Video games are filled with powerful female warriors, sly spies, and fearless heroines—but their choice of attire often leaves us scratching our heads. While male characters get practical gear and armor that actually covers vital organs, the ladies are frequently left with something that barely qualifies as clothing, much less protection. It’s almost like their creators took “form over function” to a whole new level. So, let’s break down some of the most hilariously impractical, overly revealing, and downright questionable outfits that female characters have been stuck with. These iconic looks might be memorable, but they sure aren’t winning any awards for battlefield practicality.

1. Ivy Valentine – Soulcalibur Series

Ivy Valentine is the queen of, well, not wearing much. Her wardrobe is less armor and more like something you’d find in a medieval fantasy lingerie catalog. In a game about armed combat, Ivy’s metal bikini and thigh-high boots are pretty bold choices. She’s swinging around a massive whip sword, but apparently forgot that metal breastplates exist for a reason. While it’s hard to deny her confidence, her “armor” offers about as much protection as a napkin, leading fans to wonder if she’s more interested in dodging critics than dodging attacks.

2. Quiet – Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

This one’s a head-scratcher. Quiet, the silent sniper, spends her time sneaking around in… a bikini and ripped stockings. The explanation? She “breathes through her skin.” Yes, you read that right. Apparently, clothes would suffocate her, so she’s forced to run around battlefields half-naked. Because, obviously, in the stealthy world of tactical espionage, the best way to blend in is a bikini and some strategically placed mesh. Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima has tried to justify it, but let’s be real—this outfit is as practical as a swimsuit at a snowstorm.

3. Tifa Lockhart – Final Fantasy VII

Tifa’s outfit has been the subject of debate for years. As a martial artist, you’d think she’d opt for something flexible and durable, like an actual fighter’s attire. Instead, she’s rocking a crop top, mini-skirt, and suspenders. Sure, it’s an iconic look, but one roundhouse kick in a mini-skirt, and you’re inviting a whole new level of distraction—possibly more for her opponents than herself. Tifa may be a master at hand-to-hand combat, but her outfit looks like it was designed by someone more interested in nightclub fashion than tactical efficiency.

4. Bayonetta – Bayonetta Series

Bayonetta is one of gaming’s most flamboyant characters, and her outfit—or lack thereof—plays a huge role in her image. Her “clothing” is actually her hair, which she uses in her magical attacks, leaving her without a stitch on during some moves. While Bayonetta’s confidence is sky-high, the practicality of wearing your own hair as a bodysuit is… debatable. Hair as clothing sounds like an avant-garde fashion statement at best, and like an itchy nightmare at worst.

5. Armor That’s Not Armor – The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

In Skyrim, female characters can wear “armor” that might as well be chainmail bikinis. Sure, the men get full-body suits with metal plates and heavy leather, but the ladies? They get crop tops and thigh-highs that don’t even pretend to protect against dragon fire. It’s like the blacksmith ran out of materials halfway through. These so-called armor pieces wouldn’t protect you from a mosquito bite, let alone an ancient dragon.

6. Mai Shiranui – King of Fighters Series

Mai is a skilled fighter with a wardrobe that could best be described as “delicate.” Her iconic red and white outfit is basically a glorified swimsuit with a ribbon, ideal for poolside lounging but bizarrely out of place in a martial arts tournament. While her fans appreciate her bold style, her lack of coverage doesn’t exactly scream “prepared for combat.” One can only assume her agility is due in part to a complete lack of fabric holding her back.

7. Morrigan Aensland – Darkstalkers Series

This succubus from Darkstalkers has a signature look that combines bat wings, a bodysuit, and not much else. Morrigan’s outfit is more about showcasing her personality (or certain assets) than offering any real protection in combat. It’s not exactly conducive to fending off attacks from enemies, but let’s be honest—she’s not there to dodge; she’s there to distract. In terms of practical combat wear, though? A disaster.

8. Princess Leia – LEGO Star Wars

Even in her blocky, LEGO form, Leia’s infamous “Slave Leia” outfit makes an appearance. The fact that this controversial outfit made it into a children’s game shows that even digital LEGOs aren’t immune to the “less is more” mentality. Let’s face it: a LEGO bikini is as unnecessary as it gets, and it’s not helping anyone in a galaxy where lightsabers and blasters are the main threats. But hey, it’s a look that transcends mediums, no matter how impractical.

9. Ada Wong – Resident Evil Series

Ada Wong somehow manages to fight zombies in a slinky red dress and high heels. While stylish, her wardrobe choices seem like a nightmare for running, jumping, or anything that involves not getting eaten by zombies. Ada’s dress screams elegance, but let’s be honest—it’s about as practical for survival horror as flip-flops in a snowstorm. Her look might be iconic, but it’s hard not to wonder if she’s carrying spare clothes in that tiny purse of hers.

10. Wonder Woman – Injustice: Gods Among Us

Wonder Woman is an Amazonian warrior princess, and while she’s a force to be reckoned with, her outfit doesn’t scream “battle-ready.” In Injustice, her outfit is a mix of armor and, well, bikini. With thigh-high boots and a chest plate that barely counts as protective gear, she’s left vulnerable in some key areas. Sure, she’s got her indestructible bracelets, but maybe a bit more armor wouldn’t hurt.

Conclusion: Fashion Over Function?

When it comes to female characters in gaming, it often seems like style comes first, and protection comes… somewhere way down the list. Whether it’s a scanty outfit, high heels on a battlefield, or an excuse like “she breathes through her skin,” these characters are dressed for anything but practicality. As much as we might laugh at these questionable choices, they’re a part of gaming culture that’s here to stay—at least for now.

So, the next time you boot up a game and see your favorite female character dodging bullets in a crop top, just remember: in the world of video games, armor doesn’t always mean protection—it’s all about how cool (and occasionally absurd) you look while you’re doing it.