Emika is an eighteen-year-old bounty hunter and talented hacker living in New York City. Facing enormous debt and impending eviction, she resorts to tracking down lesser criminals for quick cash. She sports rainbow-dyed hair and a sleeve of tattoos honoring her late father. Her intuitive approach to coding and her desperate decision to hack into an international game broadcast catch the attention of Warcross's creator.

Hideo is the twenty-one-year-old billionaire inventor of Warcross and the NeuroLink glasses. Based in Tokyo, he operates with extreme focus and maintains a polished, formal exterior. A childhood family tragedy motivates his intense drive to improve global security. He commands massive respect and influence across the globe.

Keira is Emika's roommate in New York City. Overwhelmed by chronic unemployment and mounting bills, she largely gives up on looking for work. She prefers to spend her days escaping their harsh living conditions by hiding in the virtual world of Warcross.

Renoir, known as Ren, is a professional DJ and the Fighter for the Phoenix Riders team. He is openly skeptical of Emika joining the team, believing an untested wildcard does not belong in the championships. He keeps his personal virtual data heavily guarded behind intense security shields.

Asher is the strategic captain of the Phoenix Riders. He uses a wheelchair in the real world and holds massive respect in the virtual gaming community. He shocks game analysts by drafting Emika as his top wildcard pick based on her unexpected game intrusion.

Roshan is the Shield player for the Phoenix Riders. He serves as a quiet, steady presence on the team who willingly sacrifices his virtual avatar to protect his teammates during matches. His past includes a complicated romantic history with a rival player.

Hamilton, or Hammie, is the athletic Thief for the Phoenix Riders. She is immediately warm and accepting of Emika, offering practical game advice during grueling training sessions. The financial rewards of professional Warcross have allowed her to buy a home for her mother.

Tremaine is the Architect for the rival Demon Brigade team. He is notoriously skilled in every Warcross position, making him a deeply formidable opponent in the tournament. He carries a history with the Phoenix Riders' Shield player.

An eccentric artist and designer who died when Emika was eleven. He nurtured her creativity and taught her to view the entirety of a problem rather than just its parts. His severe gambling debt placed a massive burden on his daughter.

Hideo's younger brother. He disappeared at age nine while playing a game with plastic eggs in a park. His profound love of games directly inspired Hideo to create Warcross.

Emika and Keira's landlord in the Bronx. He frequently threatens the young women with eviction over their unpaid rent.

The creative director for Warcross. He helps coordinate the massive worldwide tournament and attempts to soften Hideo's intimidating reputation for newcomers.

A petty criminal wanted by the police for illegal gambling. He is the bounty target Emika hunts in her desperate attempt to pay off her rent.

A former high school classmate of Emika. After suffering severe cyberbullying regarding a leaked photograph, she drops out of school.

The highly skilled captain of the Demon Brigade team. She is an aggressive Warcross player who leads her team into a fierce match against the Phoenix Riders.