Discover 7 video game villains who actually have a point. Explore some of the complex motivations behind the best villains in video games.
-Robin Bhuyan
Video games often present us with villains who are evil just for the sake of being evil- because they want nothing more than power and control. However, some of the best video game villains are also driven by complex motivations that might not be entirely rooted in malice. These characters may commit dark deeds, but their underlying goals may be aimed at improving society or achieving a higher ideal. Or maybe they were wronged themselves? In this latest article, we delve into 7 video game villains who actually have a point. Each of these characters is an example of how sometimes, the line between good and evil is blurred, and the villain’s motivations are not as clear-cut as they may seem.
7. Anarky – Batman: Arkham Origins
Anarky, one of the lesser-known antagonists from Batman: Arkham Origins, is a character whose intentions are arguably more about reform than destruction. His extreme methods, such as violent protests and spreading chaos, are rooted in his belief that Gotham City is beyond saving through conventional means. Anarky believes that a society based on order and law is inherently flawed and corrupt. His actions, while violent, are meant to tear down this system in the hopes of rebuilding it in a way that is more just and equitable. Though his tactics are questionable, his goal is to bring about positive change for the oppressed citizens of Gotham, making him one of the more morally gray video game villains in the Batman Arkham series.
6. The Illusive Man – Mass Effect Franchise
The Illusive Man, the enigmatic leader of the Cerberus organization in Mass Effect, is another example of a villain who believes that his actions are necessary for the greater good. While his methods are often ruthless and manipulative, his ultimate goal is to protect humanity from the alien threat of the Reapers. The Illusive Man’s belief that humanity must be the dominant force in the galaxy leads him to make morally questionable decisions, including experimenting on both humans and aliens. However, his intent is clear: he wants to ensure the survival of humanity at all costs. In a universe where the Reapers threaten total annihilation, the Illusive Man’s believes that it is better to have control over them rather than eliminating them. Though he is one of the best video game villains, he is someone whose actions are rooted in the preservation of humanity.
5. Haytham Kenway – Assassin’s Creed III
Haytham Kenway, a central figure in Assassin’s Creed III, initially starts off as a protagonist for the first few hours of the game, till we learn that he is actually a Templar. He might be considered one of the best villains in video games, but his motivations are far from purely evil. Haytham is a Templar, and while the Assassins are portrayed as the protagonists in the series, Haytham’s dedication to the Templar Order stems from a deeply ingrained belief in order and control.
Haytham views the Assassins as anarchists who are disrupting the stability of the world. To him, the Templars’ pursuit of control through the Pieces of Eden is a means to bring about peace and security. Haytham’s sense of duty and his perception of the greater good lead him to make decisions that seem villainous but are driven by a desire to impose a structured, ordered society. It becomes obvious that what he does is not because of power or malice. His complexity as a character makes him one of the video game villains who have a point.
4. Renoir – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
In Expedition 33, Renoir is a complex antagonist whose actions stem from profound personal grief and a desire to protect his family. After the tragic death of his son, Verso, Renoir’s wife, Aline, becomes consumed by her grief, retreating into a painted world known as the Canvas. Determined to save her from this emotional prison, Renoir enters the Canvas and causes the Fracture that separates Lumière from the Continent. This act leads to decades of conflict between him and Aline, with Renoir periodically initiating the Gommage—a ritual that claims the lives of certain individuals in Lumière.
Renoir’s ultimate goal is to free his wife and later his daughter Alicia from the Canvas, believing that their continued existence within it is unhealthy. Renoir’s methods are extreme, and we see him as a villain because he wants to destroy the Canvas and all the people in it. However, what he does is not because of malice but because he is driven by a deep love and a desire to restore his family to the real world. Some would even argue that Renoir is actually the hero of the story!
3. Al Mualim – Assassin’s Creed 1
In Assassin’s Creed 1, Al Mualim is the mentor and leader of the Assassin Brotherhood, but his motivations take a dark turn as the story progresses. Initially, Al Mualim appears to be a wise and noble leader, guiding his followers in their quest for freedom from the Templars. However, it is eventually revealed that Al Mualim seeks to use the Apple of Eden for his own purposes. Yes, he was an Assassin, but one that turned to the Templar philosophy when he gained the power to enforce it.
Al Mualim’s true goal is not to free the people but to impose his own form of order on the world, believing that control is the key to peace. His actions show us a deep-seated belief that the end justifies the means, and his desire to establish a utopian society ultimately leads him to take extreme measures. Al Mualim is one of the video game villains who have a point, driven by a vision of a peaceful world achieved through power and control, as he believed that humans always end up misusing their freedom. Oh, and after all these years, his final boss fight is still considered as the best in the entire franchise!
2. Detlaff – The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
One of the best villains in video games, Detlaff van der Eretein, a higher vampire in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’s Blood and Wine DLC, is initially portrayed as a killer. However, we eventually get to know rooted in emotional trauma and manipulation. Detlaff falls in love with Syanna, who deceives him into committing a series of murders who wanted to avenge the people who hurt her during her childhood. When Detlaff discovers the truth—that Syanna used him for her own vendetta—he is devastated and enraged.
His subsequent rampage through Beauclair is not driven by malice, but a sense of betrayal, anger and a desire for retribution against humans. While his actions are violent, they stem from genuine emotional pain and a need to confront the deceit he suffered. Though his actions are never justified since he began killing innocent citizens, he is indeed one of the most tragic and best video game villains ever created. Plus, the boss fight with Detlaff is not just difficult, but extremely unique, making him one of the best video game villains ever.
1. Arkham Knight – Batman: Arkham Knight
One top of our list is Arkham Knight from Batman: Arkham Knight, who is one of the most memorable video game villains of all time. What makes him likable is the fact that his motivations are grounded in a tragic backstory. As someone who was captured and tortured by The Joker for months, Arkham Knight (aka Jason Todd) harbors a deep resentment toward Batman for his perceived failure to save him. His desire for revenge against the Dark Knight pushes him to extreme measures, including creating an army to take down Gotham and punish Batman not just for failing to save him, because he refused to kill the Joker.
And throughout the game, we do sympathize with him and even feel angry at Batman, because it was due to his “no-kill policy” that Joker survives every time and is able to torture innocent citizens and even people close to Batman whom he cares about. While The Arkham Knight’s methods are cruel, but he is one of the video game villains who have a point. His motivations arise from a personal vendetta and a desire to make Batman suffer in the same way he suffered at the hands of The Joker. His tragic story gives depth to his villainy, and his role in Arkham Knight forces players to question the nature of vengeance and justice, making him one of the best video game villains who have a point.
These video game villains who have a point prove that not all antagonists are evil for the sake of evil. Many are driven by complex motivations, with the desire to create a better world or right a personal wrong. Whether it’s Anarky’s attempt to fix a broken society, or Detlaff’s quest for revenge, these characters show that sometimes the line between hero and villain is not so easily drawn. And that’s what makes us love these games, right? Because they make us think!
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Author bio:
Robin Bhuyan is the Editor-in-Chief of Enigmatic Horizon. He’s a passionate gamer who loves getting lost in immersive stories and open worlds. When he’s not playing or writing about games, he’s working toward his dream of becoming a filmmaker. For him, Enigmatic Horizon is a space to share his passion and connect with others who love gaming and storytelling just as much.
Connect with him at: enigmatichorizon2023@gmail.com
