Kingdom Hearts is an action role-playing game series. It was first released in 2002, and today, it boasts of blockbuster popularity globally. The game gets its direction from Tetsuya Nomura and is a collaboration between Disney and Square Enix. Tattoo artists and enthusiasts who are passionate about the Kingdom Hearts video game franchise have been coming up with amazing Kingdom Hearts tattoo designs that look extremely cool displayed on the body.
Kingdom Hearts is set in its unique fictional universe, wherein the main protagonist is the 14-year old character Sora. He is a cheerful boy who resides in the same place as his childhood friends Riku and Kairi — in the Destiny Islands. The amazing game gets you hooked as players get to follow Sora on his incredible journey, along which he interacts with many other characters, including the villains, like the central antagonist Xehanort.
Fans of the franchise have had an emotional connection with the series since 2002. As fans, somewhere along the journey of this successful franchise, we’ve identified with the characters on a personal level. The E10+ rating of the video game has enabled the series to garner a much wider fanbase, which includes young teens. This means that fans have grown up with the franchise, and in many cases, love flaunting a cool Kingdom Hearts tattoo on the body. In this article, I’ve come up with 89 of the coolest Kingdom Hearts tattoo designs and ideas trending on the Internet. Knowing you’ll fall in love with multiple choices, I’ve mentioned the source/artist information so that you can explore further work by each talented tattoo artist.
Kingdom Hearts Tattoo
Are you an ardent Square Enix or Disney fan that grew up playing the amazing Kingdom Hearts game series? If yes, not only was your childhood exciting, you would’ve developed a strong emotional connection with the game and its characters. As a result, like many others, you’re likely on the mission to find the perfect Kingdom Hearts tattoo or set of tattoos to display on your body.
Here are 89 of the coolest Kingdom Hearts tattoos for you to consider:
Sora Tattoos
As the main protagonist of Kingdom Hearts, we don’t find Sora with any special abilities such as superhero powers. Instead, Sora is an upbeat teen whose character is that of a normal human being. Unlike other franchises, the main protagonist sets out with a purpose to influence lives without any special powers, yet he’s special nevertheless. However, he does get transformed in different forms based on the environment. Donald Duck temporarily transforms him into an underwater merman, for instance.
Although many of the Kingdom Hearts storylines aren’t surrounding him, Sora remains to be the predominant choice for Kingdom Hearts tattoos. He’s easily the franchise’s most recognizable and influential character. It’s common for Sora tattoos to have him wielding the Keyblade. Furthermore, the jubilant character, Sora, represents some of the most important qualities of one’s life, including joy, hope, self-belief, justice, and the urge to fight for the rights of his friends.
This crisp, immaculate tattoo on the leg shows Sora in all his innocence. This is a colorful tattoo of him wielding the Keyblade.
This arm tattoo looks super amazing. The artist has achieved excellent results with black and grey Ink. Giving it a cool touch is the illuminating blue effect behind Sora’s head.
This is a classic Sora tattoo. It depicts the jubilant teen on his line of defense. The subtle colors give it an everlasting appeal. This style of tattoo won’t fade easily, and even if it does, it’ll still look incredible.
I love this tattoo of Sora wearing his gold crown. In the game, when the first Proof is acquired by Sora, the Copper Crown is obtained. Upon gaining subsequent Proof, there is an up-gradation to a Silver Crown and finally a Gold Crown.
This Kingdom Hearts Sora tattoo is the complete works. Depicted here are a cheerful Sora wielding the Keyblade and the Kingdom Hearts logo in the background.
No, this is not a painting; it’s a fabulously inked tattoo! The artist has done an impeccable job, and this tattoo looks perfect on the forearm.
“Here’s looking at you, kid!” A vibrant Sora is depicted in his cool avatar. The tattooist has showcased his side pose on the arm.
This is another classic Sora pose, this time in a more vibrant look with brighter colors.
What could be more fitting than a tattoo showing a crowned Sora on a throne? This is an exemplary tattoo, no second thoughts about it!
Keyblade Tattoos
A kingdom Hearts Keyblade tattoo is a common and popular option. A Keyblade tattoo which also shows Sora is another popular variation. So what is the significance of the Keyblade, its linkage with Sora, and why do things get complex as the game’s storyline progresses? To begin with, the Keyblades aren’t just weapons. Only the strong at heart can wield these mysterious weapons and eventually pass on powers to the next generation. The Keyblades are wielded by all the major Kingdom Hearts characters. With the Keyblade, they can unlock any lock and also give the holder an array of magical capabilities. For instance, the ability to stop the evil powers from ruling the world by banishing darkness.
In each of the installments, a different set of Keyblades is featured. For instance, in the first installment of the series, we get to witness the Kingdom Key. The deeper significance of a Keyblade tattoo is that it’s possible to unlock every heart you set your mind on. Thus, there is a sense of hope established by the Keyblade symbolism. Furthermore, a Keyblade tattoo can also be symbolic of “a new light” after eliminating darkness, for instance. The tattoos of Keyblades below depict inner strength, the triumph of light over darkness, and the victory of truth.
Shown above is a beautiful Keyblade tattoo that looks amazing placed on the arm. The combined elements are wonderful, as they together symbolize what the Keyblade stands for in a more reinforced way. The elements are the heart, flowers, and of course, a Keyblade.
Through the soothing colors, the tattooist has done a splendid job at inking an intricate set of Keyblades with the Kingdom Hearts symbols in the background.
(Fairy Harp Keyblade)
Featured in this tattoo is the Fairy Harp Keyblade. The Fairy Harp is a Keychain meant specifically for Sora’s Keyblade. Sora’s Keyblade, along with the Fairy Harp keychain, appears in Kingdom Hearts & Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories.
(Sora Keyblade)
The array of dazzling sparkles adds to the magic of this, what is, Sora’s Keyblade. That is, as long as the holder of the Keyblade is a strong-hearted soul, like the main characters in Kingdom Hearts are.
This is another amazing Keyblade tattoo. Can you spot the keychain with elements of the Disney theme?
(Gurren Lagann Keyblade)
This forearm tattoo shows the Gurren Lagann Keyblade. The length and breadth of this tattoo design look great on the forearm or the calf region.
Source: @zmctattoo via Instagram
Halloween Town is a world found within the game Kingdom Hearts. It’s based on a classic Disney movie called The Nightmare Before Christmas. This tattoo shows the Keyblade with elements of Halloween Town.
(Oathkeeper and Oblivion)
The above tattoos of Oathkeeper and Oblivion Keyblades look super cool paired up on both your forearms. The symbolism takes us back to the story mode of Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days. Wherein, during Mission 93, only Roxas can dual-wield the Oathkeeper and Oblivion. In Kingdom Hearts III, players can unlock these two Keyblades for Sora by earning both the Proof of Promises for Oathkeeper and the Proof of Times Past for Oblivion.
Other Kingdom Hearts Characters (Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, & Goofy, etc.) Tattoos
Despite the story being set in fictional Kingdom Hearts locations, it includes quite a few characters from other franchises. The story is a web of complex, perplexing redirections. Yet, things become clearer towards the ending stage. Among the recognizable characters hailing from other franchises are the Disney characters Mickey, Goofy, and Donald Duck.
For Final Fantasy buffs, it would be fascinating to find Cloud Strife, Zack, Moogles, and more such recognizable characters popping up during the game. The evolution of the Kingdom Hearts gameplay starts with a mythical world with Kingdom Hearts as the soul love, wisdom, and light source, protected by the key-shaped χ-blade. Once fighting broke out, several distinguished Keyblades replaced the χ-blade as weapons.
Later, the single world split into many worlds, some of which had familiar characters from Disney and Pixar. Then there’s Xehanort, who reinvents the χ-blade. This leads to the introduction of the Nobodies, Heartless, and Unversed beings. Overall, the sequence of episodes reveals immense emotions, with an unpredictable outcome of sacrifices, yet there is magic, love, light, and darkness to surprise every player.
Here are some amazing tattoos with the most familiar Kingdom Hearts characters:
This is a tattoo full of happy faces. Donald Duck, Goofy, and Sora can be seen with Sora’s Keyblade. The colors and placement of the tattoo make this a perfect piece.
Are you looking for a sleeve design with your favorite characters? This design with a crowned Sora along with Goofy, Donald, and a few Heartless looks super cool.
(Sora and Zero)
This is the cutest tattoo of Zero (Jack Skellington’s loyal pet ghost-dog) and Sora from Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days. The whole design is done with perfection using the tattooing style of black dot work.
This tattoo of Disney characters and Sora featured in the HalloweenTown world looks great as a sleeve tattoo design.
A happy Mickey, Donald, and Goofy, along with Sora, are a great Kingdom Hearts tattoo design for your calf area. If you love these iconic Disney characters, choose this style, it’s a hilarious scene!
(Sora and Mario)
Surprised? Not if you’ve grown up playing the game, I bet! Featured in this tattoo is Mario, the main Super Mario Bros. character. He’s a Kingdom Hearts ally in Kingdom Hearts: Awakening. He helps Allen to stop Tabuu from enslaving the universe.
(Riku from Kingdom Hearts)
Riku is one of the main player characters in Kingdom Hearts. He is a childhood friend of Sora and Kairi, also from Destiny Islands. As the series progresses, Riku turns into a Keyblade master, upholding the power of light and darkness. Like Sora, he, too, is ever ready to sacrifice his life for the protection of his friends. This would be the ultimate tattoo that symbolizes power, protective nature, and loyalty.
If you want something more subtle yet impactful, consider this tattoo of Goofy, Sora, and an element depicting Mickey in shades of Grey.
Heartless Tattoos
What is black with yellow beady eyes? The answer, Pureblood Heartless. These are naturally Heartless and born from the darkness of people’s hearts. They can be found in any place that is saturated in darkness. Once they’re destroyed, they vanish, and all you see is a puff of darkness when they disappear. Of further significance is that their heart doesn’t leave the body when they disappear.
Here are some incredible Kingdom Hearts Heartless tattoo ideas:
This tattoo of a Heartless on the rib cage area looks amazing, elegant, and simple.
This is a finely shaded version of a Heartless inked on one’s arm.
This Heartless tattoo, with prominent yellow beady eyes, sits wonderfully inked on the woman’s arm. Most Heartless are manifested hearts. They behave devoid of emotion. Only those that have grown up playing Kingdom Hearts could entirely appreciate such a tattoo.
Not all Heartless Kingdom Hearts tattoos are cheap. This one is a bit more detailed, thus, pricier. You can see the fine color shading work and the detailing in the eyes. The tattoo took more than the conventional time and looks really cool.
(Nobody and Heartless)
I love this large tattoo of a Heartless with Nobody. A Nobody is the remnant of those whose hearts were lost to darkness. When Sora’s heart got released from the body, it transformed into a Shadow Heartless. This, in turn, would create Sora’s Nobody, Roxas.
A Heartless Kingdom Hearts tattoo can’t be more articulate. The tattooist has done a fabulous job with the colored shading and the overall design of a soldier Heartless with the Kingdom hearts logo on the Heartless’ chest.
(Darkside Heartless)
This is another Darkside Heartless tattoo, this time in superior black and grey inking technique. It looks great on the guy’s leg.
(Lil Heartless)
Want something simple yet cute? Go for this baby’s Heartless tattoo. It’s bound to cause turning heads and peeking eyes as you walk along wearing shorts or short pants. These tattoos don’t cost much either.
Wayfinder Tattoos
Are you looking for some luck? Getting a Wayfinder tattoo is your unique new option. It beats having one of those common, traditional lucky charm symbols that everybody’s seen. Further, what makes Wayfinder tattoos cool is the association they have with the famous Kingdom Hearts franchise. This star-shaped design is known to provide travelers with much-needed luck. Usually woven from Thalassa shells, the incredible shape of a Wayfinder has a token of some sort placed right in the center. But, the series has shown some unique twists to the materials it’s crafted with.
Its design has its origins based on the Paopu fruit. The symbolism of which is incredible — “bringing a closer “bond” between friends.” With relevance to the Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep edition, the representative “bond” is the physical manifestation — The dimension Link system. The commonality between all Wayfinders is their 5-pointed star shape made with Thalassa shells with a token binding them together in the middle.
The Kingdom Hearts character Kairi’s Wayfinder is constructed with Thalassa shells that are pale yellow as you inch closer to their center and pale pink at the outer tips. The token in the middle is a brownish crown.
Aqua’s, Ventus’s, and Terra’s Wayfinders have silver frames and are made of stained glass. Furthermore, their Wayfinders have brown stitches and a brown string knotted on the northernmost piece. The silver token in the middle, in this case, is the Mark of Mastery symbol. Out of these three characters, only Terra’s Wayfinder has a gold token. Aqua’s Wayfinder shells are blue with cyan outer tips, Ven’s are light green with sea-green outer tips, and Terra’s are orange with yellow outer tips.
Here are some stunning Kingdom Hearts Wayfinder tattoo options:
This Wayfinder tattoo has another little Wayfinder attached to the other end of the brown cord. It looks elegant, cute, and undoubtedly cool.
The professional tattooist has done a wonderful job inking this colorful Wayfinder. The splashing effect is applaudable.
(Pride-themed Wayfinder)
When you collaborate innovation with sentiments and an iconic gaming franchise, you get a gifted tattooist that creates something unique, like this Pride-themed Wayfinder.
The sea-salt ice cream makes its debut in Kingdom Hearts II. This type of ice cream from Twilight Town and Radiant Garden appears throughout the Kingdom Hearts universe. This tattoo has beautiful elements of the Wayfinder, sea-salt ice cream, and Paopu fruit.
This Wayfinder tattoo has an environmental look. Perhaps it’s the leafy green Thalassa shells that are perfectly complemented by the realistic leaves in the background.
Kingdom Hearts Symbols Tattoos
In Kingdom Hearts, there are several symbols revealed throughout the Worlds. The most common ones are Heart, Heartless, Nobody, and the Crown. The most recognizable among all the symbols are the Hearts. One type of heart is even there in the Kingdom Hearts’ Disney,’ ‘Square Enix’ logo.
Further, the Heartless symbol represents the Heartless. It predominantly represents Emblem Heartless. Wherever the Heartless emblem has a missing spiked “X,” it’s associated with Riku.
Organization XIII, and the Nobodies it commands, have the Nobody symbol associated with them. The symbol is recognized on the weapons of members’. The Nobody symbol is an emblem depicting an upside-down Heartless emblem in shape. Yet, the circular notches on its edges are removed. So, the base has an upside-down heart, with the top portion being a thin, spiked cross.
Finally, the Crowns are also a part of the Kingdom Hearts logo. They often appear alongside the curled heart symbol. Sora’s silver crown necklace, and head crown in Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, are preeminently featured.
Let’s take a look at some delightful Kingdom Heart symbols in Ink:
This simple yet stylish Kingdom Hearts curled heart and crown tattoo is one of the more trendy choices.
This watercolor Kingdom Hearts heart and crown tattoo looks great in any size and on any body location. This particular one is on the heart itself.
In this tattoo, the red Heartless symbol presides right above the standing black and grey Sora design. It looks well placed on the man’s leg.
This is one of my favorite Kingdom Hearts symbol tattoos. The grey-shaded Nobody emblem and the red and black Heartless symbol are intertwined, giving a powerful message and effect.
This simplistic black line design has the Heartless symbol, Heart, Crown, and Nobody emblem in bottom-to-top vertical sequential order. These are four of the most powerful symbols in the series, and what better way to ink them than in this style!
This is a classy, filigree-style Heartless symbol tattoo. It looks great on the forearm.
Other Kingdom Hearts Tattoo for Inspiration
Simple Sora
Here are some simplistic Sora tattoo designs I was delighted to spot on the world wide web. All of these may look simple, yet they are what they are due to the great work by talented tattoo artists. Let’s have a look.
Black Ink Kingdom Hearts Tattoos
Using the technique of black Ink, dotting, or a combination, the tattooists have come up with these incredible Kingdom Hearts tattoo designs.
Black & Grey Kingdom Hearts Tattoos
Here are some impeccable ideas in black and grey ink. These tattoos are extremely intricate, and the appeal arises due to the fine details.
(Kairi from Kingdom Hearts)
(Features Riku, Keyblade, Mickey, and a few heartless)
Watercolor Effect Kingdom Hearts Tattoos
Watercolor tattoos are ranked among the most popular techniques sought after in the industry. When you combine this incredible technique with your favorite gaming franchise, you get these stunning designs. Have a look!
(Aqua’s Keyblade and the Wayfinder)
Colorful Kingdom Hearts Tattoo
Before winding up, here’s a look at how the most talented, professional tattoo artists can do wonders with the right application of colors. These are some of my favorite Kingdom Hearts tattoo ideas.
(Sora flash piece)
(Fresh sea salt ice cream and Paopu fruit)
(Aqua)
Conclusion
Those were highly selective picks of the coolest Kingdom Hearts tattoos out there. The game has had unprecedented success through a staggering 300 million copies and counting sold across the planet to date. Kingdom Hearts has had 13 official releases thus far, while there are plans to further expand through the option to play on smartphones and other consoles.
Other than through gaming, the success has been surmounted by the sale of merchandise, including soundtracks, books, figurines, novels, a limited edition card game, and a manga comic released in the US and Japan. There have also been plans of releasing an eventual TV series if things go as planned. That said, the craze for Kingdom Hearts tattoos has only one way to go, and that’s up!