Who knew video games could serve as vessels for life teachings? I mean, I personally did, but I'm sure many would be surprised by the depth that some games possess. And just like our own fathers, some life lessons can be taught by various paternal figures in video games too. After all, they've lived through some pretty fantastical struggles, so I'm pretty sure they have their fair share of wisdom to impart.

Here are some of the wisest video game Dad life lessons that we think could inspire you:

1. "Do not be sorry; be better."

- Kratos, God of War (2018)

Who could forget this line that so clearly illustrates the hardened Greek god Daddy? Kratos' tough love towards his only son Atreus may be intimidating at times, but it's hard to refute his lesson: there's no point wallowing in guilt when you've made a mistake. You can't change the past, but what you have control over, is learning from your wrongdoings to "be better".

2. "Every man has a right to change, a chance of forgiveness."

- John Marston, Red Dead Redemption

A little father-son activity in the wild west. (Image credit: Unpause Asia)

The former cowboy outlaw is the imperfect father and husband - he initially escaped his responsibilities, afraid to repent for his errors, and had no clue how to connect with his son. Despite John's mistakes, his wife Abigail gave him a chance to prove himself, and he turned everything around to earn her forgiveness. In the end, he became an exemplary family man that did everything he could to keep his family safe

3. “I’ve struggled a long time with survivin’, but no matter what, you have to find something to fight for.”

- Joel Miller, The Last of Us

You don't need to live in a post-apocalyptic world like Joel to know that it's not enough just making sure we stay alive; we should take full advantage of the life we've been given and live it to the fullest. It doesn't necessarily have to be as deep as "finding our purpose in life" (which can be tough), it can be as simple as taking part in activities that fulfil our soul, or even contributing to mankind in our own small ways. Whatever we do, just know that life is more than what we're taught.

4. "A famous explorer once said, that the extraordinary is in what we do, not who we are."

- Lara Croft/Richard Croft, Tomb Raider (2013)

The aforementioned famous explorer is none other than Lara's missing father, Richard Croft. Though he was largely absent from her life, his words set a precedent for Lara to live up to. From surviving horrendous injuries and fending for herself on the deserted island, Lara's efforts to persevere transformed the timid, unsure woman into the confident tomb raider we all know and admire. To cite another quote from Batman Begins, "It's not who you are underneath, but what you do that defines you."

5. "In our struggle to survive the present, we push the future farther away."

- Big Boss (Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain)

It's easy to forget what we're working towards when we're so invested in fixing everything that's happening in the moment. We've always been taught to either work for the future or live in the present, but like everything else, there needs to be a balance. It's essential for us to focus in the current time so that we don't miss out on life, but it's also important to think ahead, be prepared for what's coming, and do what we can to ensure our future is bright.