Elden Ring. Pokemon. Subnautica. While these games may seem to have little in common at first, they share a devotion to wildly creative creature design. Many different cultures around the world have gifted game developers the inspiration for some of the most iconic video game monsters, as titles like God of War and Assassin's Creed Odyssey borrow heavily from the realm of folklore. But at times, this amalgamation of myths and tales can, instead, prove the starting point for the design of new and original mythical creatures that have since become cultural icons in their own right.
Whether it's in a horror game or a high fantasy saga, these iconic mythical creatures truly exemplify what it means to be ingenious and innovative, while not being outright imitations.
10 The Witcher 3: The Crones Of Crookback Bog
The Witcher 3's Crones of Crookback Bog — also known as the Ladies of the Wood — are indeed based on the witch, Baba Yaga, from Slavic folklore, but CD Projekt Red's RPG gave the legend a delightful, new spin. These malevolent seers have a significant part to play in the game from the whole Bloody Baron saga to what happens to Ciri at the end.
Their grotesque appearances morph into one of unparalleled beauty...through eating kids, unfortunately. The Crones of Crookback Bog seamlessly blends the sinister with the unique in an efficient way, letting your know just how dangerous it is to be in the presence of these mythical creatures.
9 The Last Guardian: Trico
The best cuddly hyena-avian hybrid companion anyone could ask for, The Last Guardian's Trico is perhaps one of the most iconic mythical creatures in gaming. The game's unnamed protagonist builds an unbreakable bond with Trico, using the latter's abilities to navigate the game's unique architecture and layout.
But with Trico's unpredictability and the cute detail of its color-shifting eyes which gauge its mood, it perfectly encapsulates how The Boy navigates his relationship with his animal friend. Both an original and a classic, Trico is an adorable icon that just sparks warm and gooey feelings inside.
8 Silent Hill 2: Pyramid Head
First introduced in Silent Hill 2, Pyramid Head has captured the horror imagination like no other video game creature before it. This silent killer leaves no holds barred when it comes to bloodlust and scare factor, relentlessly hunting down James Sunderland in Silent Hill 2.
Pyramid Head has since become an iconic poster child, not only for Silent Hill alone but the horror genre in general. Wielding his massive machete, Pyramid Head has attained legendary status as a fictional mythical monster and is a true and utter classic.
7 Final Fantasy: Chocobo
Reliable steeds seen throughout the Final Fantasy franchise, these adorable birds have become an iconic staple. A literal overgrown chicken, they have since even sparked their own subseries of games, with1999's lighthearted Chocobo Racing and the recent Chocobo GP.
This iconic creature has even crossed franchises, appearing in Assassin's Creed Origins as a mount option for Bayek, renamed as Kweh. The Chocobo shows that even something simple can evolve into an utter, original classic.
6 Bloodborne: Amygdala
One of the most iconic mythical creatures FromSoftware has ever made, Bloodborne's Amygdala is the epitome of eldritch abomination. With its multiple eyes and arms, this pale creature has become a recognizable icon for Bloodborne.
Known for its unbelievable level of difficulty, the Amygdala can be found in different spots throughout Yharnam, clinging to the sides of buildings like a parasitic spider. Able to shoot deadly laser beams from its freaky face, it's understandable why this bestial creature of nightmarish proportions is a horror icon.
5 Elder Scrolls: Daedric Princes
The vast scope of Bethesda's Elder Scrolls franchise has spawned iconic mythical creatures that have ascended to classic status, and none more so than the enigmatic Daedric Princes. A set of gods with direct influence on the realm of Nirn, these deities border from outright evil to straying into the morally grey area.
From sly Hermaeus Mora to righteous Meridia, these Daedric Princes have their realms of Oblivion, where their followers end up once they pass on. They have their own unique personalities that really make them exemplary and memorable characters that help add depth and complexity to this iconic, high fantasy franchise.
4 Subnautica: Cuddlefish
There seems to be no end to adorable mythical creatures in gaming and Subnautica's cuddlefish is one of them. Not to be confused with their real-world inspiration, the cuttlefish, these friendly and chubby aquatic animals can't help but make you squeal as you look into their googly eyes and tiny faces.
Not only do you have the option to play with them, but you can even keep one as a pet. You'll also be able to find adorable clutches of cuddlefish eggs in certain locations and learn how to nurture and help hatch the cute creatures. Subnautica's cuddlefish is an endearing symbol of all things sweet and lovable.
3 Demon's Souls: The Old One
The prime antagonist in Demon's Souls, The Old One spits out demons like it is nobody's business, serving as an incubator for the worst amalgamations of terror. Looking like the front end of a feather duster, the remake helped accentuate the sheer power of The Old One.
King Allant's deal with this ancient evil deity wreaked havoc in the Kingdom of Boletaria, cloaking the country in a Deep Fog. Now it is up to the Slayer of Demons to return this iconic mythical creature into a deep slumber or allow the Deep Fog to spread to the rest of the world.
2 Elden Ring: Elden Beast
As the final boss of Elden Ring, the Elden Beast is the perfect way to end a new FromSoftware game. This fantastical beast with veins of dripping gold has become memorable within the short period since the game's launch.
With heavenly music playing in the background, the lowly Tarnished has reached the end of their journey, fighting a god in a paradisaical boss arena of epic proportions. It is no wonder that the Elden Beast has ascended as one of the best game bosses and fictional magical creatures in gaming.
1 Pokemon: Pikachu
Another adorable — and probably the most recognizable and iconic — mythical creature in gaming is Pokemon's Pikachu. Having essentially become the face of the Pokemon franchise, this cuddly, pint-sized Pokemon with rosy cheeks and stubby arms has captured the hearts of everyone since 1996.
A snuggle bug with the ability to electrocute you, Pikachu has not only become an icon in the gaming industry but one of the best non-human companions.