interactive Entertainment

Cropped Jak and Daxter Jak and Daxter The Precursor Legacy 2001

What do you get when a mostly mute hero teams up with a hyperactive, constantly-yammering sidekick-turned-weasel-thing? One of the most chaotic—and charming—duos in platforming history. Jak is the quiet muscle, while Daxter never met a moment he couldn’t fill with snarky commentary. Their friendship is forged in eco-fueled quests, sky-pirate mayhem, and an ever-escalating pile of explosions. But under all the wisecracks, there’s a deep bond. Daxter may be annoying (okay, he is), but he’s loyal to the core, and Jak wouldn’t trade him for all the Precursor orbs in the world. It’s buddy comedy gold, wrapped in a lava-flavored energy drink. | © Naughty Dog

Cropped Sonic And Tails Sonic the Hedgehog series

Every blue blur needs a buddy, and Sonic’s got the best: Miles “Tails” Prower, the twin-tailed fox genius who can fly, fix anything, and still somehow get kidnapped once a game. While Sonic speeds through life with cool confidence and chili dog-fueled chaos, Tails is the heart of the team—the soft-spoken support who always shows up with a gadget or plane when things get wild. Their friendship is classic hero-sidekick fare, but with true mutual respect. Sonic believes in Tails, and Tails always has Sonic’s back—even when he's mid-loop-de-loop over a pit of lava. It’s wholesome, it’s nostalgic, and it's still going strong. | © SEGA

Cropped Ken And Ryu Street Fighter

One’s the stoic martial artist on a path of enlightenment; the other’s a flashy American with blonde hair and zero chill. Together, they form the original fighting game bromance—two rivals who beat the ever-loving pixels out of each other and still call it a friendly sparring match. Ryu and Ken may be endlessly throwing Hadoukens across the screen, but beneath the fireballs and fierce competition is a bond built on respect, shared discipline, and just the right amount of smack talk. It’s a perfect example of “iron sharpens iron,” but with more dragon punches. Bros before K.O.s, forever. | © Capcom

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From epic adventures to heartfelt moments, video games have given us some of the most unforgettable friendships in pop culture. Whether they’re fighting side by side in battle or sharing quiet moments of trust, these dynamic duos show us the power of true brotherhood. In this list, we’re counting down the top 20 bromances in video game history—partnerships that defined their games and won over fans around the world. From legendary RPGs to intense action titles, these friendships prove that sometimes the best part of the journey is who you share it with.

From epic adventures to heartfelt moments, video games have given us some of the most unforgettable friendships in pop culture. Whether they’re fighting side by side in battle or sharing quiet moments of trust, these dynamic duos show us the power of true brotherhood. In this list, we’re counting down the top 20 bromances in video game history—partnerships that defined their games and won over fans around the world. From legendary RPGs to intense action titles, these friendships prove that sometimes the best part of the journey is who you share it with.

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