8 Games Where Villains Get What They Want

Video games often cast you as the hero, fighting to save the world from evil forces. But sometimes, the bad guys come out on top, flipping the script and leaving you questioning who really won.

I love when games surprise me with endings where the villain’s plan succeeds, making the story feel darker and more complex. Here are eight games where the antagonists achieve their goals, leaving a lasting impact.

Mass Effect 3 (2012)

‘Mass Effect 3’ lets you shape the galaxy’s fate as Commander Shepard, but some endings see the Reapers, the game’s cosmic villains, partially succeed. Their goal of controlling organic life can come true if you choose certain paths, like Synthesis, blending all life into their vision.

BioWare’s trilogy capper offers deep choices, with over 20 million copies sold. The Reapers’ chilling victory in some endings sticks with you, showing how even heroes can’t always stop the inevitable.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019)

In ‘Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice’, the Interior Ministry seeks to conquer Ashina, and in most endings, they succeed. Your journey as Wolf focuses on protecting Kuro, but the Ministry’s invasion often overwhelms the land, leaving Ashina in ruins.

FromSoftware’s brutal action game, which sold over 10 million copies, pairs tight combat with a grim story. The Ministry’s victory feels like a gut punch, showing how larger forces can overshadow personal struggles.

Dishonored (2012)

‘Dishonored’ puts you in the shoes of Corvo, a framed assassin, but high chaos endings let the villainous Lord Regent’s corrupt regime destabilize Dunwall. His goal of maintaining power through fear lingers, even if you kill him, as the city crumbles.

Arkane Studios’ stealth masterpiece, with over 4 million sales, blends choice-driven gameplay with a dark world. The Regent’s lingering influence in chaotic endings makes you feel the weight of your actions.

For Honor (2017)

‘For Honor’ features a single-player campaign where Apollyon, a warlord, wants eternal war to weed out the weak. By the end, her plan succeeds, as the factions keep fighting, fueled by the chaos she orchestrated.

Ubisoft’s melee-focused game thrives on its brutal combat and deep lore. Apollyon’s victory, even after her death, leaves a bitter taste, as her vision of endless conflict becomes reality.

BioShock (2007)

In ‘BioShock’, Frank Fontaine manipulates you as Jack to seize control of Rapture, and in the bad ending, he gets his way. You become a tyrant, ruling the underwater city with his ruthless ideals.

2K Games’ classic, with over 4 million copies sold, blends philosophy with first-person action. Fontaine’s triumph in the bad ending feels haunting, showing how easily you can become the monster.

Far Cry 5 (2018)

‘Far Cry 5’ pits you against Joseph Seed, a cult leader aiming to prepare his followers for a prophesied apocalypse. In one ending, a nuclear disaster strikes, proving Seed right and leaving him in control of the survivors.

Ubisoft’s open-world shooter, which sold over 25 million copies, thrives on its tense atmosphere. Seed’s victory, paired with his eerie charisma, makes you question if he was the villain all along.

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (2001)

‘Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty’ sees the Patriots, a shadowy group, aiming to control the world through information. By the end, Raiden’s actions unknowingly help them tighten their grip, setting up a dystopian future.

Hideo Kojima’s stealth epic, with over 7 million copies sold, is known for its bold narrative. The Patriots’ success leaves you feeling outplayed, as their plan unfolds despite your efforts.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (2025)

‘Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’ follows Gustave and his team trying to stop the Paintress, who erases people of a specific age each year. In the main ending, her countdown continues, as she paints a new number, ensuring her cycle of destruction persists despite your efforts.

Sandfall Interactive’s debut, selling over 3.3 million copies in 33 days, blends turn-based combat with a haunting Belle Époque world. The Paintress’ victory, paired with the game’s emotional cast, leaves you grappling with loss and inevitability.

Which game’s villainous victory surprised you the most, or is there another where the bad guy won? Drop your thoughts in the comments