Best Anti-Superhero Games To Bring Out That Homelander In You

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With the thrilling seven-season run of The Boys now complete (though spin-offs are possible), the intense action has paused. Whether fans loved or hated the ending, they’re likely craving more of the show’s dark, subversive take on superheroes. What better way to get that fix than by stepping into the shoes of a superpowered character in a video game?

Video games offer many takes on the anti-hero, ranging from realistic portrayals to over-the-top violence. The show The Boys definitely falls into the latter category, with constant action – explosions and superhero battles happen in almost every scene, even between supposed allies. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, action-packed game with powerful characters, this show is a great source of inspiration for what to look for.

We’re mainly focusing on games that let you feel powerful, not just those where you can play as a villain. While villainous games will be our main focus, we’ll make one exception: Batman.

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Prototype

Morality Is Optional

Details:

  • Shape-shifting abilities turn people into resources
  • Open-world chaos reflects a lack of barriers

The game Prototype centers on a ruthless antihero who doesn’t follow any rules and will eliminate anyone standing in his path. Alex Mercer has incredible powers, letting him reshape his body into a devastating weapon. He can leap across entire cityscapes and withstand almost any amount of damage, making him incredibly resilient.

What really defines the anti-hero isn’t their strength, but a feeling of not caring what happens around them. I often found myself facing huge groups of soldiers and ordinary people, but instead of trying to avoid hurting them, I just powered through, focusing on my own goals. This attitude is a lot like the superheroes in The Boys – they aren’t forced into difficult situations, and they can basically do whatever they want without any consequences or limitations.

inFAMOUS

Heroism Of A Different Kind

Details:

  • Moral alignments directly alter abilities and the reactions of the world
  • Few characters can compete with the player

The game inFAMOUS brilliantly blends morality into its gameplay. As you play as Cole MacGrath, everything you do – from defeating enemies to accidentally hurting innocent people – affects your karma. This gradually shifts you toward being a hero or a villain. However, even when you try to be good, the game often presents situations where the right thing to do isn’t always clear-cut.

I played the game twice – once as the hero and then as the villain – and was amazed by how much the story and gameplay changed depending on my choices. Your abilities evolve, cutscenes are different, and the world responds to whether you’re seen as a savior or a menace. This creates a morally grey experience where every decision feels difficult. Ultimately, both paths require sacrifices; it just depends on whether you embrace your anger or try to overcome it.

Saints Row 4

Parodying Heroic Fantasies

Details:

  • Superpowers become satirical
  • Movement and combat break apart any level of balance

If you’re looking for a game that perfectly captures the over-the-top fun of being a superhero, look no further than Saints Row 4. It throws realism out the window, letting you play as an incredibly powerful character who can run across entire cities and send enemies flying – all without worrying about the consequences.

Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of being a hero, this show leans into over-the-top action and completely abandons any sense of seriousness, resulting in pure comedy. After watching a few seasons, I revisited it and was surprised by how much it resembles The Boys, with similar exaggerated powers, a consistent comedic tone, and memorable characters.

Batman: Arkham Knight (Special Mention)

The Nightmare Villains Fear

Details:

  • Intimidation and fear over superhuman abilities
  • Gadgets and tricks used to fight more powerful enemies

Batman is the classic example of an anti-hero, and the game Arkham Knight really dives deep into that side of his character. Instead of relying on superpowers, you win by being strategic and using psychological tactics. This means even when facing enemies with incredible abilities, there’s always a smart way to defeat them, much like Butcher in The Boys who consistently takes down super-powered individuals without having any powers himself.

I’ve always considered this game to be the strongest in the series. Watching The Boys recently, I noticed a lot of similarities between the show’s characters and Batman’s methods for dealing with villains in the Arkham games. Beyond the action, the game also makes you think about violence and what it truly means to be a hero, questioning whether lasting peace can ever be achieved without using extreme force against those who threaten it.

Although Batman and Homelander are very different characters, both inspire intense fear in their worlds, becoming almost legendary figures. In Gotham City, Batman is seen as a terrifying creature of the night.

Injustice 2

An Even Playing Field For All

Details:

  • Hero Vs Hero action
  • Iconic battles made possible in PvP

Much of the excitement in The Boys comes from watching superheroes fight, and Injustice 2 delivers exactly that. The game features a huge roster of DC heroes and villains – including Superman, The Joker, and Swamp Thing – allowing players to step into the shoes of their favorite characters and battle it out.

I don’t usually play fighting games, but I keep returning to this one, mostly using Green Arrow and Bane when playing with friends or online. Although Mortal Kombat 1 does include Homelander as downloadable content, I think Injustice better captures the fantasy of a superhero fighting game that many people want. With a third Injustice game potentially on the way, it’s a great time to start learning the ropes.

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2026-05-23 04:05