Action Adventure Games Where You’re Actually the Villain

We usually like to see good characters succeed in stories, but it’s also really interesting to play as or follow a main character who isn’t a typical hero.

Sometimes, a character’s temptation towards morally questionable behavior isn’t just about being complex – it leads them to actually become a villain in the story.

Even with all this in mind, it’s still open for discussion what actually makes a villain, and that’s because it varies depending on your perspective. This uncertainty about what’s right and wrong is actually what makes some games so engaging.

I’m not someone who enjoys harming others – things like stealing from kids or elderly people are definitely not my idea of fun. However, sometimes it’s interesting to explore the ‘bad guy’ perspective. That’s why I’ve put together this list of eight action-adventure games where you get to play as the villain.

You will find spoilers of varying degrees for the games listed in this article.

8. Styx: Master of Shadows

You’re Not Even Real

Goblins are often shown as unpleasant, secretive, and completely focused on their own survival, willing to do whatever it takes to protect themselves. However, in the game Styx: Master of Shadows, these traits are highlighted more strongly than ever before.

You play as a thief and assassin, spreading fear throughout a kingdom. While the kingdom is cruel and unjust itself, your character is driven by selfish reasons, not any noble cause.

The game takes a surprising turn at the end, revealing why the villain acts the way he does. It turns out the player character is actually a clone of the original Styx, and by the game’s conclusion, they take his place – essentially removing the real hero from the story.

While the story isn’t the most exciting part of Styx: Master of Shadows, it’s a welcome addition that gives the excellent stealth gameplay a good reason to exist, going beyond just being fun.

7. BioShock

A Naive Slave

The BioShock series is full of difficult moral and ethical questions, woven throughout its story and setting. This is true even for the main characters, like Jack, who is ultimately just a small piece in a much larger, overwhelming game.

While Frank Fontaine is the true villain, it’s actually Atlas who manipulates us into attacking his enemies as he climbs to power, and we don’t even question why we’re doing it.

BioShock demonstrates how readily players follow the instructions given in video games, shown through the character Jack, who emotionlessly harvests Little Sisters, defeats enemies, and kills people without question.

Ultimately, your choices during the game can offer a path to redemption, but it’s evident that Jack – and therefore the player character – is far from a traditional hero.

6. Singularity

Worsening the Course of History

I’m a huge fan of games that play with time, and when it’s done right, it’s just amazing. Honestly, Singularity is the perfect example – it’s a total emotional ride! It really grabbed me and didn’t let go.

Because the player’s choices change the story, saving the villain early on led to a tyrannical government taking over the entire world.

In the game, you can either correct the timeline by stopping your past self from rescuing Dr. Demichev, or you can choose to accept your actions and become a world leader.

Ultimately, the player’s actions are what created this situation, and while they have the power to change it, the story of Singularity wouldn’t exist without their involvement, which makes it so captivating.

5. Silent Hill 2

Perpetrator and Victim

Silent Hill 2 is a game known for its complex characters and use of symbolism, leaving much open to player interpretation, and it delivers on that promise beautifully.

Even after many years since it first came out, people are still debating the themes of good and evil in this game, and most believe James Sunderland is the one responsible for everything that happens.

The main character is a complex figure, playing both the victim and the villain at different points in the story. He’s central to everything that happens, both the positive and negative events, because his biggest struggle is with himself. He is, in essence, the source and the resolution of the entire plot.

He’s a deeply troubled character, not just because of the difficult way he dealt with his wife’s death, but also because he understands he’s the antagonist of his own story. It’s a brilliantly written narrative, to say the least.

4. Cry of Fear

Who is Hurting Whom?

Similar to games from Konami, Cry of Fear is a highly praised indie game from the last ten years. It’s known for its skillful blending of reality and fantasy, which creates a truly captivating and immersive experience.

Like James, Simon is deeply troubled and has withdrawn into his own thoughts to avoid facing difficult realities. This inner world could either save him or ultimately lead to his destruction.

As the game unfolds, a young man struggling with inner turmoil notices striking parallels between the fantastical world he’s experiencing and his own difficult life. He first attributes these feelings to his therapist, but eventually realizes they represent a hidden part of himself.

Overcoming his personal struggles determines whether the protagonist lives or is trapped in a never-ending nightmare, proving that Cry of Fear is a surprisingly deep and thoughtful game.

3. Furi

Intergalactic Colonialism

Furi initially appears to be a visually striking and fast-paced boss rush game with amazing music, but it quickly becomes a challenging and intense experience exploring themes of colonialism and warfare.

You believe you’re a prisoner of war, fighting for your own freedom. But the truth is far more shocking: you’re a powerful weapon created by an alien civilization, designed to destroy the life on any planet it conquers.

As you progress, conversations with key characters and defeating bosses slowly uncover the truth about who you once were. This realization builds throughout the game, culminating in a shocking and disturbing finale where you transform into a violent creature.

Like other games on this list, you can give up at any time, but your past actions will always have consequences. Furi is a fantastic game that’s already impressive on the surface, but it truly shines because of its hidden depth and complexity, solidifying its status as a masterpiece.

2. Katana ZERO

A Tool of War

In Katana ZERO, you become a ruthless, wandering samurai who instantly kills anyone in your path, all without questioning orders – effectively turning you into a thoughtless weapon.

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We often act without understanding our motivations, who we’re affecting, or the results of our actions. Yet, despite this lack of awareness, we continue to pursue our goals without question.

Discovering you’re a weapon used to commit terrible acts by the government – believing you were making your own choices all along, but actually spreading fear and violence – is like realizing you’ve been fighting for the wrong side your entire life.

Do we, as players, become complicit in the violence? Absolutely. Similar to other antagonists who don’t realize the extent of their actions, our lack of awareness doesn’t absolve us. Katana ZERO places you in the role of a killer, and the game expects you to embrace that responsibility if you want to truly appreciate it.

1. Hotline Miami

You Enjoy Violence

It’s fitting that I discuss taking ownership of the fun in virtual destruction just before mentioning Hotline Miami. That game features intense groups, but ultimately, you are the most ruthless character within it.

The game asks you to perform increasingly disrespectful and dehumanizing actions within each apartment, all based on instructions received through phone calls. Crucially, these actions aren’t about the character you’re playing as—they’re a direct challenge to you, the player.

Hotline Miami is unique because it directly addresses you as the perpetrator of the violence, leaving you no room to distance yourself from the action. The first time the game acknowledged my enjoyment of the brutal combat, it was unsettling – because, honestly, it did feel good to eliminate the enemies.

While larger, more sinister groups are at work in the game’s world, our story focuses solely on our own journey as killers, and we never lose sight of that.

Hotline Miami is a landmark indie game, and perfectly captures the feeling of being the villain. It’s a truly impactful experience that will make you question how violence is portrayed and experienced in video games.

2026-02-21 19:41