Gaming cosplays are often complex, making many believe they’re not suited for beginners. However, there are plenty of gaming cosplays that anyone can do. All it takes is a little imagination, and of course, elbow grease.
If you’re new to cosplaying, then it’s a good idea to start with something popular and easy. These top ten cosplay ideas are easy to recognize and will ensure you make an impact at any event.
1. Mario
TechTalk shows that Mario is among the top five most popular video game characters. So as long as you put effort into your cosplay, you will be easy to spot.
Get a long-sleeved red shirt, denim or blue overalls, and a red hat for a simple version. To top off the character, don’t forget a fake mustache if you don’t have a real one.
Make It Unique
- Be Dr. Mario – all you need is a classic doctor’s outfit and a mustache.
- Don’t use red – red is classic Mario, but you can create your lore with a blue or pink suit.
- Be realistic (ex. Denim overalls) – simple cotton is great and cheap, but it’s interesting to use what Mario would wear if he were real.
Alternatives
- Luigi – Mario Series
- Waluigi – Mario Series
- Wario – Mario Series
- Princess Peach or Daisy – Mario Series
- Rosalina – Mario Series
2. Link
Link is an impressive cosplay that is easier to pull off than it looks. Because there are hit Zelda games from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s, you catch fans from all eras.
All you need is a green Phrygian cap and elf ears. The rest is easy to work with, such as using brown belt for the chest strap. If you can’t find the right bottoms, don’t be afraid to wear a dress with pants underneath.
Make It Unique
- Be Dark Link – same outfit, void of color.
- Make props – Link has so many props to work with, so you can make the one you feel comfortable making. I recommend Navi in a jar or an ocarina.
- Use alternative suits (ex. water or fire) – in Ocarina of Time, he has three suits. They’re just different colors.
Alternatives
- Zelda – Mario Series
- Toan – Dark Cloud
- Lazarel (or another character) – Dragon Quest
3. Red
Red from the original Pokémon games is an easy character to cosplay. You can be any Pokémon trainer, but Red is a terrific go-to simply because its who most people are familiar it. All you need is a red cap, jeans, chucks, and short-sleeve button-up.
If you want to be a female trainer, you can be May, the female protagonist from Ruby/Sapphire. She’s also in the anime, which makes her even more popular.
Make It Unique
- Don’t use color (b&w only) – the original games were in black and white; get creative to make this work.
- Bring a Pokémon – you can buy a Pokémon or use any that you have on hand, even if they’re not the first generation.
- Pin gym badges – you can get a set of pin badges or make your own. Pin them inside of your jacket and show them off.
Alternatives
- Splatoon Character
- Ness – Earthbound
- PaRappa – PaRappa the Rapper
- Gym Leader – Pokémon
4. Lara Croft
Lara Croft is a classic character that you may be able to cosplay with what you have in your closet. Because the new adaptation changes her look, you have more options. You can wear pants or shorts, and even an average body type. Just don’t forget the iconic pieces: sunglasses, backpack, gun holster, and ponytail.
Make It Unique
- Use original body type – if you know, you know. Stiff foam works well.
- Add dirt – use real dirt for something easy to wash out.
- Genderbend – Lara Croft isn’t gender-bent enough so you may be the only one at the event.
Alternatives
- Tifa Lockhart – Final Fantasy VII
- Elena Fisher – Uncharted
- Faith Connors – Mirror’s Edge
- KDA Akali – League of Legends
5. Pac-Man Ghost
Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde are the ghosts on Pac-Man who have been wreaking havoc since 1980.
All you need to cosplay one of these is a colored sheet and fabric paint. Add an umbrella underneath to make it look legit.
Make It Unique
- Use glowsticks underneath – the lights will look amazing.
- Bring friends – bring your friends to create the whole ghost gang.
- Add wire Pac-Man – add a Pac-Man following you to get some laughs.
Alternatives
- Toad – Mario Series
- King Boo – Mario Series
6. Chloe Price
The icon from Life is Strange has inspired teens all over the world. Show your love for her with blue hair dye and a beanie.
Remember that she wears multiple outfits throughout the games so you can choose your favorite.
Make It Unique
- Shop thrift stores – thrift stores will have everything you need for Life is Strange characters.
- Get into character – study the character to copy her attitude.
Alternatives
- Max Caulfield – Life is Strange
- Clementine – Walking Dead
- Ellie – Last of Us
7. Zero Suit Samus
Zero Suit Samus is a good cosplay for those who want to show off their catsuit. All you really need is the bodysuit and ponytail.
It’s always impressive when someone makes the classic Samus Aran armor, but it’s refreshing to see someone think outside the box too.
Make It Unique
- EVA Foam weapons – weapons can amp up any cosplay.
- Make the shoes – make the shoes with EVA foam on a real shoe base.
- Use the red version – the red version is the same only red; it’s called Zero Two.
Alternatives
- Bayonetta – Bayonetta
- D.Va – Overwatch
8. Ryu
Ryu is the main protagonist in Street Fighter, so gamers will recognize him. He’s also one of the easiest characters to cosplay.
All you need to do is don a distressed gi, then add some gloves and a headband. If you are in a safe area indoors, you can go barefoot. If not, just wear sandals.
Make It Unique
- Use a real gi – real gis are available online, but I recommend finding them used if you’re going to ruin one.
- Genuine tears and dirt – you can ruin a good gi for an authentic touch.
- Create Hadouken – Hadouken can be made with fairy lights, cotton, and a plastic globe.
Alternatives
- Ken Masters – Street Fighter
- Hitomi – Dead or Alive
- Kazuya Mishima – Tekken
9. Pit
Pit from Kid Icarus is a good beginner cosplay for kids and adults alike. If you have wings, a toga, and an ivy crown, the rest is easy to work with.
Don’t forget to add biking shorts. This doesn’t just help you cover your physical bases but is also canon.
Make It Unique
- Find a real toga – togas are available online, but I find non-costume versions to be better.
- Gold (painted) kotinos – you can get a cheap ivy crown and spray paint it.
Alternatives
- Cupid – Smite
- Sophitia Alexandra – Soulcaliber
- Athena – God of War
10. McCree
McCree, also known as Cole Cassidy, is the cowboy of Overwatch. While not as many people will know him as people that know Mario, he’s still a great beginner cosplay.
You can get by with fewer details if you get the hat and poncho right, so shop for those first. Don’t worry if you don’t get all of the details right, it happens to the best of us.
Make It Unique
- Piece it together from western stores – western stores are expensive but accurate to the character.
- Use a skin – McCree has many skins you can use.
Alternatives
- John Marston – Red Dead Redemption
- Twisted Fate – League of Legends
Conclusion
There are thousands of video game characters you can be, you could also try your hand at Pokemon, FNAF Animatronics, or your favorite villager in Animal Crossing, the options are near endless, but I suggest choosing one that means something to you. If you don’t want to get into copying details, then be a custom character. For example, if you’re a Sims fan, then dress up as your character from your favorite Sims game. As long as you have fun, you’re doing it right.
