There are age-old Halloween go-to costumes, and video game characters are no exception–although I cringe at the Mario and Luigi sets and the cheaply made Link costume from The Legend of Zelda series. This year, I am working on making Link and Master Kohga costumes for my son and I.
Because of so many massive releases this year, I put together a list of top video game themed Halloween costumes relevant to 2023 that aren’t cosplay-level difficulty to put together. Please note, this is in no particular order.
10. Joel or Ellie, The Last of Us
Yes, The Last of Us Part One released in 2022; however, the series is still very relevant after the HBO series that launched January . The best part of putting this costume together is that it should be pretty low maintenance–just look online or in the mall for shirts, pants, and jackets similar to that of Joel or Ellie. Smudge some make up on for grime and/or blood and you got yourself a Clicker-fighting hero!
9. Leon Kennedy, Resident Evil 4
Yes, this freakishly handsome agent has returned in Resident Evil 4 Remake. I saw plenty of Leon cosplay at PAX East 2023, and with a horror franchise as beloved as Resident Evil, all you need is that trademark jacket and you’re halfway there. Just make sure you practice those cheesy action one-liners.
Image Credit: Shalini Kumar Raj
8. Master Kohga, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Master Kohga who got a major popularity boost in the sequel to Breath of the Wild. Although ornately dressed, his costume isn’t that complicated. Start with a red body suit and nab (or make!) a Yiga clan mask.
7. Witch or wizard, Hogwarts Legacy
If you haven’t boycotted this game, you know that the wizarding world is alive and well. With this major hit (soon to be dropping on the Nintendo Switch as well), it won’t take much to pop on a robe and show off what house you belong to. Ravenclaw, anyone? This is another low key option, whether home made or purchased.
6. Jann (or generic racer), Gran Turismo
We have another video game movie alert. Gran Turismo 7 released in 2022, followed by a movie in 2023. Video games made cool again, you can dress up as a race car driver and cite your racing skills in your resume!
5. Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad…, The Super Mario Bros. Movie and/or Super Mario Wonder
Yes, I know I kind of knocked the cheesy Mario costumes in the opening of the article, but that doesn’t stop the popularity of the mighty plumber this year. You also can get a bit creative with your costume–it can be as simple or as complicated as you’d like.
4. Link, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
This is another no brainer. And if you pre-ordered with GameStop, you may have gotten an arm sleeve in the pattern of Link’s arm in the game. Since Link does have many outfits, that leaves flexibility of what to wear.
3. Zelda, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Also a no brainer. Her Zonai outfit is gorgeous and can be built from a basic dress from any store.
2. Ken, Luke, or Kimberly, Street Fighter 6
Fighting games are comin’ in hot this year, especially with the success of the latest Street Fighter installment. Ken, Luke, and Kimberly are mere suggestions since their outfits can easily be mimicked with street or sport wear you may already have in your closet.
1. Johnny Cage or Sonya Blade, Mortal Kombat 1
Like with Street Fighter 6, you could be anyone on the roster; however, Johnny and Sonya have the easier outfits to manage. Just make sure you don’t release your fatalities on some poor, unsuspecting stranger.
I want to give honorable mentions to Isaac Clarke from Dead Space as well as Clive and Jill from Final Fantasy XVI; however, the costumes warrant a lot more time and detail to put together. If you can though, please do the world a favor and do it!
What are your thoughts on this list? Will you be dressing up this year? Please share your thoughts with us on our Boss Rush Facebook Group or our Boss Rush Discord.
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