Video game protagonists are a mixed bag in terms of excitement. Some do little more adventurous than watering a few plants in the morning, and we’re certainly not claiming those games are less fun here, but let’s take a moment to look at the other extreme. What are some of the more exciting, thrilling, thank-goodness-it’s-not-me activities we see our video game protagonists being thrown into across a variety of genres? These are the jobs that need courage, talent, and a willingness to face almost-unavoidable death: From space pirates to post-apocalyptic message runners, some professions in gaming really push the envelope in terms of thrills and adrenaline.
The Grim Reality of Being a Hero
Every video game protagonist has their profession, whether it is saving the world, delivering parcels, or pursuing dangerous creatures. These vocations often involve extreme hazards, and the mortality rate is fantastic (okay, maybe that’s a sign we’re not great at the game, rather than the fault of the protagonist). Unlike real-life professionals who need protective gear like body armor vests to stay safe at work, video game characters often have only their own grit, cat-like reflexes, and a little bit of luck to depend on.
Among the most dangerous jobs in video games are those involving direct combat, inhospitable settings, and impossible missions. Whether you’re a vault dweller foraging in a radioactive wasteland or an assassin sneaking into heavily guarded fortresses, the hazards are never-ending. Yet, players keep coming back for another go of it. This isn’t despite the difficulties involved, of course; in fact, these being the most dangerous jobs in the world is all part of the appeal to most players.
You can be a deep sea diver with Subnautica, an astronaut with No Man’s Sky, a miner with Delta-V… the list is pretty much endless! It’s a great way to get up close and personal with these jobs… without actually having to undertake them yourself.
| Job Role | Game Genre | Main Risks | Why Players Love It |
| Bounty Hunter | Sci-Fi, RPG | Facing deadly targets, hostile environments, betrayal | High-stakes combat, tactical decision-making |
| Courier | Post-Apocalyptic, RPG | Ambushes, harsh terrain, dangerous factions | Thrill of survival, sense of accomplishment |
| Assassin | Stealth, Action | Stealth failures, enemy reinforcements, brutal combat | Precision kills, strategic planning |
| Smuggler | Open-World, RPG | Avoiding authorities, dealing with double-crossing allies | Intense chases, high-reward missions |
| Explorer | Adventure, Survival | Wild animals, natural disasters, enemy tribes | Discovery, world-building, sense of wonder |
| Soldier | FPS, Tactical Shooter | Heavy combat, unpredictable warfare, survival pressure | Tactical gameplay, intense firefights |
| Treasure Hunter | Action, Platformer | Deadly traps, rival hunters, collapsing ruins | Puzzle-solving, exploration, big rewards |
| Cyberpunk Hacker | Cyberpunk, RPG | Getting caught, AI security, rival hackers | Strategic hacking, digital warfare |
High-Risk Professions That No One Would Ever Want
Brute force isn’t the only requirement for video game jobs. It takes intelligence, courage, and fast thinking. Take, for example, a courier venturing out into the hostile wilderness and doing whatever is needed to keep their package safe and out of the hands of the many hostile NPCs. These professions are not only perilous; they are character-building. They test a person’s ability to adapt, overcome adversity, and change the world around them.
It goes to show how, in the world of video games, even apparently simple vocations can become ordeals of death. In many games, delivering a package isn’t just a matter of dropping it at a particular location from far away—it’s a gauntlet through enemy lines pounding at you constantly, treacherous landscapes with hidden pitfalls, and deadly fauna (assuming that the flora isn’t also deadly, of course). The demand for high-risk delivery jobs is especially prominent in dystopian or post-apocalyptic settings, where each journey means facing an entire world hostile to your character.
The High-Risk, High-Reward World of Challenges in Gaming
Gaming often rewards risk-takers, and that’s part of what makes these virtual professions so appealing. People assume these dangerous roles for two main reasons: because they are thrilling and because they provide a challenge, whether fighting mythical beasts or surviving space colonies overrun by aliens.
This combination of thrills and challenges is mirrored in another aspect of gaming too, of course. The online casino is well-known for providing both of these aspects and is thus likely to appeal to much the same crowd who love games where the protagonist finds themselves plunging into one dangerous situation after another.
An evening at the tables for high-stakes players can invoke very similar feelings to conquering a challenging level with your protagonist still somehow in one piece. The sensation of striving against the odds, the air crackling with tension, asking yourself again and again, “Will this work?”—matches up quite nicely with the adrenaline rush of chasing a big win at the slot machines or poker table.
It’s not just the tension and emotional ride that appeals, of course. Many casino games require careful planning and forethought. Whether it’s the strategies involved in determining whether to hit or stand in a thrilling game of blackjack, or the nerves of steel needed to show no emotion when bluffing in a tense game of poker… many of the skills that serve your protagonist well in perilous situations can also come into play on the casino floor.
Why We Love Perilous Occupations
Despite the high stakes, many players are drawn to protagonists in dangerous professions. Whether it’s because we love vicariously living the lives of fearless warriors, find the challenge of these situations makes the games that much more fun, or just enjoy a story where the stakes are high, there is no doubt that these kinds of games hold a special place in the hearts of many players. Being able to customize your character in a lot of these games just makes it that much more gripping and fun.
The most dangerous professions in video gaming offer players a chance to push themselves to new limits without getting hurt. As you race against time, pursue your enemies, and try to stay alive at all costs, these high-risk careers make for some of gaming’s most exhilarating moments. But that’s just why we keep coming back, isn’t it?