As a voice actor, I've always found the journey of Ashly Burch to be one of the most inspiring success stories in modern gaming. Remember when she started with a YouTube channel? Fast forward to 2026, and she hasn't just entered the pantheon of greats; she's helping to redefine it. From quirky cameos to carrying entire blockbuster franchises, her performances are a masterclass in authenticity. Isn't it remarkable how an actor can make even a minor role feel unforgettable? I believe her unique talent lies in her ability to imbue every character, whether a chaotic teen demolitions expert or a stoic post-apocalyptic hunter, with a genuine, beating heart. As of 2026, her career shows no signs of slowing, with recent acclaimed performances in major releases continuing to prove she is an irreplaceable talent in the industry.
10. Herself - Saints Row IV 💥
Let's start with a fun piece of trivia. One of Burch's earliest video game roles was... playing herself! In Saints Row IV, you could download the "Hey Ash, Watcha Playin'?" pack to recruit her YouTube persona as a Homie. Was it a major role? No. But isn't it a perfect, weirdly self-aware footnote for a career that began on the internet, especially in a series known for its absurdity? This role symbolizes her unique bridge from online creator to in-game character, a full-circle moment that few actors achieve.
9. Kate Bishop - Marvel's Avengers 🏹
Even when a game struggles to find its footing, Burch's talent shines through. Take Marvel's Avengers. The game had its challenges, but Burch's portrayal of the witty, bow-wielding Kate Bishop was a bright spot. She wasn't in the base game, but her addition brought a dose of much-needed charm and sharp dialogue. Why settle for a generic hero when you can have one delivered with Burch's signature wit? Her performance gave players a compelling reason to jump back in, proving that a great voice actor can elevate any experience.
8. Cassie Cage - Mortal Kombat X 👊
Who says fighting games can't have memorable stories? In Mortal Kombat X, Burch took on the role of Cassie Cage, daughter of legends Sonya Blade and Johnny Cage, and the new central hero. She delivered the campy, head-kicking goodness with perfect comedic timing and plenty of zingers. While she didn't reprise the role in MK11, her work in MKX cemented Cassie as one of the franchise's best new characters. Can you imagine that universe without her snark?
7. Danika Hart - Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales 🎙️
Sometimes, a role doesn't need to be on-screen to be impactful. In the stellar Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Burch voices Danika Hart, the host of the in-game podcast, The Danikast. Her energetic, pizzaz-filled performance adds a layer of vibrant life to the streets of New York. It's world-building through audio, and Burch makes every broadcast feel like a real slice of this superhero world. A small role, perhaps, but executed to perfection.
6. Viper - Valorant ☣️
In the crowded hero-shooter arena, Valorant stands tall, and part of its appeal is its cast of distinct agents. Burch voices Viper, the brilliant and deadly chemist of the Valorant Protocol. Viper is all about control and toxicity, both chemical and verbal. Burch's performance is cool, calculated, and dripping with menace. She delivers put-downs as lethally as she deploys poison clouds. Isn't it satisfying to play a character whose voice is as sharp as her abilities?
5. Tiny Tina - Borderlands Series & Tiny Tina's Wonderlands 💣
This is the role that made Burch a household name for many gamers. Tiny Tina, the "world's deadliest 13-year-old," is a whirlwind of manic energy, explosive humor, and unexpected depth. In less capable hands, Tina could be insufferable. But Burch injects her with such genuine, wacky aplomb that she becomes the heart and comedic soul of the Borderlands series. Her performance reached new heights in the 2026 standalone title, Tiny Tina's Wonderlands, proving the character's enduring appeal. Who else could make a homicidal, RPG-obsessed teen so deeply lovable?
4. Parvati Holcomb - The Outer Worlds ⭐
If you played The Outer Worlds and didn't have Parvati in your party, did you even really play? Burch's performance as the earnest, kind-hearted engineer is nothing short of magical. Parvati is charming, funny, and sincere, a beacon of warmth in a cynical corporate galaxy. Burch brings such vulnerability and heart to the role that Parvati's companion quest—helping her navigate a romance—becomes one of the most memorable narrative experiences in modern RPGs. She's the best character in the game, and it's not even close.
3. Chloe Price - Life Is Strange 🦋
The original Life Is Strange tackled heavy themes with grace, and at its emotional core was Chloe Price, brought to life with raw, rebellious energy by Ashly Burch. Chloe is complicated, angry, vulnerable, and fiercely loyal. Burch captures every facet of her, making her teenage angst feel profound and real. In a game full of excellent performances, Burch's stands out as pivotal. She made Chloe more than a stereotype; she made her a friend, a tragedy, and a symbol of resilience for an entire generation of players.
2. Mel - The Last Of Us Part II ⚖️
The Last of Us Part II is a masterpiece of moral ambiguity, and Burch's role as Mel is a crucial piece of that puzzle. Mel is a complex character—a skilled medic, a loyal friend, and a pregnant woman caught in a cycle of violence. Burch's performance is nuanced, eliciting immediate sympathy while also challenging the player's perspective. In a world painted in shades of gray, her portrayal adds a heartbreaking layer of humanity. It's a performance that stays with you, a quiet storm in a game of emotional extremes.
1. Aloy - Horizon Series 🏹🤖
And here we are at the pinnacle. As Aloy in Horizon: Zero Dawn and its even more expansive 2026 sequel, Horizon: Forbidden West, Burch didn't just play a character; she defined an icon. Aloy is a character of wonder, grit, intelligence, and immense strength. Burch balances the character's curiosity about a lost world with the hardened survival skills needed to navigate it. Her performance—the little asides, the determined grunts, the moments of vulnerability—transforms Aloy from a video game protagonist into a truly believable person. Shooting robot dinosaurs is fun, but it's Burch's Aloy that makes exploring those beautiful, lonely wilds an emotionally engaging journey. She is, without a doubt, one of the most important and well-realized characters in gaming history.
Looking at this list, from a YouTube cameo to leading a PlayStation flagship franchise, one thing is clear: Ashly Burch's versatility and emotional depth are unmatched. As of 2026, she continues to be a driving creative force, both in front of the microphone and behind the writing desk. Her journey answers a important question: What makes a performance truly great? It's the ability to make us care, whether we're listening to a podcast in New York or fighting for humanity's future in a post-apocalyptic wilderness. Here's to many more years of stellar performances. 🎤✨