Best Games That Let You Be The Hero Or The Villain

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Many games put you in the role of a clear hero, like with characters such as Mario and Sonic. However, some games let you play as the bad guy, such as Crypto from Destroy All Humans, or as a flawed character who isn’t quite a hero – an antihero – like Wario in Wario Land: Shake It.

Many games now let you shape your character’s path, even if you don’t create them from scratch. Let’s explore which games give you the choice to play as either a hero or a villain, and how that decision impacts the gameplay. Are these games engaging enough to play through multiple times to experience both sides?

Undertale

Pacifist Or Murderer

Players of traditional turn-based RPGs are used to battling monsters throughout a game. However, Undertale does things differently – it lets you choose how to handle encounters. Instead of always fighting, you can talk to monsters and convince them to leave, and this even works for boss battles!

The most rewarding way to finish the game Undertale is by choosing the Pacifist route. However, players have the option to go down a much darker path: they can defeat every enemy and character in the game, leading to a grim conclusion known as the Genocide route. While this route connects to the overall story in surprising ways, many players find it difficult to go through with killing even the friendliest characters.

Baldur’s Gate 3

Dungeons & Devils

Baldur’s Gate 3 is incredibly replayable, offering almost endless possibilities with its many different storylines. Players can experience a traditional Dungeons & Dragons adventure, focusing on being a heroic character and seeking peaceful solutions whenever possible – this is often the approach taken during a first playthrough.

Players can also choose to play as a villain, making ruthless decisions in conflicts. This approach can strengthen bonds with certain companions, like Astarion, but cause others to leave the party. The early game is a great place to experiment with this style, and playing as a Drow character can be particularly effective for those embracing a darker path.

Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic

The Dark Side Of The Force

Many Star Wars games let you play as either a hero or a villain, like Star Wars: Battlefront 2. However, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remains the best example, offering a sprawling RPG experience with choices that really impact the story.

The game starts with a character who has lost their memory, and players shape their destiny through choices, deciding whether to become a noble Jedi or fall to the Dark Side. While one path feels more traditional after a major reveal later in the game, it’s a twist worth experiencing. Even decades after its release, it remains a highly recommended RPG and Star Wars game for fans of both genres.

Fallout: New Vegas

Karma Chameleon

In Fallout: New Vegas, your actions matter thanks to a Karma system. Doing good deeds will earn you positive reactions from people, while being cruel or criminal will make them avoid you. You can also join different groups, or Factions, with unique goals for the future of the Nevada wasteland – ranging from Elvis fans to people who act like Romans.

In the New Vegas area, players can choose to be a hero helping others, or a ruthless survivor focused solely on themselves. Many consider it one of the greatest Fallout games ever made, and its Karma system is a key reason why fans love it.

inFAMOUS

A Shocking Development

inFAMOUS is a unique superhero game starring Cole MacGrath, who gains electricity-based powers after a devastating explosion destroys Empire City. Throughout the game, players make choices that determine whether Cole becomes a hero or a villain, unlocking different abilities depending on their alignment. These choices are reflected in the color of his powers – blue for good deeds and red for evil actions.

As you explore the city, your actions towards citizens earn you karma – good deeds build positive karma, while cruel acts build negative karma, shaping your character. While evil powers are more powerful and fun to use, playing as a hero often feels more fitting for the story, so the choice is yours!

DC Universe Online

Batman Vs The Joker

DC Universe Online is a popular, free-to-play online game where you can become a DC superhero or villain. You’ll create your own character and team up with iconic figures like Batman and the Joker on exciting missions.

In DC Universe Online, you create a character and customize their abilities, eventually becoming powerful enough to rival iconic DC heroes and villains. The game has been available for over ten years, offering a huge amount of content for both heroes and villains. With the recent release of versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S in 2024, now is a great time to give it a try.

Disney Epic Mickey

A Scrappy Mouse

Disney Epic Mickey is a surprisingly ambitious game for Mickey Mouse, though some of its original ideas were simplified during production. The game features a unique karma system: players can choose to be a hero by helping other cartoon characters, or lean towards villainy. This is done by either erasing characters and objects with paint thinner, or restoring them with a magic brush.

The game developers initially considered making Mickey Mouse more aggressive and visually unsettling, which many thought would be exciting. However, even as it is, Disney Epic Mickey is still enjoyable because it shows a different, slightly more serious side of the character. And now, with a remastered version available, it’s easier than ever to play.

Vampyr

Hungry Heroes

In the game Vampyr, it’s tempting to embrace evil because the vampire powers are incredibly strong. You play as a doctor who becomes a vampire and must choose between giving in to bloodlust or continuing to use your skills to heal and help others.

In this game, you can form bonds with characters, helping them grow stronger. You can then exploit those relationships for experience points, though it means treating characters like resources – a surprisingly effective, if unsettling, tactic. If you choose to remain ethical and avoid exploiting anyone, you’ll unlock a positive ending. Ultimately, your path depends on how you believe the doctor’s fate will unfold as they struggle against the vampire curse.

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2025-11-21 02:37