5 Best Gaming Cowboys of All Time (and They’re Not All From Red Dead Redemption)

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I’ve always loved the idea of cowboys – that romanticized image of a rugged explorer riding horses and shooting guns in the old Wild West. We’ve seen them in tons of games, and Red Dead Redemption definitely comes to mind as a standout. But honestly, the coolest cowboy experiences aren’t just in one or two games. It’s when different games each bring their own take on what makes that cowboy archetype so appealing that it really clicks. It’s about the overall feeling, and lots of games contribute to that.

Cowboys come in all types – some are criminals, others are law enforcers in small towns, and still others are adventurers seeking a better life in the wild, undeveloped West. They’re often recognized by their appearance – typically a broad-brimmed hat and a revolver or pistol. While not every cowboy participates in a showdown, they generally share similar iconic features, regardless of their individual goals or personalities.

5. Erron Black (Mortal Kombat)

Erron Black from Mortal Kombat is the ultimate fighting game cowboy, and his abilities reflect his connection to the Black Dragon crime group. He started as a hired gun for Outworld, but after Shao Kahn died, he became a loyal protector of Kotal Kahn. Just like cowboys who adapted to the Wild West, Erron Black used his knowledge of Outworld to build a unique set of weapons and skills to fight a variety of powerful opponents – gods, ninjas, and martial artists alike.

Erron Black primarily fights with two pistols, though he’s also been shown using a rifle for long-range attacks. He’s a tactical fighter who uses traps like acid and caltrops to slow down and disorient his enemies, always aiming to strike first. Known for his skill with firearms – he can even ricochet bullets off coins – Erron Black embodies the classic cowboy archetype, but with a supernatural edge that makes him stand out.

4. Cole Cassidy (Overwatch)

Cole Cassidy (previously known as McCree) is a key character in the popular hero shooter, Overwatch, and has greatly contributed to the game’s success. He’s designed as a classic cowboy, complete with a heavy revolver and a look inspired by iconic Westerns like The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Even his poncho is a nod to Clint Eastwood’s famous character, The Man With No Name, who helped define the Western genre.

Cassidy is a sharpshooting gunslinger known for his iconic cowboy hat and incredibly accurate aim. His ultimate ability, “It’s High Noon,” is a famous phrase in the gaming world, and he’s become the standard by which other cowboy characters in shooter games are measured. Beyond his skill, Cassidy’s cool and charismatic personality makes him a compelling and often overlooked example of how charming the cowboy archetype can be.

3. John Marston (Red Dead Redemption)

When it comes to cowboys in games, it’s hard to avoid mentioning Red Dead Redemption. John Marston was Rockstar’s first Wild West hero, but he breaks the typical cowboy mold. Instead of being a traditional hero, John is a former outlaw forced to hunt down his old gang members for the government, even though he doesn’t want to.

As John reluctantly takes on this mission, we learn a great deal about who he is, leading to a deeply sad conclusion. He embodies the end of the Wild West, haunted by his past. Even with this tragic fate, John’s decisions matter to those around him. He’s a complex and appealing character – a classic cowboy with a lot of depth and subtlety.

2. John Cooper (Desperados)

John Cooper is the main character in the Desperados series, and while he’s a cowboy, he’s more reminiscent of John Wayne than Clint Eastwood. Initially, he appears to be a classic Western hero with a long coat, hat, and dual pistols. However, Cooper isn’t a noble figure; he’s a bounty hunter who prioritizes getting the job done over morality, making him a tough and pragmatic survivor in the Wild West.

I’ve always loved how different this series feels from games like Red Dead Redemption. It’s not about roaming a huge open world or having big gunfights. Instead, playing as John Cooper is all about being clever and sneaky! The combat isn’t just running in and shooting; it’s strategic. You really have to think about how to distract enemies and sneak past them – it’s more about tactics than direct confrontation. Honestly, Cooper feels less like a cowboy and more like a ninja! It’s refreshing to see a character in this kind of role actually use his brain and lead a team with that level of intelligence – it makes him really stand out.

1. Arthur Morgan (Red Dead Redemption 2)

While many games feature cowboys, Arthur Morgan from Red Dead Redemption 2 remains the best. As a key leader in an outlaw gang, he instantly feels like a powerful and established figure, perfectly capturing the spirit of the Wild West. The game tells the story of his gang’s decline, but it’s made more compelling by Arthur’s own personal journey, exploring themes of regret, honor, and the bonds he forms with other characters.

What I love about Red Dead Redemption 2 is how my choices really shaped Arthur’s story. Depending on how I played, he became an honorable man or someone a little rougher around the edges, and it all felt connected. But it’s more than just that – the game really makes you think about the end of the Wild West, and how a life of freedom just doesn’t fit with a world that’s becoming more and more civilized. It’s like Arthur is the last of the cowboys, struggling with a way of life that’s fading away.

As you complete side quests, main missions, and other tasks as Arthur in Red Dead Redemption 2, you learn more and more about who he is – whether he acts as a ruthless outlaw or a kind, burdened traveler. This deep emotional complexity makes Arthur Morgan one of the most compelling cowboy characters ever created, not just in video games, but in all forms of entertainment.

What’s your favorite cowboy character from video games? Share your thoughts in the comments or discuss it with other fans on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-03-27 21:14