Worst Video Game Factions To Side With

Summary

Choices in games with multiple endings can have significant consequences for the game world.
Many factions in these games have both positive and negative aspects to consider.
Players must weigh the consequences of their choices, as all endings may not lead to a positive outcome.

As a gamer, I can tell you that games with multiple endings have been around since the early days of Dungeons & Dragons. It could be as straightforward as choosing which character path to follow, or it might involve finding hidden collectibles and unlocking a secret ending. But when it comes to altering the world’s fate, players often find themselves aligning with powerful factions or serving influential figures, each choice leading to a unique game conclusion.

In games featuring decision-making elements, you’ll often find that each choice comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Factions like the NCR in Fallout: New Vegas, for instance, may not be flawless, but they do have their merits alongside their flaws. However, it’s important to note that the positive aspects rarely outweigh the negative ones for most of these factions.

10. The Stormcloaks

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

In various editions of “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim,” the Stormcloaks consistently rank as one of the least favorable factions to ally with, within the game’s civil war narrative. Although the Empire has its flaws, such as suppressing the worship of Talos and attempting to execute the player at the game’s onset, they are generally preferable compared to their Nordic counterparts.

As I initially encountered them, the Stormcloaks appeared quite noble, with aims to break away from the Empire, expel the mysterious High Elf force called the Thalmor, and reestablish Talos’ worship. However, as I delved deeper into their cause through hidden messages and cutscenes, it became evident that their rebellion has fueled rampant racism against non-Nords. Shockingly, I even uncovered clues suggesting that they are covertly supported by the Thalmor to weaken the Empire, paving the way for a potential High Elf invasion.

9. Radovid and the Witch Hunters

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Radovid can be described as a poor ruler, characterized by his paranoia, prejudice, and ruthlessness. He’s known for leading mass witch hunts, persecuting the supernaturally gifted and non-humans, and annexing Kaedwen. By the time players have the opportunity to intervene in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, he has already left a trail of such actions behind.

During the second part of the game, players are given an option to align themselves with different factions of conspirators. If they decide against this, opting instead to let Radovid maintain his rule, the mad king will persist in his torching campaigns and successfully repel the Nilfgaard invasion. Additionally, he will commence invasions towards the northern territories, including the Skellige Islands.

8. Rakyat

Far Cry 3

In the finale of the game ‘Far Cry 3’, the decision that most players find straightforward involves Jason Brody, the main character. He’s presented with a dilemma: to align himself with his companions or the Rakyat, a tribal warrior group led by a possible love interest, Citra.

If players choose to align with them, the tribe may cruelly slaughter all the player’s companions without provocation. Moreover, Jason meets his untimely end at the hands of Citra during an emotional moment, which is part of a prophecy to create a warrior child. Ultimately, this grim and unsettling conclusion contrasts sharply with the game’s otherwise absurd tone.

7. Anyone

Far Cry 4

In a creative twist, Far Cry 4 elevated its series predecessors by crafting unsatisfying conclusions for all paths. Despite inviting gamers to align with either the conservative or military factions of the Golden Path rebellion, choosing either will lead the nation towards radicalism.

As Amita, the one spearheading the aggressive group, I’ll steer the nation towards a violent future, forcibly enlisting children under threat of violence and operating opium farms to traffic drugs overseas. On the other hand, Sabat’s followers will transform the country into a ruthless religious regime, executing non-believers. Among these three leaders, Pagan Min, our game’s villain, seems to be the worst choice, as keeping him in power would only escalate his tortures and killings.

6. The Dung Eater

Elden Ring

It’s common sense that partnering with someone called “Dung Eater” might not be the wisest choice. However, considering the eccentric characters in Elden Ring, Dung Eater isn’t entirely unusual. This character, who seeks to spread a pox vision across the Lands Between, will invite the player on his foul-smelling mission if they cross paths.

If the player complies with the Dung Eater’s requests, the Lands Between may gradually transform into a more ominous and unsettling place to inhabit. The few who survive in this cursed land have been tainted by the Dung Eater’s plague.

5. The Institute

Fallout 4

In Fallout 4, you’ll embark on a quest to locate your abducted son, guided by cryptic clues from the enigmatic Institute. As you traverse a post-apocalyptic world with a touch of futurism, you’ll encounter various groups like the Minutemen and Railroad, all battling for control. By aligning yourself with one or another, you’ll ultimately gain access to the Institute’s stronghold.

However, appearances can be deceiving. The player’s former adversary, who goes by the enigmatic title of Father and surprisingly holds the position of leader at the Institute, offers an unexpected alliance. Yet, the Institute, with its chilling name and atmosphere, is far from benevolent. It’s characterized by coldness, lack of emotion, and brutality. They have a disturbing habit of swapping people with robotic doubles and systematically eroding any traces of civilization in the Commonwealth Wasteland. Despite the personal motivations behind resisting them, it is a necessary step towards securing a brighter future for the Commonwealth.

4. Perseus

Call Of Duty: Black Ops – Cold War

The story starts with a straightforward assassination task, but things become complex as a covert U.S. scheme is uncovered. This scheme involved secretly stationing nuclear weapons in significant European cities to prevent the Soviets from using them during potential World War III. Perseus aims to set this plan into action prematurely.

Characters assume the identity of Bell, a U.S. soldier who seems familiar with some members of the squad tasked with thwarting Perseus. However, it’s eventually uncovered that Bell is actually one of Perseus’ underlings, manipulated to work for NATO. Players will face a crucial decision: either betray their team or confront Perseus. If they opt for the former, not only will the entire Black Ops team perish, but Europe will be engulfed in nuclear devastation, with America bearing the responsibility.

3. Chaos

Warhammer 40k: Dawn Of War 2: Chaos Rising

In Warhammer games, chaos serves as a dominant influence, shaping everything it encounters into an enigmatic Lovecraftian embodiment of one of its four primary gods. When playing these role-playing games, players have the opportunity to align themselves somewhat with these destructive entities.

In Dawn of War 2: Chaos Rising, players have two options to alter the game’s difficulty level. They can opt to eliminate their fellow Blood Raven Space Marines for an easier experience, or they can boost their own power by employing corrupted Chaos artifacts. The degree of corruption impacts the ending; a moderate level could lead to exile, while excessive corruption might result in execution, or even transformation into a Chaos lord.

2. The Legion

Fallout: New Vegas

In the realm of Fallout, the Legion stands as one of the most malevolent factions. It’s quite remarkable when you consider their adversaries, such as the Enclave and The Master’s Army. Led by the authoritarian Caesar, the Legion poses a significant threat to all civilization along the Western coast of America. If left unchecked, they could plunge the region into a new era of technological backwardness.

The Legion isn’t merely frightening due to their authoritarian beliefs and disdain for technology; they are ruthless in their slaughter of mutants, demean women as subordinates or inferiors, and execute anyone who opposes them. Even if one is inclined towards playing an extremely villainous character, it’s advisable not to choose the Legion during a first playthrough.

1. Arasaka

Cyberpunk 2077

In the gritty universe of Cyberpunk, Arasaka stands out as one of the most sinister factions. Remarkably so, they have instigated numerous global conflicts, referred to as the Corporate Wars, resulting in the tragic loss of countless lives. They also share responsibility for acts of corporate sabotage on food farms, which have led to the untold deaths of many people.

Choosing Hanako Arasaka’s side at the conclusion of Cyberpunk 2077 results in V experiencing the most unfavorable ending, barring self-destruction. Despite Arasaka’s efforts, they fail to save V, leading to a fate similar to other base game endings – digitization. Moreover, this decision indirectly revives Saburo Arasaka, the merciless CEO, which may ignite another corporate conflict, with no discernible benefits in return.

2025-04-05 06:06