The Soul Calibur franchise is incredibly popular amongst gamers, with this classic fighting game always being a major hit with each release, offering stunning graphics and fantastic gameplay.

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The franchise is well known for bringing in well-known 'guest' characters with each game as well, with the likes of Yoda, Darth Vader, and Link all having appeared in versions of the game, which often help to sell it to people.

However, while learning which guest character is going to be in each game is very exciting, getting to see the characters that are designed specifically for Soul Calibur in new environments is equally as awesome, and within this article, we will rank the 10 greatest roster characters.

10 Raphael

If you like playing with confident, arguably cocky characters, then Raphael is the pick for you in Soul Calibur, with him being a character who is certainly sure of his ability.

Raphael uses a sword and is very quick on the attack, using fast swings that create some fantastic combo moves that are almost impossible to avoid for the opponent, which attracts people towards him.

He is quite easy to play as, which is why newbies end up using him a lot as they get used to his controls, and the fact he is one of the more memorable characters makes him a hit with old-school gamers as well.

9 Mitsurugi

When it comes to Soul Calibur's out and out 'good guys,' Mitsurugi might just take the top prize, with his traditions and honor being at the forefront of his character, which is something that attracts a lot of gamers towards using him.

A classic samurai, Mitsurugi can dish out some incredible damage with his quick and powerful hits, with striking being the main offense until he busts out his blade which deals some amazing damage.

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He isn't as fast as other characters in the game, which is why he is ranking a little lower here, but he is a mainstay in the franchise, with Mitsurugi always being heavily featured.

8 Astaroth

via soulcalibur.wikia.com

First of all, Astaroth is probably the coolest looking character in the entire series, with his enormous size creating some fantastic visuals as he carries around his massive axe which produces some fantastic damage.

If you want a quick and nimble character, that is fast-moving, then choosing Astaroth would be a fateful error. However, should you be looking for pure carnage and strength, then he's your man.

Modelled after an old-school executioner, his attacks are just as lethal and damaging, and if you catch an opponent just right with one of his moves then it will put you close to a victory.

7 Ivy

Ivy is an incredibly important character to the Soul Calibur franchise, having been heavily involved in the series, she has become very familiar with gamers as a character that everyone expects each time.

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While different characters use big swords or axes and claws, Ivy opts to just use a simple whip, and even though that might not seem like something to be afraid of, it is certainly a major threat.

Being able to attack her opponents from distance, Ivy has real upside on most people she faces, and with her consistently serious and grumpy attitude, she is always ready to take advantage of an opportunity.

6 Yoshimitsu

Yoshimitsu might be a character you're familiar with even if you've never played a Soul Calibur video game, as this is the only character that the video game shares with the Tekken franchise.

Combining a samurai and skeleton together, his look is quite unique and it can't be denied that it is memorable.

He is very tough to fight against as he mixes classic samurai style with some insane moves that make him very unpredictable, often leaping up high to cause problems down below.

5 Groh

Next on the list is Groh, who is a newer character in the Soul Calibur franchise. He has made an instant impact, becoming incredibly popular since being added to the roster, to the point where he can be expected to appear again in the future.

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Nicknamed The Agent In Black, Groh has a very sleek and modern look that feels less cartoon-like and more realistic. There is also a slight spy feel to his character, even though his weapon is a double-edged sword.

Quick in movement and devastating in the attack, Groh is a character that is a whole lot of fun to play as and is someone everyone should experience.

4 Kilik

Kilik is just plain fun to play as. Being incredibly quick and confident in the fighting arena, this is another mainstay character that will always remain popular amongst gamers, especially those who have been with the franchise for a long time.

Kilik's main form of attack comes from his staff, which is incredibly annoying to be hit by consistently when fighting against him. It also works well in defending.

The staff helps Kilik create some real distance between himself and others, which makes it hard for people to get towards him, so if you're smart, you can avoid a lot of damage here.

3 Cervantes

While the pirate known as Cervantes originally started out as Soul Calibur's central antagonist, he has since become a popular member of the roster within the games, with the undead pirate being a firm fan favorite.

Having two huge swords as his main weapons, Cervantes can pack plenty of damage and some unique moves. Although he isn't exactly the most calculated of fighters, as he often goes wild and hopes it works, which is equally as fun.

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The fact that you can't predict what he will do makes him exciting in the arena, and his heavy hits are useful, but the fact he has so much history with the game is the main reason people love him

2 Nightmare

You could argue that Nightmare is the face of Soul Calibur, with this character being one of the main characters that is used throughout the franchise.

Nightmare wields the Soul Edge blade, which is one of the most destructive weapons within the game. While that blade ends up corrupting him, he ends up appearing as a dark knight.

Nightmare is one of the coolest characters in-terms of aesthetic. His cool design and incredibly damaging attacks and move set, make him one of the best characters in the history of the game.

1 Voldo

If you like a little mystery and something slightly bizarre, then Voldo is the character for you. There is no doubt that he is the strangest character on the roster, and the fact he is so mysterious makes everyone want to know even more about him.

Using small blades over his hand in a sort of Wolverine style fighting style, Voldo combines that with a strange and creepy dance, as he flops and flips around the arena, making him difficult to deal with.

Voldo always hides his face, whether it be with a mask or a bandage, which is why people are always interested in him as a character, wanting to learn more, not to mention he is an amazing fighter.

NEXT: 10 Best Custom Characters Made In Soul Calibur VI