Metroidvania Games Where You’re Actually the Villain

The saying goes that everyone sees themselves as the hero of their own life, even those we consider villains. It’s a very old idea – I couldn’t find its original source – but the core message is simple: if you see things from a different perspective, even a ‘bad guy’ can become someone you understand and even sympathize with. Ultimately, people are complex and full of hidden depths.

This brings us to a fun topic: Metroidvania games where you play as the villain – or a character who could be considered one. We’ve put together a list of ten games like this, though defining ‘villain’ was tricky in a few cases! They’re not ranked in any specific order, but we generally started with the more popular titles. So, let’s dive in and meet these anti-heroes!

10. Carrion

Experimenting on Aliens Never Ends Well

A common story involves scientists discovering a strange creature and subjecting it to cruel experiments. This creature inevitably proves to be a monster, punishing the scientists – and often all of humankind – for their arrogance. However, we almost never hear these stories from the monster’s perspective.

Unlike most games, Carrion lets you play as the monster. You control ‘The Creature,’ a mass of otherworldly tissue that breaks free from a lab and devours the scientists who imprisoned it. As it grows and evolves, it unleashes chaos, and honestly, you might even feel a little sympathy for it. With its creepy pixel art style, Carrion is a truly engaging experience that’s well worth checking out.

9. Metroid II: Return of Samus

A Dark Chapter in Samus’s Story

You might be wondering how Samus Aran, the hero of the Metroid series, could be considered the ‘villain’ in Metroid II: Return of Samus. But you likely already understand why – her mission is so morally challenging that it’s difficult to see her as a traditional hero.

That’s correct. Samus is sent to the planet SR388 with the mission of destroying every single Metroid until none are left. It’s true that this isn’t really in line with Samus’s character in other games, and it doesn’t show her in the best light. Luckily, Samus has many other, more admirable adventures to consider.

8. Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow

Guess Who’s Back, Back Again

For years, Castlevania games focused on defeating Dracula. It was inevitable someone would create a game where you play as him. While Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 (2014) explored this idea directly, it first appeared in Aria of Sorrow (2003). That game revealed that the protagonist, Soma Cruz (a really cool name!), is actually the reincarnation of Dracula.

The ending of Dawn of Sorrow, the 2005 sequel, depends on the player’s choices – Soma can either succumb to his darker side or resist it. It’s even possible to play as the villain, taking on a role similar to Alucard from previous games. Regardless of the path chosen, players will explore another sprawling Dracula’s castle, battle challenging enemies, and collect a variety of souls that unlock unique powers.

7. Maneater

The Life of a Hungry Predator

Sharks often get a bad reputation. People sometimes see them as mindless, ferocious predators, constantly hunting and killing. While there’s some truth to that, it’s just their nature! Luckily, games like Maneater let us experience life as a shark. And honestly, it does absolutely nothing to change the perception of sharks as powerful, brutal creatures – and that’s fantastic.

Maneater definitely fits the Metroidvania style of gameplay. You’ll spend a lot of time exploring, and as your character levels up and gains new skills, you’ll be able to reach areas that were previously locked off. The game also features a revenge story, similar to the plot of the fourth Jaws movie, but Maneater is a much better game overall.

6. Prototype

Alex Mercer? More Like Alex Jerk-cer!

Similar to other games in the genre, Prototype successfully uses classic Metroidvania features. However, it’s very clear that the main character, Alex Mercer, is a real villain. He’s fully committed to being the bad guy – he seems to be responsible for the virus that’s causing all the chaos, gains power by consuming people and taking their form, and is generally unpleasant. Alex Mercer is definitely a villainous protagonist.

Prototype is still a great game! It’s really enjoyable, with fast-paced and brutal combat, and a compelling story about the Blacklight virus. Plus, the second game is even more impressive.

5. Doomblade

Prepare to unleash Doom… and Gloom!

Via Doomblade.com press kit

Ultimately, Doomblade is a game about feeling incredibly powerful. It uses a classic story: a weak character gains access to something amazing – an ancient weapon, a special treatment, or even just a magical snack – and becomes overwhelmingly strong. As someone who didn’t feel very powerful growing up (or even now, to be honest), Doomblade really resonates with me. Plus, the gameplay is incredibly fast-paced. You can easily lose track of time just fighting endless waves of enemies. It wasn’t for everyone on the team, but it definitely hit the spot for some of us.

It’s a well-known truth that power can corrupt, and the Doomblade is no exception. Using it comes with a real risk: players could accidentally become the villains they were trying to defeat. The Blade wasn’t created to do good – it’s simply a tool for getting revenge.

4. Biomorph

Now We’re Taking Things Pretty Literally

So far, we’ve been talking about playing a villain in a broad, conceptual sense – a character driven by self-interest or who achieves their goals in ways that aren’t heroic. But with Biomorph, it’s much more direct. Players can actually become their enemies – physically transform into them.

Defeating enemies lets you shapeshift into them, and you can improve and customize these forms. This unlocks new areas and abilities, a key feature of any good Metroidvania game. Exploring in disguise will also reveal the secrets of this broken world.

3. Fearmonium

Send in the Clowns

In the last ten years, many independent game developers have started using games to explore mental health topics. Popular examples include Celeste, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, and Gris. While most of these games focus on the effects of things like trauma and grief, Fearmonium offers a unique perspective on similar themes.

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Featuring a distinctive art style reminiscent of Cuphead, Fearmonium is a uniquely unsettling yet captivating game. You play as the embodiment of a painful memory, trying to evolve into a full-blown phobia within a teenager’s mind. It balances a dark premise with clever humor and solid gameplay, making it a fun and engaging experience.

2. Infernax

Will You Follow the Path of Righteousness? Or Drowsiness?

Similar to other games here, Infernax lets you choose to play as the bad guy. The game has nine different endings, and several of them involve making evil choices. One ending is even called “The Path of Evil” – it doesn’t get much more direct than that!

Infernax lets you play with a friend in co-op mode, and you can even be evil together! Be warned though – no matter how you play, expect a lot of pixelated blood and guts. It’s a very graphic game! But despite all the gore, it’s probably the closest to a classic Metroidvania experience on this list when it comes to how it plays.

1. GRIME

Is There Anything More Villainous Than Trying to Eat the World?

Most villains are driven by selfish desires – like taking over the world or causing widespread fear. When a villain’s goal is total annihilation – consuming and destroying everything – there’s no question they’re the bad guy. But in the game GRIME, you discover your goal is exactly that.

You play as the “Spiral Heart,” a character who, despite the name, isn’t necessarily menacing. Your goal is to completely destroy the world – not just end it, but consume it, which feels a bit excessive. However, if you’re determined to embrace a villainous role, this is a pretty dramatic way to do it.

2026-05-10 19:41