I absolutely love video games – the places they let you explore are incredible! You can go to gorgeous fantasy worlds or really weird sci-fi planets. But you know what’s funny? A lot of games are set in, well, hell! It’s that classic afterlife place where, according to legend, bad people go to be punished. It’s a surprisingly popular setting, honestly!
For many years, game developers have used the idea of hell – or similar frightening realms like the Greek Underworld – to create incredibly memorable and impactful environments in their games. These hellish locations can feature prominently throughout an entire game, or appear in just a few levels, but they’re always known for being shocking, disturbing, or impressively grand.
Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening
A Surreal Adventure Through The Demon World
The Demon World is a key setting in the Devil May Cry story, and while Dante explores it in multiple games, Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening features the most striking and unforgettable visit. He finds himself inside the massive Leviathan – a creature explicitly part of the Demon World – and also ventures there after the seal on Arkham breaks, opening a gateway to that hellish realm.
Even though the game is filled with crazy and exaggerated humor, the Demon World feels surprisingly dark and unsettling, with dreamlike scenery that looks like it came to life from a painting. Dante will encounter many strong demons, including bosses you’ve fought before (now called “Lost Souls”), Arkham’s most powerful form, and ultimately, his brother Vergil, in a heartbreaking and challenging final showdown.
Dante’s Inferno
Dante’s Dangerous Quest To Save His Wife
It’s not just Dante from Devil May Cry who’s journeyed to hell – the main character in Dante’s Inferno also finds himself there, on a quest to save his wife, Beatrice. Inspired by Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy, this game presents a uniquely compelling and memorable vision of hell.
Similar to the classic poem, the game’s version of Hell in Dante’s Inferno is divided into nine distinct circles, each with its own look and feel. This variety keeps the gameplay exciting and lets players battle famous historical figures and terrifying demons. Some of these circles are especially known for their disturbing visuals, adding to the game’s dark and intense atmosphere.
God Of War 3
Kratos Goes To The Underworld And Kills Hades Himself
The Underworld has always been central to the God of War series, with Kratos visiting it repeatedly throughout the games, even in the very first installment. However, God of War 3 stands out because it’s the first time Kratos finally faces Hades, the God of the Dead, himself.
At the start of the game, Kratos plummets into the Underworld right after his victory over Poseidon. There, the spirits of the River Styx strip him of all the powers and weapons he’d earned before. The level itself is as frightening and warped as players remember from past God of War titles, but the improved PS3 graphics make everything look incredibly detailed. Kratos eventually escapes by defeating Hades in a tough, yet satisfying, boss fight.
Bayonetta 2
The Stylish Witch Descends To Inferno To Save Her Friend’s Soul
The Bayonetta games center around Bayonetta battling corrupted angels from Paradiso. She does this by forming pacts with powerful demons from Inferno, though these demons aren’t her allies. In the second game, after Gommorah steals Jeanne’s soul and sends it to Inferno, Bayonetta must journey there to retrieve it.
In Bayonetta 2, the game uses color to clearly distinguish between good and evil. Angels and the realm of Paradiso are shown in white and gold, while demons and Inferno are depicted with red and purple, giving each area a unique look. Inferno, in particular, is stunning to behold on both the Wii U and Nintendo Switch, and it’s packed with formidable demons like Insidious, Phantasmaraneae, and Alraune that Bayonetta must overcome to rescue her friend.
Doom Eternal
The Doom Slayer Has To Go To Hell In Order To Save Earth
The Doom series is famous for its depiction of Hell, and the recent trilogy of games offers a particularly intense and unsettling vision of it. While the Doom Slayer has traveled to Hell many times, his journeys in Doom Eternal are arguably the most compelling.
Most of the game is set on Earth, which has been overrun by demons following the original DOOM. However, the Doom Slayer ventures into Hell to obtain a power source for a Sentinel, and later returns in the The Ancient Gods expansion. Though Hell is filled with dangerous demons and gruesome environments, fighting them on their own ground is incredibly rewarding.
Helltaker
Perfect For Anybody Who Likes Seeing Demon Girls Wearing Suits
Games set in hell don’t always need to be about violence or intense action. This famous afterlife can also provide a fun and lighthearted setting. Helltaker, a free indie game created entirely by Łukasz Piskorz, became a viral hit in 2020 thanks to its original idea and appealing hand-drawn artwork.
In Helltaker, players take on the role of a character who journeys to Hell with the goal of building a harem of demon girls, all of whom are dressed in suits. To succeed, he must solve clever puzzle levels, dodging traps and collecting keys. Though the premise might seem over-the-top, Helltaker is a surprisingly enjoyable, creative, and charming game that’s accessible to everyone. Its unique writing and stylish presentation also help it stand out from other games set in Hell.
Hades
Zagreus’ Legendary Quest To Escape The Underworld
Greek mythology’s Underworld has appeared in many video games, but Hades is arguably the most well-known. The entire game is set in the realm of the dead, where Zagreus, son of Hades, attempts to escape to Mount Olympus. He battles through countless enemies, using a variety of skills and weapons to fight his way out.
Supergiant Games consistently delivers stunning visuals, and Hades is no exception. Its depiction of the Underworld is vibrant, beautiful, and appropriately foreboding. The game’s roguelike structure lets you explore diverse locations and battle numerous enemies and bosses. Plus, you’ll encounter a memorable cast of characters, including Greek Gods like Nyx and Thanatos, and even get to pet Cerberus!
Metal: Hellsinger
A Rhythmic Journey Across The Eight Hells
The idea of hell has long inspired both video game and music creators, particularly in the Metal genre. Metal: Hellsinger brilliantly combines these influences. It’s a fast-paced, first-person shooter where shooting in time with the powerful heavy metal soundtrack makes your attacks stronger. The better you fight to the beat, the more intense the music becomes, creating a truly immersive experience.
In terms of story, Metal: Hellsinger follows an unnamed protagonist, known as the Unknown, who journeys into Hell to battle through its eight distinct layers. Her goal is to recover her lost memories and voice. This version of Hell, much like in Dante’s Inferno, isn’t just fire and brimstone; each layer has a unique theme and style, adding welcome variety to the game’s intense musical experience. The demons themselves are also impressively frightening, making defeating them in time with the metal soundtrack even more satisfying.
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2025-10-30 01:40