If it’s uncomfortable and disempowering for men, you’re probably doing it right. It’s often a power dynamic.

But to draw back from a sour take: This will also turn off some people. Both ways. For instance: I love sexualized designs, but some games genuinely went too far. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and Nier Automata had genuine, serious stories to tell, but fell flat on some people for sexualizing their main (female) characters in such an objectifying way.

I also think for women, the pure visual isn’t quite as important as their movements and actions. That part gets tricky since tastes vary.

There’s a few gacha games out there designed for women that can give an idea of an extreme end to take it to. Again, keep in mind, there’s not one universal appeal for a whole gender (same for guys) so it will often turn out that the most universally appealing designs are the relatively safe ones you already see.

Rolled up sleeves. Just trust me.

I'll cite some examples:

Hades and hades 2 (all the characters) supergiant did it right in both fronts.

Khazan. (protagonist)

Elden Ring. Godfrey/ Hoarah Loux & Radagon. (Crumbling or whatever, I don't care)

Or give me a guy in full plate with a sexy gait, see: Demon's Souls Penetrator.

Or without sexy gait. See: DS1 Artorias

I'm sorry I don't make the rules.

ETA: Halsin! (BG3) how could I forget?

Just have to add on to all the preferences already described... don't make them vapid idiots on top of the physical preferences, and you'll be fine.

As long as they're a cohesive, fleshed out character, they could be an evil pile of shit and quite a few ladies will be thinking, "can I fix him?".

Same could be said for women characters, but it's WAY easier to sell to a horny dipshit than a horny lady, since most said dipshits don't think past hipthrust.

Borat's mankini. You're welcome.

Was it Captain America Winter Soldier where Cap pulled that helicopter back to the roof, and did all that flexing?

Watch Bridgerton