15 most badass women in video game history

3. Cortana (Halo series)

Key quote: “I’m offering people a chance to be more than they are naturally.”

Who she is: Cortana is one of my favorite women in a video game, and it’s absolutely because of how badass she is. She’s a flash cloned copy of Dr. Catherine Halsey and an AI. Her partner is Master Chief, a Spartan fighting for the survival of the human race against the Covenant.

Throughout the entire game series, Cortana develops an intense allegiance to John-117, and she protects him as much as possible. Later in the series, Cortana is captured by the Gravemind, the Flood’s central intelligence. However, she’s able to send a message to Master Chief, who saves her from her own corruption.

Why she’s on the list: Even though Cortana is an AI, she has a great sense of humor. Throughout the entire series, she uses her witty and sometimes sarcastic sense of humor to lighten the mood while she and Master Chief fight through the Covenant and hoards of the Flood. Cortana has a pile of ridiculous abilities that range from planning missions and cloning herself to controlling starships and infiltrating computer networks.

Cortana is an amazing character who on many occasions saves Master Chief, hundreds of soldiers and humanity itself.