7 RPGs Where Villains Outshine Heroes: You Won’t Believe Their Backstories!

Summary

Antagonists drive RPG plots, and are often more interesting than the main character.
Villains have complex backstories; players may hate but must respect them.
Understanding the antagonist’s history makes finishing the game worth it.

In any well-crafted role-playing game, a captivating narrative serves as its foundation, with an intriguing villain usually propelling the action. Frequently, the antagonist in a video game is more engaging than the protagonist, and delving into their past provides a compelling reason to see the game through to the end.

In the end, this antagonist ultimately transforms into the game’s climactic opponent, forcing the hero to chase after them and battle their underlings before confronting them directly. These villains often possess compelling or turbulent pasts that justify their actions, which may make players dislike them but still admire their complexity, thus enriching the storyline.

7. Ganondorf

The Legend of Zelda Franchise

Initially, in the series, Ganon appeared as a common antagonist – powerful and malicious, with a goal to acquire the Triforce before it fell into Link’s hands. When the game “Ocarina of Time” was released, we learned more about his past, including his full name, Ganondorf. More recently, the game’s director, Hidemaro Fujibayashi, has considered Ganondorf as the primary character.

Instead of being at a unique disadvantage during his youth, Ganondorf was the solitary male born among the Gerudo tribe for many generations. From this privileged status, he received training as a thief before uncovering his abilities in sorcery. Interestingly, he often transforms into a monstrous swine-like creature, which is actually an alternate form of his Gerudo self, a transformation that’s more frequently depicted in the early games.

6. Sephiroth

Final Fantasy 7

One significant reason why Final Fantasy 7 was enormously popular was due to its main villain, Sephiroth, and the relationship he had with the protagonist, Cloud. The two characters are almost reflections of each other: while the hero draws his strength from his humanity and connections with others, his antagonist finds power in his alien heritage and disregards human compassion.

Sephiroth’s story is marked by heartbreak and retribution as he pursues his interpretation of justice for the transgressions committed against him even before his birth. His prominence has solidified him as a staple across the entirety of the Final Fantasy series, and he’s also a recurring figure in prominent side stories like Kingdom Hearts.

5. Revan

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

Revan could very well be one of the most intriguing characters across the entire canon, not just Star Wars: The Old Republic. Their complex past and prolonged amnesia make it subjective to determine the true extent of their villainy. Despite the ambiguity surrounding their intentions or history, they are purposefully crafted and presented as the primary antagonist.

The tale unfolds with the typical struggle between Sith and Jedi, intertwined with intricate galactic power struggles. Initially a Jedi, Revan later ascended to the rank of Sith Lord – an accomplishment unique among humans. Despite their declaration of war against the Republic, they aimed for unity across the galaxy, seeking an enduring peace.

4. Jonaleth Irenicus

Baldur’s Gate 2: Shadows of Amn

Initially, Jonaleth Irenicus is introduced in the game as a cruel jailer, subjecting defenceless captives to agonizing and seemingly purposeless tests, thereby demonstrating his malevolent sadism. However, as the narrative unfolds and the protagonist advances, their path leads them to the elf city of Suldanessellar, revealing a different facet of this antagonist to the players.

At one point in time, Jonaleth Irenicus was a highly esteemed sorcerer cherished by Queen Ellesime, but his insatiable desire for power overcame him. He aspired to attain divine powers alongside his sister Bodhi. The consequence of this transgression was his exile from the elven metropolis and the removal of his eternal life force. This banishment sparked a quest within him to find a Bhaal’s Offspring, with the intention of exploiting their immortal spirit instead.

3. Onyxia

World Of Warcraft

In the early days of World of Warcraft, one of the first formidable raid bosses was the daughter of Deathwing, who was part of the Black Dragonflight. Deathwing himself was a significant character, previously serving as the Aspect of Earth and causing massive destruction on Azeroth to initiate the Cataclysm expansion. Nefarion, on the other hand, is the ruler of his own raid atop Blackrock Spire.

The long questline centered around Onyxia involved both Horde and Alliance characters, concluding with gaining access to her lair for a 40-player raid following attunement. For many decades, Lady Katrina Prestor wielded significant influence in Stormwind as a powerful noble, secretly orchestrating the demise of the royal family. However, her true identity as Onyxia was eventually uncovered, leading to her being hunted down and cornered in Dustwallow Marsh.

2. The Arishok

Dragon Age 2

The Arishok is a devout warrior with an intense focus on a specific goal – recovering a sacred artifact that was stolen. Power or conquest aren’t his priorities, but he finds himself stuck on Kirkwall when he’d rather be chasing the thief elsewhere. Despite his preference for peacekeeping, his innate leadership instincts surface. He believes he could rule better than the current Viscount and so, he ends up killing the Viscount and taking his place.

In the narrative, Hawke is summoned by Cassandra Pentaghast, a high-ranking figure known as the Right Hand of the Divine, to aid in liberating the city state from the control of the Arishok and his formidable army. However, the predicament of the Arishok transcends mere isolation. As events progress, it becomes clear that the Arishok cannot return home unless a crucial artifact is found. After vanquishing the Arishok, Hawke has the option to either end his life or show mercy.

1. Molag Bal

The Elder Scrolls Series

In the Elder Scrolls universe, the Daedra represent one group of deities. Many of these gods are infamous for their evil nature, and Molag Bal is particularly vile among them. His tactics frequently involve manipulating people’s deepest fears and desires in ways that are both intriguing and unsettling. However, his tales and background make for some of the most captivating lore within the realm of Tamriel. One of his most infamous missions takes place in the stone city of Markath, where a haunted house hides a hidden shrine dedicated to him in its basement.

In the realm of oblivion called Coldharbour, you’ll often find Molag Bal, infamously known as The Mastermind of Plots and Reaper of Souls. He’s not typically there to relax; instead, he’s scheming on how to either deceive or destroy an unsuspecting or virtuous human. In the land of Morrowind, the Dunmer consider him one of the Four Pillars of Misfortune, and he’s usually a formidable adversary in most Elder Scrolls games.

2025-04-23 17:45