The Best Redemption Arcs in Video Games

Key Takeaways

Even the most evil video game characters can find redemption through actions, truths, or befriending foes.
Iconic redemption arcs in video games include Revan, Knuckles, Kratos, Riku, and Arthur Morgan.
Abby from The Last of Us Part 2 has one of the most divisive redemption arcs in video gaming.

As a storyteller and a lover of compelling narratives, I find myself utterly captivated by the journeys these characters have embarked upon. Each one of them started as complex individuals with their own motivations and allegiances, only to transform into something far greater – symbols of redemption, resilience, and the power of change.

A crucial aspect that makes a video game’s narrative captivating is its well-developed characters. The evolution of these characters’ stories as players interact with them over time is a significant reason why some games garner such enduring affection. It’s interesting to note that frequently, the antagonist garners more appeal than the hero in certain scenarios.

Characters who initially appear to be villains often undergo transformations, finding a path towards goodness as they uncover hidden truths, realize their mistakes, or form unexpected alliances with those considered enemies. These redemptive journeys manifest in various ways, enhancing the stories within which they occur.

10 Revan

From Light To Dark Then Back Again

In the sprawling narrative of Star Wars, numerous characters undergo redemption arcs, but none so remarkable as that of Revan. Originally a Jedi Knight, Revan’s transformation into the dark side was spurred by the tumult of war, which led him to amass an army to fight against not only the Jedi, but also the Galactic Republic.

In Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, players find themselves guiding Revan, who has been reprogrammed by the Jedi and is unaware of his former life shrouded in darkness. Despite not actively opting to return to the light, he recalls his identity and plays a crucial role in dismantling the armies that were once his creation, which were tainted by the dark side.

9 Knuckles

Manipulation Leads To Realization

Initially, Sonic the Hedgehog and Knuckles the Echidna weren’t on good terms. Suspecting Sonic was responsible for stealing the Master Emerald in “Sonic the Hedgehog 3”, Knuckles got manipulated by Doctor Robotnik, leading him to clash with his one-time ally, Sonic, on several occasions.

Discovering Eggman had deceived him, Knuckles joins forces with Sonic to put a stop to his schemes, and from that point forward, their friendship blossoms – a bond often compared to legendary redemption stories, like Knuckles’ own.

8 Kratos

Even Gods Have Consciences

Prior to 2018’s God of War, Kratos was a man who didn’t hesitate to slaughter his foes, gradually corrupted by the violence, enslaved by the blood on his hands, and indifferent to the consequences of his actions.

As a father caring for his son and burdened by the world’s weight, Kratos learns compassion while striving to rectify his past errors. The most profound understanding strikes him as he looks back on his past in the final moments of God of War Ragnarök.

7 Riku

Battling The Demons Within

In contrast to Sora’s heroic character, Riku from the Kingdom Hearts series is often portrayed as an anti-hero. Unlike Sora who yearns to protect others, Riku seeks adventure beyond his home and aspires to master the Keyblade. When confronted with darkness, he chooses to align with it to fulfill his personal aspirations.

In the course of events, Riku transforms into an adversary for Sora. After battling his internal struggles, he ultimately stands up against these adversaries. This transformation leaves him with a lingering shadow that contributes to his development as a hero. Eventually, in a selfless act, he sacrifices himself to save his companions.

6 Arthur Morgan

An Outlaw With A Big Heart

Few games carry as much emotional impact as Red Dead Redemption 2 does, and this is largely due to the redemption storyline experienced by Arthur Morgan. Initially, he’s a lawless outlaw who acts without regard for others or the consequences of his actions.

Throughout the unfolding narrative, viewers witness Arthur’s compassionate nature unfold. Whether it’s instructing Jack in the art of fishing or buying Lenny drinks as a means to console him, his actions speak volumes about his sizeable heart. The pinnacle of this emotional journey arrives when he selflessly gives up his life so that John Marston may continue living, leaving many spectators moved to tears.

5 GlaDOS

AI Enemy-Turned Ally

In the game titled “Portal“, GlaDOS exhibits a malicious behavior towards the character named Chell, subjecting her to a series of challenging puzzles while simultaneously delivering witty, ominous remarks that add humor to the situation. It’s clear that GlaDOS holds a deep animosity for Chell, and despite being endearing in many ways, it seems nearly impossible for her character to undergo redemption.

In Portal 2, when a second malicious AI named Wheatley seizes control, previously antagonistic AI GlaDOS switches allegiances to the protagonist, Chell. Over time, even growing fond of her former adversary, GlaDOS eventually rescues Chell at the game’s conclusion. In an unusual display of compassion, she chooses not to eliminate Chell because she deems her life not worth the trouble.

4 Arbiter

Surprising Savior Of Humanity

The travels undertaken by Thel ‘Vadam are nothing less than epic. Originally an implacable foe to humanity, he held the highest rank within the Covenant, contributing significantly to the fatalities of billions during the human-Covenant war and also overseeing the destruction of the UNSC world known as Reach.

In the game Halo 3, I found myself unmasking the real motives behind the Covenant. Joined forces with Master Chief, we embarked on a mission to annihilate both the Covenant and the Flood. This joint effort not only resulted in the preservation of countless lives but also earned me some much-needed respect from humanity, a redemption long overdue.

3 Yuri

Standing Up For What’s Right

Originally part of Vladamir Makarov’s ultranationalist group, Yuri bore witness to his leader causing the death of around 30,000 individuals through a nuclear explosion. Unable to prevent the notorious airport massacre depicted in “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2,” he ultimately switched allegiance to those determined to thwart Makarov.

Eventually, I find myself joining forces with Captain Price and Captain “Soap” MacTavish in a bid to bring an end to World War 3. Transforming from a confidant of a war criminal into a beacon of hope, Yuri’s path to redemption is complete as he receives forgiveness from Price, encapsulating his journey throughout the series.

2 Galen Marek

Betrayal Leads To A Rebellion

In Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, we were introduced to one of the most formidable characters ever created within the Star Wars universe – Galen Marek, a ruthless assassin who unquestioningly obeyed Darth Vader’s commands. However, this loyal servant ultimately suffered betrayal at the hands of his master.

Ultimately, Marek joins forces with the Rebel Alliance, providing him an opportunity to retaliate against those who exploited him for war purposes. In the game’s climactic scenes, he redeems his past mistakes by giving up his life selflessly to protect the Republic.

1 Abby

A Misunderstood Hero

Initially, “The Last of Us Part 1” presented players with characters Joel and Ellie, and as it concluded, numerous gamers found themselves deeply attached to the game’s main characters. The heart-wrenching moment when Joel met his demise at Abby’s hands in the beginning of “The Last of Us Part 2” sparked a strong dislike towards her, which was entirely justified.

Here’s my take on paraphrasing the given text in the first person perspective, as a fan:

2024-10-16 12:34