Best Horror Games Where You Don’t Know You’re The Villain

This list contains spoilers!

Summary

Horror games often feature plot twists that turn heroes into villains, making the experience more memorable.
Narratives like those in The Last of Us Part 2 blur the lines between heroes and villains, challenging players’ perspectives.
Games like Silent Hill 2 reveal dark truths about characters, changing players’ sympathies towards central figures.

Typically, horror video games feature captivating narratives that evoke feelings of fear and curiosity among players. Although the game’s ambiance and music contribute to its scare factor, an outstanding storyline remains unmatched in creating a genuinely terrifying gaming experience.

In some terrifying video games, the storylines boast surprising plot revelations that leave players utterly amazed. For instance, when it’s unveiled that the main character isn’t as noble as fans initially believed – instead, they’re hiding a questionable past. The moment when supposed heroes are exposed as villains unexpectedly is both startling and effective at making these horror games stand out in the minds of numerous gamers.

Layers Of Fear

The Painter’s Descent Into Madness Highlights His Selfish Actions

In a chilling psychological horror, the game titled “Layers of Fear” swiftly establishes a multitude of mysteries surrounding the occurrences within the artist’s home. As the story unfolds at a gradual pace, it becomes increasingly evident that the protagonist is gradually losing his sanity while isolated in this residence.

Despite initial feelings towards this character, players may find themselves empathizing with him as the game unfolds and they uncover the tragic circumstances surrounding his wife. Rather than offering support during her difficult time, the Painter chose to ignore her, which led to a decline in her mental health. Eventually, driven by despair, she made a heart-wrenching choice.

The Witch’s House

The Ending Of This Game Has Dire Consequences

Enthusiasts of RPG Maker horror games are bound to be captivated by the intriguing offering that is The Witch’s House. This spine-tingling narrative revolves around Viola, a character who finds herself ensnared in a house haunted by a witch named Ellen, with sinister intentions of seizing her body.

The true nature of the story is revealed when the ending unfolds, as it is discovered that Ellen had tragically disfigured herself and assumed Viola’s identity before the game began. To add to the tragedy, one of the endings depicts Viola’s father rushing back to save his “daughter” from Ellen’s disfigured form, unaware that he had accidentally killed his own child.

Little Nightmares

The Context Of Its Sequel Paints Six’s Actions In A New Light

In simpler terms, “Little Nightmares” is ideal for players who enjoy the game “Inside“. Both games share similar qualities and the player takes control of Six, a child with an unquenchable appetite, navigating through a series of frightening creatures in his quest to stay alive.

In essence, the storyline of Little Nightmares 2 significantly alters Six’s character portrayal, making him one of the most malevolent characters in the series. One chilling example of this dark side comes when Six manipulates Mono before abandoning him to suffer in a gloomy pit.

The Last Of Us Part 2

The Line Between The Heroes And Villains Is Blurred

The strong reactions, both positive and negative, to “The Last of Us Part 2” demonstrate the significant influence its storyline has. Following the merciless killing of Abby, Ellie sets out on a mission for revenge, leading many players to feel justified in their actions.

As I delved deeper into the game, Abby’s backstory gradually unfolded, showing that her actions, despite being reprehensible, were fueled by the unbearable anger she felt after losing her father. This revelation has left me wrestling with the stark contrast between Ellie’s brutal attacks on Abby’s companions and my perception of who the true hero or villain in this narrative is.

Mouthwashing

A Short, Mind-Bending Horror Game With A Great Twist That Recontextualizes Certain Actions

For those with a strong constitution, the chilling game titled “Mouthwashing” is not for the squeamish or weak-hearted. Be warned, heed the content warnings, as this game contains scenes that might haunt your dreams. However, braving through its most unsettling moments will reward players with an unforgettable narrative experience.

After initially believing Curly was responsible for the spaceship crash, the narrative unfolds that Jimmy, in fact, had perpetrated a terrible act aboard the ship. Seeking to evade blame, he knowingly endangered the entire Tulpar crew due to his fear and chose the path of least resistance once his heinous deeds were exposed.

BioShock

Jack Isn’t An Outright Villain, But The Ease With Which He Can Be Manipulated Serves As A Great Twist

In fact, Jack isn’t portrayed as an unquestionable villain in the game BioShock. Instead, he was lured into Rapture due to his conditioning, with Frank Fontaine disguising himself as Atlas and using the phrase “would you, kindly?” to persuade Jack into carrying out a sequence of tasks.

After Jack encounters Andrew Ryan, his tendency to attack people with a golf club becomes evident, which was previously hidden under hypnosis. Later, Jack must unlearn this reflexive action triggered by a specific phrase, thus preventing himself from being controlled by Fontaine any longer.

Omori

A Psychological Horror RPG With A Twist For The Ages

Omori allows gamers to manage two characters, who could essentially be two sides of the same character. In the actual world, players guide a troubled teenager named Sunny, who grapples with challenges rooted in his past.

In the immersive world of Headspace, I take on the role of my very own consciousness, known as Sunny. At first glance, Omori appears to be just another friendly character, but as the game unfolds, it becomes clear that he is a formidable barrier between me and my redemption. You see, I’ve made some mistakes in the past, and now, I’m facing up to them. But more importantly, I’m determined to free my friend Basil from the burden of our shared secret. It’s a challenging journey, but with every step forward, I feel closer to finding peace.

Silent Hill 2

After Certain Revelations, Players Will Stop Sympathizing With James’ Perceived Distress

One standout survival horror game, “Silent Hill 2,” has earned much of its acclaim through its intricate narrative. In this game, players assume the role of James Sunderland, a grieving husband on a journey to the famous town, seeking his lost spouse, Mary.

Throughout the narrative, it becomes clear that the seemingly ideal union between James and Mary experienced a downward spiral when Mary fell ill, causing them to become more acrimonious than normal. This tension reaches its peak when James, in a fit of anger following a particularly nasty argument, ends up harming Mary. The events unfold as a psychological journey for James, reflecting the remorse he carries, within the context of the video game Silent Hill 2.

2025-08-09 03:35