Most video game characters are clearly defined as either heroes or villains, and they usually stay that way throughout the game. While some heroes might be revealed as villains, it’s often a one-time twist. If there are sequels, the character either becomes a recurring favorite or is replaced. But it’s very unusual for an original hero to become the villain in a later game or spin-off – though it does happen sometimes.
It’s pretty rare to see a hero completely turn bad, and developers know it’s a huge risk because it’s hard to go back once a character makes that switch. But it does happen, and it can be amazing! I’ve been thinking about some of the most memorable heroes who ended up becoming villains in their own games, or even showing up as the bad guy in someone else’s story. Let’s take a look at a few examples!
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6. Alex Mercer (Prototype)
When the Hero Is the Root of the Problem
Prototype focuses on Alex Mercer, a man who wakes up with amnesia as a deadly epidemic breaks out. He soon discovers he has incredible powers and spends the game trying to figure out where the Blacklight Virus came from and who he used to be. However, his attempts to stop the virus have unexpected consequences in the next game.
A single virus swept the globe in three weeks, claiming millions of lives. I was among those caught in the devastation. My name is Alex Mercer, and I’m nearing the completion of my mission.
In this installment, Marine James Heller returns to find his family has fallen victim to a new outbreak of the virus – one caused by Alex Mercer. Driven by a desire for revenge, Heller sets out to hold Mercer accountable. The story cleverly reveals that the player’s heroic actions in the previous game may not have had the intended outcome, leading to a unique situation where the player is essentially seeking revenge on themselves for the consequences of their past choices.
5. Ellie Williams
When Being the Hero Of Your Story Makes You The Villain Of Someone Else’s
The Last of Us focuses on the bond between Joel and Ellie as they travel across a post-apocalyptic United States. The first game explored complex moral issues and how easily people can be driven to extremes, and the sequel aimed to delve even deeper into these themes.
I can make it quick or I can make it so much worse!
The first part of the game follows Ellie as she seeks revenge on Abby, a survivor who killed Joel. However, around the midpoint, the story shifts dramatically. Players begin to experience events from Abby’s point of view, which reframes everything that happened before. This makes Ellie appear as the antagonist, particularly as players start to understand the motivations of those she harmed. Even when the game returns to Ellie’s perspective in the final section, it emphasizes that both characters are capable of terrible acts.
Whether or not Ellie is seen as a villain depends on each player’s perspective, but the game The Last of Us Part 2 definitely portrays her that way for a time.
4. Lady Aurelia Hammerlock
She was Originally PLAYABLE!?
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel featured a compelling cast of characters, all connected to the first two Borderlands games. While the series is known for its flawed heroes and violent world, this game really leaned into that with six playable characters who were often genuinely awful people. Two of them were even villains from Borderlands 2! Then there’s Aurelia, the unstable sister of the recurring ally Sir Hammerlock. She’s hardly a hero – even as the player character, she’s a full-blown psychopath with a history of mistreating her brother, and she actively helped Handsome Jack rise to power.
Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Lady Aurelia Hammerlock. It’s… rather unfortunate timing, as my butler was tragically eaten just a few hours ago.
It’s not surprising that Aurelia, like Nisha and Wilhelm before her, changes sides in Borderlands 3. She’s portrayed as a full-fledged villain, willingly joining forces with the main bad guys and even becoming a boss players have to fight. This version of Aurelia is much more ruthless, making it difficult to remember she was once a playable hero.
3. Kain
Cursed With Vampirism, He Eventually Conquers The World
It’s not accurate to label Kain as simply a ‘hero’ or ‘villain,’ but his role definitely changes throughout the story, moving between being the main character we root for and the opposing force.
The main character in the Legacy of Kain series is immediately presented as a complicated figure, and he’s far from a typical hero. In the first game, Blood Omen, Kain is the central character—a man killed and brought back as a vampire. He’s tasked with destroying the Circle of Nine, hoping to become human again. But as the story unfolds, Kain’s reasons for fighting change. He moves beyond simple revenge, becoming increasingly concerned with the widespread corruption of Nosgoth and those who control its destiny.
At the end of Blood Omen, Kain is faced with a difficult decision: he can sacrifice himself to temporarily save the world, or choose to become an immortal ruler of a dying land. Later games reveal that Kain chose to live, not out of a desire to be a hero, but because he wanted to defy fate and control his own destiny. He ultimately accepts the world’s destruction, breaking a repeating cycle of suffering.
Conscience? Don’t talk to me about conscience! You only have the right to question my decisions once you’ve truly understood the weight of making difficult choices.
In Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver, the story focuses on Raziel, with Kain now playing the role of the villain. Kain has ruled the land of Nosgoth for about a thousand years, maintaining strict control. When Raziel becomes powerful enough to challenge this order, Kain banishes him. While Raziel sees Kain as a cruel tyrant, he doesn’t realize Kain is acting based on what he knows about the future.
Even though Kain’s position shifts throughout the series, his core personality remains consistent – he’s still motivated by a desire for independence and a rebellious spirit. We simply see these qualities as more problematic through Raziel’s eyes.
2. Jumpman (Aka, Mario)
The Classic Hero Wasn’t Always So Heroic
Mario, Nintendo’s famous plumber, is now seen as a hero, but his beginnings were a little more complicated. Originally called Jumpman, he first appeared in the 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong. The story was straightforward: he was trying to rescue his girlfriend from the ape. Interestingly, the game’s official story painted Donkey Kong as the victim, claiming he was only acting in response to mistreatment from Mario.
It’s-a me, Mario! I’ve been on fire lately, but I’m-a hope you challenge me!
I was so surprised to find out that the original Donkey Kong actually got a sequel, Donkey Kong Jr.! It totally flips the script – instead of playing the hero, you’re actually controlling Donkey Kong Jr. trying to rescue his dad from… Mario! Can you believe it? Mario, the guy who’s always saving princesses, was the one doing the capturing this time. It’s a really interesting twist!
1. Soul Of Cinder (Kind of)
When You Become Part Of The Final Boss
The first Dark Souls game follows a hero, the Chosen Undead, on a journey through a world falling apart. Their goal is to find the First Flame, which has the power to save it. After overcoming difficult obstacles, the Chosen Undead reaches the Flame and faces a crucial decision: relighting it will restore the world, but at the cost of their own life. Alternatively, they can let the Flame die, dooming the world but allowing themselves to survive and become its ruler.
You, an Undead, have been chosen. Leave the Undead Asylum and journey to the land of the Ancient Lords. When you ring the Bell of Awakening, you will discover your destiny as an Undead.
The first option is considered the official storyline in later games and depicts a truly heroic deed. Later, in Dark Souls 3, a new hero, the Ashen One, battles the Soul of Cinder as the final boss. This boss is essentially a ghostly combination of all those who previously chose to prolong the flame – including the Chosen Undead from hundreds of years prior.
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2026-02-06 19:09