What are some easy video game characters to dress up as?

Characters like Mario, Luigi, Lara Croft, or a Minecraft character are incredibly easy to put together using basic wardrobe staples and a few key accessories.

How do I make a video game costume look realistic?

Focus on weathering your garments with watered-down acrylic paint for action characters, or use high-contrast, vibrant fabrics for cartoon and retro characters.

Are prop weapons allowed at costume parties?

Most venues allow props if they are made of soft foam, cardboard, or plastic, and clearly look non-functional. Always check the specific venue's rules beforehand.

AI-generated example

Video Game Characters

Bring your favorite digital heroes and villains to life this Halloween.

Video game character costumes are a massive hit for Halloween and conventions, offering a massive roster of iconic heroes, villains, and sidekicks to choose from. Whether you want to go retro with classic Nintendo characters or modern with battle royale avatars, these outfits are instantly recognizable and highly customizable. This guide helps you choose, assemble, and style the perfect gamer look for your next event.

Difficulty: Medium
Time: ~45 min
Budget: $30–120

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Video Game Characters costume — Example look · AI-generated

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40 Video Game Characters costume ideas

Ranked by how many people are searching for them this season. Open any one for the full guide and to try it on.

What you need for a Video Game Characters costume

Character Jumpsuit or Base Layer
A solid color bodysuit, overalls, or tactical pants and shirt matching your chosen character's signature colors.
DIY: Use a pair of denim overalls over a bright red or green t-shirt.
Amazon
Iconic Headwear
A themed hat, helmet, or headband that instantly identifies the character, such as a red 'M' cap or blue spiky hairpiece.
DIY: Take a plain baseball cap and use fabric paint or felt to add the character's logo.
Amazon
Tactical Vest or Harness
A black or olive green utility vest to replicate modern action, survival, or battle royale game characters.
DIY: Modify an old backpack by cutting off the bag portion to leave just the straps and front harness.
Amazon
Signature Props
A lightweight foam or plastic prop, such as a pixelated sword, a glowing mushroom, or a sci-fi blaster.
DIY: Cut the weapon shape out of thick cardboard and paint it with acrylics to match the in-game item.
Amazon
Utility Belt and Pouches
A faux-leather or nylon belt equipped with small pouches to hold your 'inventory' items.
DIY: Thread old camera cases or small canvas pouches onto a standard brown leather belt.
Amazon
Themed Gloves
White cartoonish gloves for retro platformers, or fingerless tactical gloves for modern action heroes.
DIY: Cut the fingers off a pair of cheap black knit gloves for an instant action-hero look.
Amazon

How to put it together

1
Select your gaming era, choosing between retro pixelated characters or modern high-definition heroes.
2
Establish your base layer using solid, vibrant colors that match the character's primary in-game render.
3
Layer on character-specific outerwear, such as overalls, a tactical vest, or a wizard's robe.
4
Secure your utility belt, holsters, or armor pieces around your waist and shoulders.
5
Put on your character's signature headwear, wig, or mask to instantly establish the silhouette.
6
Equip your safe, lightweight foam or plastic prop weapon or power-up item.
7
Finish the look with appropriate footwear, such as heavy combat boots or bright, simple sneakers.

Makeup & hair

Keep hair styled to match the character's iconic silhouette, using temporary colored hair spray or a styled wig if necessary. For makeup, use clean, bold lines for a cartoon look, or add faux dirt and smudges for a battle-worn survival game character.

Video Game Characters for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Pair up as classic duos like Mario and Luigi, Link and Zelda, or Master Chief and Cortana.
group: Form a full multiplayer squad with a selection of fighters from a popular battle royale or fighting game roster.
kids: Opt for comfortable, easy-to-move-in character onesies like Sonic the Hedgehog, Pikachu, or Minecraft Creepers.
Plus size: Classic characters with loose-fitting garments, like oversized wizard robes or denim overalls, offer great comfort and style.
pet: Dress your pet as a companion character, like Yoshi, a Pokémon, or a Minecraft wolf.

Tips

Prioritize footwear comfort, especially if you are wearing the costume to a convention with lots of walking.
Ensure all prop weapons are made of lightweight foam or plastic to comply with event safety rules.
Keep your hands free by utilizing functional pouches on your utility belt to store your phone and wallet.
Use bright, matte makeup to prevent looking washed out in flash photography at indoor venues.

Video Game Characters costume FAQ

What are some easy video game characters to dress up as?: Characters like Mario, Luigi, Lara Croft, or a Minecraft character are incredibly easy to put together using basic wardrobe staples and a few key accessories.
How do I make a video game costume look realistic?: Focus on weathering your garments with watered-down acrylic paint for action characters, or use high-contrast, vibrant fabrics for cartoon and retro characters.
Are prop weapons allowed at costume parties?: Most venues allow props if they are made of soft foam, cardboard, or plastic, and clearly look non-functional. Always check the specific venue's rules beforehand.

Did you know? The first video game character to inspire widespread cosplay was arguably Pac-Man, with fans creating homemade cardboard arcade cabinet suits in the early 1980s.