Top 15 Video Game Villains of 2024

1-16

Ignacio Weil

Gaming - February 20th 2025, 16:27 GMT+1

Cropped About — About this gallery:

For this list, we’re shining the spotlight on the best video game villains of 2024 – the ones who made us sweat, rage, and (secretly) admire their evil genius. While we’ve included some legendary foes from remakes, we’ve pushed them toward the back of the list. Why? Because we want to give fresh new antagonists a chance to steal the show!

Think we missed a villain who truly stole the spotlight this year? Drop your pick in the comments – we’re always up for a good villain debate!

Cropped Pyramid Head — 15. Pyramid Head (Silent Hill 2 Remake)

Ah, Pyramid Head – the big, brooding, and disturbingly silent executioner of our nightmares. With a design that’s as iconic as it is terrifying, this hulking menace from *Silent Hill 2* has returned in full high-definition horror. His presence isn’t just a test of survival but a psychological gut-punch, forcing players to confront their deepest regrets and fears. Whether he's dragging that enormous rusted blade or simply standing menacingly in the distance, Pyramid Head remains one of gaming’s most effective nightmares. And let’s be honest – his ability to make people reconsider their love for horror games is unmatched. Welcome back, buddy… we didn’t miss you. | © Konami

Cropped Nyx — 14. Nyx (Persona 3 Reload)

What’s worse than an evil villain? An evil villain that is literally the embodiment of death. Nyx, the eldritch horror at the heart of *Persona 3 Reload*, isn’t just some cackling maniac with a grand scheme – she’s an existential force of nature that doesn’t care about your level grind. As the final boss of a game drenched in themes of mortality, Nyx’s arrival is chilling, complete with an unforgettable battle that tests everything players have learned. You might have a full roster of Personas, but nothing quite prepares you for an entity whose mere existence spells doom. Sleep tight! | © Atlus

Cropped Sephiroth — 13. Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII Rebirth)

Did you really think Sephiroth would just sit this one out? *Final Fantasy’s* most famous silver-haired menace is back, and somehow, he’s even more dangerous than before. With *Final Fantasy VII Rebirth* pushing the saga to new heights, Sephiroth isn’t just swinging his absurdly long Masamune sword – he’s twisting fate itself. This time around, he’s more than just a villain; he’s an omnipresent force, lurking behind every moment, manipulating events like a cosmic puppet master. And let’s be real – no matter how many times we fight him, we secretly love watching him strut onto the screen while *One-Winged Angel* blares in the background. | © Square Enix

Cropped Mephisto — 12. Mephisto (Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred)

If Diablo is the devil we know, then Mephisto is the devil we really should fear. Making his grand return in *Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred*, this sinister Prime Evil isn’t here to play nice – he’s here to corrupt, manipulate, and reshape Sanctuary in his own twisted image. Unlike his more brute-force siblings, Mephisto prefers the long con, infecting minds and turning allies against each other. And the worst part? He does it all with the smug confidence of someone who knows you can’t stop him. With a fresh coat of next-gen horror and some truly sinister storytelling, Mephisto proves that evil is best served cold… and calculated. | © Blizzard Entertainment

Cropped Jane Harrow — 11. Jane Harrow (Call of Duty: Black Ops 6)

Meet Jane Harrow, the CIA operations specialist who redefines the term "double agent" with a flair that's both chilling and captivating. In *Call of Duty: Black Ops 6*, Harrow starts as a trusted handler, coordinating mission planning and intelligence gathering alongside paramilitary handlers. But don't let her initial loyalty fool you; beneath that composed exterior lies a vengeful mastermind with a personal vendetta. After uncovering the CIA's involvement in her parents' deaths, Harrow aligns herself with Pantheon, a rogue paramilitary group, orchestrating a complex scheme to dismantle the agency from within. Her intricate backstory and morally ambiguous motives add layers to her character, making players question their own allegiances. | © Activision

Cropped Nebulax — 10. Nebulax (Astro Bot)

In the vibrant universe of *Astro Bot*, Nebulax emerges as a cosmic antagonist who’s as dazzling as he is dastardly. This interstellar menace challenges players with gravity-defying puzzles and celestial combat scenarios that are as mesmerizing as they are treacherous. Nebulax's design, a swirling amalgamation of astral colors and ominous energy, makes every encounter a visual spectacle. But don't let his cosmic beauty fool you; beneath that luminous exterior lies a villain intent on bending the galaxy to his will. Defeating Nebulax requires not just quick reflexes but also stellar wit, making every showdown a test of both skill and strategy. So, strap on your space boots and prepare to tango with the universe's most charmingly wicked foe. | © Sony Interactive Entertainment

Cropped Vahram — 9. Vahram (Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown)

Enter Vahram, the formidable adversary in *Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown*. Clad in armor that seems to shimmer with the sands of time, Vahram is not just a test of the player's combat skills but also a master tactician, laying traps and challenges that require both brawn and brains to overcome. His deep, resonant voice taunts the player throughout the journey, adding a personal touch to the rivalry. Each encounter with Vahram escalates in intensity, culminating in a battle that will test the very limits of your abilities. Prepare to face a villain who is as relentless as the desert sun and twice as scorching. | © Ubisoft

Cropped Null — 8. Null (The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom)

In *The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom*, Null stands as a shadowy enigma, a villain whose very name suggests emptiness yet whose presence is profoundly felt. Manifesting as a dark reflection of the game's protagonist, Null's attacks and strategies mirror the player's own, creating a series of battles that feel like a twisted dance with oneself. The eerie atmosphere of these encounters is heightened by a haunting musical score, making each clash with Null a memorable test of skill and self-awareness. Defeating Null isn't just about overcoming an enemy; it's about confronting the darkness within. So, ready your mirror shield and prepare for a battle that's as introspective as it is intense. | © Nintendo

Cropped Chronos — 7. Chronos (Hades II)

Time waits for no one, except perhaps for Chronos, the formidable antagonist in *Hades II*. As the personification of time itself, Chronos wields the terrifying ability to manipulate temporal realities, making each encounter a mind-bending experience. His attacks can rewind, fast-forward, or pause moments, forcing players to adapt to an ever-shifting battlefield. Chronos's design is a mesmerizing blend of ancient deity aesthetics and cosmic elements, embodying the inexorable march of time. Defeating him requires not just mastering combat but also understanding the flow of time within the game, making for a uniquely challenging and rewarding experience. So, sharpen your weapons and your wits; you're about to duel with destiny itself. | © Supergiant Games

Cropped Swansea — 6. Swansea (Mouthwashing)

Swansea, the gruff yet tragic mechanic of *Mouthwashing*, is a man haunted by his past and his vices. Once sober for over a decade, he spirals back into alcoholism after discovering mouthwash with high ethanol content, worsening the crew’s already dire situation. His tough exterior hides a protective side, especially toward the young intern, Daisuke, whom he ultimately mercy-kills in a gut-wrenching moment. His bitter clashes with Jimmy highlight his self-loathing and regret, making him one of the game’s most human villains. A tragic figure rather than a pure antagonist, Swansea’s downfall is as painful as it is inevitable. | © Wrong Organ

Cropped Erlang Shen — 5. Erlang Shen (Black Myth: Wukong)

In *Black Myth: Wukong*, Erlang Shen stands as a formidable deity with a third eye that perceives truth beyond illusions. His unwavering sense of justice and duty often puts him at odds with the protagonist, Wukong, leading to epic confrontations. Erlang Shen's mastery of celestial weaponry and martial prowess make him a daunting adversary, embodying the divine challenge that tests Wukong's resolve and growth. | © Game Science

Cropped Miquella — 4. Miquella (Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree)

In *Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree*, Miquella, the eternally youthful demigod, plays a pivotal role in the climactic final battle. In the expansion's concluding moments, players face Promised Consort Radahn, who, during the intense second phase, is empowered by Miquella's holy incantations, intensifying the battle's difficulty. This formidable encounter tests players' skills and strategies, serving as a memorable culmination of the DLC's narrative. | © FromSoftware

Cropped Emmrich Voss — 3. Emmrich Voss (Indiana Jones and The Great Circle)

Emmerich Voss, the primary antagonist in *Indiana Jones and the Great Circle*, is a Nazi archaeologist and psychologist working for the Third Reich's Special Antiquities Collection. An old rival of Indiana Jones, Voss is driven by a dangerous obsession with psychoanalysis and a total dedication to Nazi ideology. He seeks the combined teleportation ability of seventeen sacred stones linked via a Great Circle, aiming to enable the Nazis to launch instantaneous blitzkrieg attacks anywhere in the world. Voss's narcissism and manipulative nature make him a formidable foe, culminating in a dramatic confrontation with Jones aboard his so-called Noah's Ark. | © MachineGames

Cropped Louis Guiabern — 2. Louis Guiabern (Metaphor: ReFantazio)

Louis Guiabern, the charismatic antagonist of *Metaphor: ReFantazio*, is a master manipulator with a vision to transform the world, even if it means resorting to ruthless methods. His complex relationship with the protagonist, Will, adds depth to the narrative, as both characters share similar goals but differ vastly in their approaches. Louis's enigmatic presence and morally ambiguous motives make him a standout villain, challenging players to question the fine line between good intentions and malevolent actions. | © Atlus

Cropped Ebina — 1. Ebina (Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth)

Masataka Ebina, the acting chairman of the Seiryu Clan in *Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth*, presents himself as a reformer aiming to dissolve yakuza organizations and integrate ex-members into legitimate society. However, his ulterior motives involve a clandestine deal to store nuclear waste, revealing a complex character torn between public duty and hidden agendas. Ebina's intricate schemes and personal vendettas make him a formidable adversary, blurring the lines between ally and enemy. | © Sega

1-16

Villains are often the most compelling characters in video games, shaping unforgettable narratives, challenging players, and making victories all the more satisfying. In 2024, gaming has introduced (or reintroduced) some of the most sinister, cunning, and downright terrifying antagonists we’ve ever seen. From power-hungry masterminds to relentless monsters, these villains have left a lasting impact on players worldwide.

In this list, we’ll break down the top 15 video game villains of 2024, ranking them based on their influence, design, storytelling, and sheer ability to instill fear (or admiration). Whether they’re new faces or returning legends, these antagonists prove that great villains make for even greater games.