As soon as there is more than one character in a story, people are going to be interested in the relationship that develops between them. Stories in video games are no different, and for the past 50-odd years, audiences have been enthralled by the relationships built between the fictional, digital, playable and/or non-playable characters that have appeared on our screens. And no type of relationship has captured our hearts or minds more than that of the love story.

Today, however, we aren’t looking at the soppy, lovey-dovey, kissy-kissy love stories in gaming. Nope, instead we’re diving into those entirely unromantic and nonsexual love stories that are nonetheless still full of heart. Because celebrating platonic loves stories is just as important, and gaming has produced some of the best out there.

Here are 5 of the best platonic love stories in gaming (in no particular order).

1. Nathan Drake and Victor “Sully” Sullivan – Uncharted Series

Nathan Drake and Victor Sullivan – whom, from now will be referred to as Nate and Sully – have one of the most wholesome relationships in gaming. When starting out the Uncharted series, these two charming adventurers make for a slightly odd, but extremely entertaining, pair of thieves. Nate is the dashing, smooth-talking treasure hunter in his prime, while Sully is the gruff, cigar-smoking veteran always looking to find that “one last stash”.

However, after fleshing out their back stories in later games, it becomes clear just how much each character means to the other. Sully plays the dual role of the cool uncle and father figure to Nate, who in turn provides Sully with the greatest treasure he could ever ask for: a lifelong friend who will always have his back. Their love story only grows stronger the more we discover exactly how deep that love runs, and it makes for a friendship worth its weight in gold.

2. Naru and Ori – Ori and the Blind Forest

This one’s bitter-sweet. The love story between Naru and Ori is both undeniably beautiful and utterly heart-wrenching. In one of gaming’s most emotionally-charged opening sequences, we witness the special parent/child bond between these two creatures develop, blossom, and then get tragically torn apart.

Naru was everything to Ori. She was Ori’s protector, caregiver, and closest friend, and without her, Ori has to navigate a life without their greatest source of companionship and comfort. It’s all just a little bit too real, but that’s what makes their love story so impactful. But thankfully, for those who have played Ori and the Blind Forest, we know that their story doesn’t quite end there…

3. Link and Midna – The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

Link and Midna’s relationship begins from a place of mutual convenience. Link needs Midna to help him navigate the Twilight Realm, and Midna needs Link – the chosen hero – to win that realm back. As the story events of Twilight Princess unfold, that working relationship gradually grows into a friendship, with the two characters sharing genuine love for each other by the end of the game.

Midna and Link also share undeniable chemistry, despite being opposites in many ways. Link is the stoic, silent hero always looking to do good by everyone, while Midna’s sass and biting remarks act as emotional barriers covering her more compassionate side. In the end, both characters are determined to save Hyrule and the Twilight Realm, which results in one of the most heartfelt farewells in the series.

4. Rivet and Kit – Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

It would be easy to place iconic gaming duo Ratchet and Clank on a list of platonic love stories. However, the relationship between Rivet and Kit in Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart arguably holds more emotional weight than that of their more famous alternative universe counterparts.

Kit began life as a warbot for Emperor Nefarious before changing her violent ways after blasting off the arm of a rebel. That rebel was Rivet, and she initially holds Kit accountable for her pain after realising their past connection. Over time, however, Rivet comes to terms with Kit’s new path in life, and the two form a friendship built on helping each other be the best versions of themselves.

5. Hero and Yangus – Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King

The Hero and Yangus’ love story is perhaps the peak of bromances in video games. Yangus pledges his allegiance to “the guv” after the Hero saves him from falling off a bridge. After that encounter, Yangus displays unfaltering loyalty to the Hero, and is determined to help the party in any way he can.

In return, the Hero helps Yangus on his mission to “straighten out” his life, by providing him with the chance to literally save the world. We all need a buddy to help us through the tough times, and the Hero and Yangus in Dragon Quest VIII develop a partnership that means they always have each other to rely on not matter what is thrown their way.

There are so many other incredible platonic love stories in gaming – from Joel and Ellie in The Last of Us to Marcus and Dom in Gears of War. Because not all love stories have to be romantic, and these 5 examples from gaming prove that point to a tee.