7 Best Open-World Games With Evil Routes, Ranked

Key Takeaways

Open-world games can challenge morality with evil routes
Dragon Age: Inquisition offers interesting moral choices
Red Dead Redemption 2 features the Honor System for moral decisions

As a seasoned gamer with a heart full of memories and a mind brimming with experiences, I find myself drawn to games that allow me to explore the depths of human nature – particularly those that challenge us to balance our actions between good and evil. And let me tell you, dear reader, there’s no shortage of such games in this list!

Open-world games are usually expansive and offer a wide array of experiences for players. The settings in these types of games frequently prioritize quality, engaging combat systems, intriguing non-player characters (NPCs), and captivating side missions that keep players entertained for extended periods. Some of these titles also incorporate sophisticated moral systems, enabling players to make numerous choices that can shape the storyline.

The choice between being good or evil is one that everyone must make at one point. And while making this decision is tough in real life, doing so in a video game is also a challenge. To dive deeper into this, here are some of the best open-world games with evil routes.

7. Dragon Age: Inquisition

The Inquisitor’s Choices Matter

Players must close the Breach
Interesting choices of morality

Just like its forerunners and games of comparable themes, Dragon Age: Inquisition offers players numerous decisions within the narrative, shaping their character as either virtuous or malevolent.

Players may encounter numerous situations that challenge their moral fiber, with decisions made impacting not just themselves but others as well. Although the game doesn’t boast the most intricate moral framework, it offers engaging results and unique romantic possibilities.

6. Fallout 4

Players Can Choose Cruelty In The Boston Commonwealth

Being evil in the Boston Commonwealth can have some advantages
Companions will react to the Sole Survivor’s choices

Fallout 4 is often credited for boosting the series’ popularity due to its engaging narrative and expansive world teeming with ferocious mutated beings. As a Bethesda game, Fallout 4 offers multiple dialogue choices, resulting in diverse outcomes based on player decisions.

Characters may opt to confront circumstances using a harsh and self-centered approach, which could influence their allies’ opinions of the Lone Survivor and potentially affect their relationships.

5. Fable 2

Depending On Their Choices, Players’ Appearance Will Change

Being evil changes players’ appearance
Some discounts are available out of fear

In Fable 2, an intriguing Morality alignment system is implemented, which doesn’t just influence how NPCs perceive players, but also alters the characters’ physical aspects. For instance, as players make choices that lean towards good or evil, their hair may turn black and their eyes might glow red over time.

In this game, choosing between good and evil moralities offers benefits and drawbacks for the player, creating intrigue as their choices affect not just the immediate scenario, but also impact the overall progression of the game.

Additionally, the visual appearance of the players’ dogs will transform, resulting in a more menacing look and adopting jet-black fur to align with their owners’ coloring.

4. The Witcher 3

Squeezing Farmers For Money Is Profitable, But Also Despicable

Squeezing farmers for more money is possible
Players can choose not to help some people

For over a decade, the tales of Geralt of Rivia have been shared, yet neither the initial Witcher game nor its sequel approached the level of success that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt achieved.

Similar to other role-playing games, this game empowers players to customize their responses to various scenarios according to their chosen strategy. While diplomacy may be suitable in certain situations, others might necessitate combat. The player has the freedom to adopt an unscrupulous character by exploiting peasants for more money after slaying a town’s monster, or by ignoring the pleas for help from those in need.

3. Baldur’s Gate 3

The Dark Urge Storyline Is Interesting, But Full Of Cruelty

Players can let their darkest thoughts take control
Sceleritas Fel makes an appearance in The Dark Urge storyline

“Baldur’s Gate 3”, released in the last decade, stands out as one of the most comprehensive and intricate Fantasy Role-Playing Games. It’s no wonder it was named Game of the Year in 2023. The game offers a variety of dialogue choices, engaging party members, and numerous missions that players can tackle in their preferred way. This game consistently delivers an enjoyable experience.

Throughout the tale, characters have the option to yield to a sinister instinct, inciting them to carry out heinous deeds against those who seem blameless, as well as those who may be innocent or undeserving. Embarking on this path guided by The Dark Urge will lead players to encounter Sceleritas Fel, an emissary of Bhaal.

2. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

Players’ Actions Affect The Residents Of Skyrim Greatly

Players can steal from those who have little to begin with
Joining the Dark Brotherhood is an evil choice

In contrast to other role-playing games on this list that have a traditional Good vs Evil system, The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim offers ample opportunities for players to give in to their darker impulses. As they advance in the game, players frequently encounter scenarios where they can decide whether to help or neglect someone’s pleas, or even resort to stealing from the less fortunate.

As a gamer, I can opt to ally myself with the notorious Dark Brotherhood, a clandestine guild that lurks in the shadows of Tamriel. They care little about the guilt or innocence of their chosen victims, making it their mission to eliminate any who cross their path.

1. Red Dead Redemption 2

The Honor System Can Give Arthur True Redemption

The Honor System is well-designed
Arthur’s Honor will determine some outcomes in the story

Apart from being recognized as one of the most comprehensive (arguably the most) Western-style video games ever made, Red Dead Redemption 2 provides players with an opportunity to shape Arthur Morgan’s life by making their own decisions.

As a gamer, I’ve found myself immersed in this captivating game where my decisions shape Arthur’s Honor System. This system swings left or right based on the choices I make. For instance, resorting to violence against innocent folks will drag me towards the dark side, making me more evil-like. On the other hand, something as casual as regularly greeting strangers in the game world can swiftly boost my honor, making me a paragon of virtue.

The Honor System in “Red Dead Redemption 2” greatly influences its narrative, as demonstrated through one of Arthur’s missions assigned by Leopold Strauss. Depending on the players’ moral compass (Honor alignment), they may either continue to collect money from the impoverished for Strauss or eject the Austrian debt collector from the camp.

2024-12-09 02:34