Open-world games give players the freedom to explore the world as they see fit, especially in roleplaying games that offer multiple choices. While many open-world titles typically cast players as the hero on a grand adventure, some games take a different approach, allowing players to embrace their darker side and assume the role of the villain.
These open-world titles not only offer vast and immersive landscapes but also provide an opportunity to experience the thrill of creating chaos and instilling fear in every village and city the player encounters.
7 Lego DC Super-Villains
Metascore: 74
Lego DC Super-Villains puts a twist on the traditional Lego game premise, allowing players to explore the DC Universe as some of the most notorious villains from the superhero franchises. With the original Justice League gone missing, players are free to maintain or disrupt the peace, as they have the freedom to wreak havoc within the game.
In this open-world Lego title, players can utilize the abilities of various villains and even their own customized villains as they traverse different cities, accompanied by a variety of available vehicles.
6 The Outer Worlds
Metascore: 85
The Outer Worlds is an RPG that leads players on an exploration of diverse planets while uncovering a conspiracy that threatens the existence of an entire colony. While the typical path would involve thwarting the plot of capitalist companies and emerging as the hero who saves the day, in The Outer Worlds, players have the freedom to ally with the game's villains and aid in the potential demise, or choose morally questionable options to gain the support of unconventional allies.
5 InFamous
Metascore: 85
InFamous is a PlayStation exclusive that delves deeply into the dichotomy of right and wrong by allowing players' choices to dictate the types of powers they can wield. Engaging in morally questionable actions grants players more aggressive and ruthless abilities to employ against their adversaries.
These electric abilities are not confined to missions alone; players are free to explore the fictional city of Empire City. With main story missions scattered throughout the city and occasional side quests, players can shape the destiny of the main character, Cole MacGrath, by deciding whether he uses his powers for good or evil.
4 Fable 2
Metascore: 89
Fable is a beloved franchise among Xbox players, and the anticipation for the next title is palpable. In the absence of the awaited next installment, players have found satisfaction in Fable 2, an epic open-world RPG that allows players to fulfill their destiny as heroes or deviate from the expected path by embracing the role of the villain.
Notably, players who choose the path of evil will not only be despised but will also witness their character undergoing gradual physical changes such as growing horns, darkening hair, and decaying teeth, symbolizing the transformation into a villainous figure within Fable 2.
3 Fallout 3
Metascore: 93
Bethesda revamped the Fallout franchise with Fallout 3, allowing players to navigate a radioactive wasteland and interact with the inhabitants in a myriad of ways. Players could approach main story and side quests in ways that might align with the hero or villain archetypes.
One notable example involves the town of Megaton, home to a dormant bomb in its midst. Players have the choice to disarm it for the greater good or rig it to detonate, obliterating the town and its inhabitants. Such decisions exemplify the potential for villainy in Fallout 3.
2 Special Mention: Baldur's Gate 3
Metascore: 96
Baldur's Gate 3 earned the title of Game of the Year in 2023 at the VGAs due to its captivating story and the expansive world divided across three acts. Every quest and encounter offers multiple resolutions, with players shaping their own narrative.
Beyond the main story quests that may lead an unscrupulous player to side with goblins in the slaughter of mostly innocent druids or commit cold-blooded murders, players have the freedom to portray themselves as nearly anything they desire, without the constraint of being heroes in Baldur's Gate 3.
1 Red Dead Redemption 2
Metascore: 97
Among the myriad open-world games available, Red Dead Redemption 2 stands out for allowing players to embody a character who can tread the line between honor and infamy. While it may signify the waning era of outlaw gangs and cowboys, players can opt to guide Arthur Morgan in a ruthless manner, reminiscent of the most notorious outlaws of the Wild West.
Throughout the game, players are presented with choices that influence whether Arthur undergoes a transformation, either embracing reformation or persisting in a life of deception by preying on the inhabitants of towns and settlements.