5 Games Where You Play as the Villain

Most games put players in the shoes of a hero, saving the world or protecting the innocent. But there are a handful of titles that flip the script entirely, giving you the chance to step into the role of the villain. In these games, you don’t fight for justice, you create chaos, destruction, and fear. Here are five games that let you embrace your darker side.

Destroy All Humans 1 and 2

The Destroy All Humans franchise is a classic when it comes to villainous gameplay. You play as Crypto, an alien tasked with invading Earth. While technically the main protagonist, his actions causing widespread destruction, abducting civilians, and demolishing city skylines with a UFO certainly cast him as the villain from humanity’s perspective. What makes it even more entertaining is Crypto’s sarcastic and darkly humorous personality, making the chaos just as funny as it is devastating.

Hatred

If there is one game that shocked audiences globally, it’s Hatred. Unlike anti-heroes with complicated backstories, here you play as a pure embodiment of evil with no justification other than your character’s lust for destruction. The game caused heavy controversy due to its violent nature, even being temporarily banned on Steam. While not for the faint-hearted, it offers one of the rarest opportunities to play as a true villain if you can stomach its disturbing tone.

Suicide Squad Kill the Justice League

Rocksteady’s ambitious take on DC’s villain team gives players control of characters like Harley Quinn, Deadshot, and King Shark. The mission is to take down none other than the Justice League. While the Suicide Squad is not evil by choice here, manipulation and mind control are heavily at play. You are still tasked with hunting down the very superheroes usually cast as the protectors of the world. Despite mixed reviews, it is a fascinating twist on the superhero genre that lets you view DC’s world from the perspective of the bad guys.

Prototype

Prototype challenges the classic line between hero and villain. You play as Alex Mercer, a man infected with a deadly virus that grants him incredible shapeshifting powers. Mercer’s quest for revenge often strays far into brutal territory, as he slaughters civilians, soldiers, and monsters alike without remorse. While he is positioned as the game’s lead character, his destructive path leaves players questioning whether they are embodying a savior or a monster worse than the enemies.

Grand Theft Auto V

The Grand Theft Auto series has always centered around criminal empires, but GTA V takes it further by giving you control of three very different lawbreakers, Michael, Franklin, and Trevor. Each character manipulates, betrays, steals, and kills to achieve their goals. From executing high-profile heists to arms smuggling and gang conflicts, their moral compass is completely skewed. Trevor, in particular, represents pure unhinged chaos, making GTA V one of the most iconic villain-centered gaming experiences of all time.