Some people love in-game personalities for their creative designs, down to their clothes. They even try to replicate their appearance in real life. Copying the facial hair is a feat, but you may find the perfect style for you along the way. Here are the most iconic video game beards and how to achieve them.
1. Kratos
Kratos from “God of War” has one of the most iconic beards, known for looking wild yet refined. The god slayer has a dropping V-shape beard, so you must shave and refine the sides to make it slightly angled. Run your fingers through and thin out the shape.
The sides of Kratos’ beard are relatively untouched, so you should focus on shaping. However, as his upper lip shows, remember to clean up the mustache. Aim for a like a horseshoe shape when you’re shaving.
As you may know, Kratos has a luscious amount of hair to work with. If you’re having trouble, try to adjust your diet and exercise. Zinc-rich foods like nuts and chickpeas can benefit testosterone levels and help hair growth. Keeping the beard clean can also influence growth.
2. Zangief
If you’ve ever played some of the “Street Fighter” games, you must’ve tried Zangief at least once. He’s a real eyecatcher with his burly muscles and chest hair.
Zangief also has a mustache and a beard. However, the main difference is it has a more block-like shape, especially in earlier game versions. As you’re shaping it, define the sides to mimic a sharp jawline.
You can also clean up the sides of your facial hair. Apply shaving cream to those baby hairs and remove them. Earlier versions of Zangief have a goatee, so you may have to map and carve it out of the beard.
3. The Big Boss
“Metal Gear Solid” is many’s favorite stealth game series. The character design is simple yet powerful. You can take inspiration from low-maintenance styles similar to the soldier Solid Snake — the former spy who sets out to figure out the truth behind some mysterious weaponry.
However, the original Big Boss’s beautiful beard is an incredible look. To achieve it, grow your facial hair, ensuring it connects with your sideburns. Trim the sides to prevent the hair from growing too long.
In terms of volume, you want to allow the skin to peek through ever so slightly for a more rugged appearence. Hold your scissors at a 90-degree angle and go against the grain of the hair to make it a little less complete.
4. King of All Cosmos
“Katamari Damacy” is about the Prince of Cosmos’ adventure to restore the sky after his father, the king, accidentally destroyed the stars and started the whole mess. The game became a cult classic, in no small part due to the hilariously dynamic King of All Cosmos sporting one of gaming’s most intricate beard and mustache combos.
Two key elements are required for this specific video game beard. First, you need a skinny and pointed version of the imperial mustache. Comb your facial hair downward and trim the longer hairs to achieve the ideal shape.
The King of All Cosmos beard also has a goatee with pronounced edges. Make sure to grow out your hair to thicken it before shaving and trimming. That way, your facial hair truly stands out from your skin.
5. Barret Wallace
The “Final Fantasy” series is a well-loved game with many famous characters. While Cloud and Sephiroth may be the faces of Final Fantasy VII and its remake, it’s Barret Wallace’s god-tier scruff that stands out.
Compared to Johnny’s three small strips of facial hair or Ramuh’s luxurious look, Barret sports a well-maintained full beard that covers his chin. Grow out your hair and practice a proper care routine. Exfoliating and conditioning can keep the hair luscious.
From there, you can trim your mustache and beard to achieve a slight fade. This style works best if your facial hair connects with a low-cut fade.
6. Wolverine
Most “X-Men” games will feature Wolverine in his full gold and blue suit, claws out. However, ones like “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” and the upcoming “Marvel’s Wolverine” remove the mask and show the beard in all its glory.
There are limited details for the latter title since it’s still in development. However, you can simply take inspiration from Hugh Jackman’s glorious beard when he portrayed the superhero.
The main thing is to define the mutton chops. Shave out the hairs from the cheeks for extra definition. Make them bushier to evoke the wild look Wolverine is best known for by bunching up the hair. If anything seems too long, grab your scissors for a quick trim.
7. Victor Chevalier
The “Tekken” series has introduced many iconic video game beards, such as Jinpachi Mishima’s white one that points up to the heavens. However, if you want more wearable inspiration, consider Victor Chevalier — one of the new faces in the “Tekken 8” roster.
Victor has medium-to-long stubble that looks well-kept. To get the same style, shave against the grain and shape your facial hair. If it grows to a full beard, trim it down until it emulates the stubble again.
8. Guan Yu
“Dynasty Warriors” is one of those games where you can just turn off your brain and enjoy the action. Guan Yu, inspired by the real Han Dynasty general, is a standout character to mimic your beard after. After all, wouldn’t you love to be called “Beautiful Beard” by your peers too?
The style is also pretty simple, as you must focus on growing everything. Compared to other warriors, most of his facial hair starts down the jawline. Make sure to shave the upper portion.
The mustache consists of two long strips that flow into the rest of the beard. Comb and care for the hair as it grows longer.
Achieving Your Ideal Video Game Beards
Video game beards are a defining feature that makes characters popular. Emulating the look can boost your confidence and allow your creativity to shine. As your hair grows, explore multiple styles and see what sticks.