Games With Canon Black Asexual Protagonists
In the evolving landscape of digital entertainment representation has become a vital component of character development and player immersion. Games that feature Black asexual protagonists offer unique perspectives on identity and social dynamics while providing players with the agency to define their own experiences. These titles range from narrative driven visual novels to massive open world roleplaying games that incorporate diverse identities into their core mechanics. By exploring these stories players can see how developers are creating inclusive spaces for asexual individuals within the gaming community.
‘ValiDate Struggling Singles in These Streets’ (2022)

In this visual novel the character Emem is a Black woman who navigates the complexities of dating while identifying as asexual. Players explore her narrative as she manages personal relationships and career ambitions in a modern setting. The game emphasizes authentic representation of marginalized identities within the dating scene. Emem provides a rare perspective on how asexuality intersects with Black identity and social expectations.
‘Arcade Spirits The New Challengers’ (2022)

This sequel allows players to design their own protagonist including the ability to choose a Black character model. The narrative features a robust romance system where players can explicitly choose an asexual path for their character. This choice is treated as a valid and canon identity throughout the competitive gaming storyline. The game provides specific dialogue options that affirm the protagonist does not experience sexual attraction.
‘I Was a Teenage Exocolonist’ (2022)

Players take on the role of Sol who is a young person growing up on a distant alien planet. The character appearance is customizable allowing for a Black protagonist who experiences life through multiple deck building cycles. Throughout the game players can choose to identify as asexual which influences how they interact with their peers and potential love interests. This identity is woven into the narrative as a meaningful part of the character growth and social experience.
‘Our Life Beginnings and Always’ (2020)

This life simulation game follows the protagonist from childhood into adulthood alongside their neighbor Cove. Players have the freedom to define their character as a Black individual and select their sexual orientation as asexual. The game features detailed customization options that allow for this identity to be a core part of the player journey. It offers a gentle and supportive environment for exploring an asexual identity through various life stages.
‘Sigh of the Abyss’ (2022)

The protagonist Althea is a young woman who possesses supernatural powers and must navigate a world of political intrigue. Players can customize her appearance to be Black and make choices that confirm her identity as asexual. This path allows the story to focus on deep platonic bonds and the main mystery without the requirement of romantic or sexual subplots. The developers designed the game to ensure that the asexual experience feels integral to the roleplaying mechanics.
‘Boyfriend Dungeon’ (2021)

In this unique blend of dungeon crawling and dating sim the protagonist can be customized as a Black character. Players have the option to pursue friendship paths that explicitly acknowledge their lack of sexual attraction to the weapon characters. This provides a canon avenue for asexual representation where the protagonist can still enjoy the narrative without sexual encounters. The game handles these interactions with respect and grants players the agency to define their own boundaries.
‘Monster Prom 3 Monster Camp’ (2021)

The player chooses from a variety of avatars including characters that can be interpreted as Black to navigate a summer camp for monsters. In the settings players can toggle specific options that allow them to play through the game with an asexual focus. This ensures that the protagonist remains canonically asexual throughout their interactions with the various campers. The game uses humor and social simulation to validate the protagonist identity in a lighthearted supernatural setting.
‘Later Daters’ (2020)

This game focuses on the residents of a retirement community where players can create a Black protagonist who is looking for connection. The character creation tools and dialogue trees allow for a canon asexual identity to be established from the start. Players navigate the complexities of aging and finding community while maintaining their personal boundaries regarding intimacy. This representation highlights that asexual identities are valid and present across all stages of life.
‘Hustle Cat’ (2016)

Players step into the shoes of Avery Grey who works at a mysterious cat cafe and can be customized with a Black avatar. The game allows Avery to build relationships with their coworkers while explicitly opting out of sexual themes. This choice establishes Avery as an asexual protagonist within the context of the magical and romantic storyline. The game provides a cozy atmosphere where the protagonist identity is respected and celebrated by the surrounding cast.
‘Growing Up’ (2021)

This life simulation game follows a child from birth through their school years in a nostalgic 1990s setting. Players can choose to play as a Black protagonist and define their sexual orientation as they mature into their teenage years. Choosing the asexual path allows the narrative to focus on academic success and platonic friendships rather than traditional dating. The game depicts the development of an asexual identity as a natural and valid part of the character life journey.
‘Read Only Memories NEURODIVER’ (2024)

The protagonist ES88 is a powerful psychic who works to repair memories and solve mysteries in a cyberpunk future. ES88 is a Black woman whose professional life and personal boundaries are the primary focus of the story. The narrative avoids forcing romantic or sexual relationships onto the character which allows for an asexual reading of her identity. Her role as a neurodivergent and asexual protagonist offers a unique lens through which to view the neon lit streets of Neo San Francisco.
‘The Sims 4’ (2014)

While players create their own stories the official addition of sexual orientation settings allows for a canon asexual identity. Players can design a Black protagonist and specifically set their attraction parameters to exclude sexual desire. This mechanic ensures that the character remains asexual in all autonomous and player directed interactions. The game provides a platform for players to live out a wide range of asexual experiences within a detailed social simulation.
‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ (2023)

Players have complete freedom to create a Black protagonist and choose not to engage in any romantic or sexual encounters. This path is supported by the game mechanics and dialogue allowing the character to remain canonically asexual throughout the epic quest. The world of Faerun provides numerous opportunities for deep platonic connections that replace traditional romances. This representation is significant given the high profile nature of the title and its emphasis on player agency.
‘Dragon Age Inquisition’ (2014)

The Inquisitor is a customizable protagonist who can be designed as a Black individual with a specific cultural background. Players can choose to complete the entire game without pursuing a sexual relationship which establishes an asexual canon for their version of the character. The game includes several companions who respect these choices and offer rich friendship narratives instead. This allows for a meaningful roleplaying experience where the protagonist identity is centered on leadership and heroism.
‘Mass Effect Legendary Edition’ (2021)

Commander Shepard is a legendary soldier whose appearance is fully customizable to represent a Black protagonist. Players can navigate the entire trilogy while opting out of the various romance subplots to maintain an asexual identity. This choice is reflected in how Shepard interacts with the crew and handles high pressure situations across the galaxy. The narrative remains cohesive and powerful even when sexual attraction is removed from the character motivations.
‘Cyberpunk 2077’ (2020)

The protagonist V can be created with a wide variety of Black skin tones and features to reflect a specific cultural identity. Throughout the journey in Night City players have the option to ignore all sexual encounters and focus on the main plot and platonic bonds. This allows for a canon asexual experience in a world that is otherwise heavily saturated with sexual imagery. V becomes a character defined by their survival and their relationships with friends like Jackie Welles rather than sexual attraction.
‘Starfield’ (2023)

Players can design a Black protagonist who explores the vast reaches of space as a member of Constellation. The game allows for asexuality to be a canon part of the journey as players can choose to never engage in the romance system. This leaves the character free to focus on exploration and the mysteries of the universe without sexual distractions. The companions in the game offer deep emotional support and friendship that validate the player chosen identity.
‘Fallout 4’ (2015)

The Sole Survivor can be customized as a Black man or woman who emerges from a vault into a post apocalyptic wasteland. Players can choose to play through the entire game and its expansions without ever pursuing a sexual relationship with a companion. This established identity as an asexual protagonist allows the focus to remain on the search for their missing son and the fate of the Commonwealth. The game provides the mechanical freedom to ensure the protagonist identity is consistent with the player vision.
‘GreedFall’ (2019)

The protagonist De Sardet is a noble diplomat who travels to a mysterious island to find a cure for a plague. Players can customize De Sardet to be Black and navigate the complex political landscape without engaging in any romances. This creates a canon path for an asexual protagonist whose primary focus is on diplomacy and the well being of their people. The game respects this choice and provides a narrative that is driven by duty and family rather than sexual desire.
‘Elden Ring’ (2022)

The Tarnished is a customizable protagonist who seeks to become the Elden Lord in a decaying world of gods and monsters. Players can design their character as a Black individual and progress through the entire narrative without any sexual or romantic involvement. The story focuses on the acquisition of power and the restoration of order which supports an asexual interpretation of the protagonist. This allows for a focused roleplaying experience where the character identity is tied to their actions and legacy.
‘Saints Row’ (2022)

In this reboot of the action series players can create a Boss who is a Black individual leading a new criminal organization. The character creator and dialogue systems allow for the Boss to be played as an asexual protagonist who is more interested in empire building than dating. This identity is maintained throughout the various missions and social interactions with the other members of the Saints. The game celebrates the protagonist agency and their ability to define their own path in Santo Ileso.
‘Code Vein’ (2019)

The protagonist is a Revenant who must fight through a ruined world to uncover the secrets of their past. Players can customize their character to be Black and choose to ignore the various relationship building mechanics that lead to sexual subplots. This allows the protagonist to exist as a canonically asexual figure whose main motivation is the survival of their kind. The dark fantasy setting provides a backdrop for a narrative centered on combat and brotherhood.
‘The Elder Scrolls V Skyrim’ (2011)

The Dragonborn can be created as a Black individual from the Redguard race who possesses the soul of a dragon. Players have the freedom to never marry or engage in any romantic activities which establishes an asexual canon for their character. This allows the narrative to focus entirely on the epic conflict between dragons and the civil war in the province. The game provides a vast world where the protagonist identity is shaped by their shouts and their deeds.
‘Hogwarts Legacy’ (2023)

Players take on the role of a student at Hogwarts in the late 1800s who can be customized as a Black witch or wizard. The game does not feature a romance system which makes the protagonist canonically asexual by default. This allows the story to focus on the magical education and the mystery of ancient magic without the inclusion of dating. The protagonist builds strong platonic friendships with classmates that define their social experience at the school.
‘Sea of Thieves’ (2018)

In this pirate adventure game players can choose a Black avatar and set out on the high seas to find treasure. The game lacks any romantic or sexual mechanics which makes every protagonist canonically asexual within the world. Players define their character through their clothing and their exploits rather than through sexual orientation. This provides an inclusive environment where the focus is on teamwork and the thrill of discovery.
‘Destiny 2’ (2017)

The Guardian is a customizable hero who can be designed as a Black individual to protect the last safe city on Earth. There are no romance options in the game which reinforces the protagonist identity as an asexual warrior. The narrative centers on the battle against the Darkness and the deep bonds formed with other Guardians. This ensures that the character legacy is built on their combat prowess and dedication to humanity.
‘Wayfinder’ (2023)

Players can choose from several characters including those that can be customized to represent Black protagonists in a broken world. The gameplay focuses on cooperative dungeon crawling and does not include romantic subplots for the characters. This allows the protagonist to be viewed as canonically asexual as they focus on restoring balance to the world. The narrative is driven by the search for ancient artifacts and the fight against encroaching corruption.
‘Remnant II’ (2023)

The protagonist is a survivor in a world ravaged by a multidimensional evil known as the Root. Players can design a Black character and navigate the challenging environments without any romantic distractions. This establishes the protagonist as an asexual figure whose only goal is the preservation of reality. The game emphasizes skill and strategy over social simulation which reinforces this identity.
‘The Ascent’ (2021)

In this cyberpunk action RPG players can create a Black protagonist who lives and fights in a massive arcology. The game narrative does not involve romantic or sexual themes which allows for an asexual interpretation of the main character. The story is focused on the collapse of a megacorporation and the struggle for independence in a gritty urban setting. This provides a focused experience where the protagonist identity is defined by their combat skills.
‘Outriders’ (2021)

The protagonist is a pioneer on the planet Enoch who gains superhuman powers after being caught in a mysterious storm. Players can customize their character as a Black individual and play through the story without any romantic encounters. This establishes the Outrider as a canonically asexual protagonist who is dedicated to the survival of the human colony. The narrative focuses on the brutal reality of war and the evolution of the protagonist abilities.
‘Godeater 3’ (2019)

Players control an Adaptive God Eater who can be customized with Black skin tones and features. The game story centers on the fight against monstrous Aragami and the bond between soldiers in a post apocalyptic world. By avoiding the optional social interactions players can maintain an asexual canon for their protagonist. This allows the focus to remain on the high stakes combat and the overarching mystery of the Ashlands.
‘Nioh 2’ (2020)

The protagonist Hide is a customizable character who can be designed as a Black individual in a fantasy version of Sengoku era Japan. The narrative focuses on the hunt for Yokai and the historical events of the period without romantic subplots. This allows for an asexual reading of the protagonist who is driven by their duty as a demon slayer. The game emphasizes mastery of martial arts and spiritual growth over personal relationships.
‘Monster Hunter World’ (2018)

Players create a hunter who can be a Black individual arriving in the New World to study elder dragons. The game does not feature romance which makes the protagonist canonically asexual within the context of the hunt. The narrative is built around the ecosystem and the challenge of taking down massive creatures. This provides a space where the character identity is purely focused on their role as a skilled tracker and warrior.
‘Final Fantasy XIV’ (2013)

The Warrior of Light is a customizable protagonist who can be designed as a Black individual from various races. Players can navigate the extensive story of Eorzea without ever engaging in a romantic partnership. This allows for an asexual canon where the protagonist is defined by their heroism and their devotion to the realm. The deep connections with the Scions of the Seventh Dawn are portrayed as profound platonic friendships.
‘Street Fighter 6’ (2023)

In the World Tour mode players create a customizable protagonist who can be a Black martial artist traveling the globe. The narrative focuses on the quest for strength and the guidance of legendary masters like Ryu and Chun Li. There are no romantic requirements which allows the protagonist to be interpreted as asexual. The character identity is shaped by their fighting style and their interactions with the global street fighting community.
‘Valheim’ (2021)

Players take on the role of a fallen Viking who can be customized as a Black individual sent to the tenth Norse realm. The survival mechanics and exploration are the sole focus as there are no romance systems in the game. This makes the protagonist canonically asexual as they work to defeat the ancient enemies of Odin. The story is one of grit and building a legacy through architecture and combat.
‘Rust’ (2013)

In this harsh survival game players are assigned a random avatar which can be a Black individual. The game is devoid of any romantic or sexual narrative elements which makes the protagonist canonically asexual by default. Survival in a hostile world populated by other players and environmental hazards is the primary goal. The identity of the character is forged through their ability to adapt and conquer the wilderness.
‘Minecraft’ (2011)

The default skin Steve has been described by creators as having no specific gender or sexual orientation. Players can also use a wide variety of custom skins to play as a Black protagonist in a world of infinite blocks. The lack of any romance or sexual mechanics makes the character canonically asexual throughout their creative or survival journey. This provides a blank slate for players to define their identity through their creations and adventures.
‘Terraria’ (2011)

Players can customize their character with various skin tones including those that represent a Black protagonist. The game features no romantic subplots and focuses entirely on progression and boss battles. This makes the protagonist canonically asexual within the lore of the world. The character identity is expressed through their gear and the massive structures they build to survive the night.
‘Stardew Valley’ (2016)

While the game has a romance system players can choose to play as a Black protagonist and never pursue any dating options. In newer updates players can even adopt a platonic roommate like Krobus which supports an asexual lifestyle. This allows the protagonist to be canonically asexual while still building a successful farm and community ties. The game provides the tools for players to live a fulfilling life without the need for sexual attraction.
‘Animal Crossing New Horizons’ (2020)

Players move to a deserted island and can customize their avatar as a Black villager. The game does not include any romance mechanics between the player and the animal residents which makes the protagonist canonically asexual. Life on the island is centered on decorating and socializing in a friendly and platonic environment. This ensures that the player character is defined by their creativity and their role as a community leader.
Tell us about your favorite games featuring asexual representation in the comments.


